It has been a full year since the COVID-19 pandemic caused PAWS for People to suspend its in person visiting. During this time, we have learned a lot about our volunteers and staff. First and foremost we found proof of what we already knew to be true. PAWS volunteers are dedicated, creative, and compassionate. In a time when so many were feeling isolated, lonely, and afraid, our volunteers and staff found ways to reach out and bring comfort, hope, and kindness.

Through cards, photos, videos, and videoconferencing, PAWS pet therapy teams made connections with the community and reminded people that they were being thought about. The PAWS for Reading program quickly pivoted to an online platform to help young learners who had experienced an abrupt change in their school routine stay engaged and excited about reading. Elder care facilities received holiday cards, photo collages, videos, and window visits to bring some much needed joy. DeStress sessions were held for essential workers who became our everyday heroes.

As our community slowly reopens, PAWS programs are expanding to include DeStress sessions in schools, new sites & special request visits, and returning programs to several of our regularly visitation sites. Keeping the safety of our volunteers and all of the people they visit as a priority, we are proceeding slowly and cautiously. We are very excited to get back to see old friends and make new ones in a world that is desperate for the love of a pet and the warm furry snuggles that a PAWS pet therapy team can provide.

Exciting news! PAWS is partnering with the Friends of Frankford Library & Northwood Park in Philadelphia to bring "Yes, You Can, and Your Pet Can, Too!" classes to their community. These grass roots groups hope to train new PAWS teams in their neighborhood to bring PAWS for Reading opportunities to their area. The FREE 'Yes, You Can' class will help folks understand what it takes to become a PAWS for People volunteer, what is expected of their pet, and how to get started.

This class is open to everyone - no matter where you live! If you are interested in learning more about PAWS for People and the process to become a volunteer with your gentle and affectionate pet, please register for one of the two Zoom sessions in April. Once you register for the FREE class, you will receive the Zoom details. If you have any questions, please reach out to Moira Stephan, Training Director mstephan@pawsforpeople.org.

Wednesday, April 14th at 6:00 PM

Saturday, April 17th at 10:00 AM

When Joyce Malamut brought her hound mix, Loki, to visit her father in his nursing home, she saw how he responded, as well as the impact Loki made on other residents and staff. As a social worker, Joyce recognized Loki’s potential to help others, and the pair found their way to PAWS for People in 2018.

Joyce and Loki quickly completed PAWS for Reading training and became regulars at area libraries, including Helen K. Furness, Middletown, and Swarthmore. When visits shifted to remote formats, Joyce and Loki did not let their readers down and have continued visiting with them over Zoom.

Thank you, Joyce and Loki, for sharing your warm snuggles, listening ears, and giving so generously of your time.

Meika and Ayden Toth joined PAWS for People with their handsome male border collie mix, Murphy, in October of 2018. Meika knew Murphy would be a wonderful therapy dog because everywhere they brought Murphy, people loved him

Murphy loves people. He lays right down for all the kids to get belly rubs which makes him the perfect PAWS for Reading pup at the Newark Public Library. Meika, Ayden, and Murphy are also regulars at ChristianaCare Springside in the PT & OT department, where he is so encouraging to patients, and at Community Events and DeStress sessions.

Thank you, Meika and Ayden, for your time and dedication to PAWS. Thank you, Murphy, for being your lovable self and making so many hearts happy.