PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early February, 2023

PAWS for People was recently invited to the Upper Main Line YMCA, in Berwyn, PA to do a presentation for the Open Doors group night. Open Doors is an opportunity for adults with diverse abilities to gather socially and engage in a variety of activities. On February 20th, the activity was a presentation about PAWS for People done by Cate Bryson, followed by a visit with several of the PAWS pet therapy teams: Eileen Courtney & Rose, John DeSantis & Ingrid, Marie Telepneff & Owen, and Kathleen Waters & Genevieve. Pictures say a thousand words, and the photos from the event speak volumes about how well the teams were received and appreciated.

"An amazing team of therapy dogs and their handlers from PAWS for People came out to UMLY and visited with our Open Doors group on Friday night! The night was filled with lots of smiles, pets, cuddles, licks, and maybe even a treat (or 2!) Thank you, PAWS for People for such a great night, and for spreading so much happiness to our group!" - Erin Lacotta, Behavior Analyst & Adaptive Coordinator at the UMLY in Berwyn

On February 11, 2023, PAWS for People will celebrate 18 years of pet therapy! Your dedication and hard work have made PAWS a well-respected organization, providing care & comfort to those who need it the most.

It is so important that people are recognizing the value of PAWS pet therapy during these difficult times. We continue to adapt and respond to the growing demand for pet therapy to help people manage their daily challenges and improve their health and wellness.

Interim Executive Director, Clarice Ritchie shared, "We are so excited to be celebrating 18 years of life-changing PAWS Pet Therapy. Over the past few years, COVID has devastated the mental wellness of our community and created an unprecedented demand for the hope, healing, and comfort provided by PAWS pet therapy. We are truly grateful for our amazing PAWS volunteers who have continued to share the love of their pets and bring joyfull encouragement to those in need of a furry friend."

A big thank you to the volunteers and staff for their tireless efforts and making PAWS the extraordinary organization that it is. Here's to many more years of making a positive impact in the community!

Act Now - Early Bird Savings Ends on Friday!!



Open to all who love their pets, are pet enthusiasts, or are interested in learning more about the world of pet therapy. 

February 25, 2023

9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Ammon Education Center

Christiana Hospital Campus

4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road

Newark, DE 19718

Keynote Speaker: Danielle Downs, DVM

Pet Wellness: Reading the Signs

Registration Information

Early Bird Registration through February 10: $55.00

Registration: $65.00

$5.00 Discount for PAWS Members

Online registration closes February 22; Same-day registration available onsite

Continental Breakfast & Lunch Provided

Conference Schedule

9:00 AM – Registration & Continental Breakfast Open

9:30 – 10:30 AM – Session 1

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Member Update & Keynote Speaker

12:00 – 1:00 PM – Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 PM – Session 2

2:15 – 3:15 PM – Session 3

Informative & Interactive Workshops

What’s All the Buzz About Grain-Free

Is Pet Therapy Right for You & Your Pet?

PAWS for Reading Training

The Brains Behind Pet Therapy

Pet First Aid & CPR

PAWS Autism Initiative

Basic Spanish to Enhance Visits

Dog Training: Clear Communication using Marker Words

Dog Training: Advanced Skills for Visiting

PAWS to DeStress

Pet Massage Techniques

Isla (Amy Grosh) had a relaxing time listening to young readers at Immaculate Heart of Mary School recently.

Piper (Angie Taylor) visited The Charter School of Wilmington last week and DeStressed students and staff during their midterm week.

Are you still feeling the loss of a pet? Come sit with us: listen, share, discuss the process of grieving for a pet you loved.

February 8, 2023, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

(Reoccurring quarterly meeting)

PAWS Office: 703 Dawson Dr, Newark, DE 19713

Are you feeling the loss of a beloved pet? Maybe you are still feeling that empty place a human loved one has left behind: join us to listen, share, and if you feel comfortable, discuss grieving for a special pet or person. Everyone deals with grief differently. People cry, laugh, busy themselves with work, feel numb … the feelings can be unpredictable. Some recover quickly, others take more time. It is a natural healing process. There is no manual on how to cope with loss and certainly no right or wrong way to go through the stages of grief. And there is no regular timeline that you should adhere to. Grief is not an emotion to be avoided, but one to acknowledge and walk through the process. Sometimes it grows into something totally different: depression, anxiety. It is part of loving and engaging with life. It is a journey, often scary and without clear direction. But one thing we know for sure, it’s easier to cope with when you have a circle of support to help you through. 



PAWS for People is blessed with great resources: our members and staff who own and work with dogs & cats and know firsthand the special relationship that exists with them. Come join us on February 8th from 7:00- 8:30 PM at the PAWS for People office as we support each other.

(Feel free to bring a non-PAWS member who is experiencing a similar loss).

Do More 24 Delaware is a 24-hour Day of Giving designed to help Delaware nonprofits create new connections and raise funds. Donors can come from anywhere and funds will benefit PAWS programs throughout our service area.

The campaign will be held

March 2 & 3 from 6 PM - 6 PM

Hosted by the United Way of Delaware and Spur Impact, Do More 24 offers incentive funds which can add to organizations’ fundraising totals and provides wide visibility.

PAWS is participating in 2023 to connect to new volunteers & supporters and help fund our programs. 



How can you help?

We need your help to make new connections; no one tells the PAWS story better than our members and supporters. We will be posting on Facebook and Instagram and you can help by liking and sharing those posts with your friends. You can also send the link in an email to your friends and family and invite them to support PAWS. 

Visit our Do More 24 Delaware page to learn more and sign up for a reminder to donate. Gifts can also be made offline by mailing a check to PAWS for People at PO Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714. 

Our PAWS dog training classes for February are open for registration! Whether you are just getting started or need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you!

PAWS for People is incredibly touched and grateful for the incredible kindness and generosity of so many friends, long-time and new, who supported us in 2022. We are honored and humbled by your strong belief in our pet therapy program, your commitment, and the many ways you enable PAWS to help more people struggling with challenges and wellbeing.

PAWS’ 2022 Annual Appeal shared how we’re helping people and our need for your help. Thank you to all the donors who generously donated $59,000, our highest total ever.

Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who shares their gifts of time, talents, and treasure year-round. Your caring and sharing to improve lives will have long-lasting impact!

YOU bring Hope, Healing, & Happiness… YOU Change Lives!

Bob & Holly

Bob Hairgrove and his gorgeous Old English Sheepdog, Holly, have been members of PAWS for People since July of 2016.

Bob and Holly began visiting early in their career at the Wilmington Veterans Hospital. They also were one of the inaugural teams at both Vaughn and Baylor Correctional Institutions. Since then, this Master’s Certified team have been regulars visiting at Encompass Health Rehabilitation in Middletown, and at ChristianaCare Newark and Union Hospital in Elkton. If you attend a Community or DeStress event, you are more than likely to see Bob and Holly. They most recently joined the Therapy Dog Ambassador Team for The Kennel Club of Philadelphia's National Dog Show.

Thank you, Bob, for your abundant hours of volunteering with PAWS and sharing your special girl. Thank you, Holly, for bringing fluffy affection to your visits and furry comfort to all who need it.

Rhonda & Stella

Rhonda James first joined PAWS for People in September of 2015 with her beloved Goldendoodle, Sienna. Rhonda joined PAWS because she believes animal therapy is a valuable resource that benefits a wide range of individuals in need of love, interaction, and nonjudgmental support.

In April of 2022, Rhonda added her cute and enthusiastic Mini Poodle Mix, Stella, to the mix. Stella has visited at the Brennen School for Autism and at Community and DeStress Events. Rhonda also volunteers in the PAWS office and is a PAWS Board Member.

Thank you, Rhonda, for volunteering your time and sharing your sweet girl with PAWS. Thank you, Stella, for being loving and adorable to everyone you meet.

Thanks to Our PAWS Partners

Donate While You Shop

The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases when selected by customers. Choose PAWS for People when you log in: smile.amazon.com