Long-term care facilities have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, with the elders experiencing isolation and loneliness. To help ease the stress of their residents, the staff at Abbey Manor wanted to give them a special treat on Halloween with a parade of PAWS pets! Melissa Ciappa, from Abbey Manor, contacted PAWS to ask about having pets come to the facility for the event. A request for teams was sent out not only to the Abbey Manor teams, but also to others in Newark and Bear. A total of 13 responded, with many deciding to costume up for the occasion.

The residents were assembled outside along the driveway, with safety protocols in place. The teams – following the PAWS COVID Pledge of Personal Responsibility – lined up and walked past the elders, allowing the dogs to engage, and perhaps collect a doggie treat, while the handlers maintained social distancing.

It was a crisp, cool day, and a load of fun was had by all … no bones about it!

November 11, Veterans Day holds a special place in the hearts of many.

Each Spring PAWS hosts its annual luncheon and silent auction - the Spring Fling. This year’s event was scheduled for April 26, and like so many special events this year, was rescheduled with the hope that social gatherings would be safe once again.

The rescheduled date, December 6, is rapidly approaching, and we find ourselves still unable to safely gather in person, but full of hope and looking for holiday fun and festivities! We have decided to take our event online in the form of a “Spring into the Holidays” raffle.

Stay tuned for more details of this week-long online event, taking place Sunday, November 29 to Sunday, December 6.

Throughout the week, we'll highlight wonderful stories of hope and healing brought through PAWS visits and provide you the chance to win some holiday gifts for yourself or special people in your lives.

We hope that you will be inspired and your spirits lifted by the magic created by PAWS pet therapy programs.

As the fall weather settles in, we're looking forward to snuggling up with a good cup of cocoa, our pups, and a copy of Healers, the story of PAWS and the deep impact of pet therapy.

Healers is a great holiday gift to tell people about the magic of pet therapy, and share what you and your therapy pet have been trained to do.

If you've never read our book before, this is the perfect time to take a look at it. It's a great way to get to know PAWS better and to be entertained and astonished by stories of joy, compassion, and PAWS.

Copies of the book are $19.99 and can be purchased online or picked up at the office (with advance notice, please.)

Anita Mattern and her handsome, fluffy Golden Retriever, Alexander Hamilton (Alex), have been a pet therapy team with PAWS since April 2018.

Anita knew before joining PAWS that the comfort brought by a pet relieves stress and anxiety. She also knew that Alex would receive a rewarding feeling by pleasing others. This advanced team are steadfast visitors with the elderly residents at Abbey Manor Assisted Living where a gentle and affectionate Alex is loved and adored by many.

Thank you, Anita for the generosity of your time and for sharing your sweet boy. And thank you, Alex, for making people feel loved with your golden floof and tail wagging happiness.

Kelly Silliman saw the incredible soothing power of pets with her own children and knew PAWS was just the calling for her and her adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlotte.

In February 2019, Kelly and Charlotte accomplished the highest level of PAWS therapy by achieving their Masters Certification. It didn't take them long to start providing loving pet therapy to the children at A.I. duPont Hospital for Children | Nemours where she is adored.

Thank you, Kelly, for the wonderful visits you provide with PAWS for People, and thank you, Charlotte, for being loving and adorable to everyone you meet.