There’s no denying that frontline workers at the hospitals have been true heroes throughout the COVID pandemic. They cannot be thanked enough for their compassion, dedication, perseverance, and sacrifices over the past year+.

The Wellness Committee at St. Francis Hospital has been focused on finding ways to demonstrate how grateful they are for their staff and asked them what they would like as a show of appreciation. Pet therapy was one of the top answers, so Janelle Von Bargen, the Director of Behavioral Health, contacted PAWS to request DeStress visits for the Doctors, Nurses, Admin, IT, Housekeeping, Food Service, and EMS professionals who have given of themselves tirelessly since March of 2020.

Lynn Porro and Princess Rainy were the first PAWS team to make the rounds and lift the spirits of the staff. Carolyn Luttrell and Araby also signed on, as did Lecia McDermott and Kyra. The teams were met with big smiles and delight!

The reception from the staff has been overwhelmingly positive, and PAWS is so proud to be able to help the Wellness Committee show thanks to the Frontline workers at St. Francis Hospital for their courage and generosity during these difficult times.

PAWS for People is proud to support Heart in the Game, a non-profit organization with the mission to create awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) in children and young adults.

PAWS pet therapy teams were a huge part of the Heart in the Game event held at the Siegel JCC on Sunday, March 21st where students 10-23 years old received an EKG heart screening. These screenings can be lifesaving, helping to detect problems before they become major medical issues.

Medical procedures can be frightening for some students, and a visit from a PAWS therapy pet can truly reduce their stress prior to the EKG. Heart in the Game's Founder and Director, Greer Firestone, first invited PAWS for People to join them at a screening event in 2015 and six years and eighteen events later, the partnership is still going strong.

PAWS will once again join Heart in the Game on Sunday, April 24th at the Brandywine YMCA. If you know students who would benefit from an EKG screening, they can register now. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on April 24th on the calendar.

Monique Bamforth and Mac joined PAWS in 2018 after reading an article about PAWS for People in the newspaper. Monique wanted to spend time with her adorable shih-tzu in a productive way, helping and caring for others.

Monique enjoyed nurturing children, as well as animals, so when she and Mac graduated PAWS’ Orientation and Training, they immediately became a PAWS for Reading team. They started visiting Beebe Healthcare shortly thereafter, becoming regular fixtures in both programs.

During the pandemic, Monique and Mac honored the staff at Beebe Hospital by sending photos with poster messages and participating in outside DeStress events. In addition, they’ve taken part in PAWS for Reading virtual sessions.

PAWS is grateful to Monique and Mac for being such an engaging team, devoted to helping to make the world a better place with tail wags and friendly smiles.

Gina Zanella-Sample first learned about PAWS when she attended the PAWS conference, and after taking the “Yes, You Can!” PAWS introductory class, Gina knew her sweet Cavachon, Luna, would be a great PAWS pup, and the duo joined in 2018.

They began with DeStress events and visits to Brookdale Dover and completed the PAWS for Reading training to visit Kent County and Smyrna Libraries. Luna’s main job, though, is providing comfort and supporting students at Star Hill Elementary School where Gina is the Guidance Counselor. Gina and Luna work as a team to support children’s social and emotional growth and wellness.

Their experience is the basis for the PAWS Social Emotional Learning course which Gina authored and first presented at the PAWS Conference in 2020 to help other PAWS teams make a difference to students throughout the region.

Thank you, Gina and Luna, for giving so generously of your time and sharing your gifts with all you visit.