PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Late April, 2021 |
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Fred Brings Comfort and the Joy of Reading to Children at STEHM |
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Lois Brooks & Fred recently visited STEHM, Inc. in Wilmington, DE. During the visit, the children learned about the Basset Hound breed and about taking care of a beloved pet. Fred enjoyed lots of pampering with a brushing, belly rubs, a walk around the patio, some delicious snacks (as rewards for some tricks), and a story or two.
STEHM is a non-profit, non-denominational organization whose mission includes providing long-term transitional housing in Martha House I & II to women, and women with children, while fostering the goal of independent living through counseling and life skills training in a safe, supportive environment. While there, the families enjoy monthly workshops that include arts and crafts, internet skills, gardening, and now.... visits with a PAWS therapy pet!
The first visit was a great success. Lois shared, "We were welcomed with such excitement and can't wait to go back!"
Thank you, Lois & Fred, for sharing your special brand of basset love with everyone at STEHM, Inc.
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Sam Brings PAWS Magic to
Woodbridge Middle School
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There is something special about the new addition to the staff at Woodbridge Middle School in Bridgeville, DE – he has four legs and a wagging tail! Sam Downes is a PAWS Therapy companion who accompanies his mom, principal Tara Downes, to work as part of the PAWS in the Workplace program.
An enthusiastic Sam starts the day by welcoming students in the morning on the way into class. He travels from classroom to classroom greeting everyone! The kids are accustomed to his presence, and they pet him as he walks by. He eagerly builds relationships with the students and staff and provides snuggles and comfort to all.
Not only is Sam included in the daily routines of the school day, but the students have adopted him as their mascot! Sam has become a local celebrity at Woodbridge. He even stars in videos that are shared with families and makes appearances on the WMS Facebook page. Check out his back-to-school video! Excellent job, Sam!
Note: The PAWS in the Workplace Program provides trained pet-therapy teams the opportunity to provide pet therapy to people in need within their own workplace. Tara followed PAWS’ protocol and contacted PAWS’ Executive Director to receive special permission for Sam to be off leash at school as this is not permitted on a typical PAWS visit. If you have a similar request, please contact Lynne to discuss it – 302-351-5622
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PAWSing for Pet Therapy at the Western
Family YMCA
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It really is fun going to the YMCA! Just ask the teams that have helped get the new DeStress program launched at the Western Family YMCA!
The original request for PAWS visits was sent by Elizabeth Alexander, SR Aquatic Instructor, in February of 2020. COVID pushed it to the sidelines until March of this year. Initial discussions were about having teams visit the seniors in the morning after their aquatic fitness classes; they had been dealing with unprecedented isolation and loneliness during the pandemic and were in great need of pet therapy. After further discussion and a site visit with Steve Bruchey and Gracie, it was decided that even more of the YMCA members would benefit from tail wags and slurpy kisses, so now we have PAWS teams lined up to visit a variety of Western Family YMCA members.
Per Elizabeth Alexander, “I wanted to reach out to you to let you know how much the staff and members have enjoyed having the PAWS visits, and to thank you for volunteering your time here at Western Family YMCA. As the Y, we are always here for our communities facilitating youth development, healthy living, and social justice; and we appreciate your gift of time and service to the those in our programs.”
The usual protocols are in place, such as wearing masks and practicing social distancing. The teams have enjoyed their visits and are excited about participating in some special programs such as Teen Night and Summer Camp. PAWS appreciates the opportunity to bring the magic of pet therapy to the Western Family YMCA.
Photos: Ivy (Denise Lopes) with Elizabeth Alexander, SR Aquatic Fitness Instructor, Ava (Charles Chiu & Marnie Joy) and Gracie (Steve Bruchey).
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PAWS teams are great ambassadors which is how Kathy McGirr and her sweet beagle/golden mix, Lollipop, found PAWS. A friend (and PAWS team) suggested Lollipop would be a great therapy dog and the pair joined in 2018.
Kathy and Lollipop completed their PAWS for Reading training and quickly found a visiting home at Lord Baltimore Elementary School where Lollipop is a favorite of the young readers.
This energetic team are also loyal visitors at South Coastal Library, Beebe Healthcare, and Tunnell Cancer Center where Lollipop's sweet, gentle demeanor brings comfort to all she meets.
Thank you, Kathy and Lollipop, for your dedication to PAWS and the joy you bring to everyone you visit!
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Mother/daughter team Monica and Molly Gerard first encountered PAWS magic when Molly read to PAWS dogs at her library. A few years later, when Molly was a bit older, they decided their border collie mix, Sianna, would make a great PAWS pup.
The trio joined PAWS in 2018 and completed the PAWS for Reading training so they could volunteer together. Monica and Molly began sharing Sianna’s listening ears and snuggles in visits at Kirkwood Library where they became a regular team.
Monica, Molly and Sienna also take time to join in Community Events such as Barnes and Noble and Woodside Creamery.
Thank you, Monica, Molly and Sianna, for sharing your smiles, wags and snuggles to bring PAWS' magic to all you visit!
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Many thanks to our PAWS Partners |
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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
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