PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early March, 2021 |
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New PAWS Pet Therapy Teams are Joining the Pack! |
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Did you know... PAWS for People has continued to train new pet therapy volunteers throughout the pandemic! Small, socially-distant classes have been held at our office in Newark since July. These orientation and training sessions are designed to teach new volunteers all about pet therapy - what they can expect and how best to prepare. Since July of 2020, we have trained 59 new teams!
We'd like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to all the teams that joined PAWS during this difficult time. We are grateful that you trusted us to keep you safe while spending time together learning about the magic of pet therapy. These teams are ready for action and are looking forward to engaging with folks during visits as our PAWS partnering sites open to volunteers again. Thank you very much, to each team, from the bottom of our paws.
If you have been thinking of becoming a PAWS for People volunteer, DON’T WAIT, complete an application today! We are ready and excited to help you get started. Or, for more information, you can reach out to Moira Stephan, PAWS Training Director, at MStephan@PAWSforPeople.org.
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We Cannot Thank You Enough!!! |
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PAWS for People members and supporters are the BEST and we’re so grateful for YOU. Your creativity, spirit, generosity, and support keeps PAWS going, even as pandemic challenges continue to impact us all. YOU are truly stepping up even stronger to help in this time of greater needs.
This past year has certainly tested everyone and everything. PAWS was fortunate to finish 2020 and begin 2021 stronger than expected, and that’s because of YOU. Many of you supported us throughout the months with special donations. Others participated in PAWS’ 2020 Annual Appeal, raising over $44,000 of essential funds to help sustain our programs and operations.
Knowing that there will be tremendous demand for PAWS programs and support in 2021, PAWS participated in the 2021 Do More 24 Delaware campaign with the goal of raising new friends and funds to keep us strong and ready. Wow… amazingly generous support from 203 new and existing donors raised $15,474 (including a $5,000 matching gift for reaching 50 new donors and $850 in challenge prizes.) The final total will include the incentive bonus funds to multiply the impact of every donation… enabling PAWS to Do More!
We are thrilled and so grateful to all our wonderful supporters. Your response surpasses our goals and fills our hearts. You are sustaining our programs and making PAWS' joy possible for more people in 2021.
Thank You!!
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PAWS for People to offer AKC Dog Training Classes |
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New classes are coming on Sunday mornings to the PAWS training center. We welcome back PAWS trainer, Paulette McBride, who will be teaching two new AKC classes beginning on Sunday, April 11th.
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S.T.A.R. Puppy Program (6 weeks)
Sundays 10:00 - 11:00 AM
The S.T.A.R. Puppy class follows the AKC S.T.A.R program providing fun, socialization and basic training for puppies 8 weeks - 6 months. STAR Puppy testing and certification are included in the program.
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Canine Good Citizen (6 weeks)
Sundays 11:30 AM -12:30 PM
Canine Good Citizen teaches the basics of good manners and obedience, instills the values of responsible ownership, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
Certification, testing, and title are offered at the end of the 6 weeks.
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Honey Brock (Nancy) was back in action visiting in person at Einstein Academy and everyone was excited to see her.
It was Purim Week and this day was backward/inside out day, so Honey wore her Minnie ears backwards
We know that all of our pet therapy teams are looking forward to returning to see their friends and share a hug in person. It's encouraging to know that this is starting to happen in some places like Einstein.
Thank you, Nancy & Honey, for supporting everyone at Einstein Academy. Your special pet therapy is just what they need.
"The most powerful antidepressant in the world has 4 paws and a wagging tail!"
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PAWS Walkin' & Talkin' Program in Action |
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PAWS Walkin' & Talkin' Program continues to grow with more teams joining the ranks each week!
This new type of visit has great benefits for everyone. PAWS pet therapy teams are getting out of the house and into the community. Our pets are getting a renewed sense of purpose and in some cases polishing up their socialization skills. The community is learning about PAWS for People and receiving some much needed pet therapy. Our members are enjoying watching their pets interact with people again and feeling as though they are making a difference - Yahoo!
PAWS Members: If you have not yet signed up, it's not too late. Email Lynne Robinson, Executive Director, and she will make sure you get all the details and your Walkin' & Talkin' promo kit. If you have signed up, please share your photos!
Coming in March - Be on the lookout for a special class designed for those who want to learn more about promoting PAWS while Walkin' & Talkin' or at community events. This 30-minute Zoom class will help fill your PAWS toolkit with important information and fun facts to equip you to share the Mission of PAWS.
PAWS Teams Pictured: Left - Gail Hamman & Mallie (Cape Henlopen State Park) , Middle - Mimi (Grace Duncan), Right - Colleen Hruska & Stosh
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Winston DeWald is a pretty laid back 5 3/4 year-old black lab who earned superstar status by accompanying his handler, Lisa DeWald, to her job at New Bolton Center and to PT appointments.
Lisa requested permission for Winston to go to the center to help a co-worker deal with a tragedy in her life. Winston excelled at comforting the co-worker, while endearing himself to others on staff.
Lisa learned about PAWS for People at a Pets in the Park event and decided to become a member in September of 2018. Since then they've not only participated in PAWS in the Workplace, but also Community Events, Special Requests, and made visits to Jenner's Pond.
Thank you, Lisa and Winston, for spreading comfort and the magic of pet therapy to co-workers and everyone you meet.
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Lynae Young first came to PAWS for People with her fluffy, sweet, Bernese Mountain dog, Dakota, in 2018. This enthusiastic team jumped right in with DeStress events and Barnes & Noble fun. They quickly found their way to the PAWS for Reading program, where readers loved curling up with Dakota at Kennett and Rachel Kohl Libraries and First State Montessori School.
Dakota’s big brother, Chester, a sweet yellow lab, was not to be left out and joined the PAWS fun in 2019. Lynae and Chester soon began visiting with special needs students at Hillendale Elementary School. In addition to their regular visits, Lynae, Dakota, and Chester are always ready to help out with a Community Event or special visit.
Thank you, Lynae, Dakota, and Chester, 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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