PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Late August, 2021 |
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Special Request Magic Before Your Eyes |
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Sometimes visiting a person has a flow to it and when we humans are paying attention to the zillions of things that we need to be cognizant of during a visit, we miss some of the sparkling moments. Here’s where a camera can help.
Meet Shayne – a COVID puppy doing a Special Request repeat visit. During his visits with Barbara, they like to get up close and personal. First he checks in to see how she’s been doing (photo 1), then he offers kisses to let her know she’s his favorite (photo #2), and then he uses his best tricks to make her smile (photo #3). And smile she does...for the rest of the visit.
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PAWS Continues to Make an Impact at Nemours |
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Did you know that PAWS for People has been providing pet therapy at Nemours Children’s Hospital (formerly AI duPont Hospital for Children) since 2013? Eight years later, the PAWS program at Nemours has grown from 5 teams visiting in a handful of outpatient units, to over 20 teams meeting patients and staff in numerous outpatient modules as well as the inpatient units.
Patients and families travel to Nemours from throughout the region and country for care, which often involves stressful, long days at the hospital. Specially trained PAWS pet therapy teams support patients during procedures such as blood tests, transfusions, and casting, as well as in waiting areas and inpatient rooms. Volunteer teams provide comfort during those anxious moments.
The calming, therapeutic impact of PAWS visits is profound. We often receive thank you messages from parents of patients, such as this note from a visit in July:
“I just wanted to send a note to say thank you so much to this organization. We had our first experience with PAWS for people last Tuesday…. Charlotte and her owner were leaving the hospital for the day and we (had) just arrived for 2 appointments. Charlotte brought us such peace and comfort...it was exactly what we both needed. And even though her day was ending - you would have never known. Her owner was kind and patient. I really can’t thank you enough for such a wonderful first experience. We look forward to more days like this at the hospital.”
As Nemours Children’s Hospital grows, so does the need for pet therapy support. To prepare to visit Nemours, PAWS teams must complete their PAWS Master’s Certification, which includes 50 hours of PAWS visits, 10 hours of community event support, PAWS Advanced Training course, a written review and a PAWS Master’s Standards of Excellence evaluation. These requirements ensure that volunteers have the skills, confidence and experience to support children and families in this challenging hospital environment.
If you would like to learn more about PAWS for People’s program at Nemours, or are interested in becoming a PAWS Nemours pet therapy team, please contact Kate Rosenthal.
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Register Now for the PAWS Wag & Walkathon |
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We are excited to announce that The Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s National Dog Show will combine forces with the PAWS for People’s Wag & Walkathon in 2021, bringing additional promotion and awareness to our annual event.
“This is one of the most dynamic pet therapy organizations that I have encountered,” said David Frei, expert analyst for The National Dog Show on NBC and a member of The Kennel Club of Philadelphia. “This partnership will elevate all parties and the great work they do in the pet therapy realm and in educating the public about responsible pet parenting.” Frei, founder of the well-known therapy dog organization Angel on a Leash, is one of the leaders of the modern therapy dog movement.
“We are thrilled to partner with the National Dog Show this year,” states Lynne Robinson, executive director, PAWS for People. “Our association with this nationally recognized organization and its host Kennel Club of Philadelphia will help extend our reach into areas that may not know us. It’s a win-win situation for us both. Last year’s all-virtual Wag & Walkathon was tremendously successful in spite of COVID obstacles; we anticipate an even greater turn-out this year.”
Important Wag & Walkathon Dates
Thursday, September 16 - Facebook Live Step-Off Event, 6 PM
September 16 - October 16 - Cumulative marathon mile tracking
Saturday, October 16, 10 AM - 1 PM - Cross the Finish Line Event
- Location: Glasgow Park, 227 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702
- The in-person Cross the Finish Line Event will feature doggie games & contests; vendors; and awards for mileage tracking, fundraising, and team-building!
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Adults (13 & older): $20.00
Child (12 & younger): $10.00
Theme
Our theme for this year’s event is Fairy Tails: Living Happily Ever After COVID and expresses our hope for the future as we return to in-person, life-changing pet therapy programs in a world where the need is greater than ever before.
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Pet Therapy in Action this Week |
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Duffy (Carolyn Grant) visits with a new friend at the Western Family YMCA in Newark last Thursday.
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Lya (Faye Mintz-Guttin) does a fabulous job making people happy at Ivy Gables Senior Living. |
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It's time for 2022 Calendars! |
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Each year, PAWS creates calendars featuring our therapy companions. We are excited to announce that the creation of the 2022 PAWS calendar is underway and hope that you will want to submit your PAWS pet for this edition! Each date in the calendar features a picture of a current or past therapy companion. Each pet entered is only $5.
Anyone who enters their current or past therapy companion to the 2022 calendar may add them to PAWS’ Shining Stars gallery for $20.00 (regularly $25.00). A 8″ x 10″ picture of your choosing will be personalized, framed, and hung in the Shining Stars hallway of the PAWS office.
You can also preorder your calendar now for only $12!
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With COVID-19 preventing us from safely gathering for our annual Spring Fling earlier this year, we have decided to return to our roots and revive the Jingle Bell Brunch for this year. We look forward to gathering with all of you at Hockessin Memorial Hall to celebrate the holidays with this brunch and silent auction event. Please save the date - Sunday, December 5th and plan to join us as we share food, festivities and stories of the impact of PAWS pet therapy. You don't want to miss this fun and inspiring event!
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Thank You for Your Support! |
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Thank you to everyone who bid on art and to the many artists who donated pieces to our Art from the Heart online auction. PAWS raised over $1,300 in donations which will help the many programs that provide valuable pet therapy in our community.
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Registration is open for our September PAWS dog training classes in Ellendale! Whether you are just getting started or need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you!
Location: Ellendale, DE (Sussex County)
PAWS Puppy (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, September 14, 9:00 AM
PAWS Obedience 1 (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, September 14, 10:15 AM
Attention & Focus (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, September 14, 5:30 PM
Therapy Dog Prep (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, September 14, 7:00 PM
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Dawn McDonough and her sweet 5-year-old Labrador Retriever Millie joined PAWS in 2019. Dawn believes that animals can lift your spirits and put a smile on your face despite your circumstances.
Together Dawn and Millie have participated in community events including Barnes & Noble Gift wrapping. Dawn and Millie are also a PAWS for Reading team delighting children at the Woodlawn, Claymont, Route 9, Brandywine and Bear Libraries! This terrific duo has also visited seniors at Foulk Manor South.
Thank you, Dawn, for volunteering and giving so generously of your time. Thank you, Millie, for being so loving and snuggly everywhere you visit!
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Cindy Strouse and her lovable Portuguese Water Dog, Marina (Mari for short), have been members with PAWS since June of 2019. Cindy retired to Southern Delaware and wanted to continue Mari’s previous therapy dog experience.
Mari is a superstar with the kids! She and Cindy participated in the Pre-K program at Indian River Early Learning Center and Phillip Showell Elementary School. They have also listened to kids read at the Selbyville, South Coastal and Frankford Libraries. During Covid, they were frequently listening to readers virtually on Zoom.
Thank you, Cindy, for your time and dedication to PAWS. Thank you, Mari, for being a patient and loving girl with all the kids you meet!
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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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