PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early September, 2020 |
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PAWS for Reflection: Cassie shines at CASA
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This month, new team Stew Constance & Cassie made their PAWS debut at the Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Summer Program in Cecil County, MD. CASA is a program that matches volunteers to serve as advocates for abused or neglected children.
Stew shared, "The CASA event in Elkton went flawlessly and Cassie was a star (she really was). She was loved like a “Velveteen Rabbit” by every child there. These kids were mesmerized by the dogs, and excited to go from one dog to the next. Cassie and I even used a little distraction technique to diminish the minor fears of one little girl (fearful of kisses, but not of touching). I asked Cassie to face me and “watch,” while I asked the little girl to come over and give her a soft bear hug. She hugged Cassie for a good 10-15 sec, and then sat near her repeating it on her own.
When the little girl's time was over, Cassie was lying in front of her lap, and she was giggling. The little girl and her friend even dressed Cassie up as shown in the photo. Before we left, she ran over to give Cassie a hug."
Mission accomplished, Stew & Cassie. Thank you, and welcome to PAWS!
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Emphasizing the Importance of Making Connections through our Wag & Walkathon Theme |
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Throughout the pandemic, PAWS pet therapy teams have repeatedly demonstrated the power of creativity and the determination to make a difference. From handwritten letters and cards, to photos, videos and online visits, our volunteers utilized many tools to stay connected with the people they could no longer visit in person due to stay at home orders and facility lockdowns.
To recognize and celebrate these efforts, this year’s Wag & Walkathon theme is "Making Connections."
PAWS is dedicated to growing and adapting to reach people with the healing comfort of pet therapy where they are, and we need your help.
This year’s Wag & Walkathon is more important than ever as the funds raised are crucial to carrying out our mission. Please sign up or donate today to help us continue to reach those in need of PAWS program support. Thank you!
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PAWS Pet Therapy Meets the Community Where They Are! |
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BACK in ACTION
PAWS pet therapy team, Becky Cronin & Robbie, provided the first patio visits for the staff at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center and Research Institute on August 21. Medical Director Nicholas Petrelli, MD, was there in person to officially welcome them back.
PAWS teams will now be onsite daily Monday-Friday to provide PAWS to DeStress opportunities for the staff. There were lots of big smiles on the faces of both the PAWS volunteers and the staff as they made their way to the patio. Thanks to Dr. P. and all of our HFGCC PAWS pet therapy teams for making this possible.
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BACK to WORK
The PAWS in the Workplace program allows PAWS members to provide pet therapy to people in need within their own workplace. COVID-19 has kept some of these therapy pets at home during the last few months, but recently a few of our PAWS volunteers have been permitted to return!
Stephanie Smith & Hunter wanted to share this wonderful photo of their first day of the program at Kutz Senior Living Campus in Wilmington. Look how happy Hunter is to be back on the job, and it looks like he quickly made a new friend. Great job, Hunter!
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BACK to SCHOOL
For the past few years, PAWS has been a part of the Delaware Air National Guard’s "Back to School Bash," which provides school supplies, food and fun for the Guard families. Rebecca Williams & Gotti were one of six PAWS teams invited to join the fun drive-thru event, where they wished the children a great start to the new school year.
PAWS has developed a strong relationship with Air National Guard and the USO and are grateful for a grant from Discover to help us support our military families throughout the year.
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PAWS Dog Training Expands to New Locations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania |
PAWS is pleased to announce new community partnerships that enable us to expand our dog training program to two new program locations.
51 Jenners Village Ctr, West Grove, PA 19390
Obedience 1 (for dogs over 6 month old)
5-week class, starts Monday, Sept. 14, 7-8 PM
Instructor: Karen Powell, PAWS Dog Trainer
400 Route 130, Swedesboro, NJ 08085
We welcome this new Community Partner in NJ, and a new dog trainer! Classes will begin in early October. More details to come soon.
Instructor: Bryan Trexler, PAWS Dog Trainer
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Just "One Dog More"
One of our amazing PAWS team members, Janice Baldwin-Hench, has six wonderful pups, with five that are PAWS therapy pets!
To celebrate their 11-year pet ownership journey, her husband, Tom, who is also a PAWS member wrote and performed this wonderful tribute: One Dog More.
Click the video and be sure to share with the multi-pet household friends in your life.
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Peggy Siple & her adorable, fluffy labradoodle, Wally, have been members of PAWS since February 2018. Peggy knew Wally was exceptionally gentle and affectionate with both adults and children, and that he would make the perfect therapy dog. This advanced team makes regular visits to the patients and staff at ChristianaCare Newark and employee DeStress Sessions at Discover, where Wally is well known!
They also go above and beyond by participating in community events. Peggy recently took PAWS for Reading training, so be on the look out for a chance to read to Wally. Thank you, Peggy, for sharing your sweet boy with so many who need his soft, furry touch. Thank you, Wally, for being an outstanding and snugly therapy pup to all your adoring fans.
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Jennifer Bowman and Loki joined PAWS in February 2018. Loki is a Border Collie mix who loves people, especially kids. Jennifer works for the Cecil County School District at the Charlestown Elementary. She thought taking Loki to school as part of the PAWS in the Workplace program would be beneficial for students - a win for everyone! Loki greeted the students every morning, and then would spend the rest of the day in Jennifer’s class.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 interrupted their pet therapy, and Loki hasn’t seen his school friends since March. Jennifer can tell he misses being around his little friends. Hopefully they can return to their pet therapy soon! Thank you, Jennifer for your dedication to your students and school. Thank you, to Loki for being such a sweet dog who loves kids.
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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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