This September, PAWS teams have been helping Beebe Healthcare thank their essential workers by providing tail wags and furry hugs as part of weekly Farm Market offerings.

Wednesday afternoons, a large truck parks outside Beebe’s loading dock, and under blue canopies, unloads several tables of local produce.

The staff are encouraged to take a break and purchase fresh local produce at reasonable prices, without having to run to the grocery store on their way home.

They’ve also had a chance to DeStress with some much needed PAWS pet therapy from 1-3 PM. Necessary health and safety protocols are in place: face coverings, one staff member at a time engaging with the pet, hand sanitizer, and social distancing for the handlers.

Margie Klapper with Ani and Jill Harris with Morrie were the first two teams to participate in this event. Lee Halloran, Manager of Volunteer Services, and the PAWS teams gave DeStress an enthusiastic two thumbs up!

“Morrie and I had a GREAT time! I saw surprise and joy on the faces of the staff!” said Jill.

DeStress at Beebe Healthcare grew by another two PAWS teams the following week! Since the initial Farm Market, seven Teams have had a chance to participate; all are excited to be back at Beebe helping to bring joy to the heroes who have been working tirelessly over the past six months.

Pictured: Carolyn Meyers & Lewey, Jill Harris & Willow, Margie Klapper & Lili, Phil Keats & Candace

Make a free reservation to attend the live art show! PAWS Therapy companions are welcome to attend. Reservations are required to attend the live art show at the PAWS office:

This is a wonderful opportunity to see your PAWS friends while browsing the displayed art. Our COVID-19 safety standards will be followed, including wearing masks and physical distancing.

The deadline to enter your PAWS Therapy companion (past & present) in the 2021 PAWS for People calendar is October 9! We know you have some fantastic photos of your therapy pet. So, submit them today!

Each date in the calendar features a picture of a current or past therapy companion. Depending on the number of entries, pets may be featured on multiple dates in the calendar. A heart icon can be added to any picture to indicate that the picture is in memory of a beloved pet.

The Wag & Walkathon “Stepped Off” on Thursday, September 17 at Glasgow Park. Thanks to everyone who joined us in-person and via Facebook Live!

It's not too late to participate or donate to this year’s event. Together we can help PAWS continue to provide joy, comfort, encouragement and support to all of those in the community who need us.

A generous group of PAWS donors have pledged to donate and additional $10,000 if the Wag & Walkathon reaches it $50,000 goal giving us a total of $60,000. WOW!

With registration and donations so far and pledged sponsorship funds, we are currently over $40,000! You can still register to join the fun or make a donation to help us reach our goal.

The number 60,000 is so special because it represents the number of hours that PAWS volunteers donated in 2019. With your help, we hope to return to that magical number in 2021.

Charlotte Arnold and her wonderful fluffy Golden Retriever, Monty, became PAWS volunteers in March 2018. Charlotte knew right from the start that Monty’s unconditional love and sweet temperament would make him an ideal therapy pet.

While Monty was still quite young, he started off at PAWS after having previous basic obedience, tricks, therapy dog and CGC training under his leash. After their Advanced STEX testing, the two of them hit the ground running with weekly visits at Grace, Snowden & Mowlds Cottages, a facility for Children with Behavioral issues.

Monty also loves to listen to the kids’ reading sessions at several different New Castle County Libraries in support of PAWS for Reading program. Thank you, Charlotte and Monty for working so well together – so many children in the community are grateful for your service!

Rebecca Brockson joined PAWS in 2018, with her cute Yorkie mix, Norman. Rebecca saw a need at Christiana Hospital for pet therapy and ran with the idea. She and Norman (pre-COVID) work in the physical therapy department.

Rebecca shared that Norman really helps her patients. He encourages patients to use their weak arm to pet him and give treats. If a patient is working on sitting balance, they will pet Norman on the head. According to Rebecca, the patients don’t seem to remember her, but they always remember their time with Noman.

Due to COVID, Rebecca has had to go to work without Norman. PAWS in the Workplace is very beneficial and it’s just not the same without Norman who can't wait to get back to work. Thank you, Rebecca and Norman, for the incredible and special work you provide to your patients.