PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early July, 2021
The Amazing Impact of Post-COVID Visits
PAWS Members, Patty Pecht & Bailey, started their PAWS journey 3 years ago. They whole-heartedly threw themselves into their visits at a local assisted living facility, greeting residents and striking up brief conversations. They felt good about what they were doing.

Returning now to the facility after the residents have experienced an extended period of social isolation due to COVID has brought new meaning to their visits. Visits are now conducted in a shaded outdoor area with groups of residents. What has happened because of this new environment is none other than transformational not only for the residents, but for Patty as well. Brief individual encounters have now become wonderful communication sessions among attending residents. Bailey is the catalyst that makes this all happen. 

Patty shared, “Our visits have gone from a job to cherished visits with new friends. Bailey and I return home. He’s exhausted. I’m transformed. These visits have prompted me to reflect, be more giving, be more patient, and truly thankful. Helping others deflect from themselves has enabled me to truly see the magic that can occur in a PAWS visit.”  

"I share this in hopes that those considering pet therapy will get to experience what Bailey and I have discovered. All that’s needed is a wonderful furry companion and a few simple questions like, 'What are you having for dinner tonight?' and 'Where are you from?'  These questions will change your life as they did mine."
The Wag & Walkathon is PAWS for People’s signature event. This year’s month-long cumulative marathon will include a Facebook Live Step Off event, a month of mile-tracking & fun challenges, and conclude with an In-person Cross the Finish Line Celebration on Saturday October 16th at Glasgow Park in Newark, DE.

If you have always wanted to run a marathon but cannot complete 26.2 miles all at one time, the cumulative marathon concept lets you log your 26.2 miles anytime, at your own pace, throughout the month. You can run/walk on your own, with a pet, or with friends. 

Important 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!
Registration

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.
PAWS for Reading Returns In-Person to Libraries
The summer of 2021 is marked by many joyful reunions including the return of PAWS for Reading in-person library visits.

Beginning in the spring, several PAWS library partners began scheduling in-person visits, often utilizing their outdoor spaces. PAWS for Reading visits are the perfect complement to the libraries’ summer reading theme of “Tales and Tails.” Readers are thrilled to see their favorite PAWS listeners back in action for snuggles and pets.

Libraries offering in-person visits include: Dover Public Library, Helen K. Furness Library, Kennett Library, Kent County Public Library, Laurel Public Library, Media-Upper Providence Library, Parkesburg Free Library, Rachel Kohl Community Library, Seaford District Library, Selbyville Public Library, and Springfield Library. Please check the PAWS for Reading Library schedule for the latest in-person and virtual visit schedules.
Neighborhood Little Free Library Showcases PAWS
PAWS for Reading has been taken to the next level by PAWS Member, Lois Brooks, along with her therapy companions, Rosie and Fred, with the addition of the Lambeth Riding Community’s Little Free Library.

This Spring, Lambeth Riding was awarded a Little Free Library through a New Castle County Community Development Grant. The Little Free Library is a small decorative box, meant to promote reading and the free exchange of reading materials. An added benefit is the fostering of community spirit and a love for reading. The library is self-sustaining, and the community relies on book donations from all of the neighborhood.
 
Lois holds a story-time with her PAWS therapy companions, Rosie and Fred, from 9:00-10:00 am on Saturdays. Recently, the children read to Fred, who was in his glory hearing stories about Dora the Explorer and Charlie the Ranch Dog as well Fred’s personal favorites: Caldecott award winner “Dog Breath” by Dave Pilkey and New York Times best seller “Walter the Farting Dog” by William Kotzwinkle.
 
Lois shared, “Our pups love to listen to stories from the younger members of the neighborhood. These kids LOVE reading and it gives me great joy.”
Our Teams of the Week
Judy & Fiona
Judy Tucker and her calm Labrador Retriever, Fiona, joined PAWS in 2019. As a Physical Therapist, Judy noticed how much the children at the school where she worked enjoyed the visits they received from people with animals.

When Judy retired, the thought of delighting others with her precious pooch appealed to her. At an open house being held by Fiona’s vet, Judy met a PAWS team and decided to become a member. Since joining the organization, Judy and Fiona have visited at a number of sites, including CERTS – New Castle, Adult Day Care at Union Hospital and CADES/George Crothers Memorial School in Swarthmore, where she used to work. They’ve also participated in many Community Events.

Many, many thanks to Judy and Fiona for bringing joy and wide smiles to so many people with their gentle nature and friendly demeanor.
Colleen & Stosh
Colleen Hruska and her adorable Australian Labradoodle, Stosh, have been members with PAWS since March of 2019. Colleen shared that she loves to watch the connection between pets and humans of all ages. She knew Stosh would be a natural.

They completed the volunteer training at Beebe Healthcare visiting not only at the hospital, but at the Tunnell Cancer Center and the Bookhammer Outpatient Surgery Center where they enjoy visiting all the patients. Stosh started to go to work with Colleen (before Covid) at Beebe as a PAWS in the Workplace team. They also participate in Community Events and have logged quite a few hours in the Walkin’ & Talkin’ program.

Thank you, Colleen for volunteering and sharing sweet Stosh with PAWS. Thank you, Stosh, for your snuggly love and fluffy affection you share with those you visit.
Many thanks to our PAWS Partners
Donate While You Shop
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