paws winter 2012 newsletter
DESCRIPTION
PAWS for People's Winter 2012 NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
To Consider…
Brought to you by PAWS for People --- Pet–Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc.
Caring visits full of smiles! WINTER – 2012, Volume 28
PAWSPRINTS How Do You Spell "Healing"?
Do you know what you're doing when you take your therapy companion to visit some folks?
And I don't mean "are you feeling well trained or confident with your pet."
What I am talking about is something I want you to think about - carefully and deeply.
Are you aware of just how much your visits matter to the folks you spend time with?
Do you realize the depth of the healing that you are encouraging and allowing during your visit?
Do you understand the power of the connection you and your therapy pet are making?
Do you get just how much you are a catalyst in improving someone's quality of life?
If you haven't thought about your visits in quite that way, please take a moment to do that - now.
Think of the smiles you get when you arrive on the scene. Relief? Release? Enjoyment?
Remember the comments people make about your visits. Please come again? You made my day?
Think back to a visit that impacted you and your pet - it impacted those you were visiting, too.
What you do when you share your pet, and what your pet does when it stares happily into
someone's eyes or puts its head on someone's lap or hops in bed with a patient who longs for
comfort and warmth, are providing opportunities for respite, for happiness, for peace, for
connection.
That's "healing" spelled in a number of different ways - and no matter how you give it or spell it,
the caring space you offer people is a healing space. It's a place and a time for folks to get away
from what's burdening them and experience some joy or some hope or a level of acceptance they
aren't getting anywhere else.
Such a gift you give. So much love in the giving. So much comfort in the sharing.
Thank you for giving and sharing and being a part of a very beautiful process that cares for
people in a way nothing else can. A better quality of life? You give that every time you visit.
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director
P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 ~~~ 302-351-5622 ~~~ PAWSforPeople.org
We're excited to offer a new class 6 Tuesdays beginning January 10
(and continuing on a regular basis throughout the year)
83B Albe Drive - 6:45-7:45 - cost $125
THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU or YOUR FRIEND or YOUR NEIGHBOR or YOUR COLLEAGUE if.....
You'd like to brush up on visiting skills like "not pulling" when walking and eye contact when visiting.
You think your new dog isn't quite ready for PAWS and want to work on skills to get your dog ready.
A friend has a new puppy they'd like to start preparing for PAWS membership.
WHY THIS TRAINING IS IMPORTANT TO THERAPY WORK: This training is ideal
for someone who wants a stronger bond with their dog and to share their dog through therapy
work. It will teach dog & handler basic visiting skills and manners for visiting. You will
sharpen skills already in use and learn new ones which will propel you from an average visiting
team to an outstanding team.
All skill levels are welcome, and the course is open to the public.
These hour-long classes begins Tuesday, Jan. 10th at 6:45pm, and run
6 consecutive Tuesdays – Feb. 14th will be family night.
Maximum class size = 8 dog & handler teams, so be sure to register early!
Register online at PAWSforPeople.org or call 302-351-5622 for details. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SAVE THE DATES
More details on our website and in coming emailing
Sat., Jan. 14 Advanced Training Room 1100, Christiana Care Hospital, Newark Campus, 9:00-1:00
Sun, Feb. 19 Volunteer Appreciation Celebration - not Feb. 11th as previously announced & Lucky 7th Anniversary
The Lorelton, 2200 W. 4th Street, Wilmington 1:00-3:00
Sat, March 31 Easter Bone Hunt 1:00-3:00 - held at Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast, Route 273, Newark
Sat., April 28 Spring Morning of Workshops 8:30-1:00 - more TBA
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Winter Community Events Everyone is invited to come have fun with us!! You don’t need a pet to participate, so come alone,
bring a friend, bring your therapy pet.
Just join us whenever you can.
We're trying something new this year:
we're listing all the events here in the newsletter as always,
but saving the details for those who are truly interested in more info.
If you want the times and places and types of visiting opportunities the below listed events provide, please
check our website’s Events Calendar or look for details in our E-Newsletter
coming to you twice a month starting this January.
January Events 7
– Orientation/STEX
9 – “Annabelle’s Birthday Celebration"
10 – What Every Therapy Dog Should Know
11 – Orientation/STEX
14 – Advanced Training
16 – Mart. Luther King Day/Volunteer op tbd
17 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn
21 – Training
24 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn
25 – Training
25 – PAWSitively Supportive Chat Session
31 - class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn
February Events
4– Orientation/STEX
6 – Swedesboro Library Opening
7 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn
8 – Orientation/STEX
11 – Boscov’s “ Thank You” Event
14 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn
18 – Training
19 – Volunteer Appreciation Event
22 – Training
23 – PAWSitively Supportive Chat Session
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
March Events 3 – Orientation/STEX
7 – Orientation/STEX
10 – Read-Aloud DE Annual Conference
17 – Training
21 – Training
27 - PAWSitively Supportive Chat Session
31 – Easter Bone Hunt
WHAT?
CHANGES IN
COMMUNITY OUTREACH EMAILS ~
In the hope of reducing the amount of emails
you receive from PAWS, we will be adding
Community Outreach Events to our e-news-
letter, which is a twice monthly email.
Please look for the COMMUNITY
CORNER starting this month.
We also will have the event details listed on
our website under “Calendar of Events.”
For Community Outreach events, please
continue to RSVP to Blythe Anne Lundstrom -
New Therapy Teams Welcome to our newest members!
Jamie Anderson & Jackson, Golden Retriever
Yvonne Arnold & Jona, Labradoodle
Joyce Bailey & FayFay, Papillion
Jerry Berkowitz & Jona, Labradoodle
Katie Birney & Sady, Afghan Hound mix
Maureen Bonnes & Gulliver, Pointer/Dalmatian mix
Cecilia Bozzo & Duchess, Smooth Coat Chihuahua
Kristin Carroll & Kaydence, Lab/Pit Mix
Mary Choma & Hunter, Beagle
Cheryl Costello & Kira, Black Labrador Retriever
Judy Dimichele & Bentley, Goldendoodle
Judy Diver & Ellie, Lakeland Terrier
Marlene Eckendorf & Jenna, Shepherd Mix
Leslie Fisher & Bridget, Yellow Lab
Richard Francis & LT, German Shepherd
Brian Friedkin & Casey, Golden Retriever
Lisa Friedkin & Casey, Golden Retriever
Jessica Harwood & Lexie, Husky/Lab Mix
Sylvia Heinze & Zoe, Chihuahua/Rat Terrier Mix
Deborah Hill & Furgie, Terrier Mix
Tine Horne & Hansel, Rottweiler
Mary Humanick & Molly, Bichon
Laura Ignarski & Sydney, Collie
Diana Koch & Maggie, Black Lab
Carol Lovett & Snickers, Miniature Poodle Mix
Frankie Mayo & Chloe, Golden Retriever
Marie Marx & Foxy, Corgi
Russ Miceli & Brody, English Cream Golden Retriever
Lisa Milideo & Phillis H. Phanatic, Schnauz/Lhasa Mix
Peg Mitchell & Whitney, Shetland Sheepdog
Kaelynn Moury & Beagan, Collie
Kim Pahl & Daughtry, Border Collie/Lab Mix
Melody Phillips & Ollie, West Highland Terrier
Sharon Popky & Hairy, Tabby Cat (welcome back)
Carol Rafferty & Kimi, Standard Poodle
Krista Rahman & Tucker, Havanese
Tara Rowe & Puck, Newfoundland
Pam Rybinski & Cassie, Springer /Blue Tick Hnd Mix
Lauren Simermeyer & Noni, Corgi (welcome back)
Melissa Wellington & Willow, Standard Poodle
Cathy West & Jaxon & Chenin, Golden Retrievers
Ed Wilde & Maggie Mae, Black Lab Mix
Rachelle & Ed Wirth & LuLu, German Shorthaired
Pointer/Lab Mix
Karen Wohlheiter & Finn, Black Lab Mix
Nokona & Ohana Yoder & Kioshi, Border Collie/
Beagle Mix
In loving memory of... We are saddened to report the deaths of the
following much loved and respected members:
Harley Anna Laudenslager Harley Anna, a Rottweiler/German
Shepherd mix, joined PAWS in May of
2009. She and her human Trish Laudenslager, were
devoted visitors to Arbors of New Castle, where Harley
Anna had quite a following. She really loved older
folks and was described as "very sweet and calm" with
the folks she visited. She died in September, age 12.
Mercy Good Gorgeous golden girl loved by Tom and
Sue Good, Mercy joined PAWS at age 2
in October of 2006 and visited numerous
PAWS sites over the course of the next 5 years. Mercy
was a beloved reading dog at Linden Hill Elementary
School with Sue and Brandywine Library with Tom and
a welcome volunteer at many PAWS events like camps,
Boscov's, and the Wag-n-Walk. Mercy died from liver
failure at age 8, leaving half-sister Gracie to uphold the
girls' wonderful reputation.
Tipsy Zsoldos-Sheffler The first Vizsla to join PAWS, Tipsy
arrived on the PAWS scene in 2007,
8 years old and ready to get Hepsi
right into reading and physical therapy work. Vital
to the Mobility Project at the ELC, Tipsy showed a
lot of little ones how to do human agility. "Great
with all types, friendly interested, a truly wonderful
team, " Mary Woodward. Tipsy died unexpectedly
at age 11.
Divot Lewandowski Divot, a 9 year old deep red golden
retriever, brought his owner,
Christine Lewandowski, into PAWS
for People in January of 2008. An Advanced STEX
team, Divot and Christine became regulars at the
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, bringing smiles
and comfort to everyone they met, including the
staff, the patients, and certainly any visitor that met
this friendly and outgoing therapy companion.
A plaque bearing the names of our OLD FRIENDS
hangs in the PAWS office - so we never forget.......
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Board & Staff Members
PAWS is fortunate to be able to welcome 2 new
board members who have been working steadily
since their onset to help PAWS move forward.
LEDEE WAKEFIELD
LeDee is a Wilmington native who has worked in
her families' businesses since 1979 (The Inn at
Montchanin, Krazy Kat's, The Back Burner,
Hockessin's Kitchen Sink). She has served on
several boards: Young Friends of the Brandywine
as Chairman of the Children's' Concert fundraiser,
Planned Parenthood, Delaware Guidance Services
as Chairman of Development Committee and
Secretary for 3 years. She has already helped
PAWS by helping to grow and elevate the Jingle
Bell Brunch.
STAN DIVER Stan is the founder and president of Diver & Assoc.,
consulting on issues relating to leadership develop-
ment and transition management. Through Vistage,
Stan chairs a group of business leaders, facilitating
monthly meetings and following up with one-on-
one coaching. (Lynne is benefitting from Stan's
monthly coaching already.)
Stan’s professional/ community affiliations include
Wilmington Rotary, Ronald McDonald House, DE
Futures, Tower Hill School, and Brandywine Zoo.
MELINDA CHICHESTER
Special Events Coordinator
Melinda joined PAWS about 4 years ago with her
American Eskimo Spitz Emily through our
partnership with Willow Tree Hospice. She and
Emily learned firsthand how powerful pet therapy
can be for both sides of the visit. Melinda has just
joined us in a different capacity as our Special
Events Coordinator, planning and coordinating all
PAWS-driven events like the conferences, the
Walk, and the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation
Celebration.
Melinda is also the founder and certified
practitioner of Healing Touch on the Waterfall,
heart-centered approach to health and healing.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REALLY?
An article written for WebMD.com lists 27 different
ways pets can improve our health. We'll be sharing a
few of them in this issue. Look for the REALLY?
blurbs on the following pages.
REALLY?
Soothing Heat for Chronic Pain
A Mexican hairless dog called a Xolo is known for
generating intense body heat. An organization
called Paws for Comfort trains Xolos to be service
dogs for people with fibromyalgia and other forms
of chronic pain that respond to heat. People get
relief just by placing their hurting limbs against the
dog's body or lying up next to it. Some dogs have
even been trained to ride around wrapped around
the neck of a person with chronic neck pain.
(How cool is that?)
Our journey of life is about progress, not perfection.
Team Time Here are some FASCINATING
team facts for 2011!
PAWS ended 2011 with 271 therapy teams
We trained a total of 119 new therapy teams
We hosted 111 Orientation, Testing & Training
sessions throughout the year – thanks to all our
helpers! (that's Saturday, Wednesday, & private)
14 teams completed our Master’s Certification –
congratulations!!
Our newest sites include Cecil County
Department of Social Services, DE School for
the Deaf, Foulk Manor North, two medical ICU
units in Christiana Care and MeadowWood
Fun up-coming things in 2012:
Monthly chat sessions – look for coming dates
Research study opportunity with PAWS
Your amazing visits at the places you enjoy!
Looking forward to working with each and every
one of you in 2012!
~ Cassie Gonce, Director of Team Development
Power of a Pet Visit
Have to tell you what happened on our first solo
visit with our new young friend Charlie. We tied a
long rope to Chase's collar and tried to play fetch.
Chase was too distracted by smells in the yard and a
barking dog across the street, so we went to the
porch to start grooming. Jamie and Charlie (13)
each had a brush; Jamie brushed Chase's front,
Charlie brushed the back.
Charlie asked if he could practice giving Chase his
sit, down, etc. commands so I gave him the treats to
reward Chase when he obeyed. This is where it gets
interesting - after doing sit and down commands,
Charlie wanted to teach Chase to "roll over." I told
Charlie to get Chase in the down position and then
rub Chase's tummy and he might roll over. As
expected, Chase rolled over on his side for the
tummy rubs and with Charlie's encouragement,
Chase actually did a complete rollover. I was
delighted and praised Charlie for what he had
accomplished, even though I think it was just a
coincidence that Chase did the trick.
After giving Chase a drink of water, Charlie said "I
think Chase wants to go home now." Once Chase
was in the car, Charlie reached through the open
window and gave Chase a big hug, telling him, "I
love you, Chase. You're my best friend."
Ed Martin and Chase, Special Request Visit
REALLY?
A Calming Presence
People with AIDS are less likely to be depressed if
they own a pet, especially if they're strongly
attached. And with an animal in the home, people
with Alzheimer's have fewer anxious outbursts. The
animal also helps the caregivers feel less burdened.
(We knew that, right?)
Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced.
-James Baldwin
VISIBILITY AWARDS
PAWS is OUT THERE for all to see!
And the winners are.........
September - Julie Miller and her PAWS dog Lacey
were featured in a video made by VeRUS dog food.
Julie was quick enough to remember to put on
Lacey's PAWS leash and mention that Lacey is a
therapy dog. PAWS even made the credits for the
film. Check out VeRUSpetfoods.com.
October - All who came to the Wag-n-Walk - thank
you for coming and showing the wider community
what PAWS is all about.
November - all 17 teams who stood for hours at
Boscov's helping thousands of people pay tribute to
their special pets. You reached so many people in
our community who now know about PAWS and
what we do (and helped us raise over $2000)
December - Chloe, Summer,
Chase, Phillis, Sharp, Foxy, and
Casey who attended UD's DE-
stress Session, helping lots of
students relax for exams.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHAT? What Every Therapy Dog Needs to Learn
Not an obedience class....
Not PAWS' traditional team training sessions....
WHAT? (Every Therapy Dog Needs to Learn) is a
6 week, Tuesdays at 6:45-7:45 class designed to
help prospective PAWS members and present
PAWS members focus on good visiting techniques
and behaviors.
If you know of someone sitting on the fence
because they don't know if their dog will be a good
therapy dog OR you would like to improve your
own therapy skills with your pup, please join us for
WHAT?
Jan. 10th is our first class - the next series will start
March 6th. Register online or call the office.
NEW VISITING possibilities...
Contact Cassie if intrigued.
MeadowWood Behavioral Health, New Castle, DE At MeadowWood you will be visiting with people
that have psychiatric disorders. We've checked it
out - it's a very safe, caring environment –with
plenty of staff at hand to assist you. The patients
here (as well as the staff) need and want your pet
therapy visits very much.
Department of Social Services, Elkton, MD There are a number of visiting opportunities, here,
including: Domestic Violence Shelter, Foster Care
Visitation, counseling groups for women and
children who have been victims of abuse, and
support for those testifying for court. This program
is new and in need of more teams.
PAWS by Special Request – MainStay Delaware You'll be visiting people with disabilities in a group
home in either Newark or Bear. This is similar to
visiting a place like Easter Seals or Chimes. It is a
very laid-back visit, non-physical visit.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REALLY?
Partners in Better Cancer Care
Cats and dogs both get cancer, and both benefit
from research on human cancer. But more and more
the opposite is also true. Humans are benefiting
from research on pet cancers. Dogs and cats can get
the same kinds of cancers humans do. For example,
studies of prostate cancer in dogs have led to a
better understanding of how it develops in older
men. And preventing cancer in pets can lead to new
prevention strategies for their human owners.
(We knew that, right?)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAWSitively Supportive Chat Sessions Come talk to other PAWS therapy teams about any
visit-related stories, questions or
suggestions!
Upcoming chat dates:
January 25, February 23,
March 27
Held at the PAWS office at 6:30PM.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DAY PLANNERS & WALL CALENDARS
We still have some of the very classy day planners
and wall calendars left - they could be yours if you
let us know quickly how many you would like us to
save for you.
Great "opps! I forgot to get you a present" gifts for
those you left off your list. Call Erica and ask her to
save you several.
Wall Calendars $10.00 ~~ Planners $25.00
COOL IDEA
My last visit to Jenner’s Pond, I took along my
laptop to show Treasure’s special friends the video
I created about her birthday party! They loved it
so much, they also watched her two other videos!
It was fun for them to get to see her outside of a
therapy visit, and they couldn’t stop thanking me
for showing them Then as we were leaving, we
heard them telling others about what they’d seen.
It’s not something I would take with me on each
visit, but it was really fun.
Deb Bauer
Background Checks In order to better protect our volun-
teers, staff and clients, the PAWS
Board of Directors has approved a
proposal to run background checks
through the National Sex Offender
Registry. This free internet-based search will allow
PAWS to make sure its stellar reputation and record
for outstandingly safe and effective visits remains
spotless.
This search, along with the intake interview, the
Orientation/STEX Test/Training process, and the
felony conviction question on our team agreement,
insures that PAWS will continue to put forth only
the very best qualified, therapy teams.
Because of the times we live in, the Board believes
we must employ due diligence to protect our impor-
tant and increasingly solicited work specifically
with children and the elderly, as well as solidify
the confidence from the establishments we visit.
Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and
most importantly, your squeaky clean backgrounds!
Cathy Amick, Vice President of PAWS Board
PAWS Notes by Erica
Here's a quick glimpse into what's
been happening in the PAWS office
recently:
Eight interns this past Fall - We were fortunate to
have a dedicated, intelligent, and hardworking
group sharing their energetic spirits and passion in
every task, from empting trash cans to researching
and writing education materials for PAWS.
A new, more accessible Visits and Hours Reporting
Form - Keep up the great work entering your hours
monthly or quarterly; don't forget to share your
stories in the comment sections.
PAWSWear Ordering Form - You can now order
PAWS merchandise with the click of a button and
choose to have your items delivered to your
doorstep or picked up at the office.
So what's to come in 2012? As we learn more
about the work of our volunteers and the growing
advancement in the pet therapy field, we are
reminded of the importance of research to validate
the benefits and results we already know to be true.
We are now collecting and cataloging research
studies both online (PAWS Cares membership
benefit) and in the office. And we ask that you
forward us any studies you come upon that might
help us in this project.
(Remember, Erica can create your own
personalized note cards with your pet's
photo on the front - just contact her at the
office - PAWS Notes by Erica!)
Team Assist Program The Team Assist Program is
designed to help support our
Director of Team & Volunteer
Development by completing check-in visits with
other therapy teams. You will get to go on visits
and see how other therapy teams do their craft!
Check-ins can be done during the week, on
evenings or on weekends. If you are interested in
becoming a part of the Team Assist Program,
contact Cassie at [email protected]!
COULD BE ON YOUR PET!
Dog World Is Calling All Active Dogs!
Have an energetic dog? Send photos to Dog World
and you might get it published!
HOW TO ENTER - By mail or email or online. Just contact them at [email protected] and follow their requirements.
Good luck - Tell them PAWS sent you!
The Buck $tops Here... By now, you have all received our
adorable doggie-faced annual appeal
and we’re excited to launch the
People For PAWS fund – the official name of our
annual fund.
What a year it has been! Since I started in April, I
have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and
seeing the work of our therapy teams in action. Our
PAWS members do such incredibly important work
and it is my job to bring in funding to support you.
As I go into the business community and ask for
advice or support, the thing that I hear repeatedly is
appreciation of and respect for our organization.
Many people know what pet therapy is, and when
they hear the high level of standards to which our
therapy teams adhere, they are impressed. For
others, I have had the opportunity to explain
animal-assisted therapy to them for the first time
and as they hear about it, I can almost see the light
bulb go on in their head as they grasp the concept.
When I explain how PAWS takes that concept and
has turned it into a reality, they, too, are impressed.
So, thank you to our therapy teams for your
commitment and dedication – you make my job a
lot of fun and exciting! As we look ahead for 2012,
we have plans to grow our current events, and
possibly add a few smaller, new ones. I will be out
in the business community sharing word of what
PAWS is doing and where we are going. My goal is
to increase the annual fund, welcome new
corporate, foundation, and individual support, and
start some partnerships with other non-profits
whose missions cross paths with ours.
~ Janet Luke, Director of Development
A Huge Round of APPLAWS We have many people and groups to thank for helping
us do what we do.
Thanks to Rick Altemus for donating training space for our
What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn classes
All our corporate and individual sponsors who
offered us support for the Wag-n-Walk!
LeDee Wakefield, Janet Luke, and Blythe Anne
Lundstrom for taking the Jingle Bell Brunch to
new heights of elegance and success
27 Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers who made
our first Adopt-a Highway clean up a huge success
Sponsor for a Bigger and Better Idea Upstate Golisano Children’s
Hospital issues trading cards
of therapy dogs that regularly
visit their young patients.
Cards featuring Sebastian and
Daphne may soon take their place in shoeboxes of
trading card collectors, but you have to be a patient
at UGDH to get one.
The front of each card features the dog’s photo and
name; the back gives info about the dog and the
visit. Certified child life specialist at Upstate
Golisano, Sue Karl, is the human behind the idea
and she has gone one better than what PAWS does:
“We give cards to the kids in anticipation of the
dog’s visit,” Karl said. “The cards take the
uncertainty away, and uncertainty is a big fear in a
hospital for kids. The cards are a way to start the
relationship between the child and dog.”
Thanks to the therapy dog trading cards, patients at
UGCH have an official reminder of the furry friend
who helped them get well.
Pretty smart idea - PAWS does some of that, but not
all of it - all we need is a sponsor to underwrite the
cost of the printing of the cards - we'd do the rest.
Tomorrow is a clean slate limited only by your imagination.
Training, Training, Training PAWS offers the best therapy team training around
and has recently added
Target Training - classes target specific behaviors
WHAT? - 6 sessions focusing on teaching needed
pet therapy visiting skills
You have 2 options:
1 - sign up for a class and learn some cool stuff
2 - volunteer to assist with our training classes,
get to know our staff better, our volunteers,
and have some fun with us
Interested in classes or assisting? Contact Erica.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Social Media I hope you’re enjoying all the
great new content on
www.PAWSforPeople.org! One of the most
exciting aspects for me has been the fantastic
response to “Meet the Reading Pets.” We’ve created
a gallery of profiles for the pets in our reading
program; visitors can leave notes for their reading
buddies at their libraries/schools. It’s been a big hit!
I’m excited to announce that we’ll be expanding
this section for all our teams this coming spring! If
you’d like your pet to have its own profile on the
web, please send a picture and short bio, including
your program and places you visit as well as a few
fun facts, to [email protected].
Check out www.pawsforpeople.org/children/paws-
for-reading/reading-paws for inspiration!
And make sure you’re visiting the site frequently
for the latest updates on events, programs, and
information. We’ll be unveiling more new features
in the coming months, so stay tuned!
~ Alyson Greenwood, Social Media Specialist
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ADVANCED TRAINING Have you been an active member of PAWS for at
least 6 months? If the answer is YES, you and your
therapy pet are required to attend our next
Advanced Training:
Saturday, Jan 14 ~ 9:00 - 1:00
Room 1100, Christiana Hospital
main building --- no fee
You'll receive an email reminder - register then.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAWS has 501 (c) 3 status
Our tax ID # is 76-0780197
DE code is #11602 -- PA code is #48807
Donations happily accepted!
The Power of a Pet Visit
Maggie Mae made her first visit to a group I belong
to called From Our Kitchen. We serve hot meals
to the Homeless in a parking lot on Front Street
each Sunday and this was the Thanksgiving serve.
We served about 140 homeless men, women &
children. Our custom is to have all persons hold
hands before eating and say The Serenity Prayer,
and I was asked to lead with Maggie Mae in the
center of the circle doing her “pray behavior” of
putting her paw on my knee while I am kneeling
down and putting her head under my knee.
After that Maggie visited each and every homeless
person in the line starting at the back. I wasn't sure
how she'd react to the vibes of people under the
influence of drugs and alcohol, but she was very
kind and loving, often dropping for a belly roll.
One gentleman that obviously has lived a hard life
really loved Maggie and he put his head down for
Maggie to kiss his face. Maggie complied and the
gentleman started crying telling me that he had a Pit
Bull that was shot by a neighbor and he really loved
and missed her. I told him Maggie was telling us
by the kisses that she could understand his pain.
This was Maggie Mae’s 1st Thanksgiving and since
she doesn’t know or care about material things,
except her squeaky toy, she was happy spending
time with folks that are living a difficult life.
Ed Wilde & Maggie Mae
$$SALE$$ Remember - we have terrific PAWSWear items that
make great gifts for family and friends.
T-shirts - in several styles and colors
Fleece vests
Hoodies - PAWS green and collegiate gray
PAWSNotes - your own pet on the front
(and not everything is green!)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PET CARE CORNER
Tooth Care Without a Scary Brush
If your dog doesn't like plastic pet toothbrushes and
if "finger brushes" make her gag, you might have
more luck using a simple, thin cotton glove.
Place toothpaste on your gloved index finger and
gently massage your pet's teeth and gums. Most
dogs find this sensation pleasurable and relaxing.
The glove is analogous to your finger, which your
dog presumably trusts, and not hard, inflexible, or
rubbery. Wash your hand in the glove and hang the
glove to dry for next time.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Community Spirit PAWS 3
rd Annual Wag-n-Walk went
off without a hitch in October -
raising over $32,000 this year.
Our 4th Annual Jingle Bell Brunch
& Silent Auction was also a great success.
Our Boscov's Pet Remembrance Tree touched
the lives of 100's of folks that stopped to talk
about their pets and their interest in PAWS.
We have entered into a groundbreaking
relationship with UD, creating “De-stress with
PAWS,” when our therapy teams visit and
alleviate stress during exam time.
Community Outreach Events are fun and personable
ways to help spread the word about “who we are”
and “what great miracles” our pet therapy teams
provide to people in need!
We hope that while educating folks about our
services, we will also entice them to get involved
by either becoming an Associate Member or PAWS
Team Member and join in the passion we all feel
when we volunteer for PAWS.
In 2012, our plan is to expand our events into
greater portions of DE, PA, MD and NJ, with hopes
to capture the hearts of everyone that we come in
contact with. We also hope that our current
members will participate, sharing your pet and your
stories with the community.
Thank you for your constant support.
~ Blythe Lundstrom, Community Outreach Coord.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAWS for
Reading/PLUS Almost 50 Reading PAWS are posted on our
website allowing our school and library kids the
opportunity to write a note to their favorite
therapy companion. If you haven’t posted your
pet, yet, please contact us to do so.
Another successful literacy conference was held
on November 19th
. Thanks to all participants
and speakers. And save the date: September 22
is 2012's PAWS for Reading conference.
Delaware Community Foundation Fund for
Children’s Literacy has graciously awarded
$8000, continuing funding for PAWS in 2012.
If you do not regularly receive sub requests or
the PAWS for Reading newsletter, Rosie Tales,
please contact the PAWS office.
A shift in the types of reading visits requested by
various sites has developed. Initiated at the Terry
Center in 2010, the “Crossover” visit combines the
best of a PAWS for Reading visit (quiet one-on-one
time with a child practicing oral fluency skills),
with the more traditional visit where the child just
needs time, attention, love, and companionship.
This fall, we opened programs at two schools where
the “Crossover” visit is the new norm: Green-
Fields Elementary and Talley Middle School, where
teams are working with children of various physical
or mental disabilities. The trend toward a more
personalized, unique visit will continue in 2012.
PAWS is also offering a 1-2 session humane educa-
tion program, thanks to the dedication of PAWS
volunteer, Sue Good, through her work with United
Animal Nations. If you’d like info on volunteering
in a “crossover” program, please let us know.
~ Stephanie Barry, Director of PAWS for Reading
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REALLY?
Relief From RA
People with rheumatoid arthritis derive benefit from
movement and distraction that can help take their
thoughts off their pain. But perhaps the best help
comes from their super sensitive cats and dogs
whose presence can provide comforting relief.
(We knew that, right?)
PAWS at Peace Sadly, we have lost one human
and several four-footed PAWS
members in the past year. Loss
and grief are often difficult to
bear.
PAWS' bereavement program is available to help
members, family, and friends who are grieving a
recent loss, a long ago loss that still tears at your
heart, or are in the process of preparing yourself for
the death of a beloved pet. Diane Mayer is
available to help you through consultation either in
person or via email/phone, and PAWS staff is
always ready to assist you, visit with you, and share
stories as you move through this journey.
Please do not hesitate to let us know your needs.
(The date of our Winter Workshop - TBA.)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Make a donation to PAWS for People
in memory of a special friend.
P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714
302-351-5622
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pet TherapyCorner Helen F. Graham Cancer Center + PAWS Cassie Gonce has been working with PAWS
member and Graham's lead psychologist, Dr. Scott
Siegel, to design a study unlike any that has been
done before. Instead of looking at the benefits of
pet therapy for the recipients, they will be observing
the actions of our therapy dogs, noting whom the
dogs choose to visit, how long they stay, and in fact,
studying the dogs' choices, rather than the people's
reactions. Pretty neat, huh?
Cassie and Scott will be needing dogs for both the
trial studies and the final study - so if this sounds
like something you would be interested in, heed the
call when Cassie contacts you.
PAWS for People
P.O. Box 9955 Newark, DE 19714-5055 302-351-5622
PAWS for People Caring visits full of smiles
PAWS for People
PO Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 302-351-5622
www.PAWSforPeople.org E-mail: [email protected]
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director
PAWS for People is a nonprofit, volunteer organization serving
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Our mission: to lovingly provide elders, children, and folks with disabilities individualized, therapeutic visits with a gentle, affectionate pet.
PAWS Board of Directors
Michelle Adams Mary Perno Cathy Amick Lynne Robinson Luann D’Agostino Bill Sudell Stan Diver Susan Trolio Dianne Galleshaw Le Dee Wakefield
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration &
& Lucky 7th Anniversary
Party
Sunday, February 19th, 2012 1:00 – 3:00 pm
The Lorelton Assisted Living
Register online www.PAWSforPeople.org
inside for what's NEW at PAWS!