F To Consider… Brought to you by PAWS for People --- Pet–Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc. Caring visits full of smiles! SUMMER – 2012, Volume 30 PAWSPRINTS Once Upon a Time… … there was a big red golden retriever named Boo Radley. He had an uncanny knack for knowing who needed his warmth and comfort and smile. He was the quintessential therapy dog (at least in my mind) and showed his owner, me, what pet therapy was all about. His calm brown-eyed gaze put people’s anxiety to rest. His gentle but persistent lean showed people he trusted them and that he could be trusted. His willingness to spend time with anyone, anywhere and offer his charming brand of love made him a favorite everywhere we visited. So this big loving dog and I gathered some kind and loving people and their gentle, affectionate pets and started a little tiny organization called Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc. whose letters nicely worked into our “doing business as” name PAWS (remember the crossed V’s). And that was a little more than 7 years ago. Not that long ago, really. But in that timespan many things have happened – some really really good and some really really sad. A really really sad thing is that Boo got cancer and died 3 years ago. We’ve lost so many of our valiant therapy pets in the past few years. Boo and the others have been heavy on my mind a lot lately. But the really really good things came from the extraordinary work they did – the examples they set that built PAWS’ early sterling reputation and moved us on our way to where we are today: Our teams number 304 at the moment. Our sites number over 125 in about a 60 mile radius covering 4 states. We continue to add new and innovative programs to meet the needs of the community. Our staff is capable, steady, and 5 of the sweetest, most helpful people you’ll ever meet PAWS teams and volunteers clocked in over 28,000 hours of volunteer time last year and are well on the way to beating that this year. We are getting ready to open 3 brand new programs that will knock your socks off. And we’re still so very interested in YOU, your experience, and how we can help you. Our heart is still right there on our logo’s paw print and the basis for everything we do. PAWS is in a very good place; Boo was part of getting us here. YOU are part of moving us forward. Thank you for your belief in the power of pet therapy. It’s the basis of who PAWS is and why we can do what we do so well. Lynne Robinson, Executive Director & Boo P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 ~~~ 302-351-5622 ~~~ PAWSforPeople.org
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F
To Consider…
Brought to you by PAWS for People --- Pet–Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc.
Caring visits full of smiles! SUMMER – 2012, Volume 30
PAWSPRINTS Once Upon a Time…
… there was a big red golden retriever named Boo Radley. He had an uncanny knack for knowing who
needed his warmth and comfort and smile. He was the quintessential therapy dog (at least in my mind)
and showed his owner, me, what pet therapy was all about. His calm brown-eyed gaze put people’s
anxiety to rest. His gentle but persistent lean showed people he trusted them and that he could be trusted.
His willingness to spend time with anyone, anywhere and offer his charming brand of love made him a
favorite everywhere we visited.
So this big loving dog and I gathered some kind and loving people and their gentle, affectionate pets
and started a little tiny organization called Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc. whose letters
nicely worked into our “doing business as” name PAWS (remember the crossed V’s).
And that was a little more than 7 years ago. Not that long ago, really. But in that timespan many things
have happened – some really really good and some really really sad.
A really really sad thing is that Boo got cancer and died 3 years ago. We’ve lost so many of our valiant
therapy pets in the past few years. Boo and the others have been heavy on my mind a lot lately.
But the really really good things came from the extraordinary work they did – the examples they set that
built PAWS’ early sterling reputation and moved us on our way to where we are today:
Our teams number 304 at the moment.
Our sites number over 125 in about a 60 mile radius covering 4 states.
We continue to add new and innovative programs to meet the needs of the community.
Our staff is capable, steady, and 5 of the sweetest, most helpful people you’ll ever meet
PAWS teams and volunteers clocked in over 28,000 hours of volunteer time last year and
are well on the way to beating that this year.
We are getting ready to open 3 brand new programs that will knock your socks off.
And we’re still so very interested in YOU, your experience, and how we can help you.
Our heart is still right there on our logo’s paw print and the basis for everything we do.
PAWS is in a very good place; Boo was part of getting us here. YOU are part of moving us forward.
Thank you for your belief in the power of pet therapy. It’s the basis of who PAWS is and why we can
do what we do so well.
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director & Boo
P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 ~~~ 302-351-5622 ~~~ PAWSforPeople.org
During our visit, we met a man in 5B; his family told me that he had not smiled or talked in 3 days until he met Abby! The family asked if I could stay there 24 hours a day! I did give them Abby's card and said to contact PAWS.
Some staff actually came in to see "the visit" and couldn't believe how pleasant the man was!
Mary Perno and Abby, Christiana Care Newark
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A life without a dog is a mistake.
WHAT? The WHAT class is taking a break over the summer,
but will start up again with very helpful training
classes in September. If you and your pup need a
little extra time working together, this is a good
opportunity. Check the website for dates.
The Power of a Pet Visit
Hi Kyle,
Your grandfather seemed very interested in Tucker
this week. He continued to pet him throughout our
visit (the most he’s done since we started). A few
nurses stopped by to comment on his visitor and to
pet Tucker. I told Tom how lucky he was to receive
special visitors. The comment drew a warm smile.
As Tucker was lying in my lap, he placed his head
on Tom’s leg; it was a sweet moment. I hope to get
a picture of the two of them in the next couple of
weeks to send to you.
Krista Rahman and Tucker
PAWS by Special Request – Alzheimer’s patient
$ALE$ - order online Remember - we have terrific
PAWSWear items that make great
gifts for family and friends.
T-shirts - in several styles and colors
Dog bandanas in S, M, L, XL
Car magnets -- (not everything is green!)
Make getting ready for your visit easy…
wear PAWSWear and look great while you’re giving
us good PR at the same time! Thanks. ………………………………………………………………………………..
The Buck $tops Here... We are very proud to announce the
establishment of the PAWS for
People Endowment Fund at the
Delaware Community Foundation.
This profound step in PAWS' growth is made
possible by a generous gift from PAWS member
Rick Altemus. Rick and his therapy dog, Chip, are
one of our most active teams and his dedication to
PAWS has been remarkable. Now he and his wife
Anne have touched PAWS even further by
establishing the endowment fund in loving memory
of their son, Eric.
We have begun expanding our avenues for support
by launching an internet-based campaign to support
our Autism program! There is a link to the campaign
on our website – please take a look. Create your own
fundraising page and send it to your friends, or make
a one-time donation to help children with ASD. This
is a fun way to get involved and support PAWS -
click 'Share' to show to your friends!
Please mark your calendar for Thursday, September
20 and join us at BBC Tavern in Greenville, 6:00-
9:00. This is a “Guest Bartender” event and PAWS
will receive all tips during the time period. We have
a great group of guest bartenders ready to guilt you
into leaving a bigger tip! It promises to be a fun
evening – please stop by!
Our Board of Directors has set the standard high for
this year’s annual giving program – 100% of the
PAWS Board has pledged a donation for 2012. This
example of leadership and support is one of the
many ways our Board is fostering our growth and
setting the tone for what we hope will be an
expanding donation base. Thank you, PAWS Board.
~ Janet Luke, Director of Development
A Huge Round of APPLAWS We have many people & groups to thank for helping us do what we do.
Thanks to…… The Annual Conference committee for pulling together one heck of a great conference: Suzanne Fields, Jo Cotterman, Laura Ignarski, Tara Rowe, Regina Silver-man, and Kim Sprenger. Congratulations to our NJ teams and the Gloucester County library for being awarded the NaCo Achievement Award, which is a national honor to be awarded in Pittsburgh in mid-July.
New intake callers Lynn Porro, Lisa Milideo, Ginny Murray, Penny Taylor, & Lisa Leana who answered our plea for help with a resounding YES!
With additional help from Val Allen, Cathy Amick, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jo Cotterman, we’re able to keep up with the intake calls made for all newcomers.
And our PAWS by Special Request teams Rick Altemus & Chip, Karen Kedda & Teddy, Julie Koehler and Bosco, Kim Miller & Rintoo and Cooper, Ginny Murray & Pandora, Beverly Parnell & Missy, Mary Perno & Abby, Lynn Porro & Princess Rainy, Krista Rahman & Tucker, Teri Schultz and Ranger, Jeff Stidham & Jasmine,
Christin Wilbert & Timber.
Program Highlight
Our Psychiatric Support program began 6 years ago
with visits to the psychiatric unit at Union Hospital,
then added Terry Children’s Psychiatric Center with
reading sessions 2 years ago. But in the last 8
months, this program has really taken hold. PAWS
teams now visit MeadowWood, Rockford, Open
Door Peer Support, several individuals in group
homes, and 2 new sites have requested our visits.
I’d like to grow this program with more teams and
special training to better inform/prepare our teams.
If you are reading this and finding this interesting –
please email me to let me know. I believe we have
enough professionals in our ranks that we can create
a solid training and develop this program into
something quite outstanding. Lynne
Autism Initiative All of our Autism Initiative
teams will be treated to an
afternoon of learning and
fun – please save the date: Friday, August 17th
from 1–4 PM in the PAWS office. In addition to
special guest speakers, teams will receive goodie
bags – lots of “tools” to help you with your sessions.
If you are interested in learning more about the
PAWS Autism Initiative, or are interested in
receiving training, please let us know.
~ Stephanie Barry
Pet TherapyCorner It’s OK, Boss, He Won’t Bite
Man’s best friend may have a
place at the office. A study
conducted at a North Carolina
company found that people
who took their dogs to work
reported experiencing lower
stress during the day than pet owners who left their
companions at home or those who didn’t have pets.
One benefit of having 4-legged friends at the desk:
the canines promoted conversation and camaraderie
among employees, remarkably improving morale.
Time, April 16, 2012
VISIBILITY AWARD
And the winners are.........
“On several occasions I’ve taken Buddy to church on
Sunday if I had a PAWS event shortly after. One
Sunday someone commented that "pets" weren't
really allowed in church. Our pastor had just started
having someone witness each week, so I got to
thinking about how I could witness about the value
of pet therapy in the community. Two weeks later 3
of us spoke about providing service to the
community with our dogs. Afterward we had many
folks that wanted to find out more about our dogs
and ask one-on-one about the volunteer work we did.
What a great way to build awareness of pet therapy
and PAWS for People.” Debbie Huff and Buddy Please let us know if YOU have any ideas on how to raise
more awareness of PAWS for People.
50 secrets *Giving food is not giving love. Obesity
will hurt their health and decrease your pet’s
life span. Instead, give plenty of affection. Pet
them, brush them, love them and walk them.
The Power of a Pet Visit
Molly and I were at the Y last night and we got to
see Lexi again, the little girl who sent Molly the
letter. I remember the first time she came to read to
Molly her mom had to talk her into it. She slid down
the wall and stayed a little way away as she read
softly to Molly. She was very quiet and shy. I told
her how Molly was also very shy.
Last night we came in the door and a lot of children
came around to pet Molly, but one special little girl
{Lexi} came up to Molly and just started petting her
as if they were friends forever.
Thank you for letting me be a part of something so
special as PAWS. I know some of the stories but
now Molly and I have one of our own!
Donna Ciancaglione and Molly, Bear YMCA
Another Job for a News Hound In Athens, a stray dog has become an unofficial
mascot of city protests, an online sensation, and has
reaped another accolade by being featured in Time
magazine's 'Person of the Year' award.
Sable-furred Loukanikos was granted his own photo
gallery in the magazine's annual honors which this
year were dedicated to protesters across the world.
Widely known on the Internet as the Greek capital's
"riot dog," the central Syntagma Square canine has
his own Facebook page with over 24,000 hits.
AFP News - 12/11
PAWS has 501 (c) 3 status
Our tax ID # is 76-0780197
DE code is #11602 -- PA code is #48807
Donations happily accepted.
PET CARE CORNER Hospice Isn’t Just for People Anymore
We never seem to think about how precious the end
of a pet’s life can be. What is most surprising for pet
owners is how much veterinarians can offer in
enhancing their pet’s life in the last months, weeks,
and days. Veterinary hospice care, with the use of
multi-modal pain control, is a growing field of study.
Lack of pain can allow normal behaviors to re-
emerge and make your loved one feel better, which
is especially important.
Hydration, the use of subcutaneous fluids at home,
and some diet changes to encourage eating can help
your pet feel more like themselves.
In the end, it’s important to know you and your vet
can deal with anything that comes up together. In the
final months of a pet’s life, it is important that you
and your pet live the happiest lives possible together.
~ Dr. Sandra J. Platt, DVM
Dr. Platt is a house call veterinarian with a background in end-
of-life care. While she receives great satisfaction from her
work with animal hospice and euthanasia, she also takes
pleasure in healthy puppies.
…………………………………………………………………..
What a TREAT!
Waggies by Maggie and
Friends are the healthy
dog treats baked by none other than the real Maggie
and her real friends, persons with intellectual disabil-
ities – our new partners. In this new partnership,
PAWS offers specially-for-us created large bags of
bone-shaped treats or training bits for sale at
$10/bag. Maggie and her friends receive some of
that and PAWS keeps some. Help both nonprofits
out by buying Waggies at our events or online.
50 secrets *You can go to an online pharmacy and
get the same exact drugs you would get
from your vet for 1% to 20% off. But
check first to make sure it’s certified as a
Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS
certified) Some vets will also match online prices –
you just have to ask.
Wait, Don't Jump
Simple steps to keep
all four on the floor
It's pretty easy to teach your pup
NOT to jump on people. Train him to do an
incompatible behavior instead like sit – she can't
jump and sit at the same time.
First get the sit command foolproof - totally reliable.
Use treats, clickers, whatever works - slowly remove
the bribe so he sits on command EVERY TIME.
With your dog on leash, walk up to a friend, and stop
about 10 feet away. Ask for a sit and reward only
when it complies QUICKLY. If he doesn't sit, walk
away; try it from another direction, stopping again
and requesting the sit. If you aren't treating NOT
SITTING, he should get the idea pretty fast.
If your dog pulls you, turn and walk away, then ask
for the sit once it focuses on you again.
Now add some distractions and repeat the above
steps. Again, reward only for a prompt sit. Always
require your pet to sit immediately to receive the
really good treats. Soon he'll be sitting before you
even get to another person.
DogWorld.com - April 2011
50 secrets *If the plaque sprays and dental water
additives actually worked, none of the vets
would be telling you to brush your pet’s teeth.
TRAINING We here at PAWS take training very seriously. We
believe that knowledge is the key to better visits, more
confident therapy teams, and keeping PAWS the top-
notch therapy organization that it is.
We require Advanced Training of all teams.
We offer PAWS for Reading training
Autism Initiative Training
What Every Therapy Dog Should Know classes
conferences, workshops, and private sessions
Jump in and learn with us – the more you know, the
better able you are to help the folks you are visiting.
……………………………………………………….
If your dog doesn’t like someone, you probably shouldn’t either.
Pet Business Cards One of the best ways to leave
a lasting impression is to give
the people you meet your pet’s
business card. People LOVE these, keep them and
post them on their bulletin boards and refrigerators.
They remind people of your wonderful visit and also
provide impetus for conversation. Someone might
even think to make a donation to PAWS when they
look in their pocket and see your pet smiling at them.
You can order pet business cards online or call the
office. Send us the photo you want printed and we
will do the rest.
The Power of a Pet Visit
Walking down the hallway at Christiana Hospital, I
was stopped by a mother and her 2 adult daughters.
The mother reached down and said, “Oh my gosh, is
this Jasmine? My husband told us about the wonder-
ful visit he had with her.” Everyone in the group
looked rather sad. I asked the mother if we could
visit her husband, but she said it wasn’t a good time.
A little while later, I saw the same family on my way
out. One of the daughters (clearly upset) noticed us,
came out, and asked, “Can Jasmine come visit us
now?”
As I entered the room, it became clear that this
husband and father – the same person that Jasmine
and I had visited a week before – had just passed
away. Silence filled the room as Jasmine walked up
between the mother and one of her daughters,
offering a quiet condolence. Then she moved up to
see the gentleman that had just passed, looking at
him and putting her head on the sheets that covered
him. I was so amazed that this family would allow
Jasmine and me to visit them during such an
emotional time. As I went to leave the room, both
sons reached out their hands for me to shake – a
silent “thank you” to the work that Jasmine and I do.
Jeff Stidham and Jasmine
PAWS for People P.O. Box 9955 Newark, DE 19714-5055 302-351-5622
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 Karen Bengston Bill Sudell Luann D’Agostino Susan Trolio Stan Diver Le Dee Wakefield Dianne Galleshaw