Spring 2013, Vol. 33

To Consider…
Brought to you by PAWS for People --- Pet–Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services,
Caring visits full of smiles!
PAWS Prints
SPRING – 2013, Volume 33
Fulfilling Dreams - Every Day
PAWS teams and the people we visit find joy and wonder each time we arrive. Below is the account of Clementine’s
very first visit written by her human, Janice – catch the magic!
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director
Today we went to Heritage House, an impressive facility in Dover, home to residents in
need of assisted living and Alzheimer’s care. This was one of our goals when we began
Dog 101 class in September 2012. In just 4 months, Clementine had accomplished so
much: completion of the basic obedience class, attainment of AKC Canine Good Citizen
status, an invitation to join PAWS for People, and the distinction of passing the PAWS
STEX test at the Advanced Level. But I wondered how our ready-fire-aim puppy would
do today when all the preparation was over and actual therapy visits began.
Clementine surpassed every hope I had for her, settling down immediately and making her first friends in the
entrance lobby. I hadn’t even finished signing in when I heard, “Oh, could you bring your dog over here? She’s
adorable.” She sat quietly, gazing at her admirers with the assurance of a much older dog. “Could I hold her?”
asked Rose, a woman whose pink nails matched her flowered shirt. I smiled and lifted Clementine onto her lap,
hovering a bit just in case. But I didn’t need to. She sat in Rose’s lap, tail wagging and body relaxed under her
stroking.
I had practiced conversation starters: hobbies, the weather, hometowns. But I didn’t need to use any of them.
It was all about dogs all the time. I heard about dogs who worked family farms, hunters, and ratters who lived in
the barns. In one apartment, we met Agnes sitting in her comfy lounger facing the TV and an enormous pillow.
On the pillow was a larger-than-life-size painting of Pepe, her beloved Chihuahua who had lived to eighteen.
The most poignant part of our visit came in the Alzheimer’s unit where the activities director led 11 seniors in
song. They formed a loose circle in the cozy sitting room as we came in. “Oh look! We have a visitor. Who is
this cute dog?” she asked. I was just saying her name when one resident raised her voice, “Me first! Put her on
my lap! I love dogs!” I lifted Clementine onto her lap and watched them settle in together. I began answering
questions that came in rapid fire. “What’s her name? How did she get that name? What kind of dog is she?”
and my favorite, “Where did she get those big ears?” By this time Clementine had turned belly up in Dorothy’s
arms and snuggled there enjoying the tummy rubs. Both of them looked blissful. Nancy smiled, “I think I know
what song we should sing next. How about ‘Oh My Darling Clementine’?” We didn’t know all the lyrics, but we
knew the chorus, and the room filled with singing.
In the summer of 2011, I was in the hospital for stomach surgery. One of the nurses talked about her Yorkie-Poo,
a therapy dog who visited there at Penn and at Children’s Hospital. I thought about how much I missed my own
dogs and began to consider the idea of becoming part of a pet therapy team. When 3 month old Clementine found
her way to us at the end of that summer, I wondered if the other part of that team had just come home. Today I
stood in the sunny parlor at Heritage House, listening to the voices. “Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my
darling Clementine!” Was it what I had imagined back in my hospital room?
No. It was even better.
Janice Baldwin-Hench and Clementine
P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714 ~~~ 302-351-5622 ~~~ PAWSforPeople.org
*Everyone
reading this page is invited to join us for our
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration
Sunday, April 14th -- 1:00 - 3:00 pm
The Lorelton - 2200 West 4th Street, Wilmington, DE
Help us thank our therapy teams, volunteers, and supporters
for your hard work and dedication to PAWS & pet therapy.
Warming
Hearts
One
at a
Time
This event is hosted by The Lorelton.
Please register in advance
online via PAWSforPeople.com or call 302-351-5622.
Therapy pets comfortable in crowded, noisy surroundings and
reliably friendly to other pets are welcome - friends and family, too!
What Does Your Pet Want?
Pay attention to their signals and take care of your pet.
All our PAWS pets are terrific therapy companions. They like people, they are
friendly, and in being just exactly who they are, they provide comfort and joy and good feelings.
And I know that we humans are proud of the deep and meaningful things our pets can accomplish.
But let’s get to an important basic, now - our pets’ comfort level.
Some of our PAWS dogs are calm and comfortable around other dogs. Some are NOT.
In my way of looking at things, if a dog finds the need to growl or snarl or snap or lunge, or in any way
show aggression, they are NOT happy. And we want all our therapy pups to be happy, comfortable in
their surroundings, and not feeling that they have to protect their owners or themselves.
Please be kind to your pet – give them the support they deserve
Take them visiting, let them give love to the folks they visit.
AND if they do not like to be near other pets, please give them the space they need.
Do NOT place them in situations where they are going to be uncomfortable or defensive.
A perfect example of this type of situation is the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Celebration.
Lots of people, lots of dogs, a 20 pound bunny, a lot of movement, noise, and commotion.
Some of our PAWS dogs aren’t fazed by this type of setting one bit.
Many would be much happier home curled up on the sofa chewing a toy, taking a break.
Another place to be wary of is a PAWS reading session that includes several teams. Entering and
exiting together puts your pup into tight spaces close to other creatures. We are not asking you to stop
visiting, just be aware of potential discomfort and stagger your entry, place your blankets far apart, and
be watchful for “across the room” eye contact.
Please listen to what your dog is telling you and be honest about his/her capabilities. Barking, growling,
snarling is NOT acceptable behavior at any event. Leave them home to rest and YOU come to the event.
You’ll have a better time and so will he/she/they.
So let me tell you just a bit about my own dogs and what I HAVE to do.
I have 3 marvelous goldens who all do terrific visits - I’m very proud of each of them.
However, Sunny, my sweetest and gentlest visitor, gets very excited around other dogs he’s just curious but he’s powerful; he pulls and looks like he’s out of control - he is.
He stays home if there are other dogs where I’m going.
Summer has been doing therapy work since she was 10 weeks old, but she’s developed
a low growl when other dogs get close - she stays home, too.
Calli is my 7 year old with double hip dysplasia - she hurts and no longer visits.
This is why you rarely see me with a dog - they are either too exuberant or inappropriate around other
dogs. I leave them home except for our “independent” visits and all four of us are a lot happier and look
a lot better.
Please think about what is going to make your own pet the happiest and don’t place them in a situation
where they will be anxious or protective or over-zealous and make you look very unprofessional.
THIS IS IMPORTANT: Keep on visiting, enjoy your interactions, and come to every PAWS event you
can - but most importantly, be an advocate for your pet and put their comfort level first. Lynne
Upcoming Spring Events 2013
Everyone is welcome to attend!
Katie Birney & Sady
See an event you would like to attend?
Contact Blythe Anne to sign up
@ [email protected]
Also check our website calendar & Blythe’s emails
For updated events and complete details.
April Events – 2013
13 – Students 4 Animals Fundraiser for PAWS
University of DE ~ on the green TBA
12pm -5pm, five or more teams needed!
14 – Volunteer Appreciation Event – 1pm-3pm
The Lorelton, 2200 W. 4th St. Wilm., DE 19805
18 – University of DE, “de-stress” – 6pm-8pm
Perkins Student Center, Academy Street
We can only have six teams for this one!
20 – Walk for Autism – Lewes, DE, 10:30am-2pm
Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes, DE 19958
1-2hr shifts. 4 teams needed.
27 – “Canine Spring Carnival” – 11am-3pm
GiggyBites Bakery & Marketplace
100 Ridge Road, Chadds Ford, PA 19317
Teams needed for Kissing Booth 1-2hr shifts
18 – Bellefonte Arts Festival – 10am-4pm
803 Brandywine Blvd. Bellefonte, DE 19809
1-2 hr shifts, six teams needed
18 – Locke Avenue Fun Day – 1pm-6pm
Locke Avenue Park, 58 Locke Avenue
Woolwich Twp., NJ 08085
25 – Fair Hill Races – 10am-5pm
147 W. High St. Elkton, MD
Six teams for 1-2hr shifts.
Reading to children sessions offered to
Event goers
June Events – 2013
2 – Nascar Sprint Cup Series Race – Autism 400
Dover International Speedway
1131 N. DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901
Teams who can tolerate LOUD noises only.
May Events – 2013
4 – Dover Days – 80th year celebration – 9am-5pm
The Green near Legislative Hall, Dover, DE 19901
4 – PAWS on the Porch – 11:30am-9:00pm
Caffe Gelato and Home Grown Café
Dine- outside with your dog – bring your flyer!
Dine- in without a dog - bring your flyer!
PAWS will receive 15% back!
5 – Point to Point Races – 11:30-4pm
Winterthur Museum and Garden, Rt.52
Greenville, DE 19807
14 – U of DE “de-stress” – 6-8pm
On the green in front of Morris Library
Looking Ahead
PAWS is offering “Social Gatherings” in
each of our four visiting states, so YOU
can come, relax, and meet other PAWS
teams and PAWS staff!
No charge to you ~ just come for
FOOD, FUN, & FESTIVITIES!
Bring your PAWS therapy companion or bring a
friend. (Coming alone is fine, too.)
Further dates & locations TBA
New Therapy Teams
(January through March training classes)
A hearty welcome to you all!
New pets of our current members
Melinda Chichester & Toby, Golden Mix
Newest pet therapy teams
Amanda Armstrong & Honey, Lab Mix
Sarah Baker & Rosie, Lab/Golden Retriever
Karen Blewitt & Diesel, Maltese/Shih-Tzu Mix
Pam Brooks & Jessie, Golden Retriever
Jennie Brown & Annie, Yellow Lab
Olivia Brown & Annie, Yellow Lab
Susan Burkholder & Sambuca, Beagle/
Husky Mix
Shari Chase & Pongo, Labradoodle
Keri Collins-Mooney & Dudlee, Shepherd Mix
Anne Connolly & Jeter, Chocolate Lab/
Retriever
Carolyn Cotter & Woody, Golden Retriever
Jeanne Davis & Chien, Cockapoo
Dan DePietropaolo & Harriet, Bearded Collie
Julie Elliott & Bella, Pomeranian
Karen Garland & Johnny Barker,
Affenpinscher
Gina Giannini & Murphy, Border Collie
Madison Ginotti & Abby, Greyhound
Sandy Ginotti & Abby, Greyhound
Ken Guerino & Spike, Long haired Chihuahua
Susan Guerino & Spike, Long haired
Chihuahua
Tawanda Harbison & Gibbs, Puggle
Jennifer Haught & Duke, Labradoodle
Edna Haywood & Riley, Shih Tzu
Gail Holton & Gracie, Yellow Lab
Maria Jogani & Jake, Cockapoo
Kathy King & Chief, English Pointer
Laurie Konopka & Sawyer, Black Lab Mix
Sarah Konrad & Sweetie, Newfoundland Mix
John Lewis & Sparkle, Golden Retriever
Catherine Medeo & Khuna, Bernese Mtn Dog
Christine Miehle & Piper, American Cocker
Spaniel
Martin Nemerofsky & Chloe, Yellow Lab
Patricia O’Donnell & Max, German
Shorthaired Pointer
Karen Pergler & Casper, Bichon Frise
Anthony Prizzi & Riley, Pitbull Terrier Mix
Peggy Rappa & Abbey, Cocker spaniel
Crystal Rau & Trina, American Pitbull
Terrier
Kristin Reaume & Chunk, English Bulldog
Sarah Sarcone & Murphy, Pug
Melanie Sieber & Trudy, Rottweiler Mix
Anne Marie Solomon & Daisy, Golden
Retriever
Joe Solomon & Daisy, Golden Retriever
Ingrid Thomas & Josie, Collie Mix
Nicole Virgilio & Emmitt, Golden Retriever
Valerie Walton & Max, Yorkshire Terrier
Lisa Weldon & Jazz, Yellow Lab
Retiring...
thank you for your kind service
Jan DellaPazze
Blythe Anne Lundstrom and Leslie
Carol Lovett and Snickers
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The main objective of PAWS visits?
...to provide
the very best visit possible
for everyone we meet.
PAWS Handbook
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In loving memory of...
We are saddened to report the deaths of the following
much loved and respected members:
Buttons Bednar, a beautiful
tuxedo cat found after Hurricane
Irene, was adopted by John and
Sharon Bednar in 2011 at 3 weeks
old. She had the gift of bringing smiles and
encouragement to young readers in libraries and was
the first PAWS for Reading cat in NJ. Buttons passed
unexpectedly at the age of 1 ½.
Nala DallePazze, a sweet tempered Bull Mastiff, joined PAWS in
July of 2011 with her devoted owner,
Jan DallePazze. Nala and Jan visited
The First State School, comforting
chronically ill children and adolescents. Nala passed
away at the age of 7.
Thunder McCabe, a kind and
gentle Black Lab, gave the residents
at Sunrise of Wilmington a reason to
smile. He joined PAWS in 2009 with
his owner, Marianne McCabe and
passed on at the age of 8.
Ranger Shultz, a gentle-eyed
Doberman, visited The Rockford
Center with his owner, Teri Shultz
after joining PAWS in April of 2012.
The duo found joy in comforting
mental health patients. Ranger died at the age of 8.
DoFuss Turoczy, a seasoned
PAWS dog with a name and face
hard to forget, shared his loveable
personality on trips to Christiana
Hospital and Somerford Alzheimer’s
Unit, with owner Cyndi Turoczy. DoFuss passed
away at the age of 10.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
In recognition of our PAWS pet’s
deep and meaningful contribution
to the health and well-being,
PAWS offers several ways to
honor our deceased pets. Please
call the office for more details.
Krista Rahman
Hello, I’m excited to join PAWS as the Special
Events Coordinator. I’ve been volunteering with my
dog Tucker since January of last year. We currently
visit The Lokey Center in Elkton for adults with
disabilities, and PAWS for Reading at Southern
Elementary. We’ve also participated in the PAWS
by Special Request program.
I worked at JP Morgan Chase for 18 years before
becoming the office manager for my husband’s
telecommunications business. Volunteering has
always been part of my life and something I
thoroughly enjoy.
I look forward to meeting many of you at the
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. I’m always
looking for friendly folks to join committees and/or
volunteer. If you have any questions or suggestions
feel free to send me an email, Krista.
[email protected]
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Ways to Make a Visit Special
If you think your visiting is getting stale or needs a
little pick-me-up, try some of the ideas suggested by
our own PAWS members.
Making it SPECIAL
Look around your friend’s surroundings – you can
turn the conversation to something interesting in the
room which might in turn get a real conversation
going about who knows what – clocks or tv shows or
crochet patterns. People keep things around them
that mean a lot – look around and start chatting about
what you see.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Membership – another new slant
PAWS welcomes Teen and Junior members. They
are invited to come through training, STEX with your
pet, and start visiting. (Volunteering for PAWS is
terrific for community service requirements and
provides an enjoyable way to spend quality time with
your kids.)
Team Time
Can you believe that
PAWS and our wonderful
training assistants have
already trained 47 new
therapy teams this year? We are happy to have all of
our new volunteers and therapy companions ‘on
board’ with us!
We have a couple of new facilities that are available
for visitation in the new year as well: West End
Neighborhood House, Amedisys Hospice, and The
College School at UD. We are facilitating an
increase in visiting options in a few areas, including
southeastern PA and areas of NJ. Look for facility
updates throughout the coming months!
Lastly, we are excited to introduce ‘First Visit
Trainers’ to PAWS. These trainers are seasoned
PAWS members who will assist new teams on their
first visit. This will give both veteran and new teams
the opportunity to learn from each other. Check your
email for updates on all things team development!
- Cassie Gonce, Director of Volunteer Development
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PAWS Ambassadors
in the Community
Is there someone (or someones) that
is especially supportive of the
therapy work you do? Someone
like a nurse who always helps you
find the right people to visit or activities director that
invites you to the site’s activities. Maybe there is a
special custodian who keeps treats in his pocket or
teacher who has her kids ready for your visit.
PAWS wants to honor those folks who help you do
your job. So, we have designed a special certificate
recognizing our treasured Community Liaisons.
The certificate is available on our website. If there is
someone special you’d like to thank, just
1 - download the certificate, print and sign
2 - award it to your liaison during your visit
3 - let PAWS know whom you’re honoring
and we will print the names in upcoming newsletters.
The Power of a Pet Visit
As a volunteer for PAWS, I often get to see the
progress of children that read to my dog, Penny, and
witness the effects of her calming demeanor and
sweet nature. However, this month I have
experienced PAWS visits from a different
perspective. I have had the pleasure of working with
my mother Sharron as we split our time between 2
libraries and have begun taking my cousin's daughter,
Ariella (7), to PAWS for Reading sessions. She has
struggled with reading for a little over a year now and
I wanted to help her gain confidence as well as
socialize with other children and pets. She was
frustrated over the first few sessions, but has now
blossomed into a wonderful reader. Her mother told
me that Ariella has caught the reading bug and
simply can't get enough of it! Since coming to PAWS
she reads at home with mom and continues to look
forward to reading to the dogs at the Logan and
Mullica Hill libraries. I am glad that I could have this
experience to appreciate the work of the volunteers
and all of the pets. I would like to thank all of the
volunteers for their time and effort. You have
sparked an interest in a child's lifelong love of
learning and reading!
– Caitlin Messaros & Penny, Mullica Hill Library
Social Media - Do you…….
‘Like’ PAWS on Facebook
& share images of your therapy
pet visiting? facebook.com/PAWSforPeople)
- Follow PAWS on Twitter and retweet our stories?
(@PAWSforPeople)
- Have an account with our PAWS member
e-forum? (pawsforpeople.freeforums.org)
- Read our bi-weekly e-newsletter, sent through
Constant Contact?
- Look at our website, which is updated frequently?
There are many options to interact with us and other
PAWS members through the internet and social
media. We encourage you to use them! Contact
[email protected] with any questions.
We all have someone to thank. See if this new
certificate helps you do it in style.
~ Cassie Gonce, Webmaster
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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .
While he has not, in my hearing,
spoken the English language, he makes it
perfectly plain he understands it.
He uses his ears, tail, eyebrows,
various rumbles and grunts,
the slant of his cold nose,
or a succession of heartrending sighs
to get his point across.
. . . . . .
SEE no raised hackles
HEAR no growling
SPEAK no barking
In case you missed the article on page 3, please be
VERY aware of your pet and its needs. If your dog
doesn’t like to be near other dogs, please do them the
favor of keeping them happy and AWAY (far away)
from other dogs - PAWS dogs or others.
Your STEX certification states that there will be no
barking, growling, snarling, or other aggressive (or
frightening to other people) behavior.
Jean Little
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PAWS Notes by Erica
While some of you are quite familiar
with our office, I thought I’d share a
few fun facts, for our new folks!
Be kind to your pet and keep her/him feeling safe.
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Making it SPECIAL
Take a funny photo of your therapy companion and
give your recipients the photo – just remember to put
the pet’s name and the date on the back so folks will
know/remember why that photo has arrived.
The Power of a Pet Visit
Lucy the Cockapoo was a hit. It was our first visit
and the residents were so welcoming to her. She sat
next to a woman on a couch with her head on the
woman's lap and was being pet and loved when the
Newtown School shootings came on the TV. The
woman hugged Lucy and didn't seem to want to leave
her go as we watched some of the tragedy unfold.
Lucy was so sweet and loving to all she met. This
was a great first experience.
– Jane Knox & Lucy, Granite Farm Estates

5 is the number of interns we have this semester –
research, design, social media - they do it all!
 We have
3 office dogs named Calli, Sunny, &
Summer (giving the staff our own version of pet
therapy.)
 We sell over 15 PAWSWear items for pets and
people - bandanas, polos, sweatshirts, and more.
Order online or call the office!
 Known as our official color, the door leading into
our office is a classic PAWS green.
 And lastly, 646 is the amount of days I’ve enjoyed
being your Office Manager!
As always, thank you for making my job so fun and
rewarding!
~Erica Aguilar, Office Manager
Easter Bone Hunt #’s Just In…..
Adults Attending: 146
Kids Attending: 26
Dogs Attending: 90
Smiles: Innumerable
The Silver Screen?
Not quite!
Have you checked our website recently? Besides
tons of info about PAWS, pet therapy, and our
programs, you are likely to see YOU and your
THERAPY PET in our photo gallery.
Which reminds me to remind you - please send
YOUR photos to Erica via the website. You will
soon see yourself “in the pictures.”
Making it SPECIAL
Bring your favorite/s a fresh flower picked from
your garden. A dollar store vase would come in
handy here, too.
Community Spirit
UD Student Volunteer Believes in
PAWS’ Power To Heal
Psychology major Katie O’Connell found unexpected
relief from the stress intense studying when she
walked outside of UD’s Morris Library to see 3
PAWS’ therapy teams. Soon she began to volunteer
at our community events and now combines her
PAWS’ experience with her career passion, as a
therapy team at MeadowWood, which offers
psychiatric health and addiction treatment services.
Shy herself and anxious about her first day as a
volunteer, it all came together, when she encountered
her first “stereotypical” client.
“As soon as I walked onto the unit I saw a man full
of tattoos and piercings,” she said. “He didn’t look
like he’d enjoy a visit, but he came up to Pilot with
arms opened wide, saying, ‘I had a poodle! I love
these fluffy guys!’ We talked for our entire stay and
everyone thanked me for sharing Pilot. My experience showed me never to place judgment, and how
effortless it can be to turn someone's day around.
“Seeing how much my dog's company benefits others
by easing their worry, bringing joy and life to their
faces and encouragement to fight their current illness,
gives me hope for the future of therapeutic
practices.” - Katie O’Connell & Pilot
~ Blythe Lundstrom, Community Outreach Director
The Power of a Pet Visit
WH T?
PAWS invites all PAWS teams (and non-PAWS
teams) to take advantage of 6 dog training lessons
focused on building a closer relationship between
you and your pup. We teach lots of good visiting
skills in addition to helping you sharpen some of
your basic skills. Check out our next series - starting
in May. – PAWSforPeople.org.
PAWS has 501 (c) 3 status
Our tax ID # is 76-0780197
DE code is #11602 -- PA code is #48807
Cecil County # coming soon.
Donations happily accepted.
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For me a house or apartment becomes a home
when you add a set of four legs, a happy tail,
and that indescribable measure of love
we call a dog.
Roger Caras
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Awards
Thanks to:
Member Daphne Neveras-Lupfer for
inviting Lynne and Sundance to speak
at an Accenture meeting. (and thanks to Accenture
for the lovely donation.)
One child's family had just to put down their family
dog. After she told me all about it and read for a
while, she asked me if she could stay with me a little
longer "to socialize" and to love my dog. Bonkers
crawled into her lap and she loved him and wept for
several minutes. I was weeping, too.
Kate Birney, sales rep for StayBridge Suites and
PAWS member, for bragging about PAWS to her
colleagues which has piqued their interest in
sponsoring our events and sending 14 volunteers to
help out at the Easter Bone Hunt.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
– Michael Larkin & Bonkers, Highlands Elementary
PAWSWear sales
Making it SPECIAL
Folks love to talk about “the good old days” – so
encourage that. Ask about what it was like to be
young in the thirties, or be a working woman in the
fifties, or what did they do before television.
Pick a topic – they will open right up.
Order your pet business cards
and spring PAWSWear now to
avoid the June rush! We have
several types of short-sleeved t’s
and polos, as well as doggie bandanas,
notecards (with your pet on the front), and
replacement leashes/nametags. Spruce up for spring.
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PAWS for Reading
Making it SPECIAL
Adapting to Client Needs
Better than a photo of your pet = a photo of your pet
with the person you’re giving it too. That type of
photo doesn’t need a permission form – just as long
as you are giving the photo to the person and not
keeping it for your scrapbook.
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When PAWS for Reading was
first established, we offered reading sessions in
classrooms and libraries alike. Those sessions looked
pretty much the same: child, blanket, books snuggled
on the floor happily reading in a fun, non-judgmental,
environment. Eight years later, we still present the
same on the outside, but what is happening on the
blanket may be very different. PAWS for Reading
has evolved into 4 specialized programs, all working
to adapt to the needs of our client - the child.
Types of PAWS for Reading Programs
Library Programs – These are the most straightforward sessions, but require teams to have the most
adaptability. We can encourage and support children
of all ages and abilities! These programs are hosted
evenings, Saturdays, and summer weekdays.
School Programs – PAWS for Reading encourages
schools to utilize our program with children who are
struggling or reluctant readers. IPads or other ereaders tend to be a hit with these kids as it
introduces literature in a more dynamic light.
Crossover Programs – In a crossover program,
reading is one of the therapeutic interventions a
PAWS team may use. Initially established at the
Terry Center for children in an inpatient psychiatric
setting, many schools have requested the Crossover
for their ILCs which serve children with a variety of
social, emotional, psychological or behavioral
challenges. Children gain much from brushing a dog,
playing a game, or “walking” a double-leashed dog.
PAWrific Events
Our Winter Conference was
held February 23rd and what an
event it was. From workshops
to vendors to Dr. Paul Rosen our keynote speaker,
the day was filled with information, friends, and who
could forget those massive whoopie pies?
As Spring arrived so did our annual Easter Bone
Hunt held at the Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast on March
23rd. Ninety dogs and their families enjoyed a
wonderful afternoon hunting eggs, playing games
and visiting with the Easter Bunny. Thanks to
everyone for coming out and spending some time
with PAWS.
Our Volunteer Appreciation Celebration is just days
away. This is a day to honor YOU and all those
things you do to Warm Hearts one PAW at a Time.
Please join us on Sunday, April 14th from 1:00 p.m. –
3:00 p.m. at The Lorelton as we spend the afternoon
celebrating our wonderful therapy teams. It’s not too
late
to
RSVP,
please
contact
me
at
[email protected].
Krista Rahman, Special Events Coordinator
Pre-K PAWS – Recently we
have been approached about
working with pre-readers in a
variety of settings, inspiring us to create Pre-K
PAWS. Teams will be provided with age-appropriate
activity packs to use with our youngest “readers” in
order to encourage and support literacy in a preschool
environment. We are looking for reading teams with
a passion for working with little ones as well as
funding to support the “PreK Packs.”
Just like traditional visiting, PAWS for Reading
prides itself on offering individualized, specialized
visits for all of our readers. For more info, contact
[email protected].
~ Stephanie Barry, Director of PAWS for Reading
The Power of a Pet Visit
My mother was visiting from Florida for the
holidays. She decided to follow along when I went to
Carney's Point on Christmas Eve to see what Kodi
and I do with PAWS. After each visit, my Mom gave
a Christmas card to everyone. Not only were my
Mother and I able to spend quality time together, but
we were able to share the holiday with those that
have no one to share it with. It was the most
meaningful Christmas Eve I have had in a long time.
– Loretta Hayward & Kodi, Carney’s Point
Making it SPECIAL
Does your special friend like music? You could
bring some music from their favorite singer or
composer and listen to it with them.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Buck $tops Here
Gives Grant to PAWS!
What more can we say than PAWS
volunteers are the best!! They donate time, energy,
and love to help people in our community and now
they are finding new ways to help PAWS.
Michelle Turpen, who is a PAWS for Reading
therapy team in Gloucester County, NJ, approached
her employer for a grant to PAWS…and she got it!!
Thanks to Michelle, BlackRock is giving PAWS
$1,500 to support our therapy teams who visit in
hospitals, youth shelters, and with hospice. Michelle
says she was inspired to reach out to her employer
after reading last fall’s article about PAWS member
Mary Chris Thompson securing a grant from her
employer Staples. Like many companies, BlackRock
and Staples support the volunteer efforts of their
employees…thank you, Mary Chris and Michelle!
A Huge Round of APPLAWS
We have many people &
groups to thank for helping
us do what we do.
Thanks to……
You who are reading this newsletter. Thanks for caring
and doing whatever you do to help us help the pets to
help so many people!
PAWS Winter Conference: Wendy Lewis, chair, Cathy
West, Suzanne Fields, Laura Ignarski, Patrice Allen - our
biggest and by far the best conference in PAWS history.
Easter Bone Hunt: Krista Rahman, chair, Cathy and Jaime
Miller, Maureen McDonald, Krista’s daughter Amber.
>>>>>>>>>See insert on page 8 for success of event in #’s.
All those pups and kitties and bunnies that represent
PAWS out there making so many people happy.
Shannan Harris for hosting PAWS on her WITN tv show.
…and thanks to those folks who are already working on
the Wag-n-Walk for our big October fundraiser. (It’s not
too late to volunteer for this one. Contact Krista.)
Pet TherapyCorner
Blind dog gets seeing-eye cat!
When 8-year-old Labrador mix Terfel started losing
his eyesight, he began confining himself to his bed to
avoid bumping into things. But then his owner, Judy
Godfrey, let a stray cat into their home and something amazing happened. The cat approached Terfel
and sensed that he couldn’t see. Using her paws, she
coaxed him out of his bed and led him to the garden.
Today, the unlikely pair is virtually inseparable and
Pwditat serves as Terfel’s seeing-eye cat, guiding the
blind dog around the house and through the garden.
(Pet therapy for the pets - you gotta love it! ldr)
Submitted by Brenda Yannuzzi
www.mnn.com/family/pets/stories
I have found that when you are deeply
troubled, there are things you get from the
silent devoted companionship of a dog that
you can get from no other source.
Doris Day
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Making it SPECIAL
Has your conversation with your favorite visiting
friend ever turned to a special hobby or talent that
person enjoyed? How about gifting them with a
magazine or article you found on that topic?
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PET CARE CORNER
Allergy Attacks
Fleas, pollen, bacteria, and
food ingredients can trigger
allergy attacks in your dogs.
Here are some natural remedies to counter an attack:
- Calendula ointment is an herbal medication
used to relieve itching.
- Oatmeal bath shampoo with cool water can
help ease the itch.
- Benadryl Antihistamine is commonly used
to help with itching in dogs.
Keeping the dog cool and comfortable will help as
well as recognizing the triggers and starting treatment
early help prevent a full blown attack. Socio.com
PAWS for People
P.O. Box 9955
Newark, DE 19714-5055
302-351-5622
Return service requested
PAWS for People  Caring visits full of smiles
Pet-Assisted Visitation
Volunteer Services, Inc.
PO Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714
302-351-5622
www.PAWSforPeople.org
E-mail: [email protected]
Volunteer Recognition
Celebration
April 14 - RSVP soooooooon
Details inside
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director
A nonprofit, volunteer organization
serving DE, MD, PA, and NJ, our
mission is to lovingly provide elders,
children, and folks with disabilities
individualized, therapeutic visits with a
gentle, affectionate pet.
PAWS Board of Directors
Michelle Adams
Cathy Amick
Karen Bengston
Luann D’Agostino
Stan Diver
Dianne Galleshaw
Dave Hargarten
Kristin Landon
Mary Perno
Bob Reardon
Lynne Robinson
Bill Sudell
Susan Trolio
LeDee Wakefield
More reasons to
PAWS
New opportunities
new sites to visit
new programs
lots to learn
more to enjoy!