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Upcoming Events
September
9 - VOYA Charitable Giving, West Chester, PA
11 - Fit4Mom, Glen Mills, PA
11 - Mushroom Festival Parade, Kennett Square, PA
12 - Milford Riverwalk Freedom Fest, DE
12 - Atglen Library Community Day, PA
12 - Brookside Car Show, Newark, DE
13 - Lums Pind Animal Hospital Open House, Bear, DE
13 - Diamond State Roller Girls, Newark, DE
15 - PAWS Social Gathering, Elkton Library, Elkton, MD
17 - BBC Guest Bartender Event, Greenville, DE
19 - Heart in the Game, Springer Jr. High, Wilmington, DE
19 - DE Family Emergency Preparedness Day, DE Agriculture Museum & Village, Dover, DE
19 - Elkton Fall Fest, MD
19 - Tractor Supply, Woodstown, NJ
19 - Paws in the Park, North East, MD
Click here
to see all upcoming events and to sign up!
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September 9th
PAWS' goal is to provide a positive reading experience where the reader builds confidence, strengthens literacy skills, and develop a love for reading. PAWS for Reading sessions are held during the day at schools and in the evening at libraries on a regular, set schedule. This training is required to become a PAWS for Reading therapy team.
Nemours Prep
October 14th
PAWS' therapy teams visit in several outpatient areas of Nemours/AI duPont Hosptial for Children. This
course covers the following:
- Overview of Nemours: logistics, required visitation techniques, etc.
- Types of patients and disabilities you may encounter
- Strategies and options to incorporate into your therapy visits
- Challenges you will face with this type of visit.
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3rd Annual Delaware Animal Hero Awards
Nominate a noteworthy animal for one of the following categories:
- Hero
- Service/Working
- Companion
- Therapy
Click here to learn more and download the application form.
Application deadline:
September 15th
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PAWS needs some things!
out our Wish List.
Following are a few of our top needs:
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Paper Products (paper or plastic plates, bowls and cups, plastic cutlery and napkins)
- Circle Labels (Avery 8293) for Community Event Stickers (for the kids)
- Large Cable/Zip Ties for Community Events
- Pilot G2 .07 BLACK pens for Stephanie
- White Card Stock
- More White Card Stock
- MORE White Card Stock
- Duct Tape for Community Events
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DOG TRAINING WITH SEAN
Are you interested in
Raising the level of your dog's obedience?
Learning to "read" your dog more accurately?
Learning some impressive visiting tricks?
Deepening the level of communication between you and your dog?
Check out the upcoming sessions:
September 6
Seminar: Leash Reactivity
September 13
Personalized Dog Training: Pet Therapy Style (6-week course)
September 13 Target Training
September 20
Seminar: Excess Energy
September 27
Tricks of the Trade
Check out all FOUR of our Dog Training classes by
clicking here
.
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Feedback Welcome!
Please contact Wendy with questions, feedback, suggestions, stories, and pictures!
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Amazing Tails:
Making Connections with PAWS
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Nick Batista, Nancy Shurkoff, & Sawyer at The Hickman
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Recently, Nancy Shurkoff, PAWS member, shared a beautiful story about a visit with Mr. Nick Batista, a resident of The Hickmann. Following is a brief excerpt of that story.
"We settled in chairs at the table near the window and
Nick handed me his binder of poetry. I've had the privilege of reading a few of Nick's poems during previous visits, but on this day, I read the entire binder of his poetry out loud to him.
The feelings Nick committed to paper were so striking that there were times my voice could barely squeak out the words that were clouded by my tears.
It's incredible the love, sensitivity, appreciation, pride, wisdom, and humbleness this man has in his being.
"I paused to tell him his poetry should be published. He thanked me and said he doesn't really care about that...maybe someday. But what he really enjoyed, what really meant the world to him, was hearing his poetry, hearing his words with the feelings he intended to be felt when he created them. This is what makes him happy.
"At that moment, without thinking, I blurted out - 'Nick, would you mind if I ask if we could arrange for a poetry reading here at The Hickman for your fellow residents?' I swear Nick's face lite up! He said he would be honored, offered to give me his poetry binders to take and copy (as long as I promised to protect and return them - which I solemnly swore to do!)."
"Nick was the first resident we saw this visit, for just a few moments, and the last one we saw this day, for many, many moments. A revelation occurred to me. The residents we visited with this day may have faded memories, but they will always have their moments. And Sawyer and I are here to give them the moments...the most wonderful, comforting, peaceful, happy moments we possibly can. And this moment I had with Nick will be something I will cherish for a lifetime."
This past Saturday, August 29th,
staff members, residents, and guests gathered at The Hickman for a reading of the poems by Nick Batista. It was a lovely morning; everyone had tears in their eyes as Nancy so eloquently read Nick's poems. It was a sweet and special event.
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Mark your calendar for this year's
Guest Bartender
Event:
Thursday, September 17th
6:00 - 9:00 PM
BBC Tavern and Grill
4019 Kennett Pike, Greenville, DE 19807
Come out to support your favorite bartender or click here to donate to their fundraising page.
Join us for dinner and 10% of your check will go to PAWS for People. Check out the menu
here.
100% of your tips will be donated to PAWS.
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PAWS Social Gatherings
Thanks to everyone who was able to join fellow PAWS members at the Social Gatherings in August. There is one more gathering scheduled and ALL may attend.
Stop in when you can and stay as long as you like - or until the sites lock the doors. Please bring a snack to share. Therapy companions welcome but not required. Please RSVP by clicking here!
Tuesday,
September 15th
, 6:30PM - 8:30 PM
Elkton Library, Elkton, MD
Photo Shoot
There are still times available for the final photo shoot (to take place during the September 15th Social Gathering).
Click here
to see the packages available and to register.
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Would you like to have your therapy companion featured in the 2016 PAWS for People Wall Calendar and Day Planner? You can send in your own picture or get a great new picture taken at the September 15th Social Gathering (see above for more info about the photo shoot).
PAWS Members - If you would like to send your own picture, please e-mail Wendy a HIGH quality picture (without people):
[email protected]
Deadline for entries:
September 15th
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Wanted: Committee Members
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Wanted:
Creative and Energetic Committee members to help plan this year's Jingle Bell Brunch.
This fun and festive event is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th
at Harry's Savoy Ballroom.
Committee members are needed to help with obtaining auction items and sponsors as well as planning decorations, activities, and the program.
Please contact Clarice with any questions or to volunteer.
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We are less than 3 months away from the Wag-n-Walk and it is time for our first fundraising challenge.
Challenge #4
Participants will receive 1 entry into the drawing for each $100 they have raised by September 30th. Donations can be made on-line using our fundraising website or off-line via cash or check. Donations must be received in the office by Wednesday, September 30th to count toward this challenge. The winner will be announced on Thursday, October 1st.
Thank you so much for your support of the Wag-n-Walk and PAWS for People!
Click here for more information about the Wag-n-Walk
Save the date:
October 24th
Delcastle Recreation Park
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 Did you know dogs aren't actually color blind? How about that the Newfoundland has webbed feet to help it swim? Or, that a third of all pet owners have admitted to speaking to their dog over the answering machine when they weren't at home? Click here to read these & other facts about dogs
in
this list
from RichStevens.com
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| Shining Stars: Janice Baldwin-Hench & Luka |
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Luka Baldwin-Hench, PAWS Therapy Companion
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"Wait For It"
She is a young adult with multiple disabilities. Let's call her Robin. She is wheelchair bound, doesn't speak, and has very limited vision and only in her right eye. Adding to Robin's burden is the abuse she experienced at the hands of the family member who tried to care for her.
When she came to CERTS at Smyrna, she was defensive, swinging at staffers and at my small dog Luka. When it was time to visit Robin, I kept my hands inches away from Luka, trying to give her a chance to feel his fluffy coat while being prepared to whisk him away from her flailing arms. Week by week, Robin became calmer, showing the effect of the patient and gentle care she is receiving at CERTS.
Today, Robin leaned forward in her wheelchair and touched Luka softly. She drew her hand back and touched his fur over and over. Moments like this one are never predictable but they are always worth working for. It's a privilege to be a part of making life better for Robin.
-Janice Baldwin-Hench, PAWS Member
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PAWS Partners
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