PAALS Earns Re-accreditation Through ADI
Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services is proud to announce that we have successfully completed the re-accreditation process through Assistance Dogs International. Maintaining high standards for the service dogs in training, staff, and volunteers is important to PAALS, which is why we chose to seek membership through accreditation into ADI, a coalition of not for profit assistance dog organizations that uphold rigorous expectations for its members. PAALS was initially accredited in 2012 and membership in ADI is good for 5 years. The purpose of ADI is to
  • improve the training, placement, and utilization of assistance dogs
  • improve staff and volunteer education
  • educate the public about assistance dogs,
  • advocate for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs.
The assessor, who reviewed PAALS protocols and interviewed clients, staff, and volunteers, was quite impressed with PAALS programs and said that she could not find anything to recommend that PAALS could do differently. Part of what PAALS does that is so special is its Animal Assisted Intervention Programs that use service dogs in training in educational and therapeutic settings. While the service dogs are in training, they help educate others about assistance dogs, including students in enrichment programs such as School PAALS and Reading PAALS. Summer PAALS camps also focus on the basics of dog care, training, and community service all while pairing campers up to train a service dog candidate.
 
Not only is this the second round of accreditation in ADI for the nonprofit, but PAALS is also celebrating 10 years of service in 2017. What a great way to commemorate a decade of enriching and empowering the lives of those who can benefit from an assistance dog. 
Summer PAALS @ The Farm 
A Favorite of Campers
A Special Week of Learning to Understand oneself and how one relates to others: Of all the Summer PAALS camps, The Farm location at The Big Red Barn Retreat in Blythewood, SC, focuses on team building and working with animals to understand oneself. This camp is a favorite for all who attend. Farm camp was held the week of June 19-23. 
Team Building
Junior trainers had to rely on the skills they learned to get their dogs and themselves safely across  imaginary alligator infested waters, staying on the wooden boards and in the hula hoops at all times.
EGALA Work
 Teams of three had to work together to figure out how to gain the horse's trust enough to put the lead rope on.  Working with animals helps campers better understand themselves and how they relate to others.
Three Events Planned to Celebrate IAD Week
Fireflies Game
$10 Tickets will be available starting Friday, July 7th at www.paals.org/fireflies
$5 from each ticket is donated to PAALS.
PAALS Night @ WOB
Join PAALS staff and volunteers for a fun evening of raffles, trivia, and some love from a few PAALS pups on freetime.
All Aboard
PAALS weekend foster session is a train ride compliments of the Rockton Rion Railroad. The Excursion takes participants through the path used to transport granite from the old quarry.
PAALS Recipient of Three Grants in June
One of PAALS newest students Moose was on hand recently to help accept a $5000 check from the Grainger Community Grant Foundation to refurbish the large puppy playground at PAALS training school. This is the main area in which pups run and play as well as where clients and summer campers spend time bonding with PAALS dogs. Moose is pictured with PAALS Executive Director Jen Rogers and Trip Taylor, Branch Manager of W.W. Grainger, Inc's Columbia, SC, location. The Grainger Foundation, an independent, private foundation based in Lake Forest, Illinois, was established in 1949 by William W Grainer, founder of W.W, Grainger, Inc. 

PAALS also received a Wells Fargo Community Grant in the amount of $1000 to support service dog training for veterans and a $1000 grant from AllState Insurance to support PAALS Weekend Foster and volunteer programs. 
PAALS Position Available
Join the PAALS Family.  If you have a special love of animals and a knack for caring for them, PAALS may be the perfect place for you. Learn animal care while working as the PAALS overnight caretaker. Housing included as well as a weekly stipend. Flexibility with working two weekends a month on an as needed basis. PAALS pups usually go home with fosters on weekends, but occasionally enough fosters and pup sitters are available. Click link below to apply. 
Apply for AACC/OCT
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About PAALS
PAALS is South Carolina 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to enriching and empowering children and adults with physical disabilities and social needs by training service dogs and providing animal assisted educational and recreational activities. PAALS relies on a network of volunteers and private donations to perform this mission. PAALS does not receive any government funding. PAALS is the only Assistance Dog International (ADI) accredited program based in South Carolina.