Our featured service dog candidates for May are 1/4 of the way through their training at PAALS. Each dog is featured above along with the Valued Veterinary Sponsor. PAALS could not make it without the dedicated veterinary professionals who lend their time and care to our dogs. All of our veterinarians who partner with PAALS do so because they want to do something special to touch the lives of those people PAALS serves, both through the animal assisted intervention programs PAALS offers and through service dog placement.
Scholarships Available for PAALS Literacy Camps
Scholarships are available to those who qualify for both the Summer PAALS Reading Camp at Big Red Barn Retreat and Summer PAALS Junior Reading Camp. These camps focus on decoding new words, reading quickly, accurately and with expression, building vocabulary, and overcoming barriers that block comprehension but all while integrating service dogs (and horses) in fun and interactive activities. For more information, call 803-788-7063 or visit www.paals.org/summer-paals.
Puppies, Puppies, Puppies.....
It's a great time to be at PAALS with an explosion of new puppies. Alice is just one of the many. We are serious about making sure we can meet all the needs of our community and these cutie pies are on their way to becoming service dogs. We are running a little low on names since we have brought in so many new puppies lately, so if you would be interested in naming a puppy in memory or honor of a friend, loved-one or beloved pet, please contact the development coordinator at 803-500-9099 or mrenwick@paals.org. Naming a PAALS dog in honor of a wonderful mom is also a touching Mother's Day thought.
Blythewood Mayor Putts for PAALS
at Midlands Gives
Several mayors from around South Carolina gathered at the South Carolina State Museum recently during the 2018 Midlands Gives Nephron Prize Challenge to show off their putting skills and make a hole in one for a local charity. Blythewood Mayor Mike Ross graciously accepted the invitation to putt on behalf of PAALS. Each nonprofit represented added $250 to their total amount raised.
PAALS is grateful for the support of Mayor Ross as well as the many other Blythewood residents who volunteer with PAALS or sign their children up for PAALS summer camps. This year's Midlands Gives campaign included raising funds for PAALS Empower Me programs such as the traditional PAALS Summer Camps as well as the newest PAALS Summer Literacy Camps. The purpose of the new literacy camps is to help youth ages 8-14 understand the obstacles they face when reading and work through those hindrances integrating horses and dogs into interactive activities. These camps are high energy, fun, and led by certified teachers and reading specialists. Scholarships are available for those who qualify. For more information or to register, go to https://paals.org/summer-paals/ or call 803-788-7063 for more information.
NE Trophies & Awards Lends a Paw to PAALS
PAALS depends on local businesses to help us and Northeast Trophies & Awards provides a discount for all of our Valued Veterinary plaques and nameplates as well as our yearly volunteer awards. We are grateful for their partnership. They are conveniently located on
Forest Drive in Columbia, SC. Stop in and see Kevin and the gang.
Why Partner with a Nonprofit?
91% of consumers say they would switch brands to one associated with a cause.
87% of consumers want to see more products, services and retailers support worthy issues.
91% of consumers have a more positive image of a company linked to a cause.
87% of consumers are more likely to trust and 87% are more loyal to companies that support social issues
Weekend Fosters Our volunteers make PAALS run. We could not keep the commitments we keep without our volunteers. Our weekend fosters volunteer for outings on weekends and during the week.
Tuesday/Thursday Outings Group Each Tuesday and Thursday mornings volunteers gather at PAALS for puppy outings to socialize and provide exposures to the dogs in training.
Reading PAALS Our dogs enjoy listening to youth read during Reading PAALS events. For more information on how you can volunteer go to
www.paals.org and click on apply.
PAALS is thrilled to welcome Columbia Veterinary Emergency Trauma and Specialty clinic to the Northeast Columbia area. Locally owned and located at 1321 Oakcrest Drive, Columbia, SC, Drs. Tracy and Michael Schlicksup are dedicated to the advancement of veterinary medicine and to providing exceptional care to the community. CVETS is also sponsoring PAALS service dog candidates in training Foster and Alice, two of PAALS newest arrivals. The Schlicksups believe in helping the community and their partnership with PAALS shows they care.
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.
