PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Late June, 2020
Proud PAWS: PAWS for Reading Magic
PAWS for Reading virtual library visits may seem very different from in person visits. There isn’t a blanket to curl up on or bookmarks to share. Readers don’t get to pet our eager PAWS listeners. However, as this story from parent Cassie Crowley shows, PAWS for Reading can work its magic even from a distance.

Jocelyn's Story
My daughter, Jocelyn, struggles with reading. She needed motivation to persevere and I was worried she would fall behind because she wasn’t reading.

I was looking at the online opportunities offered by Cecil County Public Library, when I stumbled upon PAWS for Reading online. I decided to give it a try, and signed Jocelyn up hoping that she would like it. I was shocked by what happened next.

That morning, she happily read to my family via FaceTime. Later, she requested to read the same book again, so she would be ready to read to the dog. That evening, she lit up, showed pictures to the dog, and read enthusiastically. The volunteer offered her more time, so she started reading another book.

The following week, she read the book “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” by herself using the strategies that she has learned. Since then, she has read her first book to herself and was so proud. The highlight of her week is reading to the dogs. I can’t thank this program enough and she looks forward to her time each week. I’ve seen a drastic improvement at home.

Thank you to the Crowley family and our partners in the Cecil County Public Library system for sharing this story.
It's time for the Summer Reading Challenge!
Encourage reading and have fun along the way by inviting our PAWS for Reading pets into your home!
Everything you need is on our website. Register online and pledge to read 20 minutes a day between now and August 31. Once you're registered, you can download our program materials:
  • Summer Challenge Pledge form
  • Bookmark
  • Coloring pages
  • Reading log
  • BINGO card
  • Link to libraries offering virtual PAWS for Reading visits
Registered readers who hit the magic 1000 minute mark will receive a special reward from PAWS at the end of the program.
Celebrating PAWS return to in-person programs

A huge thank you to Barnes & Noble for hosting a book fair on Saturday supporting PAWS for People! This was our first in-person program since we suspended visits on March 13.

Thank you to Dawn Kisner & Kate, Tawanda Harbison & Mr. Gibbs and Jennifer Coombs & George for bringing joy to people who really needed some pet therapy. We could see the smiles through their eyes.
Did you know?
PAWS in the Workplace
Did you know if you get your supervisor’s permission, you can take your certified PAWS pet into work with you – on a regular basis?

We have several teachers, counselors, and therapists who use their certified PAWS pets in their work. We even have a few corporate employees who keep their dog by their side at their work station, reporting the increased calm and decreased anxiety that happens when there is a well-trained animal in the area.

To participate in our PAWS in the Workplace program, you will need to get some papers signed and use your own insurance or your employers (you are no longer volunteering if you are actually working and therefore aren’t covered under PAWS’ policy). Despite the extra paperwork, the many positives make it worth it.

Did you also know this week is Take Your Dog to Work Week ? Share your furry co-worker photos with us for an opportunity to be featured in our next newsletter!
Our Dog Training Courses ARE BACK!
We're so excited to announce the return of our IN-PERSON dog training classes that are open to the public. Five-week sessions start July 7, 9 & 10, and August 18, 20 & 21. Learn more here , or click the sign up button below!

Special COVID-19 Policies & Precautions are in place to keep everyone safe. We can't wait to see you again.
Get ready for the...
In light of indoor gathering restrictions in place due to COVID-19, this year’s PAWS conference has moved to a virtual platform. With a combination of live and recorded workshops from July 13-23, this year’s conference will offer registrants access to eight different presentations on variety of topics from the areas of Pet Therapy Work, Dog Training, and Pet Health & Wellness. The conference has something for every animal lover!

In addition, Dr. Ryan McKenzie, DVM (and member of the PAWS Advisory Board) will host a workshop on Pet Separation Anxiety. If you're making plans to return to the office after an extended period of time at home, this topic is a perfect fit for you.

Conference planning is in the final stages! Look for special email next week with event specifics and registration information.
Paula & Piper Bairstow
Paula Bairstow and her cute little mixed-breed dog, Piper, became PAWS members in September 2017. When they began, Paula had a goal in mind – to bring her dog into her mental health practice to support the needs of her clients, who are mainly children, adolescents, and families.

After training, they hit the ground running and have been successfully providing pet therapy at Delaware Guidance Services for Children and Youth, Inc. ever since. Piper accompanies Paula through our PAWS in the Workplace program, and in less than three years, they’ve achieved over 600 hours of volunteer service .

Thank you, Paula, for your contribution to pet therapy in the workplace. Thank you, Piper, for bringing adorable smiles and snuggles to everyone you visit with.
Nicole & Riley Mae Coady
Nicole Coady and her sweet, mixed breed pup, Riley Mae, joined PAWS for People in October, 2017. Both Nicole & Riley Mae love interacting with people and making them smile which makes them perfect for pet therapy.

Riley Mae's loving personality and enthusiasm truly shine when she is visiting. Nicole shared that Riley really seems to be a socializer and is extremely friendly when people come to pet her. She can hardly wait for approval before getting some love!

Nicole and Riley Mae have visited with patients at the Wilmington VA Medical Center and attend Community Events.

Thank you, Nicole, for being part of the PAWS team. Thank you, Riley Mae, for your energy and your warm cuddles you provide to so many!
Many thanks to our PAWS Partners!
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