PAWS for People Community e-Newsletter: Mid April, 2020
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The Virtue of Virtual Visits
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As the world we live in is changing rapidly, PAWS has adapted its programs to meet the needs of those we visit when we are able. For many, a visit from a gentle, loving pet has never been more wanted and needed than right now. We are in awe of our brilliant PAWS teams, who have demonstrated an amazing ability to change with the times and find new ways to share the joy of pet therapy. If there’s one silver lining to this COVID cloud, it's shown how positive our volunteers are about staying connected with those they visit. These virtual visits may not offer physical comfort, but they do provide emotional comfort to the recipients. Right now, that’s priceless.
Here are just a few of the many messages we have received over the past weeks.
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Lee Halloran from Beebe Healthcare in Sussex County, DE shared, “Our lab reached out to Monique and Mac Bamforth this week and they reached back out the same day and it was so heartwarming!”
Monique shared the photos she sent with PAWS and said, "I hope some of the people we visit weekly get to see our photos and know how much we miss them!"
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Nancy Brock and Honey transitioned right from in-person/pup visits to live Zoom sessions with Einstein Academy students in Wilmington, DE.
Nancy shared that April 3 was a special day for Honey, "She completed her 400th therapy visit with her favorite munchkins. We’ll celebrate when we can be together again."
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Jenn Coombs-Kelly and George sent photo cards and handwritten notes to the residents they regularly visited at UMC Pitman in Pitman, NJ. (George dictated to Jenn.)
Sharon Yesner from UMC Pitman reached out to say, “The message and George’s business card were great. I had the opportunity to give them to the residents in the Tapestries unit. They loved them.”
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Cindy Stolson took a quick pic of the personal notes she and Roxy sent to some of her favorite residents at Brandywine Senior Living in Rehoboth Beach, DE. "The residents fawn all over Roxy when we visit. I am sure they miss her as much as we miss them."
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Laury Kusner shared, "Daisy and I have been visiting at Foulk Manor North for five years. We really miss everyone there since we haven’t been able to visit for a month. I know that many of the residents and staff are missing us too. Daisy and I made flyers to give to the residents and to post for the staff. Our next door neighbor children helped decorate these so each flyer was unique and colorful. When I dropped off the flyers, I was able to speak briefly with a staff members outside who was happy to receive them. I hope this little project helped spread a little PAWS magic and gave a few people a smile."
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PAWS for People's COVID-19 Response
Given the latest information regarding COVID19 from public health agencies, input from places we visit, and our volunteers, PAWS for People's programs, visits, and events are suspended until the four states in our service area call an end to the current “stay at home” order.
We will continually evaluate this rapidly changing situation and will communicate PAWS’ updates with you as they evolve.
As always our first concern is the health and safety of our volunteers, our pets, and the people we visit. Please follow the guidance of public health officials to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Be safe and well,
Lynne Robinson
Executive Director
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Paused PAWS Programs & Events
Click below to learn more about our programs and events and updates about when they will resume.
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PAWS Staff - What Are We Up To?
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Moira Stephan, Training Director
Reading Before:
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
Reading Now:
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Reading Next:
The Boy from the Woods by Harlen Coben or
Hidden Valley Road by Robert Kolker - I can’t decide
Playing: Ramp Shot, Darts, Prez (a card game), Banana Grams, and Scrabble
Enjoying: Photo projects and my husband’s cooking
Loving: Bonfires, nature hikes, our back deck, and the family time that is so good for my soul
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Sammy Taylor, Volunteer & Site Coordinator
Creating: Painting, Drawing, Playing Ukulele, Finding out I’m not a seamstress
Reading: The Final Day by William R. Forstchen (Final 3rd book in series)
Playing: Don't Starve Together (PS4), Unstable Unicorns (card game)
Listening to: Hamilton soundtrack, Ben Platt, Ramin Karimloo
Cooking: Trying new recipes from Hello Fresh
Resisting: Cutting my hair, Dyeing my hair the color of the rainbow
Trying: Exercise
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Lynne Robinson, Executive Director
Watching: British detective show
New Tricks
Reading: Anything I can get my hands on
Enjoying: Creating alcohol ink paintings by the dozen
Craving: Gardening using my surprise seed delivery
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Dawn Kisner, Coordinator for Kent & Sussex Counties & Social Media
Watching: Saved episodes of Chicago PD, This is Us, and The Goldbergs on my DVR
Reading: Untamed by Glennon Doyle and Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Painting: My bathroom
Baking: Too many carb-filled goodies
Playing: With the pups
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Did you know…
...a therapy pet can provide motivation, focus, and fun for someone who is doing repetitive exercises in a PT or OT setting? Think how much more interesting it would be to brush a dog 50 times or kick a ball for a pet many times than do that same exercise just by itself. People’s attention shifts from “oh, no, I have to lift this weight 20 times” to laughing at the pet doing something amusing 20 times. PAWS teams work directly under the guidance of a licensed PT or OT, supporting what the therapist has scheduled by encouraging your pet to get in the middle of the activity. You and your pet make the therapy fun!
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Pets and Plants –
A Favorable Tail
Having thrown shade (pun intended) to a number of outdoor and house plants that can be caustic to our pets, I was asked to offer some safe options for use indoors and in the landscape. There are a number of pet friendly options, and here a couple for your outdoor living space:
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Roses (Rosa spp) - With over 100 species, this sun-loving woody shrub can offer endless possibilities in your garden without having to be too concerned if your dog or cat decides to take a bite of the leaves. If they try to gnaw on the stems, the thorns will be a deterrent and may even leave a mark, but toxicity is not an issue. However, not all plants that contain the word rose are safe, such as Christmas rose, desert rose, or primrose.
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Petunia (Petunia x atkinsiana) - There are over 20 species of this low-profile flowering plant, but the most popular is an annual variety, which is a hybrid. They are non-toxic to pets, and big swaths of their vibrant colors are often seen throughout the Summer season. Add these easy-care annuals to your garden guilt-free and enjoy the proliferation of flowers.
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Zinnia (Zinnia elegans or Zinnia violacea) - A member of the daisy family, Zinnia come in a wide variety of colors and growing habits; some are small and low growing, while others offer huge blooms and a growth height of up to 3-feet. Whatever variety you choose, rest assured that it will not pose a threat to your dog or cat. These sun-lovers are a great cut flower and make for a festive table arrangement to brighten the home.
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All of these plants are sun worshipers, so you won’t be able to enjoy their full potential if they’re not situated in their rightful environment. We’ll examine some options for shade gardens another time. What’s important to note is that if your dog or cat decides to dine on any of these, your landscaped may be comprised, but it should not result in a special trip to the Veterinarian.
- Cate Bryson, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager
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Social Distancing Visual Aids
Illustrations by Max Pepper, CNN
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Two Adult Cats at Full Extension
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Two Very Well-Trained Golden Retrievers Waiting in Line for Treats
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Elisabeth Simmons has been a champion of the PAWS for Reading program from its beginning in 2006. As the Youth Services Librarian at Kirkwood Library, Elisabeth proudly shares that Kirkwood was the first PAWS for Reading library partner. Her dedication to PAWS, however, knows no limits. Wanting to experience PAWS Pet therapy from both sides, Elisabeth took the time to complete the PAWS therapy team training and become a certified therapy team with Executive Director Lynne Robinson's founding dog, Boo Radley. In addition, Elisabeth has been a tireless volunteer on event committees through the years, including the Jingle Bell Brunch and Spring Fling. She has spoken at PAWS Volunteer Appreciation events and Conferences, and donated countless supplies and goodies. Elisabeth is the Literacy Advisor on the PAWS Advisory Board, channeling her passion for children’s literacy to guide the PAWS for Reading program. Thank you, Elisabeth, for sharing your sage counsel, warm smile, and generous spirit with PAWS!
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Ruth Wuenschel saw the impact her sweet cockapoo, Chloe, had on her mother and knew she should share her gifts with others. Ruth and Chloe joined PAWS for People in December 2016, and, since then, this dynamic duo has done all manner of visits. Beginning with PAWS for Reading at Darby Community Public Library, Ruth and Chloe have visited the Media Courthouse as Courthouse Companions, the Please Touch Museum, Granite Farms Estates, Radnor and Lynnewood Elementary Schools, a Special Request visit, and the Swarthmore Public Library, to name just a few. Ruth and Chloe completed their Master’s Certification and Nemour’s Prep Training in January 2019 and began visiting Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children last spring. Chloe’s gentle, sweet nature wins over everyone she meets and makes her a particular comfort to the children at Nemours. Thank you, Ruth, for sharing Chloe’s calm, healing presence with so many people in need. Thank you, Chloe, for being loving and adorable with everyone you visit!
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Thank You to Our PAWS Partners
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Donate While You Shop
The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases when selected by customers. Choose PAWS for People when you log in:
smile.amazon.com
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Try Chewy.com & Support PAWS
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