In December, 2013, Roger, my golden retriever, and I embarked on the world of pet therapy with a visit to the priests at the Oblates of St. Frances de Sales. For several years, we met at 10 on Tuesday mornings for coffee and an extended visit. We fell into a comfortable rhythm with three men in particular: Father Sarro, Brother John, and Father George. But, as often happens, those we love leave, and we are left with both the joy of remembrance and the sorrow of loss.

Last week, along with Ivy, my English Labrador Retriever puppy, I made a return visit to the Oblates, where I introduced her to Father George. This time, he and I sat six feet apart wearing protective masks. He had prepared a cup of coffee for me, and set out water in a large cookie tin for Ivy. We caught up; he told stories. We laughed; we sat in silence. At my last visit, Roger wore a support-harness; today, Father George used a walker.

Life changes, but some things remain: friendship, connection, and the healing power of a puppy.

The Annual Appeal is our only direct request for your support of PAWS’ mission. PAWS needs your help to continue providing PAWS Pet Therapy to help more people!

December 1 is Giving Tuesday - a global day of giving to causes you care about - like PAWS for People. In this season of celebration, joy, gratitude, caring and helping others, PAWS thanks all our members and friends who generously support us year-round in many ways to ensure that PAWS Pet Therapy continues.

Win some holiday gifts for yourself or the special people in your lives in our twist on the Spring Fling! Creatively reimagined, we're excited to share the same healing and hope provided by PAWS for People throughout this year and have some virtual fun with our raffle. We hope that you will be inspired and your spirits lifted by the magic created by PAWS pet therapy programs.

Raffle tickets are on sale online beginning now through Sunday, December 6. Check out the items and pick up some tickets!

We have 30 fantastic packages with a wide variety of themes from games & puzzles to baking & cooking to food & travel. There is truly something for everyone!

During the 2019-20 school year, PAWS Autism Initiative teams visited 16 Delaware Autism Program classrooms in Brennen School and 6 elementary schools in Christina School District. This of course, abruptly ended in the spring with the shut-down of all Delaware Schools. PAWS for People and the Delaware Autism Program continue working together to identify potential opportunities as the Christina School District moves forward virtually.

One of our neighbors, Jen, happens to be a teacher whose classroom Sadie and I visited last year. In October Jen reached out to me with some ideas for how we could participate in their virtual program. In their schedule, the students have a 15-minute activity window once a month. Here is how Sadie & I participated.

October: “School Supply List” is the vocabulary word list. After the students identify the vocabulary word, “we see if Sadie has it in her backpack”, and then the students show theirs! It's amazing how many oversized props can "come out of" a backpack!

November: “How to wear a mask.” Even Sadie needs to learn! We chose Sadie to demonstrate the wrong ways and of course the right way, to avoid any confusion about how people should wear them. Then the students and teachers put on their masks - the right way! This will be very important as the students start returning to school.

We can’t wait to see what December brings!

- Ben Franson-Wright, PAWS member

Lisa Dougherty and her handsome Labrador Retriever, Henry, have been a pet therapy team with PAWS for People since May 2018.

As a nurse, Lisa knew what a difference pet therapy could make in the day of many patients by lifting their spirits and making them smile. Lisa and Henry did just that by bringing smiles to Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution where pet therapy is very welcome.

This dynamic duo also visited at Stonegates and participated in community events. In January 2019, Lisa and Henry achieved their Master’s Certification.

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing Henry with people who need the many benefits of pet therapy. Thank you, Henry, for being a kind and loving visitor with everyone who needs your furry friendship.

When Gabriella Collins and her Yorkshire terrier, Tommy attended a PAWS Therapy Dog Prep dog training class in 2017, Gabriella knew then Tommy would be a terrific therapy companion. They became members in 2018.

Since then, they have been regulars at community events where attendees are delighted by Tommy’s spunky spirit. They are a very dependable pet therapy team at ChristianaCare Health Services, willing to do special visits at the hospital, especially when a small dog is requested. Most recently, Tommy proved himself to be a small pup who runs with the big dogs when he and Gabriella were leaders in the kick-off and final lap at this year’s Wag & Walkathon.

Thank you so much to Gabriella and Tommy, for your dedication, your joyful presence and your gift of Tommy snuggles to everyone you meet!