PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early December, 2020 |
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PAWS for Reflection: Spotlight on a Dynamic Duo
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Jeannine and her therapy cat Denver are one of PAWS’ dynamic duos. They have been part of the PAWS family for almost 2 years.
Denver is a special boy because he has been through quite a lot himself. Due to medical issues of his own, Denver knows what it’s like to need emotional support. Thankfully, his owner Jeannine has been with him every step of the way.
She knew he’d be the perfect PAWS pet because of his calm demeanor. Jeannine explained that although she has other cats of her own, she knew there was something special about him before she even adopted him.
Denver loves sitting on people’s shoulders; he’ll sometimes even wrap himself around their neck. Denver is gentle and loving which makes him such an amazing PAWS pet. He loves visiting anyone who is in need of emotional support, like he once was. Students at DeStress events will sometimes cry at how loving this sweet boy is. He loves being held and wouldn’t trade his job as a PAWS therapy pet for the world.
This duo is hoping to get back to work soon, and help spread more love & PAWSitivity.
Do you have a gentle, affectionate pet that you would like to share through pet therapy work? Learn more here!
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PAWS 2020 Annual Appeal
Making Connections through Healing Pet Therapy
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This year has been a challenging one, but also a time where we have seen tremendous engagement and creativity allowing PAWS to continue its mission of providing people in our community the benefits of pet therapy in new and effective ways.
During the pandemic, our elders are feeling great isolation, and our children are experiencing transitions to and from virtual learning. Essential workers are experiencing anxiety and fear for their personal safety. In each of these situations, PAWS is there thanks to the support of our generous donors.
Please help us continue Making Connections and make 2021 brighter for the people we visit by supporting our 2020 Annual Appeal.
Donations can be made via mail, online on PAWS's secure website, or by calling the PAWS office (302-351-5622), Monday thru Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.
Thank you for believing in the mission of PAWS. With you, we can continue to accomplish all that we do!
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Bill Sudell
Wins AFP Community Spotlight Award
Bill Sudell, a PAWS for People member since September, 2009, was honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals DE, Brandywine Chapter on National Philanthropy Day as a recipient of the COVID-19 Response: Community Spotlight Award 2020.
He was recognized for the positive impact he’s made for 11 years with his generous gifts of time, talent, and treasure including providing PAWS pet therapy team visits with his beloved Skipper and providing leadership on PAWS’ Board of Directors.
This award specifically acknowledged Bill’s “above and beyond” response during the pandemic enabling PAWS to keep connecting, encouraging, and supporting the many people in need of pet therapy! Congratulations and Thank You, Bill!
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Ian Waldman
Logs the Most Miles in PAWS W&W
One of the benefits of having a virtual Wag & Walkathon in 2020 was that people could participate from wherever they live. PAWS Member, Stephanie Smith, invited her family to join her and participate in the event from their home in Michigan.
Little did she know that her nephew, 12 year old, Ian Waldman would rise to the challenge in an amazing way. Wanting to help PAWS make a difference and spread the word about the power of pet therapy, Ian faithfully logged his miles throughout the month.
At the event of the month, after all of the miles were submitted and tallied, Ian was declared the winner with an amazing 184.46 miles!! Way to go Ian - you are PAWSome!
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Thank You for Supporting Spring into the Holidays
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A huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported our Spring into the Holidays raffle (which was our virtual event to replace the Spring Fling this year). We missed seeing all of you in person, and truly appreciate your donations to help PAWS continue to provide healing and hope this holiday season!
Special Thanks to our committee
Aileen Murray, Dawn Kisner, Elisabeth Simmons, Elissa Menashes, Jen Madden, Melanie Sieber & Sue Good
Thank you also to our Sponsors
Hillside Heating & Cooling, Arthur Hall Insurance, Financial House, WSFS, The Chahalis Ward Group at UBS, Mallard Financial Partners, Chimes Delaware, Delaware Pet Cremations, & Limestone Veterinary Hospital
We hope to see you in person in 2021 to continue the celebration of the magic of pet therapy!
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A light-hearted moment from a visit
One of the sites where PAWS regularly holds Zoom visits with participants is CADES, a program supporting adults with disabilities. After a recent session, PAWS member, Joanne Walker, shared this experience:
The young adults in CADES were asking a lot of really wonderful questions about Teega and Maya. One young man asked if the dogs were related. I said that’s a great question and then, I stated that they ARE related, as we got them from the same breeder in Virginia. Teega is Maya’s Aunt. So, they are Aunt and Niece. We moved on to another question. Then, that young man broke in and asked: Joanne – are you telling me that Teega and Maya are ants? After taking some time to explain a little bit more, I realized that I am going to have to come up with a clearer answer to that question!
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Sit, Stay, & Listen to
this great holiday song!
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For those of you who enjoyed Tom Hench’s song, One Dog More, here's another song from this talented PAWS member. It's about Santa's dog and how she got her name. It also mentions pet therapy at the end!
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Order Your Calendars Today! Only $10
Calendars are available for FREE pick-up at PAWS for People’s office in Newark, DE, or shipped for a flat rate of $8. An email will be sent with procedures for pick-up orders.
Interested in wrapping your gifts? Ship a gift-wrapped calendar to as many addresses as you would like for just $5 each (for both shipping and wrapping!) We have birthday, holiday, or patterned paper and can customize a gift message for each recipient. Just add gift wrapping to your order.
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The mother & daughter team of Karin & Kaitlyn Wright and their handsome standard poodle, Bentley, have been PAWS members since June, 2018.
Karin felt that people would enjoy Bentley’s support and companionship because of his love of people and his calm spirit. Karin participates in PAWS in the workplace at St. Andrews School where Bentley is loved by the students.
Karin, Kaitlyn and Bentley also visit residents at Cadia Rehabilitation Broadmeadow, and they participate in DeStress and Community Events.
Thank you, Karin and Kaitlyn for your time and enthusiastically sharing Bentley so generously. Thank you, Bentley for being a gentle and loving companion to those you eagerly visit.
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Tedra Farrell and her handsome and loving Golden Retriever, Gus, have been a pet therapy team with PAWS since June, 2018, although Gus was doing pet therapy before he became a PAWS companion.
Gus has been a frequent visitor to Tedra’s father in nursing home care. Tedra knew that Gus brightens everyone’s day when he is out and about, so she knew he’d be the perfect for PAWS.
Since becoming a therapy team, Tedra and Gus have been regular visitors at Granite Farm Estates. They also attend DeStress and Community Events.
Thank you, Tedra, for sharing Gus with elders who could use a furry friend's company. Thank you, Gus, for letting those who need you enjoy your companionship and unconditional love.
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Many thanks 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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