Spreading Holiday Cheer With PAWS

WHEN NOVEMBER DAYS become crisp and December evenings bring snow, spending time with a pet can provide more than warmth and a hug. It can warm the soul, bring happiness and spread holiday cheer. The magic of pet- assisted therapy is a connection that heals and comforts.

PAWS for People, a non-profit organization based in Newark, Delaware, began providing therapeutic pet visits in 2005. Since then, PAWS has expanded its mission to lovingly provide elders, children and folks with disabilities individualized, therapeutic visits with gentle, affectionate pets.

Programs with PAWS

PAWS for People has a variety of programs in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. There are group and individual programs designed for elders, disabled children and adults, struggling readers and other people with unique needs. Specialized programs include PAWS for Reading, Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy assistance and work with drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers. Activities are tailored to each situation.
Animals are also specially chosen for programs. Many visits require energetic dogs. Summer, a one-year-old golden retriever, visits the Sterck School for the Deaf. Other situations call for calmer and more patient animals. Sadie, an 11-year-old dog, calls on the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center patients.

PAWS in Action

Julia, a patient at Arbor’s Senior Care, had suffered through seven strokes. Passion, a PAWS dog, and owner Shana visited Julia soon after her seventh stroke. Shana noticed that Julia experienced severe mobility problems and difficulties speaking. During the visit, Julia enjoyed petting Passion with help from her husband, while listening to Shana and him chat about PAWS, dogs, marriage and life. When it was time for Shana and Passion to leave, Shana said she would see Julia soon. Julia returned eye contact with Shana and said, “Okay.” Julia’s husband revealed that this was the first time Julia had spoken since the most recent stroke. Julia’s story is just one example of PAWS’ small gestures and great accomplishments.

Beyond providing caring visits with gentle animals, PAWS for People holds events and celebrations throughout the year. The organization celebrates the holidays with an annual Jingle Bell Brunch. It also sponsors Boscov’s Pet Remembrance tree. Located at Boscov’s department store in Christiana, Delaware, the tree provides pet owners with an opportunity to honor a present pet or remember a deceased one with a small, personalized ornament placed on the tree for a $5 donation.

PAWS for People is constantly evolving to help people in need of therapy.
For more information and reservations for the Jingle Bell Brunch, for details about the Pet Remembrance tree or to learn more about PAWS,
visit www.pawsforpeople.org.