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P.O. Box 1353, Hockessin, DE 19707
(302) 351-5622
PAWSforPeople@comcast.net
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director
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 What is PAWS?
 PAWS for People is a non-profit, volunteer organization serving New Castle County, Delaware; Elkton, Maryland; West Grove, Pennsylvania; and parts of New Jersey.
Our mission is to lovingly provide elders, children, and folks with disabilities individualized, therapeutic visits with a gentle, affectionate pet.
PAWS' therapy teams enjoy visiting in many different settings. No matter where we go, the results are the same: more smiles, brighter attitudes, and calmer emotions.
Happy 3rd Birthday to PAWS! View our birthday movie now (this may take a moment to load -- it's a 15 minute movie because we have so many things to celebrate!)
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What We Know About Pet Therapy
It's well-known (and scientifically proven) that interaction with a gentle, friendly pet has significant benefits.
For physical health: lowers blood pressure improves cardiovascular health releases hormones that have a calming effect diminishes overall physical pain the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, reducing the amount of medication some folks need
For mental health:
lifts spirits and lessens depression decreases feelings of isolation and alienation encourages communcation provides comfort improves mental stimulation increases socialization decreases agitation in Alzheimers's units reduces boredom lowers anxiety helps children overcome speech and emotional disorders creates motivation for the client to recover faster reduces lonliness gives people something to look forward to...and something to remember In physical therapy: increases joint movement and improves recovery timemaintains or increases motor skillsprovides motivation to move more, stretch farther, exercise longer READing to a dog:
helps child focus better improves literacy skills provides non-stressful, non-judgemental environment increases confidence, reduces self-consciousness PAWS Puts the Focus On careful screening and stringent testing for new teamsa wide variety of programs to choose from encouragement and support to expand visting skills and understanding the needs of the people we visit special events within the PAWS communitycommunity involvement PAWS Standards of Excellence Evaluation (therapy pet registration)
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PAWS in the NEWS 2007 DAVA Awards
Lynne D. Robinson, Executive Director of PAWS for People was presented the 2007 DAVA (Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators) Excellence Award in Volunteer Administration on June 22, 2007. Lynne was one of six outstanding candidates nominated for the award. According to DAVA, "...these individuals serve as model examples of professional volunteer administration." Lynne is relatively new to the field of volunteer administration, but she "...embodies the idea that there is no time like the present to set about changing the world. In just a few short years, she has created an organization with long-term ability to create a lasting impact," said Glen Stubbolo, Awards & Nomination Chair for DAVA. |
Congratulations to the pet therapy teams nominated by Christiana Care Volunteer Services who visit the Helen Graham Cancer Center & Christiana Care - Newark
who won a 2007 Governor's Outstanding Volunteer Award: Alan Burkhard & Sadie Dianne Galleshaw & Sam Jay and Bob Gibson & Toby Fran Levinson & Molly and Lucy Mary Perno & Abby Kim Rimel & Oliver Lynne Robinson & Boo and Calli Joanne Stella & Annie Randy White & Beethoven |
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Orientation, STEX Testing, & Training Sessions
PAWS orientation, testing, and training sessions are offered monthly on the following schedule*: | Orientation | 1st Saturday | | STEX testing | 3rd Saturday | | Traditional training or PAWS for Reading training | 4th Saturday |
*If any of these weekends are holiday weekends, the session will be held one week later.
We ARE currently registering prospective pet therapy teams. If you are interested in joining PAWS, please begin the registration process by completing a web form by clicking here. NOTE: All prospective pet therapy teams must register and be invited to attend sessions. Back to top
Upcoming PAWS Events for 2008
May 10 -- Delaware City's 1st Annual Pet Parade & Festival (11 am to 6 pm) [Pet parade at 11:15 a.m. with food, fun, music, demonstrations, prizes for doggy costumes. First annual for DC, so let's join the fun!] 18 -- Hand-in-Hand Picnic/DSA Buddy Walk -- UD athletic complex (1 to 4 pm) [ PAWS will be "buddying up" with some of the participants of DFRC -- DE Foundation for Reading Citizens with Cognitive disABILITIES -- for a get-together picnic. Sponsored by DFRC.] 18 -- May Day 5K -- Great House Farm, Chesapeake City, MD, (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ) [The walk starts at 9:30 & the Fun Dog Walk starts at 9:45 a.m. PAWS will have an informational table at the end. To register for the run or walk, go online to www.pawsforlife.org. ] 28 -- Sr. Health & Fitness Day -- Christiana Park, Wilmington (10 am to 2 pm) [PAWS will be providing information to folks who are interested in our program.] 29 -- Fearless Caregiver Conference -- Modern Maturity Center in Dover, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. [Paws will be attending at as a vendor providing information to those who might like to join pet therapy.]
June 7 - Newark Nite -- Main Street in Newark, DE (5 to 9:30 pm) [This is one of our favorite annual event; lots of games, entertainment, booths & FREE FUN! Sponsored by City of Newark & Department of Parks & Recreation. We will be providing information & selling our usual goods along with ice cream & bottled water for a fundraiser.] 10 -- Pet therapy at Arbors of New Castle (2 pm to 3 pm) [Join other PAWS' teams provide some therapy & exercise to seniors at Arbors; bring a brush so residents can brush your pet] 11 -- Pre-camp events at Latin American Community Club (10 am to 11:30 am) Join us for a presentation to some children at this site; we'll explain what we do & do some role playing with the children. 14 -- Separation Day in old New Castle (11 am to 6 pm) [Parade, arts & crafts, rides, entertainment & food, plus PAWS. sponsored by The State of Delaware, The Separation Day Committee & The City of New Castle.] 15 -- Media Day/Buddy Picnic -- UD football stadium (2 to 4 pm) [This is going to continue our "buddying up" with the DFRC with media coverage of the event and a picnic.] 16 – NCCo Summer Reading Kickoff – Hockessin Library (5:30 pm) [Fun, games & reading for everyone; PAWS for Reading will be there as well as PAWS for People teams. Sponsored by New Castle Libraries.] 21 – Blue/Gold Pre-game party - UD (4 to 6 pm) [This is the last event before the Blue Gold All*Star Football Game. Join us for the pre-game festivities including a picnic; we'll be "buddying up" again.] 24 -- Presentation to Ebenezer UMC Church Vacation Bible School (9:30 to 11:30 am) [Two PAWS teams will be presenting pet therapy & other information about pets to these children.] 29 -- Dog Days of Summer -- Blue Rocks' Stadium (4:05 pm) [Planning; details to follow!] For more information about any of our PAWS events or to sign up, contact Rich Phillips (302-834-92456 or retengteach05@comcast.net). Watch your emails for more information about the above upcoming events. Back to top
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Please Help Us Help Others 
Supporting PAWS means that so many more children, elders, and people with disabilities will benefit from the love and companionship of our gentle affectionate pets
Or send your donation to
PAWS for People
P.O.Box 1353
Hockessin, DE 19707 Anything you can do to help will be greatly appreciated! Back to top
Web Site Last Updated: May 8, 2008
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