On Friday February 14th PAWS of CNY Volunteers attended a day of learning for Baldwinsville middle school students. Students were encouraged to sign-up for various hour-long sessions on a variety of wellness topics, which included the option to learn about Pet Assisted Wellness Services from PAWS of CNY.
PAWS of CNY volunteers Pam Southworth and Anna Mayerhofer provided the students with a brief explanation of the history of PAWS of CNY and how the training and certification process is completed before dogs can begin visiting at facilities. Said Pam Southworth, “I like to share with [the students] how much the people that we visit appreciate our visit. Also I stress that a lot of training is done with each dog so they can become and stay therapy dogs.”
Along with Pam Southworth and her terrier mix Cooper, Anna Mayerhofer and her dachshund Lumpi, other PAWS of CNY volunteers who attended the event included Carolyn Fitzgerald and her sheltie Tootsie, Carol Slagle and her mini labradoodle Jack and Tom O’Connell and his golden retriever Daphne.
PAWS of CNY is committed to providing education to the Central New York community about pet therapy work, dog safety and other associated topics. If your school or community organization is interested in having a representative of PAWS of CNY visit your upcoming event, visit our programs page to learn more about our educational opportunities.