On Saturday February 8th Upstate University Hospital hosted its annual Strong Women Strong Hearts event, at the HealthLink/OASIS Center in East Syracuse. The free event provides education, entertainment and indulgence for women in the community with a focus on heart health.
PAWS of CNY was a proud exhibitor again this year, meeting with members of the community to share information about pet therapy, the work that PAWS of CNY does in the community, and how interested individuals can become involved. PAWS of CNY volunteers who attended the event included Anna Meyerhofer and her dachshund Lumpi, Pam Getek and her burnese mountain dog Sophie, Joanne Shibley and her pug Quincy, Tom O’Connell and his golden retriever Daphne, Linda DeLorm and her burnese mountain dog Max and Jackie Flint and her westie, Duffy.
“Duffy is a bit of a ham and just loved all the attention and petting” said Flint. “It was a great crowd with many old friends [that] Duffy has made at the hospital and from previous events.” For volunteers and attendees, the event was as informational as it was enjoyable.
“Many people asked about the training required of the dogs… We had some people discussing the health benefits of pet therapy.” PAWS of CNY volunteers provide both animal assisted therapy and animal assisted activity services to Upstate Hospital patients, including to the children at Golisano Children’s hospital.
To learn more about the wellness services that PAWS of CNY provides, visit our programs page.