PAWS of CNY is proud to partner with The LeMoyne College Liberty Partnerships Program (LPP) and The LeMoyne College Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) this summer to educate participating students on the benefits of pet therapy work. PAWS of CNY will have the opportunity to meet with this year’s students for three separate events, the first of which was held on June 9.
LPP and STEP work to provide a broad range of supportive services that enable at-risk and under performing represented students to graduate from high school and enter some form of post-secondary education and/or a career of choice. This year’s community service-oriented portion of the curriculum aims to teach the students how pet assisted services can improve the health and well being of the community.
The students met with volunteers Susan Curran, and Sylvia Taub and her dog “Benny,” on July 9 to learn about the history of the organization and the steps required for pets to be trained and certified for therapy work.
“This was a very worthwhile event,” said Taub. “Benny [was] a huge hit!”
Later this moth, the students will meet with one of PAWS of CNY’s certified dog trainers and behavior therapists to obtain an in-depth understanding of the pet evaluation and certification process. Finally, the students will have the opportunity to supervise an animal assisted activity program at James Square, one of PAWS of CNY’s nursing home facility partners, in order to observe certified therapy dogs in action.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the LeMoyne Liberty Partnerships Program and the STEP Program this summer,” said PAWS of CNY President Danielle Basciano. “It is one of our goals to provide ongoing community education about the importance of pet therapy work and the human-animal bond. The work that LPP and STEP does for the youth in our community is exceptional and we are proud to have the opportunity to work with this year’s students.”