By Mary Beth Coniglio
Once again PAWS of CNY and its therapy dogs were pleased to attend the Advocates Incorporated Summer Picnic. This year’s event took place on on July 27 at Long Branch Park. PAWS of CNY volunteers Diane Rogers and Mary Berger attended with their Shi Tzu Sammy, along with Sue Stepien and her Bernese Mountain Dog Stella, and Martina St. Leger and her Labrador Mix Dory.
Advocates, Inc. is a person-centered not for profit organization that empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to direct their own lives and create a vision for their future.
PAWS of CNY’s certified therapy dogs have the training and behavior skills necessary to interact with an individual in a wheelchair, or a hospital bed, or a walker in a way that best meets the needs of the individual. This skill and natural understanding is part of what makes PAWS of CNY’s therapy dog program such a unique and important wellness offering to the community. The dogs loved interacting with the attendees at this year’s picnic, and the attendees equally enjoyed the opportunity to interact with a PAWS of CNY therapy dog.
As always, PAWS of CNY’s volunteers succeeded in their mission of bringing extra sunshine and smiles to this year’s event. Thank you to the team at Advocates, Inc. for including PAWS of CNY once again in this warm and inviting picnic.