A Note From Our President
Jan Schmidt
Welcome to the Paws For Friendship Incorporated official website!
We have experienced so much growth in our 30 years it bears repeating without the dedication of our incredible Volunteers we would not be able to continue reaching around the world. Our Members define volunteer excellence, and we simply cannot thank them enough. We sincerely thank everyone who will be helping us celebrate our 30th year, our friends, families, and those we have visited with at many events! The old saying rings true to this day! 'It takes a village' It always has, and it always will.
Our organization encompasses many areas from nursing home visitations, hospitals, etc. to our 'Community Outreach Program' visiting schools, libraries, etc. We proudly offer our services "free of charge" to all facilities we visit. Our Community Outreach Program involves Crisis Response Teams to help those during our Nations Tragedies. We have been asked to help at area shelters to bring some joy into the lives of those who have no home.
We focus on a pet’s disposition; if it has been well socialized; if it has any formal obedience or has it been ‘home schooled’ and does it enjoy meeting new people? Does it look forward to new adventures? Most importantly is it well loved and cared for by its owner. Does it spend its days crated with no outside stimulation? Does the owner enjoy spending time with it? Does the owner make sure regular veterinarian care plays into the life of the pet? These may seem like silly questions, but you would be surprised what we have encountered in our 30 years.
Common sense is often not a priority; however, it is to us. We take pride in knowing it does not take a Rhodes Scholar to do this, it takes a well socialized pet and an owner determined to share them with so many in need. PLEASE be wary of anyone selling 'Therapy Dog Classes', a Therapy Pet is not made in a classroom with repeated classes. Loving home, patience, basic obedience, if you feel it’s necessary, proper, regular Veterinarian care and YOUR desire to share them all helps to make a Therapy Pet.
Too often many families walk away after placing 'loved ones' in care centers. Their only companionship are often the employees that work there. When pets visit it combines every wonderful memory that resident has ever had. How incredible to be part of that! Many are 'living history' and they love sharing their stories!
We allow tittering as well as respecting the pet’s veterinarian after all, they should know the best care for that pet. The owner loves their pet enough to make sure there is trust between their pet and their veterinarian. We all know they leave us only too soon and we cannot do enough to keep them healthy and safe. We can protect them from everything but time.
Feeding the 'Raw Diet' has always come with controversy. Our thoughts are whatever is best for their pet is fine with us. Knowing your pet, and a good relationship with its veterinarian is key to the pet’s health. Constantly being aware of changes within the pet industry regarding food, treats, medication, and general care are part of being a responsible owner. We try to keep up to date on all information regarding the pet industry so please contact us if you have any questions. We will feature many articles on our website. Please research any food or treats you are giving your pet.
Unfortunately, many companies see the profit involved in the pet industry. Companies that have focused on a completely different product are now buying established pet food companies and changing the formulas your pet enjoyed. Once a company purchases a pet food company, they can also purchase their established name and have four years before they can change the company’s formula. PLEASE be vigilant on what you are feeding your pet.
Our pets are family members and treated as such so we are always looking for the best ways to care for them as each year passes. They simply cannot stay long enough. We hope everyone would and take every precaution for their health and safety. We can protect them from everything but time.
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to share their precious pets, to make a commitment that will brighten many lives as well as their own. Paws For Friendship Incorporated has never been about one person, it is about a rescued Great Dane named Jennie and the many wonderful Members who follow in her Legacy.
On a personal note, unending thanks to everyone, Members and friends for their faith in us. We have never forgotten it is an honor and privilege to visit so many in need.
It truly does ‘take a village’
Jan Schmidt
President
Always, Jennie’s Mom
