Welcome to the Paws For Friendship Incorporated official website!
We have experienced so much growth in our 28years 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 28th 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" as we are all volunteers
and there has never been any ‘staff’ on payroll nor will there ever be. 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 28 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 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 as long as we hope they would and take every precaution for their health
and safety.
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.
It truly does ‘take a village
Jan Schmidt
President
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