A Note From Our President

 Welcome to the Paws For Friendship Incorporated official website!

   We have experienced so much growth in our 28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 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