Paws for Smiles, Inc.

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Pembroke Pines, FL
Paws for Smiles, Inc.

Volunteers should not be charged for volunteering, which is why we DO NOT charge for the testing of our therapy dog teams.

We are group of volunteers, dedicated to bringing smiles to nursing homes, hospices, hospitals and schools in South Florida through registered pet therapy dogs.

01/14/2021

For the first time in almost 10 months I started testing a team for pet therapy! Not only was I happy the dog was an Australian Shepherd (okay I'm a little prejudiced), but the owner wants to eventually become a Tester/Observer for Alliance of Therapy Dogs. After being the only tester in the Broward/Palm Beach area for so long, it will be nice for someone else to help out when we can get back to 'normal'. Her first observation went great, so I'm hopeful the next two will go just as well.

08/24/2020

I haven't posted in quite some time, but wanted to update everyone on a few things. While we still are not able to visit in person due to COVID19 restrictions, we have been doing a weekly video chat with some of the residents at the Manor. It's nice keeping in touch and they get to see all 3 of my dogs and Susan Russell's 2 at the same time. We did find out some sad news too, that 2 residents passed away (not from COVID) and we'll miss them terribly. I hope both are now taking care of my sweet Joy and loving Jack. Mr. Brown always called Joy his 'dear heart' and was devastated when she passed, so I hope she's sleeping in his lap again.

07/30/2020

On our weekly virtual pet therapy visit today, at the nursing home I'd been going too for over 30 years, one of the residents said she missed hugging me. I wanted to cry, it wasn't just my dogs she missed, she wanted to hug me, we always hugged when I visited. She has 4 children, 3 local that can't even do window visits because it's so hot (they're all in their 70's!) My heart breaks for all of them.

04/22/2020

We had our first Zoom therapy visit today with the nursing home I'd been going to for over 30 years. I missed seeing our regulars so much. The Activities Director took her phone room to room so we, along with Susan Russell could chat and they could see the dogs. They were extra excited to see ALL 4 of my dogs, and Susan's 2 dogs at one time and not the one. The Director was so happy with how it went, she wants to do them on a weekly basis (like we did before), plus we're going to do window visits as well soon too!

04/18/2020

I called the Director of Volunteers at the Manor yesterday to see how everyone was, and to say how much we missed our weekly visits. After 30 years of going to the same nursing home, it's been really difficult not being able to see the patients, especially ones that have been there for years and feel like family to me. The good news is, we set up a Zoom meeting for this Wednesday, the Director is going to take her phone to the rooms so we can video chat and they can see the dogs. She also said we can visit outside the windows, we'll set that up so people will know when to go to their windows.

02/21/2020

The future of Paws for Smiles, Inc. Please welcome 11 week old Romeo, seen here starting his unofficial therapy visits at the Manor today. Of course he has a long way to go until he's an official therapy dog, but I think he's off to a great start making staff and residents smile.

02/07/2020

To all the people that made a donation to Paws for Smiles on December 3rd or thereabout, for Giving Tuesday. Please check to see if your donation went thru your bank or credit card. Facebook has yet to give ANY donations to us, it says $960 was raised, yet we haven't received a penny! They were also supposed to match funds given on the 3rd. Thank you for your help, I need to have the info so I can contact Facebook to complain. I wonder how many other charities are in the same boat, this is not right. You can leave a private message or text me at: 754-210-0060.

01/30/2020

Please welcome our newest member (pending ATD approval, Theresa and her Schnoodle, Frankie. Theresa's husband Elliot is also going to be a handler, but still needs to complete his observations. We're hoping Frankie will become a regular at the Manor.

01/26/2020

Finished testing a wonderful team on Wednesday, Mari and her Golden mix, Tia. Tia entertained the residents with her tricks, but was so sweet interacting with them as well. Welcome to Paws for Smiles and ATD (pending approval).

01/15/2020

Last Wednesday I finished testing 2 wonderful teams, one is South-Dade County fire fighter, JC and his Lab, Trigger, the other amazing team is Dan and his adorable Aussie, Koda. Trigger will bring comfort to fire fighters and EMT's that come back from hard calls. Koda will be visiting in South Miami. I know they will be an asset wherever they go.

12/08/2019

Yesterday we did our 2nd Stress Fest at FIU, to bring some love and laughter to the students during finals week. We had 5 dogs, a Yorkie, a Havenese, 2 mixed breeds and my Aussie, Jack. The students absolutely loved the dogs and the dogs loved them. We even had a resident stray cat join us, the cat was amazing, so sweet (wanted to take it home). We'll be going back in April if anyone is interested in joining us.

Address

Pembroke Pines, FL

Telephone

+19543034949

Website

http://www.pawsforsmiles.org/

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