PAW PALS Assistance Dog Connick working with Occupational Therapist Carrie at a private school in San Diego. The camouflage jacket has letters attached which is one of several he wears during the day to work with the students there.

Notes from Ann about Zack . . .   Just wanted to let you know about my afternoon with Zack today.  I work with a seventh grader who is a high functioning autistic student at a San Diego middle school. This was the first time Zack went with me to this particular site.  I arrived at the school only to find a major upset. The aide was on the telephone talking to the boy's mother about a critical situation that had come about in the classroom. The mother decided to come out to the school to pick up her son and take him home for the day.  It seems his teacher had recycled all the kids' journals for the end of the year without warning him and he had some pictures in there that he wanted.  He became so upset that he could not calm down and get on with his day.  He could not focus on any of his classes.  The aide had tried all the sensory strategies we had given to help calm him and nothing was working.  This was the first big problem he had all year.  I then asked if I could take him out of class and work with him.  I brought him with me to meet Zack and, all of the sudden, he clicked out of his focus on his journal and calmed down.  He stroked Zack, shook the dog's hand then gave him a hug.  We finished up with a couple of sensory strategies then I asked him if he was ready to go back to math class. He nodded and told me yes, he was actually smiling.  The aide caught up with me a little later in the day and thanked me and Zack for being there at the perfect time.  This boy was able to finish his day at school as well as go to his after school learning center program.  This is what it's all about . . .  a smiling boy at the end of a rough day.

Dear friends, My husband and I so enjoyed being with you at Diane and Pat’s last Friday night.  I am so thankful for Paw-pals.  Two years ago it was my dream to bring a therapy dog into the childcare center that I work as a nurse.  We have so many emotionally needy children as well as special needs. Through much searching and prayer I came across Pal-pals. The organization has been so much more than I thought possible.  The instruction and support I have received has been phenomenal.  Just a year ago the organization supported me through the loss of one therapy dog and the bringing of Mikey to the children last spring. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to work with.   All this to say, thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this organization.  I enjoy getting to know all of you and your dogs.  I learn something from all of your roles with canines.  When I arrive at work, it’s not hi Nurse Robin, it’s “Where’s Mikey” if he is not with me.  He truly has become a significant part of these children’s lives while they are in our care. It would not have been possible without Paw-pals.  A  very blessed Christmas to you all.  I look forward to seeing you again soon. With a grateful heart, Robin and “Mikey” Robin Lammers,a registered nurse at Orfalea Family Children's Center, at Citrus college in Glendora takes Facility Dog Mikey to work with her daily. Mikey was donated by Jerry Gilland. Mikey with one of his kids.

Debra and Sutherland. Look for them at St. Madeleine Sophie's Center in El Cajon.

All Paw Pals Assistance Dogs Therapy Teams are tested and registered with Delta Society. We are proud to be an affiliate of Delta Society.

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