PAWS in Action

Sushi and Rosemary

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 00:09:56 GMT

Last year our partner organization, the San Francisco SPCA contacted PAWS regarding a client who was showing signs of needing a little more support and asked if we could step in to help out. I met with a gentle elderly lady named Rosemary and her adorable Toy Poodle Sushi.

Rosemary has the kind of presence that instantly makes you feel at ease. She's kind, easy to talk to, and the way she talks about her dog Sushi is heartwarming. She told me the story of how Sushi came into her life.

Nine years ago, Rosemary was caring for her daughter Betty who had Multiple Sclerosis. Betty's health was declining and a relative realized that she needed some animal love in her life to boost her spirits. However the dog was all the way in Pennsylvania! Rosemary, realizing the importance of the healing benefits of companion animals, flew to Pennsylvania and returned to San Francisco with Sushi.

Betty lived with Rosemary and Sushi for two more years before passing away. Rosemary felt the immense loss of her daughter and found comfort in having Sushi by her side during the grieving process. She told me about the ritual she developed while her daughter was sick, which continues today, where Sushi sits on her lap every morning and they pray together. Sushi nestles into Rosemary's lap and will not move until Rosemary says "Amen" three times.

After suffering from several major strokes, Rosemary still gets around at 87 years-old, but she's finding it challenging at times to get Sushi outside. With the help of PAWS volunteers, she is now receiving dog-walking services. Sushi is a bit picky when it comes to food, but our Food Bank Manager, Prado Gomez is working closely with her to get her food deliveries just right.

Rosemary asked me to thank everyone who is involved with PAWS for supporting her and Sushi. PAWS thanks you for your continued support of the human-animal bond.

Tara Whitefield

Director of Companion Animal Support Services

The Tenacity of Zeppelin

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 22:54:00 GMT

Zeppelin goes to the beach

[Editor's Note: Amanda K-T is a former PAWS Volunteer who walked Zeppelin, a PAWS client's dog, each week for more than a year.]

After three wonderful years of living in San Francisco to go to law school, I have returned to my hometown of Los Angeles. It was extremely hard to leave all of my new friends and favorite restaurants, but perhaps the hardest part of leaving San Francisco was ending my participation in the PAWS program.

I signed up to walk dogs with PAWS during the summer after my second year of law school. Although I loved the challenges of law school courses and the experiences that I gained through legal internships in San Francisco, I felt that I wanted to experience San Francisco outside of its legal realm. PAWS seemed like the perfect place for me to fulfill that goal.

Luckily, I was assigned to walk a charming Chiweenie named Zeppelin. Zeppelin is a perfect dog in every way. He is sweet, cuddly, playful, and eager to please. Because of him, I experienced nearly every park and beach that San Francisco has to offer. All week long, as I poured over heavy casebooks and flipped through endless flashcards, I looked forward to walking Zeppelin on Sunday mornings. Then on Sunday evenings, I smothered my friends and family with pictures of Zeppelin.

Since graduating law school in May, I have been really depressed about not being able to find a job in this tough economy. I sent out hundreds of applications and received dozens of interviews, only to learn that the hiring organization chose a different candidate. After experiencing so much rejection, I started walking into interviews already feeling defeated and most likely projecting that feeling toward the interviewer. I was not able to let my confidence and my enthusiasm for the law shine through.

Zeppelin stares down a squirrel who had better know who the boss is!

However, reflecting on the lessons that I learned from Zeppelin has restored my confidence. He is a very peaceful and obedient dog. He never barks, jumps, or gets unnecessarily excited. That is, unless he sees a squirrel. When he sees a squirrel, he chases it with unending enthusiasm and vigor. He barks at squirrels and even tries to climb the trees with his short, stumpy legs. By the way he acts, one would think that he is always successful in his pursuit of squirrels. Although he has never caught a squirrel, his determination to perhaps catch a squirrel one day never waivers.

Now, I think of Zeppelin’s undying devotion to catching a squirrel when I walk into interviews. I approach every interview with the same enthusiasm and vigor as Zeppelin. I act as though I always land the job and as if I have never been rejected. Zeppelin has taught me the importance of perseverance the way no human ever has.

I am forever thankful to Zeppelin, and I am forever thankful to PAWS.

- Amanda K-T

PAWS Welcomes new President/CEO

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:42:22 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO – September 28, 2011 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS), a San Francisco volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing for the comprehensive needs of companion animals for low-income seniors and persons with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses, announced today that Kevin Kosik has joined the organized as President/CEO effective September 19, 2011.

Kosik is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and has worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 18 years specializing in youth & family, education, health and the human services sectors. Kosik has a rich background in fund and resource development, strategic planning and non-profit administration.

PAWS (www.pawssf.org), which was founded in 1987 to help low-income San Franciscans with AIDS and HIV-related illnesses maintain the love and support of their pets, has over the past two decades successfully expanded its services to include low-income seniors and people with any disabling illness. Kosik will help lead the next phase of growth by focusing on expanding the base of support and engaging more of the community in the organization’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the disabled and the animals in their lives.

Kosik comes to PAWS after serving as the Vice President & Chief Development Officer for the YMCA of the Central Bay Area where he played a lead role in a $5.5M capital campaign to realize the dream of a Teen Center in Berkeley while increasing support for growing youth and family programs. Kosik also led successful efforts to grow membership and increase organizational effectiveness during a time of significant expansion for the large regional human services provider. Prior to working at the YMCA, Kosik served as Deputy Chief Development Officer and Director of Operations for Sierra Magazine at the Sierra Club, the national environmental advocacy group. He currently serves on the board of the Contra Costa Humane Society.

“I’m excited to join PAWS at this incredible time in its history and I hope to capitalize on the huge potential to grow our impact on the lives of people in need. The opportunity to provide for the comprehensive needs of companion animals of low-income seniors and persons living with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses is so important to me and to the health of our community,” Kosik said.

ABOUT PAWS:

Founded in 1987, PAWS understands the healing power a pet can have in providing comfort and love, easing the depression and despair that comes from battling long-term illness. PAWS currently provides comprehensive support services to over 750 low-income seniors and individuals living with HIV/AIDS and other disabling illnesses – helping them maintain the love and companionship of their pets. In addition, PAWS reaches thousands more with education and client advocacy programs. For more information about PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support), visit www.pawssf.org or call 415-979-9550.

A Day at the Dog Wash

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:30:00 GMT

Lee and Tiara dry Romeo off

Editor's Note: Margaret Cooley is a regular PAWS Volunteer who has helped with dog walking, cat fostering, and several other volunteer projects. She recently signed up her office, an accounting firm called Rothstein Kass, to participate in a dog wash. If you would be interested in signing up your office for a dog wash, see our group volunteering page.

I really love dogs, I even really love dogs that smell like dogs, but I really really love dogs that smell like roses. This is why I decided to participate in one of PAWS’ dog washes. After all, I can’t think of anything more fun than giving dogs a good scrubdown!

I gathered a group of my coworkers and we made our way over to Pet Food Express one afternoon last month and met with Daniel and Joelle, two PAWS staff members. They gave us the lowdown on how the dog washing stations work, how the flow of the afternoon activities would go, and they also gave us some background information on PAWS. We split our group into three pairs and began washing the variety of dogs that came in that afternoon.

Margaret and Lindsay working with Marion the Librarian

There were huge furry Husky and Poodle varieties all the way down to an adorable hairless Chihuahua. This Chihuahua was reluctant, maybe wishing there were a little fur between the water and him, but three of us were able to coax him into getting washed. There were a handful of other similar dogs who weren’t too thrilled with getting a bath, but there were tons who loved it (and who showed their appreciation by shaking off while they were covered in soap to make sure that we were equally covered).

We all really enjoyed spending time with the dogs, getting to know some of PAWS’ clients, chatting with Daniel and Joelle, and spending time with each other outside of our office (teambuilding if you will). I highly recommend that others participate in a dog wash as it is a unique and fun experience!

- Margaret Cooley

Not all the dogs were excited about bath time!

A Memorable Connection

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:00:00 GMT

There are moments in life that leave an imprint upon our memories. I meet and talk to numerous PAWS clients every day, but there are occasional interactions that will last with me forever. They are connections that fill me with an open heart and a reminder of why we do the work we do at PAWS. I’d like to share one such interaction with you regarding a client and his reunification with his two cats.

PAWS client Larry was hospitalized in mid-April of this year after suffering two major heart attacks and being left incapacitated. He had to be brought back to life and while he was struggling to survive in the hospital, his furry family was left at home alone. Due to patient confidentiality, this client’s medical social worker called PAWS to ask about our foster care program, but was unable to give us detailed information about the client. We referred the social worker to Animal Care & Control, and their officers spent over two weeks trying to capture the client’s cats. The cats were too smart for their traps! In the end, Katie, a 20 year-old Tabby and Sharyn, a 3 year-old Siamese, were under the care of Animal Care & Control for over a month.

We would have typically sought out foster care through PAWS volunteers, but this client had a history of declining such services. Larry is a man who describes himself as “cantankerous.” We previously had several conversations during which I attempted to encourage him to use PAWS services and he hung up on me. Let’s just say that he was “less than pleasant.” In the end, our friends at Animal Care & Control released the cats to PAWS. As I drove the cats to be reunited with our client, I pondered what the reunion would be like.

Needless to say, the Larry that greeted me was a different person from the one I had spoken with on the phone throughout the year. His cats jumped out of their carriers and onto the bed beside him. They nestled into his side and explored the room. It was clear that they were glad to be home. The smile that spread across Larry’s face was priceless. Larry allowed me to enter his home, and more importantly allowed himself to trust PAWS. We talked about the possibility of future hospitalizations, and how PAWS wants to be more involved. He agreed to sign our updated client agreement, inspired by his incapacitated state, which will now give PAWS more detailed access to information if/when a client is unable to advocate for him/herself. I posted signs in Larry’s room for visitors to notify PAWS in an emergency, ensuring that Katie and Sharyn will have a chance at foster care with a PAWS volunteer next time.

Larry talked about the joy that having Katie and Sharyn in his life brings him. How he was coming upon his 75^th birthday that weekend, and how all that mattered to him were Katie and Sharyn. We visited together for quite a while, and at the end of the visit he actually offered me a hug. I gladly accepted.

There are many ways to be involved with PAWS, and we have all experienced those special interactions. If you haven’t, then I truly wish that you will someday have the chance to witness the human-animal bond in action. Please contact us if you are interested in volunteering and thank you for your continued support. Every moment makes a difference.

- Tara Whitefield, Director of Companion Animal Support Services

A Poem of Thanks

Fri, 20 May 2011 18:02:00 GMT

Editor's Note: This is a poem written by Peter, a PAWS Client, who was recently evicted from his home. While he spent a few months looking for a new place to live, PAWS Volunteer Lauren Richter opened up her home to foster Peter's two cats Lucy and Smoochie. Special thanks to Lauren for her extraordinary generosity with the cats.

PAWS and Effect
Found a wonderful organization
Run on truest altruism,
Pets ARE Wonderful Support
And they will fight for you
To Prove it.
Reunited today with my kitties
After six month wandering
Alone in the dark.
Oh happy day! Happy me!
Thanks to those invisible hands
Working in my favor caring
For all those in need.
We thank you for your love.
I am now healed. Truly blessed.

Man’s Best
We are born
With our brains
Questioning life
Creating conundrum
Never solved. Resolved.
Look at my cats
Gracefully moving
In tune with their nature,
Ballet of their animal surety.
They are my truest companions
Showering me with sensical reaction,
Putting my life doubt to rest
As only they know.

Many thanx,

Peter xxxoo

Walking Bosco

Wed, 11 May 2011 18:46:00 GMT

Editor's Note. Heidi Gider is a PAWS Volunteer who walks a lab mix named Bosco every Saturday for a disabled PAWS client.

In the spring of 2010, I represented the nonprofit organization for which I work at an event. There, I struck up a conversation with a PAWS volunteer. PAWS immediately appealed to me because I love dogs, and missed being around a dog on a regular basis.

A few months later, I finally submitted my volunteer application. As a seasoned volunteer and volunteer coordinator myself, I found PAWS to be incredibly well-organized and thorough in their process. After submitting the application, I had a brief phone interview, and then attended a mandatory volunteer training. The training was held on a Saturday, so new volunteers saw the weekly food bank in action. (I’ve also volunteered for the food bank since 2010; that's another story, but you should all do that, too!) Probably the most valuable piece of information conveyed during the training was while we all signed up to volunteer to work with pets, we’re really there as a service to the people. PAWS Director of Volunteer Services, Daniel Marlay, highlighted that interaction with PAWS may be the only other human interaction a client has that given time. This is something I think about each week when I volunteer.

After the training, Daniel scheduled one-on-one meetings with volunteers to identify a dog. My only criteria were to walk a large dog that lived nearby.

Bosco had an attention-grabbing story. She was one of two dogs but the owner, Sue, had another dog, Betty Boop, that recently passed. It was a difficult time for both Sue and Bosco, as well as the PAWS staff and team of dog walkers.

I began walking Bosco in September 2010. Immediately, I found Bosco charming. Bosco is a keen observer and communicator. If Sue feels under the weather, it’s a chore to get Bosco outside. It’s clear that she doesn’t want to leave Sue’s side and feels the need to be physically nearby. Once outside though, Bosco grins from ear-to-ear. Unless it’s raining.

Bosco is not a fan of the rain. So much so that when it rains, she simply stares up at me, surely thinking, “Lady, you’re crazy if you think we’re gonna walk in this weather.” Even with her doggie raincoat and my umbrella to protect her, she’s unamused by precipitation.

She is the center of attention in her neighborhood. Everyone who knows her (and that’s practically everyone) will say, “Hi, Bosco! Hi, Girl!”. Bosco is not only Sue’s dog, but in spirit she belongs to the other residents, the neighbors, and of course, her team of PAWS walkers who adore her.

She’s also incredibly clever. For her birthday in December, I bought her some treats. During our next walk, I gave her a few treats along the way. The following week, as we walked, Bosco stopped in her tracks. I had no idea why she wouldn’t budge ‘til I realized: this was the exact spot where the previous week, I’d given her a treat. There I stood, explaining to a dog that I’d left the treats at home that day, pleading that she continue to walk, and promising to bring treats the following week. She looked at me, as if to say, “Ok, but you better bring treats next time.” And bring treats I did, and have since that day. Like clockwork, Bosco stops periodically during our walk, looks up at me expectantly, and awaits her treat.

Bosco loves to go to a nearby park, where she rolls around in a spot of dirt and grass with delight. She is fascinated by smells—sniffing the entire way along. She’s friendly to other dogs—even a pack of smaller ones that surround her, sniffing away. She likes to pop the caps off empty plastic bottles, enjoying the “pop” that comes with destruction.

As an older dog, it’s easy to characterize her as slow. Do not underestimate her. Recently, we began what I thought would be a brief walk since it took a lot of coercion to get her to go out. We turned a corner, and Bosco spotted a dog about half her size. I can’t say what it was about this dog that sparked her interest, but before I knew it, Bosco was at full-leash, running, chasing this dog. Running can be painful for Bosco. But, there we were: sprinting—for two blocks, including an almost disastrous right of way—when it wasn’t our way. The other dog’s owner seemed non-plussed, but I was so startled by this unusual behavior, I yelled, “Keep running!” Once the dog and owner were out of our view, Bosco stopped, sat, and looked up at me and grinned—huffin’ and puffin’ as she smiled. Bosco has a mind of her own, and she will assert it.

It’s a pleasure to walk Bosco, help Sue in the care of her beloved pet and be part of an endeavor that has such great heart and spirit. I can honestly say that in more than twenty years of volunteer experiences, PAWS is the most fulfilling.

- Heidi Gider, PAWS Volunteer

A Special Message from John Sell, Chair of the PAWS Board of Directors

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:26:30 GMT

After more than 7 years building PAWS into the great organization that it is, PAWS president John L. Lipp will be leaving to become the executive director of the Greater Bay Area Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. This is a great opportunity for John but it is with reluctance that he leaves and we see him go. He will be with PAWS until June 10, and we will let you know about a farewell event before he leaves.

“June 10th may be my last day as an employee of PAWS,” John Lipp said, “but June 11th will be my first day as a lifelong volunteer and supporter. I know in my heart PAWS is poised for great things in the future, and I look forward to being one of its loudest cheerleaders.”

John has assembled a great staff. They will serve PAWS clients seamlessly during the transition to a new president. Joanne Kipnis and Victoria Long will lead PAWS during this time as interim co-presidents. Joanne is vice president of programs and resource development, and Victoria is vice president of finance and administration. Both have been managing these functions at PAWS for several years, are respected leaders in the community, and are well known to PAWS clients, volunteers and donors.

In discussing the transition, Joanne Kipnis said, "Through 24 years of providing life-changing services, PAWS is stronger than ever and it is an honor to assume the role of Interim Co-President during this time of transition.” Victoria Long added, “We’ve always been committed to providing the highest level of service to ensure that our clients are able to keep the unconditional love of their pets in their lives, and that commitment will remain front and center during the transition.”

John (far right) and other friends of PAWS at Petchitecture 16

Exciting Live Auction items at Petchitecture 16!

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:54:00 GMT

This year’s Petchitecture 16 will feature an amazing Live Auction to raise funds to support our core services at PAWS. In addition to bidding for the 2012 Pet Idol titles (where one lucky cat and one lucky dog will be featured on all the promotional materials for Petchitecture 17!) guests will also be able to bid on three, once-in-a-lifetime experience packages:

A private Pitching Lesson with Matt Cain and the San Francisco Giants!
Thrill your little-leaguer or take the spotlight yourself with this once-in-a-lifetime experience as Matt Cain, All Star Pitcher and winner of the 2009 Willie Mac Award, welcomes you to batting practice (and gives you a chance to throw your own fastball!) with the World Series Champions, the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park.

Visit the television set of Curb Appeal and “do lunch” with HGTV star, John Gidding!
You and your guest will be treated to a VIP afternoon as John’s special guests including a behind the scenes tour on the set of his hit national television series, Curb Appeal, followed by an intimate lunch guaranteed to turn heads and, by supporting PAWS, turn hearts, too!

New York Getaway with Jonathan Adler!
Jet Set to New York City with 2 round-trip air tickets and spend two nights at the ultra hip SoHo Grand! While in NYC, you and your guest will lunch with internationally known designer and celebrity Jonathan Adler, whose company is “dedicated to bringing style, craft, joy, and a general feeling of grooviness to your home.” Proceeds from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will be spilt with our friends at PAWS NY!

Tickets for Petchitecture 16 are a still available online at www.pawssf.org/petchitecture.

Can’t attend and still want to bid? Call us at (415) 979-9550 x308 to arrange for one of our auction volunteers to proxy bid on your behalf during the live auction!

Walking Radar

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 23:34:00 GMT

[Editor's note: Chung Nguyen is a PAWS Volunteer who has been walking a dog named Radar for a client named Jade. Daniel Marlay is the Director of Volunteer Services at PAWS. If you would be interested in walking dogs for PAWS, see our Dog-walking Volunteer Page.]

Radar

When I finally moved back to San Francisco and really settled in (as opposed to continuing to crash on my friend's couch), I felt a little lost. My previous life involved a rigid 9-to-6 schedule with built-in social interactions with coworkers. I was now living in a new city, in a new place with new people, and felt a little adrift.

Plus, I really missed my dog.

At first I wondered if random strangers would let me walk their dog, just to cure this need for brief doggy companionship. Then I realized that was weird. And then I thought about all this time I had on my hands and no where to really apply myself. And that's where VolunteerMatch comes in, and I was introduced to PAWS.

From the get-go, I had a great experience with PAWS. Daniel does a wonderful job of streamlining the volunteer signup and orientation process, but never loses the personal touch as we proceed. My previous experience with a lot of non-profit organizations has been a mismanagement of volunteers, not capitalizing volunteers' altruism and consequently making them feel indifferent to the cause in the end. Daniel explained what PAWS was all about and I absolutely love the cause (in summation: "PAWS improves the health and well-being of disabled individuals and the animals in their lives").

Jade

My volunteer position is to walk a chiweenie (chihuahua-dachshund mix) named Radar for his owner/guardian/human-mama Jade. Radar is a funny character. He's a small dog with a big personality. He loves to wrestle around with his small buddies at Duboce Park and after months of taking him there once a week, I've gotten to know a lot of the interesting dogs there as well. Radar absolutely hates skateboards and sporadically barks at bicyclists. Radar is a food whore. He's pretty chill when you get him by himself, though you wouldn't be able to tell from the way he plays and wrestles with the other dogs. He also has the softest belly I've ever rubbed. Ever.

It's always fun to walk him around the neighborhood and have people down the block yell out, "Hey, it's Radar!"

Radar is a bit of a superstar like that.

And then there's Jade. Jade is truly one of the sweetest, kindest, nicest people I've met in the city to date. Because of her age and health, she wasn't able to take Radar out for his walks and I could tell that it broke her heart. It consoled her that there was a team of people who were able and, for one reason or another, completely willing to take Radar out on his walks on her behalf. At the end of every walk, she would very warmly thank me for taking Radar out. Little did she know, I was actually the one who came out on top in this relationship.

In the past year that I've been walking Radar, I was able to force myself to break away from the computer. I was able to interact with people that I otherwise would not, and they're all so wonderful, different, and interesting. And, let's face it, Radar wasn't the only one who needed the exercise.

I'm tremendously thankful that fate brought me to PAWS and, consequently, to Jade and Radar. My life has been all the more positive for this experience and I can honestly say that I am all the more spiritually fulfilled for it. I'll leave you with this quote that I think is simply oh-so-true: “Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole" (Roger Caras).

- Chung Nguyen

Orphaned Siamese cat needs a forever home

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:37:00 GMT

Chanel is a beautiful Siamese Lynx Point cat, spayed, and 3 years-old. Chanel's owner was battling Lupus and other serious medical conditions, and sadly passed away this past Valentine's Day. PAWS staff and foster volunteers are very familiar with her since we've had Chanel in foster care numerous times over the past few years. Chanel is traumatized and ended up in the shelter of Animal Care and Control. Due to the recent traumatic events, however, Chanel is not passing the behavioral tests that would make her eligible for adoption.

We are reaching out to the community to help find Chanel a new forever home. She is a sweet cat who needs some love right now. Chanel is initially afraid of men, and not good with other animals. She has a lot of energy and was such a support system to her former owner. If you would be interested in adopting Chanel, please contact the PAWS office (info@pawssf.org) or 415-979-9550.

-Tara Whitefield, Director of Companion Animal Support Services

Elderly PAWS client passes away and leaves behind two loving dogs

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 19:55:00 GMT

What happens when people die and leave behind animal companions? The community gets together and does its best to find homes for those animals! A PAWS client recently passed away and his two dogs Babe and Roady are in need of a new loving home. Please read below for information taken from Grateful Dogs Rescue and Petfinder:

Babe and Roady recently found themselves homeless after their elderly caretaker passed away. He had cared for this lovely pair of dogs all of their lives and was 80 years old when he passed. Babe and Roady were much-loved and well-cared-for companions used to three walks a day and lots of attention. They are now in a foster home with a good friend, but are really hoping for their own home with someone who would love the company of a couple of really nice dogs. If you live near Duboce Park, you might recognize these two from their regular jaunts around the neighborhood. They are popular characters - Babe (the black and white one) with her belle-of-the-ball personality, and Roady, the leader with his warm eyes and calm ways.

Babe and Roady are 6 and 7 years old. They are well-socialized, have nice house manners, are friendly,calm and very companionable. They both enjoy their walks and playing with the ball (Babe especially). They walk great on-leash after so many years of regular walking, but despite all those walks, they both could stand to lose a few pounds (but who couldn't?!). They are sensitive dogs who have adjusted to the change in circumstance, but would really appreciate a place to call their new forever home. They are fantastic and bright company, and would really make very good friends to that lucky person or family who ends up welcoming them home.

For more information on Babe and Roady, or to apply to adopt them, please contact their foster Kilby by email at: kilby@hill-co.com, or her cell phone: 415.370.7582.

-Tara Whitefield, Director of Companion Animal Support Services

In memory of Velvet; a tribute to the power of the human-animal bond

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 19:49:00 GMT

Editor's note: This article is in memory of Velvet and was written by the Cohen family; friends and supporters of PAWS.

In the past year, we've come to appreciate the important work that you do at PAWS and wanted to share our cat's story with your clients, volunteers, and benefactors.

Our cat Velvet came to us in 2002. He was a big beautiful black cat with yellow eyes and was full-grown when he arrived on our doorstep. We guessed that he had been someone's pet from the ease with which he moved into our household. Unfortunately, however, he had no collar or tags and we were unable to find his previous family, despite inquiries at the local SPCA.

Over the next three years he became our beloved pet. One day in 2005 we brought him to the vet to have a microchip implanted. After the procedure, the vet scanned him to make sure the chip was working correctly and discovered that he had another chip! Suddenly, his life story was crystal clear. He had been adopted from the SPCA five years before he came to us and had lived miles from our house (he had likely stowed away in a car or truck). His original name was Capone (named for the famous mobster).

When we contacted them, his first family was amazingly gracious. Although he had been their pet for years, they agreed to let us keep him. We never forgot the extraordinary generosity and compassion that they brought to this very difficult situation and continue to remember them in our thoughts and prayers. We followed up with the SPCA to suggest that they ask anyone calling to report a found cat to have the cat scanned immediately, something that is now standard practice. This simple request would have guaranteed Capone's prompt return to his original family.

Over the past five years, we continued our love affair with Velvet. He became a constant companion to all of us, showing a different side of his personality to each one. We told his story and that of his first family often, always reminding our listeners to microchip their pets and to encourage others to do so.

In February of this year one of us suffered a complicated broken leg and wound up homebound and incapacitated for months. Velvet's constant presence was a source of great comfort during this time. His daily routine provided the structure and diversion to make it through those long difficult days. We sat together on the porch for hours, lifting one another's spirits just by being together. His presence in those times was truly a blessing.

Finally, the shattered bones began to heal and we began to feel that we had weathered the storm. But one day we noticed that Velvet was losing weight. A visit to the vet led to an x-ray which led to the diagnosis of lung cancer. He would not live much longer. Because we had financial means and enough help at home we were able to nurse him through his final illness while keeping him comfortable. It was an intense and painful experience, but we were grateful to be able to spend his last days together in comfortable and familiar surroundings. He died peacefully and fearlessly on September 2, with his loving family at his side.

If Velvet had become ill only a few months earlier, the broken leg would have prevented us from caring for him without help. The circumstances made us reflect on the important work done by P.A.W.S. for their human and animal clients. P.A.W.S. routinely does whatever it takes to keep pets and their human companions together. This is truly a little miracle. We would have been despondent if we had been unable to share Velvet's final days as a family. We salute PAWS and its volunteers for their efforts.

--Cohen family

Dedicated Groomer Helps Numerous PAWS Clients

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:47:00 GMT

PAWS serves 750 human clients and their 957 companion animals. This work would simply not be possible without the dedicated support of our community partners. This article is the beginning of an ongoing series where we profile some of these partnerships.

Several San Francisco groomers graciously provide pro bono services for PAWS clients. Each groomer provides a certain number of client slots per month. PAWS staff matches up clients and groomers based on the client’s location, type of animal, and services desired.

One of our newer PAWS groomers is The Groom Room. While new to PAWS, The Groom Room has been serving San Francisco in Nob Hill since 1966. Kelly is the main groomer at the salon and you can quickly tell that she is confident and skilled. Kelly provides several pro bono grooms for PAWS clients each month. We are grateful for all her help!

I remember one PAWS client who was in her late 80s and her arthritis began preventing her from giving her Silky Terrier the thorough daily brushing that his coat required. She loved Sonny and wanted him to be comfortable, but didn’t know what to do. We connected her with The Groom Room and they not only gave Sonny a fantastic bath and cut, but also made a point to give him a haircut that would be easier for the client to maintain. Kelly also provided several specific suggestions to help the client maintain Sonny’s coat between grooming appointments. The client was thrilled and is excitedly looking forward to her next PAWS grooming at The Groom Room.

The Groom Room is open by appointment Tuesdays through Fridays (8am-6pm) and Saturdays (9am-5pm). The shop is located at 1439 Pacific Avenue (cross street Hyde) and their phone number is 415-447-7900. If you are looking for a groomer in the Nob Hill area, call The Groom Room. They are friendly and helpful and they do a wonderful job. In addition to dog grooming, The Groom Room also offers cat grooming (a rare treat in the city!) and doggie daycare. Thanks Kelly and The Groom Room for your dedicated support to PAWS!

-Katherine D'Amato, PAWS Client Services Fellow

Cosmetician to the Cats

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 01:39:00 GMT

[Editor's Note: Sandra Derian is a volunteer who trims cat nails for PAWS clients. Her nail-trimming helps disabled clients keep their cats clean and healthy, reducing the risk of cat scratch disease, infections, and shredded furniture.]

Johnny

While I was preparing to write about my experience as a volunteer for PAWS, I recalled that I had a 3-week exploratory class in cosmetology at my high school where, during that time, we were taught how to do a proper manicure. I went to a trade school where every other week we had classes in a chosen trade. I pursued a different avenue at the end of the three weeks, but little did I know then that I'd be making house calls to trim cat claws.

It was around 2006 that I decided that I could offer my skills with regards to cats to PAWS as a volunteer. I saw a posting for a volunteer position on the Volunteer Match website and the position called for people to clip cats' nails. I knew this was my calling because I've owned cats my entire life and my mom showed me the correct way to clip their claws. I feel most at ease with cats, too.

The three clients I see monthly are all accessible by one bus on public transit, but I usually opt to get in some exercise so I walk to each location. I try to arrange all the visits on the same day each month. I use the average toenail clipper that most people use on themselves. I don't like using anything else because it is the tool with which I am most familiar. I have tried the pet versions of a nail clipper and I find the cats do not like it.

Generally, cats do not like having anyone touch their paws, but if you let a cat warm up to you, they will let you handle their paws for a short span of time. The key is to get the paw in your hand when they are in a friendly, calm mood. I don't play with the cats before I clip their nails unless I have to use a toy to get them out from under the bed. Playing with a cat will excite them too much. In the case where the PAWS client has two cats, I will clip the nails of the cat who is usually most reluctant first.

Charlie

I usually start my nail-clipping assignment with visiting the client who owns Johnny, the yellow tabby, and Charlie, the brown tabby. Johnny usually gets a little shy about his nails getting trimmed when he sees his buddy, Charlie, having it done first. When Johnny is under the bed, he's still reachable and he lets me pick him up. He likes to hold his paws tightly close to his body, but I pet him to assure him once I got him. Once I have a good grip on him, such as if he's on a bed without any way to back up, I grab a paw. I clip each nail then grab the other paw and it is done before he decides to bolt. Lately, he likes me more and puts up with the process. His buddy Charlie loves attention and loves to smell my face. I can tell that he doesn't spend much time cleaning under his nails when he grooms himself. I usually find dried up litter and fibers from him scratching furniture or carpeting. I carefully dislodge the debris while I'm clipping his nails. Sometimes using a soft cloth while extending the nail can help remove the debris of cats’ nails. I use hand sanitizer or wash my hands between clients so as not to spread germs to their homes or to the other cats.

Maxwell

I next visit Maxwell and he's a black and white shorthair with the appearance that he leads a pampered life; he sort of demands it. He is the favored cat out of his whole building. He visits at least one neighbor in the next apartment. I clip both his front and hind paws because he has a bad habit of kicking his paws against the arms of people who pet his belly when he's lying down. I make sure his nails on all four paws are clipped, but he really dislikes having his hind paws touched. Reading Maxwell's mood is key to getting his nails clipped without him trying to bite my hands. He plays a little rough and he knows how to get people to let go of him. I try to get him relaxed by petting him before I begin with clipping his nails. Scratching under the chin gently is one of his favorite spots. Maxwell's owner often talks to him soothingly, as do I, so he gets into a calmer mood. He doesn't make a sound to make me stop like some cats. If I wear long sleeves, he can try to bite my arm and I won't feel it. He gives in when he knows I'm not stopping him from trying to bite me and stops when I firmly say, "Maxwell, no biting.” After his ordeal, he is ready for his nap, so his owner has a little peace until he's up and about looking for some dinner.

Chiari

Some cats learn different ways to get their owner to not pick them up or not do things to them that they don't like. Chiari is a feisty gray cat who loves to play and loves exposing his tummy for a rub. He's definitely one of those cats who files some claws down more on one paw than the other when he scratches the scratching post. This makes me wonder if cats really are right or left-pawed. Chiari is a cat that wants to assert himself often when it is time to clip his nails and tries to wriggle away. Chiari will meow with a beckoning tone to stop me from picking him up. He knows it has worked on his owner. I know he thinks it will get me to put him back down. He stops meowing once I start clipping and it is over in under a minute. He walks away a little insulted that I won out. He still greets me each time with much delight in his eyes, so I'm not too worried about his ego getting damaged by my take-charge methods.

I leave each cat knowing that the owners are grateful for the time I take to help them out. They are safer from being scratched by their best friend and the cat is safer from getting its claw hooked and harming itself. The PAWS clients are pleasant to talk with, but I try not to take up too much of their time. Sometimes they have plans or want to continue with their routine, but we chat about things like their pets and sometimes about my pet or about other animals we know. I like to keep the topics lighthearted so the clients have a positive note to their day. If they talk about anything that bothers them, I listen and tell them that I hope things improve or that I'm sorry that they've had a tough week. It is natural to hear people in difficult situations vent their feelings, but I know not to get too involved and just assure them that their pets have been well cared for by them.

I encourage any feline fans out there to volunteer their time to PAWS to help the clients however they can, because it is an emotionally rewarding experience to help the furry and non-furry variety of folks in San Francisco.

- Sandra Derian

Volunteering and Paying It Forward

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:22:00 GMT

Rosie and Heather, Heinz's cats who were fostered a few years back

Editor's note: Heinz Voss is a PAWS Client who also volunteers with PAWS. Heinz and a few other volunteers recently made nearly daily visits to a cat in her home for three months while the owner was in the hospital for an extended stay. Heinz and the others were feeding the cat, checking her litter box, and visiting her to make sure she was not too lonely while the client was in the hospital. Heinz wrote the following about giving back to PAWS, remembering receiving help from PAWS in the past.

We did what we could with what we had, but, it’s nothing compared to the blessing that came my way, back in 2003. With my partner having passed away, and me being unable to continue paying the already steep rent we had been paying for a hole in the wall, I had to beg the landlord to give me a week to find a foster home for Rosie & Heather (the cats). For 6 days, I couldn’t make it happen, on the 7^th day my landlord told me there was someone on HIS phone (I had given his phone as an emergency # to PAWS) - it was Pat Mazzera, a PAWS Foster Care volunteer, telling me that she had been trying to get a hold of me, but that my cell phone was disconnected.

That day was the beginning of a beautiful relationship, but most importantly, my little girls had hit the jackpot. I can’t begin to tell you how much of a difference this made. That’s the exact reason why I really don’t care who, what, how long, how inconvenient, if it costs me money, because nothing matters when we are in dire straits.

And if I can’t be available, having experienced first hand what it feels like when your life just unraveled right before your eyes, and you are about to lose the one last thing that kept you going – who can?

Because at the end of the day it's all relative – if the $3.00 I have in my pocket makes a greater impact in somebody else’s pocket – why wouldn’t I want to make Ms. Karma happy?

- Heinz Voss

For more information about becoming a foster care volunteer, see our foster care page.

A letter to the Bay Area Reporter

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 18:37:00 GMT

On September 16th, The Bay Area Reporter (www.ebar.com) published a front page article that was highly critical of SF Pride's financial management and what impact it was having on Community Partners such as PAWS. Our president, John Lipp, was heavily quoted in the article and shared his frustrations with SF Pride’s unannounced accounting changes that reduced our expected fundraising by almost half. To further clarify our perspective, John has sent the following letter to the Bay Area Reporter’s editor.

September 17, 2010

Ms. Cynthia Laird, News Editor

Bay Area Reporter

letters@ebar.com

Dear Ms. Laird:

Thank you for your article on the challenges faced by SF Pride and the impact on community-based organizations like Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS). We are saddened that the issue has escalated to this point but remain hopeful that the BAR article will shed light on these issues and ultimately help our community move forward.

I do want to clarify that PAWS never had a problem with SF Pride’s request to pay their beverage partners in installments. Managing cash flow is an integral part of running a nonprofit organization, and we were fully supportive of SF Pride’s need to make payment arrangements. Our concern all along has been with the disparity in the amount SF Pride charged back to PAWS in the form of fixed expenses that increased 1,204% from $893.14 in 2009 to $11,642.50 in 2010. This action had a profound and negative impact on our fundraising and all of us at PAWS are very disappointed with the drastic changes SF Pride implemented this year; changes that were never communicated ahead of time to the beverage partners.

We have always viewed the beverage partner program as an innovative way to staff the SF Pride event while providing community based organizations with an opportunity to raise meaningful dollars in support of their missions. When we entered into this partnership in 2010 we anticipated that our fundraising (based on 25% of the revenue from individual booth sales minus fixed expenses) would remain consistent with past years. The contract we signed was identical to previous years and there was no communication from Pride indicating their intent to make any changes. This reasonable assumption was also supported by the similarity in our booth sales; $37,756 in 2009 and $36,545 this year. Instead we were stunned to discover that the unannounced changes in SF Pride’s accounting procedures resulted in our donation being cut almost in half, from $7,958 in 2009 to $4,034 this year.

With the recent announcement of SF Pride’s operating deficit, we certainly understand the organization’s need to find additional revenue for general operations. What we don’t understand is Pride’s insistence on changing their internal accounting procedures to find that revenue at the expense of their trusted and longtime community partners.

Each year PAWS must make hard choices about the best way to invest our limited resources to support our mission. In order to staff one beverage booth at SF Pride, PAWS must mobilize 75 volunteers; a precious and limited resource. In addition, each of our fulltime staff is required to participate that day. We invest a great deal of agency resources in staffing the SF Pride booth with the expectation that the fundraising opportunity will provide a meaningful return on our investment of time and labor, and will generate funds to support our core services. If SF Pride wants to make a case that the beverage booth partners need to pay more of the event’s overall costs, they owe it to us to explain that logic before deciding to implement those changes. This would allow beverage partners to do a thoughtful analysis and make an informed choice about participating.

As it now stands, the actions of SF Pride go against the spirit of our beverage partner contract and, most important, the community’s understanding of this model. In the spirit of what SF Pride stands for, it is our sincere hope that the organization’s leadership will address this issue and do the right thing for the community and the thousands of people who depend on the services provided by PAWS and all of our sister organizations who participate in the beverage program. Our community deserves no less.

Sincerely,

John L. Lipp,
President, PAWS

Delivering Pet Food

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 22:04:00 GMT

Ed. note: Sherry Chan is a PAWS Volunteer who delivers pet food for PAWS on a monthly basis. Prado Gomez is the PAWS Food Bank Manager.

Ever since I started volunteering with PAWS almost four years ago, it was love at first sight! My only regret is that I wish I would have met PAWS sooner. To this day, I still am forever grateful to my friend JD (also a PAWS volunteer) for introducing PAWS to me. Since then I have had the privilege of telling everyone I know about how great this organization is. I've been telling anyone who will listen about how efficient and organized PAWS and Prado's work is. Every Saturday, I've witnessed how patient and calm Prado is, between handling the deliveries teams and getting them out the door with their routes, and the clients waiting in the front area.

From sharing my experiences, I was very fortunate to be able to share this amazing experience with many of my friends such as Jana and Michael. Michael has recently joined, but Jana and I have been doing the Saturday Deliveries together for several years. I was going to say: "my favorite part is...", but realized I don't have a particular favorite part. I love the whole experience! Jana and I catch up with each other over our routes. We usually like to go for the scenic routes. I love seeing all the different neighborhoods, meeting all the clients (regular and new), and of course, playing with the animals! It is absolutely infectious how happy and excited both the animal(s) and the animal parents are when we ring their door bell carrying loads of food. For example, last Saturday, I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Petey and his dad. Petey was sooooooooooo excited to come and greet us and then he started tossing leaves into the air and we played catch with leaves for 5 minutes straight!

Thank goodness for Jana! She is always so good about getting the signatures while I fuss over the animals; otherwise I would've forgotten all about the signatures. I'm always amazed and proud of Jana because not only does she spread the good word about PAWS, she is still part of the Saturday Deliveries AND is now walking PAWS clients' dogs in her neighborhood. This is the very reason that volunteers like her make me so proud to be part of such an wonderful community called PAWS.
--

Warmly,
Sherry Chan

The love and support of William and Pepper

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:34:00 GMT

At PAWS, we are often fortunate to meet people who leave an impression upon our hearts. In 2008, we received a referral call regarding an ailing senior citizen with severe dementia, kidney failure, mobility impairment, and signs of self-neglect. The client’s name was William and the call came from his social worker at On Lok Lifeways, a comprehensive health care program that provides full medical care and support services to seniors. William’s social workers realized that he and his cat, Pepper, would benefit greatly from the services that PAWS provides.

When Tara, PAWS Case Manager, first visited William, he was frail and confused, but Pepper’s attentive nature was priceless. William spoke of how Pepper slept beside him every night and it was clear when he spoke of her that she was an integral part of his overall health and well-being.

Earlier this year, William reached a point where he needed to be moved into a higher level of care. On Lok’s social worker contacted PAWS for assistance in placing Pepper in a new home. Happily, right before Pepper was to be placed, we received word that the convalescent hospital was considering allowing Pepper to continue living with our client! Pepper was accepted into the hospital after a meet-and-greet with John Chalich, Hayes Convalescent Hospital Administrator.

William unfortunately passed away after a few months of moving into the hospital, but due to the generosity of the Hayes Convalescent Hospital and their understanding of the human-animal bond, William was able to spend his last days with Pepper.

Providing comfort to a resident of Hayes Convalescent Hospital.

The teamwork of everyone involved, from social service/medical providers to the PAWS volunteers who assisted William with food delivery and cat care, made this senior’s end stage of life more positive because he was able to share it with his animal companion. We're glad to announce that Pepper will continue living at Hayes Convalescent Hospital and has already become a regular visitor to other residents where her unconditional love brings comfort and hope.

-- Tara Whitefield, PAWS Case Manager

Pepper enjoying a tussle with Kirby, the original hospital resident cat.

Taking animals to the vet

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 00:25:00 GMT

[Editor's note: Ellen Sinaiko is a volunteer who takes animals to their vet appointments. For more info about how you can be a vet transport volunteer, see the job description page. The names of the client and his cat are changed to protect confidentiality]

It was my first “assignment”, as a freshly minted PAWS volunteer. I was to take "Steve" and his cat, "Whiskers", to an appointment at Pets Unlimited. I gave myself plenty of time, found parking and got to Steve’s building early. The fellow at the front desk told me to go on up the elevator to the 10^th floor.

Steve’s apartment door was slightly ajar. Oh, good, I thought, he’s ready and expecting me. I tapped. “Steve? It’s Ellen from PAWS.” “Come on in,” he said. I did. And immediately saw Steve, bathroom door open, sitting on that one piece of furniture upon which one would sit in a bathroom. I may have let out a tiny squeal and zipped down the hall to the living room.

Steve came out a minute or two later. We introduced ourselves and then he said, gesturing to the bed, “There he is.” Whiskers lay on the far end of the bed, looking at me suspiciously.

Let me say right now, at the risk of causing offense, I am really more of a Dog Person than a Cat Person. In my ensuing years of volunteering for PAWS, I have taken numerous kitties to the vet and we have gotten along famously. But I grew up with dogs, I’ve always had dogs, and in my own defense, I am allergic to cats.

That said, on the day in question, my cat experience was, shall we say, limited? I assumed Steve would have already crated Whiskers and the two of them would be sitting by the door, eagerly awaiting my arrival, ready for our fun trip to the Vet.

Nope. The crate was sitting there and apparently it was my job to put Whiskers in it. Okay, I thought, what’s the big deal? It’s only putting a cat in a carrier. I gingerly reached out to Whiskers and…he was gone. A mad dash or two around the room, me in hot pursuit, with Whiskers landing underneath the bed, at the far end, directly in the middle, as far away from me as he could possibly get. Smart guy, that Whiskers.

Thus began what seemed at the time to be an endless round of “Here, Kitty, Kitty!” I asked Steve for some cat food. Put it in a bowl and shook it enticingly beside the bed. How was I to know cats are notoriously indifferent to food? It works like a charm on dogs.

I was beginning to panic, perspiration beading on my upper lip. I even took a moment to call then-Volunteer Coordinator, Ned Howey. He wasn’t there. “Ned,” my message hissed, “I’m not sure I can do this!”

I lay down on the small strip of carpeting between Steve’s bed and the wall. Am I really doing this? I thought. I’m lying down on the floor of a complete stranger’s apartment, attempting to trap a cat? Will this ever make a funny story? Will this cat scratch me to death? As I mentioned, slightly lacking in basic cat knowledge.

I screwed up all the courage (and energy) I had left and launched myself as far underneath the bed as I could. And there was Whiskers, firmly in my grasp. He did his cat-best, digging his claws into the carpet, but he was no match for me. I am Cat Woman, hear me mew.

Did I tell you the part about having to put Whiskers in his cat carrier?

A Story of Hope

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:59:00 GMT

Why PAWS is part of the San Francisco AIDS Walk

Five years ago Phoenix, age 44, arrived at the hospital and flat lined twice during the first four hours. He was intubated both times and was placed into a medically-induced coma for eight days. Due to his dire health conditions he lay bedridden with only two remaining T cells left in his body. He was kept in the hospital for 30 days where he fought for his life. Faced with his own mortality, he was struck with the realization that he urgently needed care for himself. Two weeks into his recovery his cardiologist walked into his room and said the seven words he didn’t expect to hear but that would change his life forever, “You have got to get a dog.”

Phoenix visited San Francisco Animal Care and Control and met the miracle that would heal his soul. The two moist little eyes peeked shyly out at him from the kennel. When they met, the little dog rolled over and covered his eyes with both paws…and at that moment Phoenix knew that he had found the one. He had found Dusty. Or, perhaps Dusty had found Phoenix.

Dusty has been the miracle catalyst that has changed Phoenix’s life. He has become his “reason for getting up in the morning” and has given Phoenix the reason he sought to take his own health seriously, “If I don’t take care of myself then I may not be around to take care of Dusty. Then what would happen?”

PAWS is the reason that Phoenix and Dusty have been able to stay together. They utilize PAWS partner, Pets Unlimited, to provide Dusty with his yearly wellness exam. PAWS matters so much to Phoenix because “a lot of time our pets may be the only thing we have left.”

The daily care for Dusty has grown into a love and a commitment beyond anything he’s ever known. Dusty is his best buddy, his motivation, his reason to fight and his reason to love.

On July 18th, 2010, Phoenix and Dusty will be an integral part of team PAWS: Doggone Fun Run for the San Francisco AIDS Walk. They will walk to help PAWS continue to support their inspiring story of hope. Please click here to help Phoenix and Dusty support PAWS and the power of the human-animal bond.

-- Nora Gervais, a Friend of PAWS

Remembering Maya

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:52:00 GMT

Adrienne Jonas with former clients Nalli and Lucy

When PAWS Volunteers sign up to walk dogs, they often underestimate the impact that meeting the pet owner will have on their lives. Not only do they work with the same dog each week, but they also work with that owner. They quickly get to know the clients, learn more about their lives, and are touched by their stories.

Maya is a client who had been with PAWS off and on since 1998. Throughout those twelve years, volunteers helped with Maya’s various pets including Abyss the cat, Nalli the Yorkie, Canela the German Shepherd, and her most recent dog, Sombra the Dachshund. After long battles with her health issues, Maya passed away in May, 2010. Two volunteers who helped walk her dogs reflect on Maya’s passing.

Adrienne Jonas: I was very saddened recently to hear that Maya had passed away.

As a volunteer dog walker and cat carer I got to know Maya quite well. I walked two of her dogs, Nalli and Canela, and helped with her cat Abyss. We would often sit and talk and there was mutual

Canela

trust between us – so much so that she had designated me to take care of Nalli (her 8 lb Yorkie) if anything happened to her. However, Nalli preceded Maya in death, as did Canela and Abyss. I attended services with Maya and friends for Nalli in Stern Grove, one of her favorite places to go, and where her ashes were buried beneath a tree (before the parking area was renewed).

Maya had a birthday at the end of June and I had a card ready to send her and planned on taking her to lunch. I had no idea she had been ill – which reminds me of the old saying “never put off until tomorrow what you can do today”. I regret that I hadn’t called Maya in a while but am sure she knew I always thought of her.

Ketty Mobed: I met Maya and Canela 3 years ago. Maya would often talk about how she inherited Canela from her previous guardian while she was volunteering as a companion at a hospice. This really showed me what a kind and caring person Maya was.

Sombra

Maya, on occasions when she felt better than other days, would accompany Canela and me on our walk and she would often share her sad stories about her life, as well as her joyous and fun stories like taking belly dancing or going to the movies.

Maya was truly a wonderful, kind and genuine person and loved her animals as much as they loved her. I and the world will miss Maya.

Tuxedo Boy still needs a forever home!

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:50:00 GMT

Alex is still waiting for a new home. He came to us about a month ago when his dad, a PAWS client, died. Although he remains very shy and cautious, he has warmed up to the PAWS staff. He really likes to be pet and came out for a belly rub just this morning.

He is 7 years old, in good health and will have a check-up soon.

He has lived indoors all his life and has lived with another cat.

If you or someone you know is looking for a sweet feline companion, please contact us so you can meet Alex.

Contact PAWS at 415.979.9550

Alex needs a forever home

Wed, 26 May 2010 00:39:00 GMT

Alexander, aka Alex, is a 7 year old tuxedo kitty looking for a new home. Alex has spent his entire life in a quiet apartment with his dad, a PAWS client, and his now deceased feline brother. Unfortunately, his guardian died last week, and now Alex is the only surviving member of his little family.

In the comfort of his home, Alex is an affectionate boy who likes to play with his toys and really enjoyed the company of his fellow feline. Although he is slowly coming out of his shell, Alex is still very distressed by the sudden changes in his life.

If you, or someone you know, could give this guy a stable home and patiently earn his trust with affection, he will eventually warm your lap in gratitude.

Interested? Please contact PAWS at 415-979-9550.

Emergency Help Needed!

Fri, 21 May 2010 00:11:37 GMT

Our friends at The Berkeley East Bay Humane Society just suffered a devastating fire. They lost their entire cat sheltering area as well as laundry facilities and offices. They are currently without water, electricity and phone service. Sadly, they lost 15 cats that were ready for adoption. All the dogs survived and are being cared for in kennels and at veterinary emergency service.

They are in critical need for people to foster animals and, of course, donations. We work closely with this wonderful organization - they run the East Bay PAWS - and anything you can do to help is very appreciated. Below is a link to their web site.

http://www.berkeleyhumane.org/

Remembering Carol

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 22:07:00 GMT

[ed. note: Tony Michaels is a PAWS Volunteer who walked Charlie, a dog who belonged to Carol, a recently deceased client.]

I’ve been volunteering for the wonderful PAWS organization for about a year and a half now, doing many different types of volunteer tasks. I started by driving pet food to clients on Saturdays, then working the Food Bank, taking pets to vet appointments, working the PAWS booth at the Pet Fair in Golden Gate Park, and even picking up a dog or two and driving them to the dog wash for some sprucing up. But, my greatest pleasure so far has been as a dog walker for Carol’s wonderful little Charlie.

Charlie immediately won me over on my very first walk, when I rang Carol’s door bell, and saw Charlie waiting patiently through the glass door for her to open the door. No barks, no yelps, just a smiling face waiting to greet me. I introduced myself as a new walker for PAWS, and Carol was so happy to welcome me in to get the leash, and take her little friend for his walk. At first, it was a slow-going affair, but we got him to the park for a little sunshine and a good brushing.

My walks with Charlie were on Saturday mornings, and that’s how I always looked at starting my weekends. It was a joy to be able to have some pet companionship, if only for a short hour at a time.

As Carol became more ill, and it took her longer to answer the door, I felt such a saddened heart to see her having such difficulty even walking to the door. But, Charlie was always patiently waiting at the door for his walk. The other walkers for “Team Charlie” also noticed Carol’s weakening condition, and our email connection with each other become a way letting the others know what to expect on their next visit. It was a great group that I’ve never met face to face, but somehow I felt I got to know personally.

When we got word that Carol was in the hospital and probably would not be able to go home again, the email link between “Team Charlie” become clear how Carol, Charlie and Poppy grew to be apart of our lives. The concern by all was very evident. Then we got word that Carol had passed, and I think I can speak for our team, that it was truly sad news to get.

I hope that sweet little Charlie and Poppy will find the caring and loving homes that Carol would want for them.

I will always think fondly of meeting Carol and being able to help her in any way I could.

It was a joy!!

- Tony Michaels, PAWS Volunteer

Charlie and Poppy Updates

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 00:23:00 GMT

We posted a blog entry last month about a PAWS client who passed away on St. Patrick’s Day and left her dog Charlie and cat Poppy behind. We have some good news! Charlie and Poppy weren’t bonded so we were able to separate them. Poppy went into foster care with a new PAWS volunteer who has decided to permanently adopt her! Congratulations to our volunteer and Poppy, we wish them the best!

Charlie has been making good progress. He’s lost a little weight and is now on pain medications for his arthritis. He may have some other medical issues which need more investigation but our friends at Muttville, a senior dog rescue organization, have taken him under their wing. A rescue organization is the best place for Charlie to begin his search for a forever home. We are incredibly grateful to Muttville for providing a place for Charlie to search for a home, and for keeping him out of a shelter environment which could be scary for such a sweet guy. If you are interested in learning more about Charlie, please visit the Muttville website at: www.muttville.org. While getting to know Charlie we have found that he should probably remain in a quiet household since he previously lived with a senior citizen in a mellow home.

-- Tara Whitefield, PAWS Case Manager

Two PAWS companion animals need a home

Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:06:00 GMT

Hello potential adopters! One of our longtime PAWS clients passed away on St. Patrick's Day and left behind two adorable animal companions. They are now in the custody of PAWS and if anyone is interested in adding to their home or knows of a friend, please do let us know! These two lovebugs need a warm home after all they've been through. Charlie and Poppy can be adopted separately, and do not need to be placed together.

Charlie is an adorable 11 year-old Brittany Spaniel mix. He is overweight and is taking medications for arthritis, but with some regular exercise he should be able to shed some of those pounds. He has some other medical issues which could be costly. He's such a charmer though and gets along with cats, other dogs, and adapts to any situation. Charlie likes to spend most of the day on his doggy bed and just enjoys being near someone. He's a quiet dog and would be great in a home with a senior, but could probably adapt to any situation.

Poppy is a loveable 6 year-old domestic long-haired cat with a beautiful gray and orange coat. She enjoys being petted, held and is very friendly. Both Poppy and Charlie have won the hearts of us at PAWS. Let them warm yours! Please contact me if you are interested in learning more about Poppy or Charlie.

-- Tara Whitefield, PAWS Case Manager, 415-979-9550, x302

A Little Extra Help from PAWS Volunteers

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:45:00 GMT

One of the most popular volunteer tasks at PAWS is walking dogs. Volunteers go to clients’ houses, visit the clients and take their dogs out for walks. One of these dogs is a special-needs dog named Henry Miller.

Henry Miller is a service animal for his client, a senior client named Ana who is legally blind. While he was task-trained to help with his owner’s disability, he is now a senior himself, and relies on help from PAWS volunteers and others to tend to his needs. Last year, Ana had a brain tumor removed, which severely limited her mobility and her ability to lift. At that point, she asked PAWS for help walking Henry Miller.

In his old age, Henry Miller is afflicted with osteoarthritis and hip problems that are typical in older German Shepherd mixes. For him, it is a struggle to get up and to start moving. Complicating that was that his owner lived in an apartment up a flight of stairs. The arthritis in his hips left him unable to climb those stairs, so to get him out for his bathroom breaks, volunteers needed to pick him up and carry him downstairs. PAWS had a few volunteers help with this, including Greg Varni, who helped Henry Miller for about four months. Greg comments, “After knowing Ana and Henry for a few months you become used to the physical restrictions - carrying him up and down the stairs and the short walks only on the flat parts of SF around Ana's place as normal. Henry never complains about his restrictions and the love they have for each other fills their home.”

Ana finally decided that a new home was in order, for both herself, and for Henry, and thanks to a grant from the Community Living Fund, she was able to move. Her new home features an elevator, so Henry no longer needs someone to pick him up and physically carry him downstairs. Nonetheless, aging continues to take its toll, and he still has a hard time walking. He has a new PAWS Volunteer now, Katy Schweigerdt, who has been walking Henry since October. Katy notes that his stamina is limited, his balance is precarious on slick surfaces, and he feels a bit frail, which makes it a challenging walk. She also says, “Despite the hardship of working with a senior dog, he is really such a sweetheart, and though walking him is more like just going out for potty breaks, I love to rub his ears; when I stop he'll nudge me because he loves all of the attention! So yes, it's not what I expected for "dog walking," but his personality and flopping ears make up for it!”

In the meantime, Ana has come to hold her volunteers in deep regard. She says, “when I think about Greg coming every Monday after a full day of work. He would come and lift Henry up and down the 32 stairs, and he was just dedicated. Katy comes rain or shine. She’s always here. They both spend time with me and we have become friends. Their dedication and commitment to Henry and me… and I am happy to be a part of PAWS.”

PAWS would like to give a special thanks to Katy, Greg, and all the other volunteers who have helped with Henry Miller. Henry could use a few more volunteers as well. If you would be interested in volunteering with him or the various other PAWS dogs, see our dog-walking page. For more about Henry Miller and Ana, see this article from UCSF or a video feature from KGO.

A New Home for Buffy

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:48:00 GMT

Good news about Buffy the Tabby cat! PAWS sent out the below notice in search of a home for Buffy, whose previous owner passed away in early January. A good number of potential adopters contacted PAWS with interest in Buffy. The first person to contact us was a man named Kit who lives in the East Bay. Kit's last furry companion was also a rotund Tabby cat who passed away after 23 years. Buffy's situation and story sparked a chord in Kit and although he was nervous about adopting again, decided to contact PAWS immediately for a meet-and-greet.

On 1/15/2010, Kit brought a friend along for his first meeting with Buffy, and we are pleased to announce that it was love at first sight! Kit took Buffy home the very next day and they bonded immediately. PAWS staff was sad to see Buffy go, but are glad to know that he is in a good home. Thanks for Kit and everyone who reached out to offer to help Buffy!

--Tara Whitefield, PAWS Case Manager

Tabby Looking for Love

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:40:00 GMT

Happy New Year to all of our clients and friends of PAWS! The new year has brought a surprise furry visitor to the PAWS office. Buffy the cat has an interesting story. He's a 5 year old Tabby cat in the "more to love" department. Last year Buffy's dad passed away from a heart attack and PAWS was able to find him a new home with one of our senior clients. He was in a happy home for 6 months and adapted like a charm! However, Buffy's new mom recently passed away as well.

While we're not an official adoption agency, when our clients pass away we will do everything in our power to find good homes for their companion animals. We have consequently had quite a few unexpected furry visitors at the PAWS office over the years. Many of them are timid and hide in a corner during their stay. Buffy, on the other hand is a bundle of love! He has an adorable "meow," loves to purr, and likes being brushed so much that we've joked about renaming him "Brushy." There is no question that he will be a joy to someone who is looking for a cuddly friend to add to their home.

Please contact me if you are interested in a meet-and-greet with Buffy. We are hoping to find a loving home for him very soon!

--Tara Whitefield, PAWS Case Manager, 415-979-9550, x302

PAWS delivers nearly 1,000 stockings!

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:38:00 GMT

Our annual PAWS Stocking Delivery went off with a bang! Sixty delivery teams set out across the city on December 6 with almost a thousand goodie bags for our clients' little angels. While we don't fly around the world in one night with eight reindeer -- it's still pretty impressive! What a project. . . but what a reward.

The Stocking Delivery starts long before the holiday season as we begin asking generous community partners to contribute toys and treats. Pet Food Express came through in a HUGE way -- organizing the donation of 1,000 toys and more than 3,500 treats! The Animal Company once again helped make our birds happy with donations of great bird toys! Our volunteers, of course, are the greatest. From stuffing the stockings to delivering them, they really make this possible.

Nothing beats the "thank you" calls from our clients. As life, especially around the holidays, gets more and more hectic, I can always stop for a moment to savor the warm feeling that this event brings. Just one of the reasons I love being a part of the PAWS family!

-- Laura Nelson, PAWS Director of Client Services

Welcome to PAWS 2.0!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:26:00 GMT

Welcome to PAWS 2.0 - the culmination of an almost two years planning process to reimagine the PAWS website, With this new site, we hope to:

Better connect to our supporters;
Share information in real time;
Inspire a renewed passion for our mission;
Share resources with others who believe in the healing power of the human-animal bond;
Better tell our life-changing stories; and
Make all of our outreach efforts a little more green.

I am especially grateful for Victoria Long, Director of Finance and Administration, who had the vision for PAWS 2.0 and, most importantly, held onto it. What you see today would not have been possible without the incredible talent of Mags Cronin, our Front Office Coordinator, and Cheryl Shiflett, our Development Coordinator. Together, they turned the vision of PAWS 2.0 into a reality.

If you're reading this blog post, it probably means you're an early adopter -- and one of the first to visit our new website. Like any big project, it's a work in progress and in order to make it even better, we really need your feedback. So please ... tell us what you think! What's working, what could be improved, and what you would like to see as we add new features to the website. You can send us an email at info@pawssf.org.

All of us at PAWS will be taking a turn on the PAWS In Action blog. I hope you check back often -- or make us an RSS feed! -- so that you'll get to meet some of the incredible people who make the PAWS mission possible and hear their inspiring stories.

Thank you for your belief in our mission and your ongoing support to keep people and their beloved pets together.
-- John L. Lipp, PAWS President