Lend A Paw visits the LA Mission

The Lend A Paw team is excited to get to work after arriving at the LA Mission

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

             It is now a tradition that on Christmas Eve, the Lend A Paw team visits the LA Mission. The mission serves the public all year, and on Christmas Eve they block off the streets in order to be able to provide food and entertainment to the homeless. Thousands of people, many of them children, line the streets from 3am in order to be able to participate. We had 12 volunteers bring their dogs to visit with the children to ease the stress of their long wait.

Dawson sits patiently while this woman pets him.

Lisa and Ash are always ready to brighten someones day.

Many of the homeless are children, and others are disabled. It is comforting to them just to be able to pet a dog for a few minutes. Without having steady income and a place to live, most disabled homeless individuals do not have the luxury of being able to apply for the help of a service animal.

Gabi is happy bringing joy to these children.

   Many of these children have experience with dogs, but not with     healthy well-trained dogs. The children told stories of dogs they had seen running on the streets, and many spoke of being scared when seeing certain dogs. A big part of our work is education. It is important to educate children about how to treat animals and help them to understand that they too can raise happy and healthy pets.

Ash is new to our team, and doesn't mind standing still for babies.

Dex loves to "lend his paw."

Joel Moore was at the mission helping to serve the food. He has volunteered with New Leash On Life as a judge during our Nuts for Mutts events.

 

We hope you had a happy holiday season. New Leash On Life wants to thank all of its dedicated volunteers for a successful year, and want you to know how much we truly value your support. We are looking forward to working together in 2011!

Alyssa Milano, fellow animal advocate, enjoyed taking time off the food service line to visit our therapy dogs. She enjoys giving back to the community on a regular basis.

Scheduled Visits - Week of December 13th

There are two scheduled visits for this week:

Tuesday, December 14th @ 1:00 PM:
Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell Village
7150 Tampa Ave
Reseda, CA
Come and meet the residents of this facility and bring lots of smiles and happiness. We will meet 5 minutes early, at the large patio, north of the parking lot.

Wednesday, December 15th @ 1:30 PM:
New Horizons
15725 Parthenia St.
North Hills, CA
This is an indoor classroom visit. We can take up to 4 teams. It is very relaxed and casual; We go to each classroom and ask if they would like a visit. If they say yes (and they always do), we just walk around and greet the students and give them a chance to pet the dogs. They also love to see any tricks you might know!

Scheduled Visits - Week of December 6th

There are 4 scheduled Lend A Paw visits for this week:

Tuesday, December 7th @ 2:15 PM:
Westside Regional Center
5901 Green Valley Circle
Culver City, CA
Great site at a State Agency! Visiting challenged diabetics in a lifestyle fitness program (the only of its kind.) Good talk, wonderful clients, a great opportunity for sharing safe dog training tips and animal care. Ample parking in large lot. Please come!


Wednesday, December 8th @ 12:00 PM:
New Horizons
15725 Parthenia St.
North Hills, CA
This is a lunchtime visit to a facility for developmentally challenged adults. They are always very happy to see the dogs. It's a warm and friendly place and everyone has a good time. Please join us and check it out. We can take up to 6 teams, but need at least 4 to carry out this visit.

Saturday, December 11th from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM:
Lend A Paw Certification Workshop
K9s Only
18603 Topham Street
Tarzana, CA
This is a workshop to certify new dogs and volunteer handlers for the Lend A Paw Pet Therapy Program. We will also be re-certifying any current volunteers handlers/dogs whose certification has expired (certification expires after 1 year.) If you have a dog that loves people, is over 1 year old, is spayed/neutered, and has basic obedience, you are welcome to go through the test with us. All participants who pass the test on this day, will be certified with Lend A Paw. Contact Sharon at sharon@k9sonly.com or 818-344-9663 for more info.

Sunday, December 12th @ 10:30 AM:
Oakview at University Village Assisted Living and Nursing Facility
3557 Campus Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA
We visit two groups at this facility and the residents really enjoy our visits. We can take up to 4 Therapy Teams and we meet outside the front entrance.

Scheduled Visits - Week of November 29th

Scheduled Visits - Week of November 29th

There are three Lend A Paw visits scheduled for this week:

Tuesday, November 30th at 1:00pm:

Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell village

Taper Building

7150 Tampa Ave.

Reseda, CA

This is a skilled nursing facility where the residents and staff enjoy visits from their furry friends. Please meet Gayle and Wickett 5 minutes before at the large patio.

Wednesday, December 1st at 10:30am:

Edelman Children's Court

201 Centre Plaza Drive

Monterey Park, CA 91754

Imagine spending a day at the courthouse waiting to speak with judges and attorneys about your life. Now that's stress! Please come with Lexee and Chellee to add a little comic relief for good kids ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old. It will put a smile on their faces and yours too. We need at least 4 Therapy Teams for this visit (only 1 signed up so far!) or we will have to cancel.

Sunday, December 5th at 10:00am:

Country Villa Nursing Home

9655 Sepulveda Blvd. North Hills, CA 91343

This is our monthly visit to the wonderful residents at this nursing facility. We need up to 4 Therapy Teams to carry this out. We meet Janis and Deja Blu out in front of the facility before going in.

Sceduled Visits - Week of November 22nd

There are two scheduled Lend A Paw visits this week:

Wednesday, November 24th @ 10:30 AM:
Santa Clarita Adult Day Health Center
22903 Soledad Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA

NOTE: OUR ACTUAL START TIME IS 10:45 AM. We can have up to 3 teams visiting and putting smiles on the faces of physically and/or mentally challenged adults.

Saturday, November 27th @ 10:30 AM:
Jewish Home for the Aging / Eisenberg Village
Factor Building
18855 Victory Blvd., Reseda, CA 91335

This is our second visit in November. This event is typically a little longer than one hour but please, stay as long or as little as you can. We will start in the Factor Building, first floor, and move to the second floor. We will then continue our visit in the GC Building where we will finish our day. Hope to see you there!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

Scheduled Visits - Week of November 15th

Tuesday, November 16th @ 1:00 PM:

Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell Village

Taper Building

7150 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA

Please join Gayle and Wickett for this visit. The residents really look forward to our visits and we can take up to 4 teams! Let's meet 5 minutes early at the large patio.

Wednesday, November 17th @ 1:30 PM:

New Horizons

15725 Parthenia St, North Hills, CA

This is an indoor classroom visit. We can take up to 4 teams. It is very relaxed and casual. We go to each classroom and ask if they would like a visit. If they say yes (and they always do) we just walk around and greet each student and give them a chance to pet the dogs. They love to see any tricks you might know!

Meet Flora - Therapy Dog in Training

This is Flora, a 1 year old Chihuahua/Pug who is playful, energetic, and very cuddly. She is a fun girl who wants to be with people and give them love.

Flora was found as a stray and ended up at the shelter, before being rescued by New Leash On Life. This little bundle of energy loves going on walks, and playing with her toys, but is also very happy to sit in your lap and give you kisses.

Because she loves to be with people so much, she was chosen to be the next Lend A Paw trainee. She has moved to K9s Only where she is undergoing training and learning to become a therapy dog.

Flora is also looking for a home to call her own and would love to continue her training to become a Certified Lend A Paw member along with her new family.

If you or someone you know is interested in meeting and possibly adopting Flora, please contact Sharon Vincuilla, Lend A Paw Coordinator and Training Manager at K9s Only.

Story and Photo by Nathalie Seguin

Scheduled Visits - Week of November 1st

There are two Lend A Paw visits scheduled for this week:

Wednesday, November 3rd @ 10:30 AM:

Edelman Children's Court

201 Centre Plaza Drive

Monterey Park, CA 91754

Imagine spending a day at the courthouse waiting to speak with judges and attorneys about your life. Now that's stress!!Please come with Lexee and Chellee to add a little comic relief for good kids ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old. It'll put a smile on their faces and yours too. Need 6 Therapy Teams maximum for this visit.

Sunday, November 7th @ 10:00 AM:

Oakview at University Village

3557 Campus Drive

Thousand Oaks, CA

This is our monthly visit to the wonderful residents at this assisted living and nursing facility. We need up to 4 Therapy Teams to carry this out. We meet out in front of the facility before going in.

J.D. found a new home!

Sam is looking forward to having J.D. in his family!

J.D. the latest Lend A Paw trainee has finally found a new home; He was adopted by a great family who has a 5 year old boy named Sam. They met J.D. at one of New Leash On Life's Mobile Pet Adoption events at Petco and fell in love at first sight!

Sam is really excited to have another dog to play with (the family has a 7 year old Cocker Spaniel as well). He says that J.D. looks like Momo, the little Lemur in the show: "Avatar, The Last Airbender." Sam also says that he is looking forward to having J.D. sleep in his room!

Sam's dad, Jim will be working towards getting certified for Lend A Paw. He owns his own business and can make his own schedule. He thinks that the Lend A Paw program is really great and is looking forward to volunteering and giving back to the community.

On Monday, October 25th, Jim and Sam picked up J.D. at K9s Only. They were both happy and excited to take home their new family member!

Story by Sharon Vincuilla

Photos by Tom Fox

Scheduled Visits - Week of October 25th

There are 5 scheduled Lend A Paw visits for this week:

Tuesday, October 26th @ 1:00 PM:

Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell village

Taper Building

7150 Tampa Ave.

Reseda, CA

This is a skilled nursing facility where the residents and staff enjoy visits from their furry friends. Please meet 5 minutes before at the large patio.

Wednesday, October 27th @ 10:30 AM:

Santa Clarita Adult Daycare Center

22903 Soledad Canyon Road

Santa Clarita, CA

NOTE: OUR ACTUAL START TIME WILL BE 10:45AM. We can have up to 3 teams visiting and putting smiles on the faces of physically and/or mentally challenged adults.

Friday, October 29th @ 1:30 PM:

Santa Monica High School

601 Pico Blvd,

Santa Monica, CA

Come with your dog dressed in his/her favorite Halloween costume! Handlers are encouraged to dress for Halloween as well!! Come have fun at Santa Monica High School!!!

Saturday, October 30th @ 10:30 AM:

Jewish Home for the Aging / Eisenberg Village

Factor Building

18855 Victory Blvd,

Reseda, CA 91335

Please join Bailer and I for our 2nd visit of the month at the Jewish Home for the Aging, Eisenberg Village Campus. We will meet at the benches near the parking lot. We will start in the Factor Building; floor one, moving to floor 2. We will then visit the GC building to end our visit. I have added some extra time for this visit so we can see everyone without rushing...If anyone can't stay for the entire visit, that’s ok too, just come and have fun for as long as you can!!!!!!

Sunday, October 31st @ 10:00 AM:

Country Villa Sheraton - North Hills

9655 Sepulveda Blvd,

North Hills, CA 91343

This is a nursing and rehabilitation center where the Lend A Paw teams can bring some cheers and happiness to the patients. We only have one scheduled volunteer so far, so please come join us if you can!

SCHEDULED VISITS FOR THIS WEEK:

Wednesday, October 20th @ 1:30 PM

New Horizons

15725 Parthenia Street
North Hills, CA 91343

New Horizons is a non-profit association dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities to fulfill their dreams. The Lend A Paw teams visit this facility twice a month in order to educate and spend time with the individuals there. This week's visit will be to the classrooms while the students are working. It is a fun and casual atmosphere and the individuals at New Horizons look forward to visits with their furry friends. We can only take up to 3 teams to this visit.


Wednesday, October 20th @ 11 am
Kayne Eras School
5350 Machado Road
Culver City, LA 90230

This is a really great site! Visiting at-risk young adults and kids. Lend A Paw is a big success here. Park across the street. We can take up to 6 Therapy Teams to this visit.

Here are the scheduled events for this week:

Tuesday, October 12th @ 1pm
Jewish Home for the Aging - Grancell Village
7570 Tampa Avenue
Reseda, CA 91335

This is a nursing facility that we visit twice per month. The residents really look forward to the healing kisses of our Lend A Paw dogs.

Wednesday, October 13th @ 12:00 PM

New Horizons

15725 Parthenia Street
North Hills, CA 91343

New Horizons is a non-profit association dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities to fulfill their dreams. The Lend A Paw teams visit this facility twice a month in order to educate and spend time with the individuals there. This week's visit will be to the outdoor courtyard during lunch time. It is a fun and casual atmosphere and the individuals at New Horizons look forward to visits with their furry friends. We can take up to 6 teams to this visit.

Sunday, October 17th @ 11am
Mobile Pet Adoption - JD transport
26501 Bouquet Canyon Road
Saugus, CA 91350

JD, our Lend A Paw dog in training, needs transport to this weekend's mobile pet adoption. He is currently residing at K9s Only, so we need one volunteer to pick him up, take him to the adoption and help him find a home, and then bring him back afterward. Please contact Sharon at sharon@k9sonly.com if you are able to help!

Scheduled Visits - Week of October 4th

There is only one scheduled visit this week:

Wednesday, October 6th @ 10:30 AM:

Edelman Children's Court

201 Center Plaza Drive

Monterey Park, CA 91754

Imagine spending a day at the courthouse waiting to speak with judges and attorneys about your life. Now that's stress!!
Lend A Paw teams are invited to add a little comic relief for good kids ranging in age from 5 to 17 years old. It'll put a smile on their faces and yours too. We need at least 4 Therapy Teams to carry out this visit but can only have a maximum of 6 Therapy Teams.

Scheduled Visits - Week of September 26th

Here are the Lend A Paw visits for this week:

Tuesday, September 28th @1:00 PM
Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell Village
Taper Building
7150 Tampa Ave
Reseda, CA
This is a skilled nursing facility where the residents enjoy their visit with he Lend A Paw teams. Meet at the large patio 5 minutes before 1 PM.

Sunday, October 3rd @ 10am
Oakview at University Village
3557 Campus Drive, Thousand Oaks 91360
We visit 2 groups in this facility. One group is assisted living and the other is skilled nursing. The dogs love to hug and kiss with their favorite residents!

Update on J.D.

A few weeks ago, we introduced J.D, a 1 year old Italian Greyhound/Poodle mix who had begun his training to become a therapy dog. J.D. has now completed his basic obedience training and is ready to be adopted. While waiting for the "perfect forever family" for him, he is staying at K9s Only where he is continuing to work on his socialization in public and with other dogs.
Sharon Vincuilla, Lend A Paw Coordinator and Training Manager at K9s Only says that "he is doing so great and is much more confident."
So if you, or someone you know, is interested in J.D. and the Lend A Paw program, please contact Sharon Vincuilla. You can also meet J.D. in person, at K9s Only or at the next New Leash On Life's Mobile Pet Adoption Event on:

Saturday, September 25th
PetSmart
19059 Golden Valley Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91387
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Story and Photos by Nathalie Seguin

Scheduled Visits - Week of September 19th

There is only one Lend A Paw visit scheduled for this week:

Saturday, September 25th @ 10:30 AM:
The Jewish Home for the Aging / Einsenberg Village
Factor Building
18855 Victory Blvd
Reseda, CA 91335
This is a visit to a nursing home where the residents really enjoy spending time with the LAP teams. We need up to 5 LAP teams to attend this visit.

A Visit To New Horizons

Jackson loves the attention he gets from the clients of New Horizons.

On the 2nd and 3rd Wednesdays of each month, the Lend A Paw program visits New Horizons, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities reach their potential and fulfill their dreams.

Located in North Hills, CA, New Horizons provides job training and placement, education, counseling, residential services and social programs for adults age 18 and older. The Lend A Paw program is a perfect complement to these services and the clients enjoy their visit with their "furry friends" a lot!

Sheri Campbell and Jackson are veterans of this site as they have been visiting New Horizons for over a year! Sheri states that Jackson, a Labradoodle, loves his time spent there. "He starts wagging his tail and whining as soon as we get in the parking lot!" And it is not uncommon to find Jackson laying down in the middle of a group of people, enjoying all the attention he gets. "This is the perfect energy for Jackson," says Sheri. There is enough going on that he doesn't get bored.

Donna and Audrey like to educate people about dog care and what it takes to own a dog.

Donna Beirne and her Cavalier King Charles, named Audrey enjoy visiting New Horizons and educating the clients about dog care and what it takes to own a dog. Audrey is very popular with these adults as she is very small and gentle. They also enjoy holding her on their lap while posing for a photo!

"Audrey enjoys the friendly faces," states Donna. "She is treated like a little princess."

This was Daisy's first visit since becoming a LAP therapy dog!

Some of the clients of New Horizons remember the "regular" LAP dogs. So when a new therapy dog comes to visit them, they want to know everything about it! On Wednesday, September 8th, Jim Henry and his therapy dog Daisy joined Sheri, Jackson, Donna and Audrey for this lunchtime visit. This was their first visit since becoming a Lend A Paw team. They were greeted with smiles and lots of questions! And they responded exceptionally well; Jim answered all the questions and Daisy showed off some of her tricks and greeted everyone with a "kiss" and a wagging tail!

The visit lasted about one hour. "The dogs get tired after a while and it's important to watch for clues that they are ready to leave," states Sheri. So, when lunch was over and the clients were slowly returning to their classes or to work, our three LAP teams said their good byes, leaving behind them some very happy clients.

Story and Photos by Nathalie Seguin.

Scheduled visits - Week of September 12th

There are 5 scheduled Lend A Paw events this week:

Tuesday, September 14th @ 1:00 PM:
Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell Village
Taper Building
7150 Tampa Ave
Reseda, CA 91335
This is a skilled nursing facility where residents enjoy the visits of the Lend A Paw teams.

Tuesday, September 14th @ 2:15 PM:
Westside Regional Center
5901 Green Valley Circle
Culver City, CA 90230
This is a brand new site; The Lend A Paw teams will visit with individuals with a wide range of developmental delays as part of the Healthy Lifestyle Service Program. For more information about this site, please contact Jane Singer.


Wednesday, September 15th @ 1:30 PM
New Horizons
15725 Parthenia Street
North Hills, CA 91343
This is an indoor classroom visit to a school for developmentally challenged adults. The people are friendly and it is always a great experience.

Thursday, September 16th @ 10:00 AM:
Dr. Fallon's Cardiology Office
2020 Santa Monica Blvd Suite 580
Santa Monica, CA 90404
This is a Cardiologist's office and the Lend A Paw teams visit patients in the lobby. They are providing a distraction to those waiting for their tests.

Saturday, September 18th @ 8:30 AM:
Lend A Paw Workshop Certification
K9s Only
18603 Topham Street
Tarzana, CA 91335
Think your dog has what it takes to visit schools and nursing homes as a certified Therapy Dog? Come to this workshop to find out! If your dog is over 1 year old, has basic obedience, and is spayed or neutered, you are welcome to bring him to this workshop to be tested. Individuals also welcome to attend to find out more information about the program, including how to be involved if you do not have your own dog. Call Sharon at 818-344-9663 or email at sharon@k9sonly.com for more info or to register.

Jane, Jessica and Caspy: Lend A Paw Ambassadors!

Jane Eckstein, her daughter Jessica Masser and their therapy dog Caspy.

Jane Eckstein and her daughter Jessica Masser, both JuJuitsu practitioners, teach a self-defense / self-esteem program called "Blocking the Punches" at the ECF Kayne Eras Center, in Culver City. They teach abduction prevention, assault prevention and defense to a wide spectrum, at-risk and challenged middle and high school students ranging in age from 12 years old to 22.
In 2009, they started researching dog therapy programs, feeling that some of the non-verbal autistic students at Kayne Eras Center would benefit from the exposure to the gentle, quiet presence of a therapy dog. While doing some research on the internet, they found New Leash On Life and the Lend A Paw program.

"I believe he was meant to be a therapy dog," says Jane of her dog Caspy.

They contacted New Leash On Life about adopting a therapy dog and met Caspy, a then 2 years old, Lhasa Apso/ Poodle mix who was already trained and was a member of the Lend A Paw program. Caspy was at the time in foster care, awaiting someone to adopt him. Perfect timing? Meant to be? Jane states: "Yes. There was beautiful Caspy who had been rescued from the East Valley Shelter, in foster care and already trained. We jumped on it! He has a job, a purpose. He and Lend A Paw have changed our lives."

Since they adopted Caspy, in February of 2009, they have brought the Lend A Paw program to the Kayne Eras Center on a regular basis. "We try to visit once a month", says Jessica. "One time, I asked a boy with autism what he whispered in Caspy's ear and he said, "I feel happy!"

But giving back to her school wasn't enough. Jessica wanted to do more. She and Jane also visit the office of Cardiologist, Dr. Sandra Fallon, in Santa Monica. They take Caspy in the lobby, to visit patients waiting to undergo their stress tests. "She is my cardiologist," states Jessica. "And I am proud to give back to my doctor." Jane mentions that according to Dr. Fallon, after visiting with Caspy, her patients blood pressures decrease. "The whole room changes," Jane says. "We provide a distraction."

And just recently, Jessica and Jane opened the doors of a new site to the Lend A Paw program. On September 14th, at 2:15 pm, they will visit the Westside Regional Center in Culver City, for the first time. Jessica works for the Peer Mentor Lifestyle Coaching Agency. She is a mentor and trainer within the Agency's Healthy Lifestyle Service Program helping pre-diabetic, diabetic and others facing weight and nutrition challenges to move toward a more active, safer and healthier lifestyle. She approached one of her bosses about bringing the Lend A Paw program to the agency. Her boss thought it was a great idea! She was introduced to Sharon Vincuilla, Lend A Paw Coordinator, who facilitated the legal aspects of bringing the dogs in. "This is a brand new site, a state agency!" Jane says. "We are desperately seeking dog teams for this visit."
Who would have thought that one small dog would have such an impact on so many people's lives? Jane has put in so many hours into the Lend A paw program that she is now eligible to become a Level III handler! But she is not completely satisfied. "Our goal is to go and visit the Veterans Rehabilitation Center and work with recovering military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan," says Jane. And with these two women's determination, anything is possible!

Story and Photos by Nathalie Seguin

Scheduled Visits - Week of September 5th

There are 2 Lend A Paw events scheduled for this week:

Oakview at University Village
Sunday, September 5th @ 10am
3557 Campus Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

This is an assisted living and nursing facility that we visit on the first Sunday of every month. The individuals here really look forward to their monthly hug and kiss session with their furry friends!

New Horizons
Wednesday, September 8th @ 12:00 PM
15725 Parthenia Street, North Hills, CA 91343

This is a lunchtime visit to a facility for developmentally challenged adults. They are always very happy to see the dogs. It's a warm and friendly place and everyone has a good time.

Meet J.D.: the newest Lend A Paw trainee!

J.D. loves everyone he meets canine and human alike!

Meet J.D., a sweet 1 year old Italian Greyhound/Poodle mix who began his training to become a therapy dog on August 18th.

J.D. is currently training at K9s Only.

When J.D. was rescued by New Leash On Life, the staff noted immediately his gentle disposition; He loves everyone he meets and especially loves being held! He also demonstrated all the personality traits necessary to be a good therapy dog: he is older that 1 year old, people oriented, comfortable around other dogs, calm and comfortable to touch. So as soon as he was ready, he was transferred to K9s Only to begin his training.

According to Sharon Vincuilla, the Lend A Paw Coordinator and Training Manager at K9s Only, J.D. is due to finish his training on September 8th. He is looking for someone to adopt him who is also interested in joining the Lend A Paw program as a volunteer handler.

Let's hope that J.D. continues to make steady progress with his obedience training so he can continue his journey towards becoming a therapy dog and bring some warmth, compassion and unconditional love to people in need.

Story and Photos by Nathalie Seguin

Ava continues her training to become a Therapy Dog!

Nicolette and Kristin are learning how to take care of Ava.

Last Wednesday, August 25th, Ava went home with her new family, the Alvandians. Afie (mom), Greg (dad), Nicolette (10 years old) and Kristin (5 years old) had been looking for a dog for a while. They were waiting for the perfect dog for their family. "I guess it was worth the wait," states Afie. "She is just wonderful! We are very happy to have adopted her".

Nicolette is learning the handling skills necessary to work with a therapy dog.

The Alvandians are also happy to continue Ava's training to become a therapy dog! With the help of Sharon Vincuilla and the staff of K9s Only they will continue to practice basic obedience and learn what it takes to be members of the Lend A Paw program. So, on Saturday, August 28th, I met with Afie, Nicolette and Kristin at K9s Only, during one of their training sessions.

"Nicolette wants to take Ava to her school to teach the children about animal awareness, and dog safety," says Sharon. "I am so excited to take Lend A Paw in this direction. It is so important to educate the next generation."
During the training session, the whole family learned about taking care of a dog as well as how to continue Ava's training. And Nicolette is also learning the handling skills necessary to work with a therapy dog.

The Alvandian family will continue their training until they are ready to take the Lend A Paw test to be certified. Once they pass the test, they will need to complete 6 supervised visits prior to visiting a site on their own. The next Lend A Paw Certification Workshop is scheduled for September 18th. If all goes well, Ava and her new family should be ready to take and pass the test on that day.

Photos and story by Nathalie Seguin.

Scheduled Visits - Week of August 29th

There are 3 Lend A Paw events scheduled for this week:

MPA - Charity Event

Monday, August 30th, from 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm

North Hollywood Rec Center

11430 Chandler Blvd

North Hollywood, CA 91601

This is a fundraiser, hosted by World Kickball Association (WAKA), to support New Leash On Life. Lend A Paw handlers and therapy dogs are needed to man the New Leash On Life information booth and to promote the Lend A Paw program.

Edelman Childrens Court

Wednesday, September 1st @ 10:30 am

201 Centre Plaza Drive

Monterey Park, CA

Imagine spending a day at the Courthouse, waiting to speak with judges and attorneys about your life. Now that's stress!! Please come and add a little comic relief for good kids ranging from ages 5 to 17 years old. It'll put a smile on their faces and yours too!

OakView at University Village

Sunday, September 5th @ 10:00 am

3557 Campus Drive

Thousand Oaks, CA

This is a nursing home facility where the residents look forward to hugs and kisses from their furry friends on the first Sunday of each month.

Richard, Maddock and Dawson

Richard and his two Lend A Paw dogs, Dawson and Maddock.

When Richard Stone retired, he was looking for an opportunity to "give back". So in 2004, he became a New Leash On Life Volunteer. "I have a knack with animals", says Richard. "But I never dreamed I would be working with therapy dogs!"

Maddock was the first dog to become a member of the Lend A Paw program.

In January 2005, NLOL rescued Maddock, a two year old collie mix. "Maddock had been run over by a vehicle and underwent major surgery", states Richard. "North Central Animal Shelter put a lot of money into his surgery and he needed a place to recuperate."He spent many months at NLOL facilities to rebuild his strength and get back on his feet." That's when Richard fell in love with Maddock! "I don't know who was adopted,"he said. "Was it Maddock or me?"

Dawson now enjoys visiting children with autism.

Richard took Maddock into his home and fostered him for a while. They went through the Lend A Paw training together and took the test together. "It's very important that one keeps up with the training on a daily basis," states Richard. Maddock and Richard were the very first Lend A Paw team. But it took them two attempts to pass the test; one of the items on the test consists of leaving your dog with another person for a few minutes and Maddock just couldn't bear to be separated from Richard! Finally, Richard decided to adopt Maddock and on December 21st, 2007, he made it official. They have been visiting people ever since and continue to enjoy it. But Richard didn't stop there. Richard soon began fostering another Lend A Paw dog named Dawson, a Shepherd mix. After falling in love, Richard soon adopted Dawson as well. Richard is proud of his two Lend A Paw dogs! You can see it in his face and hear it in his voice when he talks about them. He has many stories and anecdotes from his numerous visits. At a visit to Kayne Eras School a few weeks ago, a teacher told him that one of the teenagers who was visiting with the dogs was "much more talkative than usual". Richard says he sees people "come out of their shells" all the time. And that is the most rewarding part of this whole experience.

Story and Photos by Nathalie Seguin

Update on Ava - August 12th

Ava, watching her trainer during a "sit, stay" command.

A lot has happened to Ava since being  rescued from the shelter; On July 22nd, 2010, she was evaluated by Sharon Vincuilla the Coordinator for the Lend A Paw program and was taken to K9s Only to begin her training.

She started her stay at K9s Only with a "bath & haircut". She now sports a shorter hair style which makes her look quite sassy! When I visited her, last Saturday, August 7th, she was doing very well with her training. She demonstrated good knowledge of the "sit", "down", and "stay"commands. She was calm and attentive to her trainer but still happy to say "hi" to me! 

Ava now sports a shorter hair style!

Ava is very sweet in nature and loves to get some attention from anyone who passes by. She especially likes "belly rubs"! And as her basic obedience training is almost over, she is ready to move on to a "forever home". Sharon Vincuilla tells me that she has "a very good pending application

What makes a good therapy dog?

A good therapy dog should be "people oriented".

At New Leash On Life, every dog rescued from the shelter is evaluated to determine their temperament and specific needs.

Most dogs will do well in the care of the staff and volunteers at the Ranch, and will go on to become wonderful family pets. But some dogs are destined for more. When a dog shows the right personality traits, it becomes a candidate for the Lend A Paw program.

So we asked Sharon Vincuilla, a Therapy dog Evaluator and the Coordinator for the Lend A Paw program, what qualities are needed to make a good therapy dog.

First and foremost, the dog has to be at least one year old. Then, Sharon evaluates the dog to determine if he/she is "people oriented". Does he/she seeks the company of humans? Does he/she greets everyone around?

A good therapy dog is also comfortable around other dogs as they will often go to visits where other LAP teams participate.

A therapy dog might get his ears pulled and should not respond aggressively

The ideal dog should also have a calm disposition. And finally, he/she should be comfortable with being touched. The LAP teams visit children and individuals with mental health issues or mental retardation. A dog might be subjected to having his/her ears or tail pulled or being brushed roughly. It is important that the therapy dog not respond aggressively to such treatment.

If all those qualities are present the rescued dog will enter a training program at K9s Only to become a therapy dog.

On July 22nd, Ava was evaluated to be a good candidate for the LAP program.

On July 22nd, four NLOL dogs were evaluated: Ava (left), Atom (above), Fargo (top photo) and Nougat. Although they were all adorable and very friendly, only one exhibited the personality traits necessary to become a therapy dog; Ava, a two years old terrier mix/ mixed breed. She left NLOL that day to begin her training at K9s Only.

If you are interested in adopting any of these dogs, please visit NLOL.org. Despite the fact that Ava is training to become a Lend A Paw therapy dog, she is still up for adoption. Adopting an already trained therapy dog can be very rewarding to someone who wishes to rescue a pet and would like to offer support to people in need!


Photos and Story by Nathalie Seguin