A Volunteer's Experience

On Wednesday, February 8, 2012, Cali and I experienced our second therapy visit with Lend A Paw. We spent lunchtime with developmentally challenged adults at New Horizons in North Hills, CA. New Horizons is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities reach their potential and fulfill their dreams. New Horizons provides job training and placement, education, counseling, residential services, and social programs for individuals age 18 and older.

The hour was a whirlwind of questions regarding me and Cali.

Cali was a very popular girl!

What's the dog's name? "Cali."
Is it a he or a she? "She."
How old is she? "Two. She'll be three in March."
What's her birthday? "I don't know exactly."
What's your name? "Lydia."
What's your birthday? "February 27."
What's your Mother's name? "Beverly"
What's her birthday? "November 30, 1931."
(One of the ladies that was asking about the birthdays told me that my birthday was two weeks from Monday and that in the year of my mom's birth the Cab Calloway song "Minnie The Moocher" was on the charts - she was right on both accounts (I had to look up wikipedia about the song.)
Does Cali eat Candy? "No, she eats dog treats. I have some with me, would you like to give her a treat?"
Can I smell your hair? "No."
Why not? "Because that's a personal boundary I have."
Can I see your eyes? "Yes (I take off my sunglasses.)"
Can you make this sound (one lady was big on asking me to repeat sounds she was making)? "No, you're doing it well enough for both of us."
Is that magic? (regarding some of Cali's tricks.) "No, I taught her how to do that."

I made an assortment of mini Valentine's Day cards!

I made an assortment of mini Valentine's Day cards to hand out. There were 6 different images of Cali. Each card had a photo of Cali on the front and handwritten on the back was "Be My Valentine xoxo Cali." Many people asked Cali to shake. I showed them that instead of shaking, she does "high five." I also showed her doing "leave it" with both a treat and her ball, and "take it," allowing her to eat the treat or take the ball. She also showed off "beg," "up" (to jump up on a planter where you could also sit) and to stand up and put her paws on my chest, "sit," "tap touch" where she touches my index finger with her nose, left and right, "flips" where she leaps in a circle, "stay" so she could pose for photos with people, and "catch" and "drop" with her tennis ball. The residents really enjoyed throwing her ball and they told me their favorite trick was Cali's flips.

At one point, when I felt like Cali needed a little break to reconnect with me, I had her stand up with her paws on my chest and I gave her a hug and a kiss. Four of the New Horizons students surrounded us and each stuck their head in for a kiss from Cali. One by one, she gave each a kiss. This was my favorite moment of the visit and I sure wish I had it on video or photo. Cali is not an overly kissy dog, so I wasn't sure if each person would get their kiss, but she did not disappoint any of them!

Story and photography by Lydia Marcus

Love for Lend A Paw's Dogs

Through our work, we touch the lives of many individuals who will be forever grateful for our smiles, our listening ears, and our dog's wet nose kisses and furry hugs. For whatever reason we each began this work, we all come to realize that it brings us so much more than we could have ever imagined. For me, Animal-Assisted Activities was initially a way to spend quality time with my dog. Over the years I have realized that it has helped me, a formerly painfully shy individual, to become more confident in communicating with people. In wanting to share my happy loving dog with others who were less fortunate, I entered into a partnership with my dog that has changed my own life. I could not do this work without Gabi, my partner, who brings confidence to me, and brings joy to many others.

In starting a new year with Lend A Paw, I want to take a moment to honor some Lend A Paw dogs, who have changed their partner's lives, and have touched many more. We thank you for your wet nose kisses, and your unconditional love. And we send love and comfort to the partners you left behind. May they find peace in knowing that they will not be the only people who miss you.

Archie, a newly certified Lend A Paw volunteer, passed away tragically just one week ago. Archie was not with our program long, but he brought more smiles to the people he met than most people can do in one lifetime. Wonderfully enthusiastic about life, Archie was born to be a therapy dog, and his owners could not wait to get him certified so they could start visiting. We thank you Archie for bringing love and comfort to those in need. We wish your family love and comfort during this difficult time.

Lily Rose, one of our first Lend A Paw volunteers, passed away in March, 2011. She was certified with the program for two years, and was the most special dog her mom, Donna, ever had. Lily used to visit the Jewish Home for the Aging, and delighted all the residents with her big smile and her calm demeanor. Lily's favorite visits were the ones in which she rode in her stroller and dressed in a fancy outfit. She loved to sit on the residents laps and listen to all they had to say while getting a nice ear rub. Thank you, Lily. We miss you.

Hopi, a happy Viszla with lots of love to give, passed away in December, 2011 after a long battle with cancer. Hopi's parents were long time supporters of New Leash On Life, and in 2010, they wanted to give back even more and joined the Lend A Paw program. Hopi loved everyone he met, and brought smiles to their faces that were almost as big as his own. Thank you, Hopi. We miss you.











Written by Sharon Vincuilla, Lend A Paw Director