A Rock Star Hit!

Eisntein is a 5 1/2 year old Cavalier King Charles

Donna Beirne is a dedicated volunteer and dog lover. She and her Cavalier King Charles, Audrey,  are regulars at the Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell Village. And recently, Donna took over as Leader for this site. As if this is not enough, Donna also fosters dogs from the Cavalier Rescue USA. 

One of her foster, Eisntein, a 5 1/2 year old purebred Blenheim color, is a loving dog, full of energy who wants to make friends and explore wherever he goes. He quickly won Donna's heart and her husband became quickly attached. So they decided to adopt him.

Donna states: "I thought he would be great on therapy visits with all that energy and love to give.  I worked on his basic obedience commands and saw he would be a natural for therapy outings.   I finally brought him to the Lend A Paw Certification at the end of April 2012." And of course, Einstein, aka, "Ein" passed with flying colors!

Ein gave kisses to everyone!

Ein’s first visit was to New Horizons, a school and workplace for the developmentally challenged adults. The folks at New Horizons have a lot of energy and love the Lend A Paw teams, especially the new ones! So, naturally, Ein was a Rock Star hit! Donna says: " Ein was having fun greeting so many new friends,  granting requests to have his photo taken with all and gave kisses to everyone who came by for some puppy love. Everyone wanted to get his or her picture taken with Ein and we tried to accommodate everybody."

When asked about her other therapy dog, Audrey, and whether she will continue to take her for visits, Donna tells me that: "She will continue her therapy dog visits too.  Audrey has a bit of a lower energy level and tires more easily than Ein and is definitely more selective on handing out doggie kisses.  She still loves going to her regular twice-monthly visits at Jewish Home for the Aging at Grancell Village and is always excited to see her red vest come out.  I would love to see both of them go out on a visit together sometime.  Maybe after Ein gets more visits under his vest, he can go out with another LAP handler and I can take Audrey on the same visit. "

Everyone wanted their picture taken with Ein!

That sounds like a great plan! Thank you Donna for your wonderful work!

Story by Nathalie Seguin, photos courtesy of Donna Beirne.

Scheduled Visits - April 2012

Here is a calendar of all Lend A Paw scheduled visits for the month of April 2012. Click on an event to see details about the visit. Choose the event(s) you wish to participate in and contact the Leader of the site to RSVP.

Cali's 3rd Birthday Celebration at New Horizons

Cali celebrated her 3rd birthday at New Horizons!

The New Horizons monthly lunchtime visit on March 14, 2012 got a huge turnout of seven Lend A Paw teams: Calli and Audrey, Ash and Lisa, Buckwheat and Lori, Wilson and Kenneth, Chloe and Judy, Cali and Me (Lydia), and Daisy and Jim. The New Horizons students were excited to celebrate Cali's 3rd birthday! 

Lisa, the Lend A Paw site leader for New Horizons, provided birthday party hats, candy (a HUGE draw), and decorative bead necklaces. Lisa also handed out St. Patrick's Day photo cards featuring many of the Lend A Paw therapy dogs. Lisa and Ash know how to work the crowd and please the students! 

Everyone signed the giant birthday card...

I made a giant birthday card featuring numerous cute doggie stickers and Cali's photo, and Lisa oversaw students signing the card. I also handed out Cali's new business card that features photos and information about Cali and Lend A Paw. 

At the visit, Wilson and Buckwheat displayed their prowess at backing up on command, Ash showed off his super cool style by wearing a birthday hat and humorous birthday sunglasses, many of the students enjoyed a face washing "Calli style" as her handler Audrey exclaimed, "she's a great kisser," and Daisy danced for treats by standing on her hind legs and spinning. Many of the students were excited to pose for photos with birthday girl, Cali, and Judy shared her fluffy white doggie, Chloe, who is, "always up for a party and enjoyed the festivities as well." 

Ash showed off his super cool style...

Audrey and Calli enjoyed the festivities!

Happy and proud Lydia with birthday girl Cali!

More highlights included: The lady in the wheelchair and the young man in the party hat who couldn't get enough of Cali's big, wet sloppy kisses; Buckwheat and Wilson comparing therapy dog patches on their vests (Cali is jealous and wants a patch too!) and hugs for the handlers from a few of the sweetest big "kids" you will ever meet! 

Story and photos by Lydia Marcus

Scheduled Visits - March 2012

Here is a calendar of all Lend A Paw scheduled visits for the month of March 2012. Click on an event to see details about the visit. Choose the event(s) you wish to participate in and contact the Leader of the site to RSVP.

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

Lend A Paw Starts the New Year at OakView

This was Chris and Mason's first visit as site leader!

On January 1st, 2012, two Lend A Paw teams started off the New Year by visiting  OakView at University Village. Christine and Mason, the new leaders of this site, and Lisa and Ash went there to spread a little cheer and bring a lot of joy to the residents and staff of this beautiful facility.
Located in Thousand Oaks, across the street from California Lutheran University, OakView offers multiple levels of care; from Assisted Living, to Skilled Nursing, everyone has a place at OakView. They even have a specialized environment for residents with Alzheimer's.

Ash's soft and beautiful coat was the talk of the day!

The Lend A Paw program visits OakView at University Village every first Sunday of each month and each team is greeted with big smiles and enthusiasm. Many residents love petting the dogs and talking to the volunteers. Some of them will remember an old pet and will share some wonderful stories about their dog.
Mason was particularly popular with a husband and wife who used to own a Great Dane. The husband quickly stopped, took his wallet out of his pocket and pulled out an old photograph of their dog, laying on the sofa, to show Chris.
Other residents commented on how soft and beautiful Ash's long coat is and inquired about grooming and how long it takes Lisa to brush him.
Many residents asked about the Lend A Paw program and about other dogs in the program. Everyone enjoyed the visit and said they will be looking forward to the next Lend A Paw visit.
This was Chris and Mason's first visit as site leaders and they are hoping that many more volunteer/dog teams join them for next month's visit!

Scheduled Visits - December 2011

Here is a calendar of all Lend A Paw scheduled visits for the month of December 2011. Click on an event to see details about the visit. Choose the event(s) you wish to participate in and contact the Leader of the site to RSVP.

Halloween Spirit

October was a busy month for the Lend A Paw program and it was definitely a fun one. The LAP teams demonstrated that everyone can have Halloween Spirit and dress up... even the dogs! Some teams even brought candies to pass out. One of the most popular visit was at the Jewish Home For The Aging / Eisenberg Village, on Saturday, November 29th. This is an annual event and the residents and clients of this facility really enjoy seeing all the dogs in costumes! This year, 8 dog/handler teams were present: Andy and Bailer, Chris and Mason, Lisa and Ash, Lori and Buckwheat, Lydia and Cali, Marshall and Genny, Sarah and Bailey, and Judy and Chloe. From the smallest to the tallest, they all dressed up and paraded in front of a large audience. Even the staff of the Jewish Home wanted to witness this amazing show!

8 dog/handler teams participated in this visit.

Judy and her cute butterfly, Chloe, delighted the residents.

Bailey was supposed to be a vampire but with his friendly face, he didn't scare anyone!

"Which way to the trail?" says Camper Buckwheat.

What an adorable pumpkin Ash makes!

Miss Genny dressed as an Angel.

And the King (Bailer) was in the building!

Chris and Mason both dressed up and made lots of heads turn!

This was Cali's first visit and she performed like a pro!

Story and Photography by Nathalie Seguin.

Scheduled Visits - November 2011

Here is a calendar of all Lend A Paw scheduled visits for the month of November 2011. Click on an event to see details about the visit. Choose the event(s) you wish to participate in and contact the Leader of the site to RSVP.

KEEN Los Angeles

Sarah Jane and her golden retriever Bailey had a great time!

In May 2011, New Leash on Life’s Lend a Paw program partnered with KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) Los Angeles for a play session with children who have developmental and physical disabilities.  Three Pet Therapy teams joined the festivities: Lend a Paw coordinator Sharon brought her black lab Gabi, fellow handler Lisa brought her long-haired Akita Ash, and Sarah Jane, the LAP Leader for this site, brought her golden retriever Bailey.  It turned out to be an amazingly fun day for everyone involved. 

Lisa and Ash went down the slides with the children.

KEEN is a national, non-profit, volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with intellectual and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers.
Over the course of the visit, the children’s confidence levels sky-rocketed;  Several children were petrified of the dogs when they first arrived, so the Lend A Paw teams tried to build their confidence in different ways.  They asked if they wanted to take the dogs for a walk, and when one would grab the end of the leash, another

would want to get involved and also take part of
the leash.  That way, the LAP handler and often
times two children, would walk the dog up and down ramps and stairs.  Having a big dog follow the kids and respond to their requests to “sit” or “shake” gave them an ego boost.  Having them brush the dogs also allowed them to get close and learn that the dogs would not react negatively to their presence.  The absolute cherry on the top was to see these kids engulf the dogs in hugs.  So much love!
More highlights:
·        Watching the dogs go down slides with the kids. Bailey, Gabi and Ash surprised everyone with their great enthusiasm for tackling all the slides on the playground.
·         Seeing a little boy’s beaming face when he was asked if he wanted to ride horsey on Bailey’s back.  He enjoyed it so much he did it twice.
·         Hearing the kids describe what they did that day that made them proud… and some of them said “played with the dogs.”  The Lend A Paw teams made a difference!!

For the months of June, July and August, the kids went swimming and the therapy dogs skipped the pool sessions (much to Gabi and Bailey’s dismay!) They are now returning to the Elysian Therapeutic Center for some outdoor fun and the Lend A paw teams are invited once again. Below are the upcoming KEEN event times. 

KEEN Sports at Elysian Therapeutic Center
929 Academy Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Sharon and Gabi helped the children build their confidence level.

      Volunteers keep the kids company as they move among the different activities including Frisbee, tag,


soccer, arts & crafts, basketball, jungle gym, swings, sand box, baseball, etc.  Volunteers arrive at 10:30 am and the youth participants arrive at 11:00 am.  Play continues until about 12:30 pm.

·         Sunday, Sept. 11th
·         Sunday, Sept. 18th
·         Sunday, Oct. 2nd
·         Sunday, Oct. 30th

Please consider volunteering at least once.  Your presence would mean so much to these kids. To RSVP for these visits, contact Sarah Jane, the Leader of this site.

Story and Photography courtesy of Sarah Jane Chelin.

Scheduled Visits - September 2011

Here is a calendar of all Lend A Paw scheduled visits for the month of September 2011. Click on an event to see details about the visit. Choose the event(s) you wish to participate in and contact the Leader of the site to RSVP.

Aegis Living of Granada Hills

On Sunday, August 14th, three Lend A Paw teams went to visit the residents of Aegis Living of Granada Hills; Sharon & Gabi, Lisa & Ash and Lori & Buckwheat were greeted by enthusiastic staff members and were introduced to some very happy residents.

Aegis Living of Granada Hills is a wonderful community that offers three different levels of care:

The Assisted Living Option is ideal for active seniors with health concerns who require daily assistance.

The Memorial Care Option provides care for the residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia.

Aegis of Granada Hills also offers specialized care for short term residents and those who require hospice care.

At Aegis Living, the residents are offered a variety of events, activities and new challenges to keep their mind and body active. And they are encouraged to participate in these social situations. The Lend A Paw's monthly visit is part of the Activities Calendar and most residents look forward to seeing and petting the LAP dogs. They also enjoy talking to our volunteers/handlers. Some residents recognize the LAP teams and greet them like old friends while others just enjoy meeting each dog/handler team and getting to know them. And on this particular visit, everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you volunteers and dogs!

Updated Calendar for August 2011

Please take note of the updated Calendar for the month of August 2011; The Eldeman Children's Courthouse visit has been re-scheduled for this Friday, August 19th at 10:30 AM. Also, take note of the Lend A Paw Certification Workshop scheduled for Saturday, August 27th at 8:30 AM.

Scheduled Visits - August 2011

Here is a calendar of all Lend A Paw scheduled visits for the month of August 2011. Click on an event to see details about the visit. Chose the event(s) you wish to participate in and contact the Leader of the site to RSVP.

Scheduled Visits - Week of July 25th

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

Wednesday, July 27th @ 10:30 AM:
Bubbe & Zayde's Place
3317 Oakhurst Ave
Los Angeles, CA

This is a 5 resident nursing home in Culver City. The residents here always look forward to our visits. We need 1 or 2 Therapy Teams to attend.
*This site is still in need of a Lead Volunteer. Please contact Sharon if you can help!

A Birthday Celebration

     Last Wednesday, July 13th, the staff and students of New Horizons took part in a very special celebration. One of our Lend A Paw dogs, Ash, turned 2 years old, and everyone was invited to the party!

Lisa and the birthday boy, Ash!

      The celebration took place during one of the Lend A Paw monthly visits to the center. Lisa, Ash's owner and handler, went above and beyond the call of duty and made this visit a very special one. With the help of Audrey and Donna and Belle and Terry, as well as Ash's Grandma, AKA Lisa's boss, Sandra, she decorated the lunch area. There were over 120 party hats, goodie bags filled with silly toys, party horns, scarves, crazy silly glasses and candy, coloring books and of course, a big cake!

Over 120 hats and goodie bags were distributed!

      There was also a very large birthday card that participants could sign and decorate. According to Lisa, "the Birthday Card was a big hit! I just tried to count how many people signed it: it's like more than a hundred!" The Lend A Paw teams walked around handing out hats and goodie bags. Within half an hour, they were all gone. Which was perfect since it was time to sing "Happy Birthday!"Everyone gathered around to sing. Then Donna, Audrey's owner and handler, started cutting the cake (a white cake with strawberry mousse filling.) Yum! Everyone lined up to wait for the cake and pretty soon, 3 teachers came over to help cut and distribute slices of cake.

The "birthday card" was a big hit!

The cake: white cake with strawberry mousse filling. Yum!

      Terry, Belle's owner and handler, and Sandra, handed out a special coloring page of the Lend A Paw dogs who visit New Horizons (made by Isabella Koelman) for a coloring contest. The most artistic coloring will get a prize in August!

Belle and owner/handler Terry handed out a special coloring page.

The coloring page made by Isabella Koelman.

Audrey also helped with the hats and goodie bags!

     "I think everyone had a great time," says Lisa. "The kids were so excited; a birthday party for a dog! Who knew something so simple could make so many people smile?!"

Story by Nathalie Seguin and Lisa Erving, photos by Donna Beirne

Scheduled Visits - Week of July 18th

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

Wednesday, July 20th @ 11:00 AM:

ECF Kayne Eras School 

5350 Machado Road

Culver City, CA

Wonderful site that LOVES LAP. Come to visit at-risk kids who are really benefitting from our work there.

Wednesday, July 20th @ 1:30 PM:

New Horizons - Classroom visit

15725 Parthenia Street

North Hills, CA

This is our second visit of the month to this school and workplace for developmentally challenged adults. We stop a few minutes inside each classroom in order to give the hard working students a break. Because we are visiting smaller groups we only need up to 3 Therapy Teams to carry out this visit.
Please join us, Ash and Lisa 

Saturday, July 23rd @ 7:30AM:

Ann Douglas Center

LA Mission

Meet at K9s Only

18603 Topham Street

Tarzana, CA

This is a visit to the Mommie and Me program that meets on Saturday morning.  We will meet at K9's Only, Tarzana and carpool to the downtown center. We will leave about 7:45 am and return by 10 to 10:30. UNLESS someone has a bigger car than mine, we can take 3 teams including me and Cody. If someone else has a larger car and can drive, we can take more. 

Saturday, July 23rd @ 10:00 AM: 

Jewish Home for the Aging / Eisenberg Village

18855 Victory Blvd.,

Reseda, CA

Please join Andy and Bailer for our second visit in July at the Jewish Home for the Aging / Eisenberg Village. We all meet at the parking lot benches 5 minutes prior to our start time. If anyone has any questions, please call Andy: (818) 458-3822. 

Andy & Bailer…..woof woof……

Scheduled Visits - Week of July 10th

There are two scheduled Lend A Paw visits this week:


Tuesday, July 12th @ 1:00 PM:
Jewish Home for the Aging / Grancell Village
Taper Building
7150 Tampa Ave., Reseda, CA

The resident of this skilled nursing facility always welcome the Lend A Paw teams! Please join Gayle and Wickett for this visit. We will meet a few minutes early at the large patio.


Wednesday, July 13th @ 12:00 PM:
New Horizons - Lunchtime Visit
15725 Parthenia Street
North Hills, CA

This is our first visit of the month to this school and workplace for developmentally challenged adults. With the wonder of children these loving individuals look forward to hugs and kisses from their furry friends. We need at least 4 Therapy Teams to carry out this visit. Please join us, Ash and Lisa.

We are going to try something a little different this time, a mini birthday party (it's Ash's Birthday!) We think it's going to be great fun, and we hope you all can come!

Scheduled Visits - Week of July 4th

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

Saturday, July 9th @ 10:00 AM:
Jewish Home for the Aging
Eisenberg Village
18855 Victory Blvd.,
Reseda, CA

Please join Bailer and Andy for the first visit in July to the Jewish Home for the Aging / Eisenberg Village. All teams meet at the parking lot benches 5 minutes prior to the start time. If anyone has any questions, do not hesitate to call Andy at: (818) 458-3822.

Sunday, July 10th @ 10:30 AM:
Aegis Assisted Living
10801 Lindley Ave
Granada Hills, CA

This is a wonderful retirement community whose residents always look forward to our visits. We need 4 Therapy Teams to attend this visit.
*This site is still in need of a Lead Volunteer. Please contact Sharon if you can help.

A Lunchtime Visit

          Last Wednesday, June 8th, I had the pleasure of accompanying three Lend A Paw therapy teams to New Horizons in North Hills, CA. This was a lunchtime visit and everyone was so happy to see the dogs! Ash and Lisa are regulars at New Horizons, since Lisa is the leader for this site. Jim and Daisy also visit the center on a regular basis. And this was Liz and Cooper's first time visiting New Horizons; Cooper was a very popular dog! 

 Daisy is the perfect size to visit with clients in a wheelchair.

          New Horizons is a school and workplace for adults with developmental disabilities. Some of the clients like to talk about their own pets while others enjoy asking questions about the Lend A Paw dogs. But everyone enjoys visiting with the dogs and getting their pictures taken. Lisa has been taking photos of the clients with Ash and gives prints to the clients on her next visit. Most of them get so excited to see themselves in the pictures and to show everyone!

Ash, being "cool" with one of the clients!

          The hour went by very fast and pretty soon, everyone had to return to their classroom or go back to work. And after all the goodbyes, it was time for our Lend A Paw teams to get a well deserved break!

This was Liz and Cooper's first visit and they were very popular!

To see more photos from this wonderful visit, 

click on the following link: New Horizons 6-8-2011

Story and Photography by Nathalie Seguin