Paws Patrol's mission is to promote the human-animal bond, and our goal is to provide our services to all who request it.

Paws Patrol Volunteer of the Month

“Sweetie”

     Once upon a time, there was a small black dog who roamed a neighborhood in Putney, Georgia. No one owned her; she was an orphan. She wanted a home so badly but no one wanted her.

     One day she saw the man and the woman who had just moved into the old Hoskins place. They looked like nice people, the little dog thought. So she put on her best manners and sat down before the couple, lifted her right paw, and said, “Woof woof, bark bark, arf arf.” (Which in dog language means: If you take me home, I’ll give you lots of love and companionship in return.)

     The lady said, “Come home with us little dog. We’re going to name you Sweetie, because you are a sweetie. And you and I will join the Paws Patrol Therapy Dogs so you can spread your sweetness to others.” And they all went home and lived happily ever after.

By Nancy

THE STORY OF CHARLIE

On Labor Day 1998 I was crossing the highway in rural Alabama when a white car came into my life and knocked me silly. That was the beginning of a new life and eventually becoming a therapy pet. Long story short, the people with whom I lived in the country no longer wanted me. The person who hit me and saved me did want me and here I am today. We lived together for 5 years before she ran into some Paws Patrol therapy pets one day as they were visiting a local nursing home. She was excited and came home telling me about the dogs she had seen who were doing a job she was sure we could do. 

The two of us enrolled in an obedience training class and as soon as the class was over she contacted the Paws Patrol group. We passed the test for the DELTA SOCIETY and then we were Paws Patrol members. What a thrill it has been for the past 5 years to dress up in our Paws Patrol attire several times a week and visit numerous places in the community where they enjoy seeing us and loving on us. We always smile and encourage petting and loving smiles in return. Back scratching is especially welcomed! I know when we begin getting our special attire on that it is time to get in the car and go to work. I have long hair so the job of getting me ready is not an easy one with the bathing, brushing and tangle removing but we always get it done.

We have visited an extensive number of places over the years and have been involved in a variety of special occasion projects. Some of the places we have visited include hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, schools, pre-schools, Alzheimer's daycare center, day care centers for the mentally and physically handicapped (ARC and PRIMUS), Youth Detention Center for the Paws to Read program, Project Hero and Humane Education, Georgia Special Olympics, SOWEGA Council On Aging, Girl Scout groups, Easter Seals, Lions Learning Center, summer grief workshops for children, Easter Egg Hunt and many more. 

I have come a long way since the day in 1998 when I was hit on the highway, saved by a wonderful Vet in Eufaula, Alabama and then brought to my new home in Albany, Ga. I must have been saved for a reason and that reason must be so that I can belong to the Paws Patrol and bring some happiness and comfort to people who are confined and not able to have their own pets. I have enough love to go around. 

My pet partner says that I have saved her life. She knows that I love going to walk in the park every day and she takes me even though at times she does not feel like going. This has been beneficial for her health. The visiting we do is also beneficial in that we get out of the house and meet a variety of people.

SOME OF MY ACHIEVEMENTS:

1. Obedience Training   6/2003

2. Delta Society membership   9/200

3. Joined Paws Patrol   9/2003

4. AKC Canine Good Citizen Award  5/2005

MY RECOGNITIONS:

1. King of the Terrell County Annual Pet Parade  10/2004     

2. Mr. K-9 Albany 11/2005

3. Loyal Service Award from Paws Patrol 2/2007

4. Mr. K-9 Albany again 11/2007

PAWS PATROL AWARDS SINCE I HAVE BEEN A MEMBER:

As usual, I was rushing around one Saturday in 2000 with no time to spare.  But something or Some One told me to go to the Albany Humane Society right now!  I had been meaning to volunteer, but hadn’t gotten around to doing it. While I was sitting in the lobby completing the volunteer papers, I caught a glimpse of several dogs running around. They had let them out to mingle with the people. 

A very thin, scruffy little white dog came around the desk and gently put her feet up on my knee and looked up at me with imploring soft, caramel colored eyes.  The receptionist exclaimed “I can’t believe she is doing that! She was abused and is terribly afraid of everyone; that’s why we let her out, hoping she would become used to people.”  By this time, I had picked her up and put her in my lap and it seemed like a perfect fit. They always pick out a name for the animals at the humane society; it seems to give them a better chance at finding a home, so they had been calling her Tracy. I had already decided months before that I would name my next pet Gracie. Tracy/Gracie-it could work.

I had no intention of getting an animal that day-I already had two cats.  But I took her home and she immediately found a special place in my heart.  I began socializing her by taking her with me everywhere I went; getting her used to new people and experiences.  It was a slow process, but she is now very outgoing and friendly and loves being a Paws Patrol therapy dog.  When we pull into the driveways to visit, she begins dancing around, “talking” excitedly.  She still has that gentle touch she used on me the first day I saw her, and all the people we visit reach out and take her paw.  

I met our group’s director and founder, Marty Harris at a yard sale that she was having in 2001.  I recognized her from a picture that I had seen in the paper of her with her yellow lab, Hero. As usual, I had Gracie with me and she began telling me all about her pet therapy group.  At first, it was a group of five ladies with their dogs just visiting people when we could.  We soon became associated with Delta Society and things took off from there.

During one of our first visits in an Alzheimer’s unit, a very frail lady smiled and reached out to stroke Gracie’s fuzzy face.  As we were leaving, the nurse told me that this was the first response they had seen from this lady since she had arrived three months ago.  Gracie and I have now been doing our best to bring a little puppy love to people for six years now.  I really don’t know who gets more joy out of it-the people that we visit, or me and even Gracie.

I am so thankful that I listened to that “voice” years ago when it told me to go to the humane society and take that little dog home.  I rescued Gracie from some unknown fate, but if you want to know the truth, SHE rescued me!  I can not imagine my life without her.

Peggy and Holli

I learned about Paws Patrol while I was in an Albany hospital recovering and rehabilitating from knee surgery late in 2001.  A few questions and I was hooked especially knowing I had the perfect dog for this type of work.  I made the decision that if I decided to remain in Albany I would follow up on this group.  Within a few months I was back in town looking for work and a home but I had not forgotten about using Holli (my beautiful black Labrador retriever) for pet therapy.  Up to that time Holli and I lived with about 100 juvenile detainees and another 30 staff members on a wagon train.  She was wonderful with the kids and other dogs on the train; she even got along well with the horses. 

Maybe I should say she learned to respect the horses. Anyway, we were now back in Albany.  I went to work with the SOWEGA Council on Aging as a Register Nurse Case Manager in the Community Care Services Program in the 14 county area of South Georgia.  Following up on the pet therapy work, I called and made arrangements to meet with Marty Harris and have Holli tested for her Delta ®  evaluation.  In March 2002, Holli was the newest member of Paws Patrol.  She shined in her visits with youth and adult alike. 

Her most memorable moment came on day while visiting at one of the local assisted living facilities.  We were actually sitting and visiting with a group but Holli did not seem as interested in us as her attention seemed to be on something else.  After awhile she slowly got up and moved to the table behind us where an elderly resident had been sitting.  That resident had been leaning on the arm of the chair and was sliding off when Holli got up and slipped her body under the woman to offer support.  There she remained until the woman was able to sit up and give her a well deserved petting which was unusual for this lady.  In June 2006 a Maine Coon Cat came to be fostered with us while his mother, a young Marine stationed in Albany awaited orders or discharge from the service. 

After a year she decided that she would be unable to care for this cat, who by now had made a place, not only in my heart but in Holli’s.  The two were inseparable.  They slept, ate and played together.  The cat, Fiyero, became a constant companion with Holli and me so it was a no brainer that when he was old enough he would be a great therapy cat.   Holli worked with me until her health failed and she passed away in November 2007. 

Early 2008, Fiyero passed his Delta ® evaluation and has taken on his own audience and demand performance at several personal care homes and one nursing home.  His laid back demeanor and soft coat bring smiles to all who meet him.  Even at 17 pounds, he loves a lap and a gentle stroking.  Another animal will be joining Peggy and Fiyero soon.  George, a 124# blind Labrador retriever has passed his evaluation and is waiting on the Delta ® approval.  He will be another welcome addition to the visitation sites as he is already a welcome visitor in the home with Fiyero.

Accomplishments of Holli: 

Darlene Pino

Dog Trainer BIO

I have been training dogs since 1971. I have bred and shown several AKC Conformation and Field Champions in this country and throughout the world. I'm the official trainer for the local therapy dogs in Albany, GA.

I am a Certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test Evaluator. I am an Alternate Evaluator for Delta Society Therapy Dog Testing. I am an Instructor for Animal Behavior College internship program. I am a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, World Canine Freestyle Organization, Paws Patrol, RiverBARK Chairman 2005 and 2007 and former President of several Kennel Clubs throughout the Southeast United States.

I currently teach Group Classes at Magnolia Pet Resort and Spa    and I teach private lessons in obedience, help with behavior problems, conformation, musical freestyle, agility, flyball, and    other dog sports.

Clever Canines - (229) 878-0111 - Albany, Georgia

Gettie & Laura Terry

I had wanted an Australian Cattle Dog for some time, and would always wander over to watch them at the dog shows.  I got to know a successful breeder in Florida, Deb Mintzer, and always admired her beautiful, well-behaved dogs.  She called one day about 6 years ago, to tell me about a puppy she had, so I drove up to meet Taylriders ItchinTogetThere: Gettie.

I took her home where she was raised by a pack of Jack Russells, which has been interesting, to say the least.  She is one of the cleverest dogs I’ve had, and the most intense.  She’s always easy to find, if I just step back a foot or two, I bump into her, she’s always at my side and underfoot.  She has done some agility, and made it to one Rally class where she did really well with Brooke Appleton. 

Gettie was how I met Marty; I was walking around at a dog show with Gettie, and Marty came over to tell me how much she liked the breed.  One thing led to another, and now we’re a Paws Patrol team.  Gettie has visited at YDC, where she enjoys hearing Pigs Picnic over and over.

Tippie & Laura Terry

The first time I saw Tippie, I had gone to spend a week-end with a friend in West Palm Beach, Fla.  Bonnie had trained and shown Schutzhund dogs and had been getting into Jack Russell Terriers: importing dogs from Foxwarren Kennels in England, and breeding and showing them. 

There were 3 puppies there, about 10 weeks old, and I fell in love with a tri-colored female.  She, however, cost several thousand dollars and had been sold to a show home in California.  The 3 had cigarette related names, the race horse Cigar was running and was quite famous then. 

A couple of weeks later Bonnie called to see if I would be interested in buying the brown and white female, Edison’s Tiparillo of Foxwarren, Tippie for short.  I ended up buying Tippie and adding her to the herd of dogs I had at the time; 3-4 other Jack Russells, and some cow dogs. 

The first year or so, I kept thinking that she was the wrong dog, I had really liked that tri-colored puppy.  Tippie showed a little bit, and always did well.  She was always the easiest dog I had, and as it often happens, the problem dogs got most of my spare time. 

Tippie would always be close by, watching. One day I was teaching a dog to sit, and looked over to see Tip sitting every time I told the other dog to.  She learned all her tricks by watching others.  Whatever it took to be by my side. 

When I moved to Albany, I met Marty and learned about therapy work.  Gettie, the Australian Cattle Dog, became a Paws Patrol member.  Since Tippie is getting older, 12 years old now, and I wanted to do as much with her as possible, she became a therapy dog also, and got to visit for a little over a year.  She went to YDC for the reading program and visited Rehab and Oncology at Phoebe.  Tippie’s age and health are catching up with her now, and I doubt she’ll visit anymore.  She does enjoy her afternoon naps at the store with me, and still can hear you unwrap something edible at great distances.  

Jane T and Little Bit

A Little Bit of Love When I first read an article about Marty and Hero and the work they had been doing I was so excited. This was around 2002. I had read about pet therapy for many years and couldn't believe my luck at finding someone in my area doing it. None of my dogs were appropriate for this work so I began looking for a Shih Tzu mix to become my partner.

I had fostered one a couple of years before and missed the little fur ball’s love. After a year and a half with no luck I began getting discouraged but an ad for Shih Tzu puppies for sale kept catching my attention. I finally broke down and called. Only one was left but it was love at first sight. My husband named her Little Bit.

She grew much bigger than her name but it fits her so well. She's a little bit funny, a little bit sweet, a little but stubborn, and a little bit lazy. She's just a little bit of everything!    I tried to prepare her for her future work by introducing her to all kinds of people and places. She especially liked visiting my mom who was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.

Mom thought she was the cutest thing and laughed and smiled when Little Bit was there which was something she seldom did anymore. That made me feel so good and I knew then that I had to contact Marty. We did all the things she told us to do and after about 6 months were evaluated and passed! That was in February of 2006. I wanted to be part of Paws Patrol as I felt they could teach us a lot and it would be fun to visit in a group. How much fun we have! Going to the hospitals, a nursing home, assisted livings, Easter Seals. And eating lunch outside with the pack and their partners!

Little Bit knows when bath time comes visiting will be soon. And when I start getting myself ready she is a shadow that won't go away.  Soon we felt secure enough to visit my mom and her friends at the Alzheimer’s/dementia home where she now lives. All the residents love her and she loves going there. Mom sings her lullaby's as she's sure a little thing like Little Bit must need a nap.

Little Bit is quick to comply especially with all that stroking and singing! We've now expanded to a couple more nursing homes and assisted livings. When we first began our visits we only planned to hang around with Paws Patrol a year at the most. But they are now our family and we couldn't imagine being without the help, love, and good times we get from them. And we get so much from all the people we meet. The smiles, the happy tears and the outstretched arms.

All this because of my Little Bit of love!        

Joy Sheckels & Wee Heart Ginger, Princess Grace and Prince Charles

Paws Patrol Loyal Service Award Winner 2007

Wee Heart Ginger was a very special little girl. She was my first dog with Paws Patrol, and Marty Harris was Delta registered with her, too. She loved to be held, and was so small she could be held in tiny hands. I got her clothes at Bennett’s in the ferret department after Marty discovered it was the only way to get clothes that would fit her.

No one was afraid of Ginger so she would try to go everywhere she could, even with only three legs. Ginger was never unhappy, even when she was sick, and was glad to have Princess Grace by her side. After Ginger passed away from cancer at 13, I didn’t want to quit the work we did together so I started taking Princess Grace on outings with Paws

 Patrol. I will always miss Wee Heart Ginger, and will never forget her.

“I’m over pampered and spoiled rotten and I deserve much better than this.” Princess Grace tells me this every single day. She is a very happy Pomeranian who had a bad beginning. She was in a meth lab for over a year and has subsequent medical problems. She has turned her life into a fun time. She goes with me everywhere I can take her. People will laugh at her or think she is silly, but either way she brings a smile to all the people she meets. She goes dressed as a doctor to the hospitals, the AFLAC DUCK to nursing homes and a Princess at other places. She helped a lady in rehab to walk when she wouldn’t walk for the nurses. She will get in bed with her hospice patients, which they enjoy.

When I had my heart attack and surgery she stayed in my bed except to go out to take care of her daily duties. She and I volunteer at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, Palmyra Hospital rehab, Albany Health Care, ACT11, Primus, Palmyra Nursing Home and Hospice. She goes to the Hospice Christmas party every year dressed as Santa, and is one of three official greeters for Camp Good Grief. She sees private patients at Phoebe on request. She is a Paws to Read volunteer in Worth County schools. She and Prince Charles were voted Cutest Dogs at the Parks at Chehaw in 2007. She goes to Girl Scout programs and now has her Scout uniform. She is obedience trained and a member of the Delta Society. She visits rehab units in her doll wheel chair. She has been a part of the Georgia Special Olympics, and occasionally visits ARYDC, Easter Seals, church Easter Egg Hunts – and anywhere we can go.

Princess Grace came into my life when Wee Heart Ginger was older and having problems walking, so she filled a void when Ginger passed. Prince Charles was adopted from the Albany Humane Society four years ago. He is a 4 pound Pomeranian who enjoys working at all the same places as Princess Grace and gets so excited he dances to get a chance to work. It is hard to leave one of them home because they both love to go. I was told he couldn’t do Paws Patrol work because my husband was afraid someone would take him, but now he lets me take him because he can see how happy it makes Prince Charles. He usually wears a leather jacket, doggles and hat to work and people laugh at him. He is a sight. He has his Canine Good Citizen and got 3rd place in the Star Dog Contest in the Albany Herald. I sure love taking Princess Grace or Prince Charles with me.