Paws of CNY offer pet therapy / wellness services throughout the region. They are the largest and most comprehensive therapy program of its kind in our area. The smiles that the animals have while interacting with the people are infectious.... And watching the people's stress melt away while interacting with the animals just makes everyone feel wonderful. I can't say enough about how this group has affected my life. I'm blessed to have found this group over 10 years ago.
I have been organizing events on my college campus with PAWS of CNY for 2 years now. This organization is filled with wonderful people (and animals) that donate their time to help "lift" others up. The de-stress events in my residence hall have had very positive impacts on students and the campus environment (especially during finals!). We love PAWS of CNY at SUNY Oswego!
A wonderful organization of great people and animals. They volunteer at so many events: Local parades, the airport, and nursing homes. This nonprofit brings Comfort to so many
PAWS of CNY is amazing... I have seen families cry while their family member who has dementia enjoy a visit and talk to a dog while the rest of the time they are silent.... I have seen cancer patients in pain smile and forget their pain for a moment while a dog snuggles with them.... I have seen a therapy cat lead a caravan of wheelchairs into a common room so everyone can exclaim how special it is to see "a cat walking on leash like a dog" and the whole room burst into laughter, then the cat walk from person to person for attention. I've seen college kids cry into a dog's mane as they are homesick for their own dog, but after a good cry they play ball with the dog and then say "thanks for the hug, I needed that . I feel so much better... Time to hit the books!" PAWS of CNY is an incredible organization.... Volunteering is one hour a month.... Who can't find an hour to give back and have fun with our furry friends?
We often join a volunteer organization to give back and help others but what I have gained from these visits is priceless. Thank you PAWS of CNY and Boomer for a 10 year lesson in what truly matters.
Photo: Boomer is enjoying a Henry and Mudge Book read by a first grader in the Oswego City School District.
As a member of PAWS of CNY, my dog and I have volunteered at a wide variety of venues and events. We have spent time at Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego, a local nursing home, an elementary school and a library. We have participated in wellness fairs and de-stress events. PAWS has given me the opportunity to meet many new people and make new friends. I am proud to walk into college dorms and the other sites we have visited. We are always treated well by the organizers of the events and people who we visit greatly respect our dogs. Because of our PAWS visits, my dog has gotten more belly rubs than I could ever give him!
Paws of CNY is an amazing organization. Linda and her therapy dog Gemma, along with Laura and her therapy dog Patches have brought lots of laughs and smiles to the faces of the children at Moms & Kids Childcare Cooperative. Sometimes being apart from mom can cause young children separation anxiety and lots of tears, but not when you are busy petting one of these sweet, gentle therapy dogs! Thank you so much for your cuddles Paws of CNY, we really appreciate all that you do!
PAWS of CNY visited SUNY Oswego's Johnson Hall during finals week during the fall 2016 semester, this event did a great job of lifting the spirts of the residents! The dogs came and gave the students time to relax and de-stress with extremely friendly furry friends, we plan to make this a continously event during final weeks! Absolutely love this organization!
As a past member and as the current President of SUNY Oswego's Psychology club, we have had many experiences with PAWS of CNY and each were incredible. Often we request the dogs to come in for our members before finals week to de-stress and enjoy themselves beforehand. The animals and their owners are all respectful, kind, and very knowledgeable about their work. They are always friendly when answering our questions. We are very lucky to have a connection with them!!
PAWS Of CNY Inc. was an absolute pleasure to work with. I previously worked as a Residence Hall Director at SUNY Oswego and brought them into my residence hall once a semester from 2011 to 2014. The volunteers were excellent to schedule, plan, and communicate with. PAWS was by far my easiest outside group to work with.
The actual service they provided to our students was immeasurable. I worked primarily with first-year college students who were struggling with being away from home for the first time, trying to handle the stresses of college-level academic work, and many of whom were simultaneously struggling with a wide-range of mental health issues. Every time PAWS would come in, our students would light up. Afterwards, they'd tell me that interacting with the dogs (and their volunteer handlers) was the highlight of their semester and that they could feel the emotional weight lift off their shoulders.
I would highly recommend PAWS of CNY Inc. to any Central New York college or university, as well as to other organizations such as schools, hospitals, etc.
I work at SUNY Oswego as a Residence Hall Director and I have partnered with PAWS for the last 3 semesters. PAWS has been amazing to work with - the volunteers are friendly and the animals are fantastic! It's always a well attended event, averaging 150 students in attendance each time PAWS visits my residence hall. The students enjoy their time with the animals so much and I have seen many student cry tears of happiness when they see these animals. With mental health issues on the rise especially within college age students, partnering with PAWS is something I couldn't imagine NOT doing! It's so beneficial to my students - the animals give them a feeling of comfort that I just can't provide.
PAWS of CNY brings joy, happiness, and professionalism. As a coordinator of outreach and prevention services for a college counseling center, I partner with PAWS of CNY to bring animals to campus. Our students benefit from the contact a therapy animal can provide - and the volunteers are knowledgeable, open, and supportive. Hoping for many more opportunities to collaborate with PAWS of CNY. Great folks doing great work!
