COMMUNITY SERVICE

Along with carrying out our mission, Pets on Wheels of Delmarva is also involved in community service.

Our volunteers have participated in the Alzheimer’s Conference held at William Hill Manor in Easton, Maryland. We have donated sets of animal oxygen masks to fire departments in local counties and are distributing decals to pet owners in the community to be placed in their windows to notify emergency crews that there are animals inside.

 

We have helped the public become aware of the needs of residents of nursing homes and similar facilities through several newspaper and magazine articles..

 

 

 

TESTIMONIALS

“……We want you to know how very much the combined human and canine energy mean to Jeff’s mother, and by extension to us. There is nothing, not even family, who will raise her spirits and return her to complete alertness than a Pets on Wheels team in her room. One of our very clear memories of her will be her reaching out to touch the head of whatever canine visitor might be patiently waiting at her feet for just that touch. The human companions, too, including some participation by young people, provide a stimulation that is unique.” Jeff and Lynn Lang

“….I began volunteering with Pets on Wheels hoping to brighten another person’s day. I do feel we achieve that goal. My “people friendly dogs” are an excellent topic for a conversation starter. Most residents are pleasantly surprised to see a dog enter their room. I usually begin the visit by saying “the dogs are here to see you”. I have formed lasting friendships with residents. I seek these people out each and every time we visit. They open up and talk about their families, their previous pets, and their earlier lives. Many residents and staff know my dogs by name. Others, unable to recall names, are equally as happy to see us coming. They respond with a smile and a hand extended to pet the canine visitor. In certain cases, some people are only in a facility for a short time for rehabilitation or therapy. We are a bright spot during this transitional time in their lives. I find this volunteer work to be both rewarding and enriching to me. I often leave feeling like I benefited as well as those we serve.” Linda Elzey

“….My mother was a stay-at-home mom for four children, and she instilled in each of us her passion for gardening, and her love of animals, especially dogs. For the past two years she has resided at the William Hill Manor in Easton, Maryland. She is a wonderful person, humorous with a kind and gentle soul. Alzheimer’s disease has robbed my mother of a lifetime of memories; she does not know her children, family, friends, or even that she was married for over 50 years. It is a horrendous disease, stealing away all that is recognizable to a person; truly a terrifying way to exist. The greatest gift you can give an Alzheimer’s patient is one of familiarity. A Pets On Wheels volunteer frequents the William Hill Manor with her two Labradors. When she visits with her dogs, something familiar stirs deep within my mother. The one thing that is still familiar to her is her love of dogs. The simple act of being in the presence of a dog and the feeling of warm fur brings my mother an incredible gift ~ the rare sense of peace and well being. Bless the volunteers of Pets On Wheels and the dogs that they so generously share.” Carol Heisterhagen

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Pets on Wheels is a non-profit organization staffed by volunteers and is wholly dependent on contributions from private citizens and commercial organizations. Your contribution is tax deductible.

 There are no administrative salaries paid. Some of our costs include keeping health certification records for pet volunteers, maintaining our web site, and producing a quarterly newsletter.

 We also hold work shops for volunteer support and occasional social events so that volunteer teams can share experiences and information as well as receive recognition for their efforts.

 You can send a contribution to:

Pets on Wheels, Delmarva, Inc. c/o
Sue Gallagher, Treasurer
27047 Presquile Road
Easton, Maryland 21601

You can e-mail a pledge to: renk@goeaston.net