October Events with PAWS NY
The team at PAWS NY continued with more events and presentations in the community during the month of October.
On Friday, October 13, our Founder and Executive Director Rachel Herman was the keynote speaker at Animal Medical Center’s first ever Vet Tech Conference. In front of a crowd of veterinary technicians from all over New York City, Rachel shared a video featuring PAWS NY client Ruth and spoke about the mission and the programs PAWS NY provides.
The following week, Carrie Nydick Finch, our Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, spoke at the 2023 conference from The State Society on Aging of New York in Saratoga Springs, New York. The event, for professionals working in older adult services, was several days long and featured sessions related to health, caregiving, fighting discrimination, and aging in place, among other topics. Alongside Robin Strashun from our partner Search and Care, Carrie presented a session called “Helping Older Adult Guardians and Their Pets Age in Place Together” on Monday, October 16.
Additionally on October 18, Adrianna Ruiz, PAWS NY Foster Administrator, gave a presentation at Mount Sinai West for social workers and mental health counselors who work at the institution’s outpatient treatment center. The focus of the presentation was on PAWS NY’s new Substance Use Recovery Program and sharing more information about eligibility requirements and how to refer individuals to the programs.
Rounding out our presentations in October, Rachel Herman took the stage again at the Animal Grantmakers Annual Conference in Philadelphia, where she was on a panel discussing Social Services for People and Their Pets. Moderated by Kate Atema, Director of Community Grants and Initiatives for PetSmart Charities, the panel also featured Katie Campbell, Director of Collaboration and Outreach at RedRover; Dr. Bryna Donnelly, Vice President of Pet Programs for Greater Good Charities; and Nathaniel Fields, Chief Executive Officer of Urban Resource Institute.
Last but not least, PAWS NY got into the spooky spirit at the 3rd Annual Great Hill Dog-Tastic Parade and Costume Competition for Howl-o-Ween in Central Park. From Barbie to astronauts to dinosaurs to rainbows and Kinky Boots, the costume contest was awesome, and our own Adrianna Ruiz served as one of the judges.
The group, which meets regularly with their pups at Great Hill, also collected pet food to donate to the PAWS NY Pet Pantry and solicited donations during the event for our organization. Thank you for all your support!
Thanks again to everyone for inviting us to participate in these wonderful events! Have an event that you’d like PAWS NY to attend? Email [email protected].