Carrie Nydick Finch and Rachel Herman

Carrie Nydick Finch, the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy for PAWS NY, and Rachel Herman, Founder of PAWS, recently guested on the People, Pets, and Purpose podcast hosted by Diaz Dixon, the Maddie’s Advisor for External Affairs and Partnerships for the Human Animal Support Service Project. Carrie spoke about PAWS NY’s new Substance Use Recovery Program, which provides foster and emergency care for pets whose guardians who are seeking in-patient substance use treatment.

“When it comes to the substance use program, I have a huge love in my heart for people who are battling those issues,” said Dixon, as she interviewed Carrie and Rachel. ” So often, people won’t engage and go into a program, because they don’t have a safe place to keep their pets – so they won’t go into a treatment program or domestic violence shelter because of their pets. So that’s phenomenal. You’re doing that!”

Check out Carrie and Rachel’s full episode of the People, Pets, and Purpose podcast to learn more about our House Call program, our Substance Use Recovery Program, and why Carrie and Rachel love helping people and their pets through PAWS NY. Thanks to Diaz for having us on the show!

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Sadly, two longtime clients of PAWS NY passed away recently, and we are looking for a new home for their sweet pets: Gigi and Baby Boy. Are you interested in adopting either of them? 

Sweet Gigi is a senior Shepherd Mix who is super friendly and smart. She loves to be around people and is good with other dogs, and she needs some extra love as she lives out her golden years.

As a senior pup, Gigi deals with joint pain and is on a few daily medications. She doesn’t do well with stairs, so a home without steep steps would be ideal. We’re also hoping her fur-ever home will be with someone patient and strong, who can give her an occasional boost on her walks. 

Update as of December 20, 2023: Baby Boy has been adopted!

Handsome Baby Boy is also looking for a new home. A neutered, mellow senior cat who loves attention, Baby Boy hasn’t lived with other pets, but would likely be fine with other calm and friendly pets in the home. He is healthy and would make a wonderful, low-maintenance animal companion.

If you are interested in adopting either of these pets, please click here to download and complete our Adoption Application and email it to Liz.Raganella@pawsny.org. We’re hoping to find them fur-ever homes in the NYC area.

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On two separate occasions in October and November, PAWS NY partnered with 9 Million Reasons, a Long Island City-based food pantry, to distribute pet food and supplies alongside the organization’s regular weekly food pick-up service. Thanks to a donation from Tom’s Pet Supply, we were able to distribute 640.5 pounds of dog food, plus 67 pounds of cat food and 130 pounds of litter and other supplies from the PAWS NY Pet Pantry in October.

And in November, we distributed an additional 167 pounds of dog food, 66 pounds of cat food, and 54 pounds of litter and supplies. Overall, this new initiative helped nearly 50 pet guardians in Queens continue to care for their beloved animal companions.

“I am so happy to get this dog food, it helps out so much,” said one pet guardian who came to the event. “It’s hard to afford food nowadays.”

As we move into 2024, PAWS NY hopes to host these public Pet Pantry events more often, in all five boroughs of NYC. Please consider donating to our Holiday Fundraising Campaign to help support the Pet Pantry and other programs from PAWS NY.

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“Having a pet means that someone needs you and you have a responsibility to show up for them,” Carrie said in the article. “This provides purpose, as well as schedule and structure to one’s life. In addition, being active naturally reduces stress.”

Among other topics, Carrie shared her “Five Ways To Maximize the Mental Health Benefits of Having a Pet” in the interview. Check them out:

1. Prepare: Make sure you are choosing the right pet and that you have plans in place for unforeseen events.

2. Be Present: Put aside time to spend with your pet where you are not distracted, and you can both enjoy each other’s company.

3. Pay Attention: Notice when you or your pet might need extra support and take action to visit with your own therapist or set up a veterinary appointment as needed.

4. Do New Things: Join a cat lovers group, or make a point to get to know the other folks walking dogs in your neighborhood. It will stretch you outside your comfort zone and gives you the added benefit of a larger community network.

5. Educate Yourself: Learning basic animal behavior will help you and your pet develop an even closer bond. You will be able to more fully understand how they communicate with you in many small ways all the time.

Click here to read the full interview with Carrie in Authority Magazine!

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Therefore, there is no better time to review all the psychological benefits of pet guardianship. According to the World Health Organization, “1 in every 8 people, or 970 million people around the world” live with a mental health disorder. Anxiety and Depressive disorders are the most common, encompassing a broad range of negative emotions including sadness, distress, or fear. A growing body of evidence suggests that the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) can reduce many symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Specifically, research has indicated that pet guardianship and the Human-Animal Bond (HAB) produces the following results:

• improvement of social attention, behavior, interpersonal interaction, and mood
• reduction of stress-related parameters such as cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure
• reduction of fear and anxiety
• improvement of physical health, especially cardiovascular health
• increased trustworthiness of and trust toward other persons
• reduction in aggressive behavior
• enhanced levels of empathy towards others

At PAWS NY, our mission is to keep people and pets together, and protect the human-animal bond that is so psychologically and physically beneficial. And we see the impact of this every day.

“My dog is basically my savior in life,” said a PAWS NY client. “He brings me more joy and stability than anything else in the world.”

In honor of World Mental Health Day, take some time to snuggle your furry friends and enjoy the emotional and mental health benefits of your bond.

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NEW YORK, April 18, 2023 – Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY debuted its first Spanish-language promotional video this month, building even more connections within the Spanish-speaking community in New York City.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, PAWS NY helps older adults and individuals living with illness or disability take care of their pets, by providing volunteers to help with daily pet care needs, coordinating veterinary care, managing a Pet Pantry, and facilitating foster and emergency care when New Yorkers are hospitalized and need someone to care for their pets. Thanks to dedicated bilingual staff members, the organization has been able to provide services to more Spanish-speaking New Yorkers in recent years. As a response, PAWS NY has increased its outreach in the community as well, working to find both individuals in need of support and Spanish-speaking volunteers to provide services.

“Our amazing Bilingual Program Manager Victoria Leon has been instrumental in helping us connect with more New Yorkers, especially those for whom Spanish is their first language,” said Rachel Herman, the Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “We provide information about our programs and services in Spanish on our website (www.pawsny.org/espanol) and via printed materials, and this video is the latest project that supports our goal of being more inclusive and accessible to all New Yorkers.”

The video, which can be found on the PAWS NY YouTube channel, was created by George Irizarry of Cosmo Street Editorial and features video footage by Levi Barrie, photography by David Andrako, and voiceover work by Victoria Leon.

PAWS NY has also submitted the project to the 2023 Maddie’s Fund Open Arms Challenge. This annual program within the animal welfare space encourages related organizations to pilot new approaches that open doors to new clients, adopters, community members, and volunteers, leveraging our resources to welcome the entire community and make animal welfare inclusive and accessible to all.

“New Yorkers speak more than 200 languages, according to nyc.gov, and we are hopeful that PAWS NY will one day be able to provide services in many different languages,” Herman said. “For now, we are thrilled to provide robust support to those who speak English and Spanish—two of the top languages in NYC—and this video provides one more piece of that puzzle with regards to that outreach.”

If you’d like to learn more about PAWS NY or sign up to volunteer, please visit our website at www.pawsny.org or www.pawsny.org/espanol.

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About PAWS NY

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

Related Links:
http://www.pawsny.org
http://www.pawsny.org/espanol
https://youtu.be/x9FSsreVnDA

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Contact:

Kimberly Green
(o): 212-203-4760, x304
(e): Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org

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Photo of Bruno courtesy of volunteer Khadeja

Celebrating “Walk Your Dog Month” in January is a good reminder for humans to keep up the walks even during the cold months. But how can you make your pup’s walks even better for them?

Here are five tips to help improve your dog’s walks:

1. Take Your Time – We may want to rush the walks during these cold months, but dogs love to sniff and explore during their time outside…and that can be beneficial for their health. Do you have time to visit the dog park or walk down a new street? How can you give your pup more quality time with you?
2. Be Prepared – From waste disposal bags to proper identification, it’s important to be prepared and have all you need when walking your dog. Monitor the weather and be prepared with booties for the cold or water on the hot days. The right equipment can also make or break a walk, so be sure to try on new leashes and collars before going out in public with your dog, so they have a chance to get used to them. And you can make sure they can’t wiggle out and escape!
3. Incorporate Treats & Training – Whether you’re working with a leash-reactive dog, training your pup to walk on a loose leash, or simply rewarding good behavior, there are little ways to incorporate training into your dog’s walks. Bring along treats and keep an eye out for the behavior you want to encourage in your dog!
4. Listen to Your Pup – Dogs need different levels of exercise based on their breed, age, and their overall health. Research your dog’s breed, ask questions at the vet, and take cues from your pup when it comes to the length and intensity of walks. Sticking to a set routine or schedule can also help dogs know what to expect and get excited for their time on the leash with you.
5. Be Present – It’s easy to zone out on your phone while walking your dog. But to your pup, this is prime quality time! Engage with them and have fun on your walks, and you will see more excitement from your dog as well. Plus, by being more present, you will be more likely to see and avoid potential hazards or stressors. All around good things!

We hope these tips help improve your dog’s walks in 2023! PAWS NY volunteers, be sure to share photos with us from these lovely walks!

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PAWS NY film THE BRIDGE inspired by true story about abandoned dog that pushes man suffering from depression back from the edge

NEW YORK  – January 12, 2023 – Grammy-winning musician Lou Reed’s haunting 1972 hit “Perfect Day” and an animated, gritty New York cityscape set the scene for a beautiful love story in THE BRIDGE, the bittersweet short film from nonprofit PAWS NY spotlighting the mental health benefits of pets. Written and produced by Klick Health and animated by Lightfarm Studios, the film debuted today on YouTube.

The four-minute film tells the story of a lonely New Yorker having suicidal thoughts and an abandoned dog experiencing parallel lives of rejection, until their paths repeatedly cross and a quiet bond begins to grow. THE BRIDGE uses a raw, edgy illustrative style with distorted proportions, and blue and gray undertones to express the main character’s inner turmoil and mental state until the film’s climax on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Inspired by a true story, THE BRIDGE explores how the characters’ connection ends up saving both their lives. Co-writer and Klick Health ‘Maker’ Bernardo Romero conceived of the animated short after losing his own dog and hearing the heartwarming tale from a stranger on the New York subway.

“I hope THE BRIDGE will serve as a catalyst for more life-changing encounters between pets and people, and will help PAWS NY in their fundraising efforts so they can continue ensuring these important, but often overlooked, life-saving bonds form,” Romero said.

“Our goal with this film is to get people talking about the positive impact pets can have on our mental health,” said PAWS NY Founder and Executive Director Rachel Herman. “Mental health issues are prevalent this time of year, due to the post-holiday blues and darker, colder days, but studies show having a pet can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness all year long. Now more than ever, it’s important to keep these life-saving connections alive.”

Trigger Warning: This story contains themes of depression and suicide.

———-

About PAWS NY

The mission of Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. As a 501(c)3 organization, our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients. Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org. 

———-

Contact:

PAWS NY: Kimberly Green
(o): 212-203-4760, x304
(e): Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org

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We can’t believe September is almost here! If you’re looking for fun pet-friendly events to attend this fall, check out some of the NYC-based events and activities below.

Plus, you can always sign up for an upcoming Virtual Volunteer Orientation to get involved with PAWS NY this year too!

Must Love Dogs and Comedy
Boris & Horton, 195 Avenue A, Manhattan
September 16 & 30 from 7-9PM
$20 Suggested Donation

Enjoy an evening of laughing and “sniffing”? Come join Boris & Horton for their pet-friendly comedy show, where you can meet other comedy lovers—and dogs!

Dog Beauty Pageant – Hairy Paw’ter & the Game of Bones
THE BARONESS burgers + beers, 47-18 Vernon Boulevard, Queens
September 28 at 6PM
Free!

Come join a fantasy-themed dog beauty pageant and photo session, where you and your pet can enjoy some great music, goodies, and much more. 

Petzey Wellness Tour
Seaport Square at Pier 17, 89 South Street, Manhattan
September 18 from 1-4PM
Free! 

Petzey is bringing the future of pet wellness to New York, including pet massage, healthy treats, pet portraits, and more! Plus, PAWS NY will be at this event, so come by to say hi!

If you want more pet-friendly events, check out our friends @dogspotted! You can follow them on Instagram or visit their new events website for pet events year-round!

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First and foremost, make sure to have fresh, clean water available for your pet(s) at all times. Keep an eye on their water bowl and refill as needed. Consider adding multiple water bowls around the house! Also, be sure to wash their water bowl once a day to avoid any bacteria growing there.  

If your cat is a fan of running water, try letting them drink from the sink faucet for a few minutes, or consider a pet water fountain.  A cat or dog going outside in hot weather and/or exercising more, will need to increase their intake of water.  If you’re concerned about your pet getting enough water, you can try adding wet food to their diet, or soaking their dry food in a little water.

Both dogs and cats have a slightly higher internal body temperature than humans, so if you are hot, your pet certainly will be. Try air conditioning, or if that’s not possible, a cool, dark place they can rest with a fan is ideal. You can also lay down a wet, cool towel for them to rest on.

When you and your dog go out on a walk, be sure to bring water with you, or make a plan to stop at a public water fountain. Dogs with shorter snouts, like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Bull Dogs, overheat more easily. If the pavement is too hot to hold your hand on it longer than 3 seconds, it will also be hot on your dog’s paw pads. Go for walks in the early morning or evening. Try to walk in the shade or consider booties for your dog.

Know the signs of dehydration

Dehydration can happen very quickly. Know the signs to make sure you can get your pet help as soon as possible:

• Vomiting and/or diarrhea
• Loss of energy
• Excessive, ongoing panting
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken, dry eyes
• Dry, sticky gums
• Loss of skin elasticity

Hopefully this information helps our volunteers and supporters make sure that all pets stay safe, especially during Pet Hydration Month and all summer long!

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