Shrewsbury Paws - "We are here to make you smile"

Shrewsbury Paws is an all-volunteer program made up of highly trained dogs and their handlers. Our handlers and Tail Wagging Therapist work on the emotional health of hospital patients, nursing homes, and rehabilitation facilities to show what can be accomplished with love.

Animals have been a positive effect on emotional well being and physical health and healing. The interaction between dogs and human is unmistakable, tears dry, frowns becomes smiles, and silence becomes laughter. Dogs have a calming and therapeutic effect on all ages. It is a fulfilling and rewarding experience that we share with them.

They help people cope with the emotional issues related to their illness, treatments and long care. Best of all, they divert a person's attention from the daily problems of the day and brightens their day and lift their spirits and help motivate them through their therapy or treatments.

Everyone benefits from the Tail Wagging Therapist, residents, visitors, and staff, it’s often a challenge to separate them from the staff so they can perform their special needs upon the patients and residents. They provide a much needed break from the routine and stresses of the facilities.

These patients miss their pets and a visit from a therapy dog can brighten their day and provide an opportunity for social interaction. For some, it helps motivate them in their therapy or treatment, reminding them of their own pets waiting for them at home. Therapy Dogs provide unconditional love and attention to all.

This is the goal of our program and we would love to share it with you.

“We are waiting to make you smile”

Shrewsbury Paws for Patients

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Maggie’s Updates

www.shrewsburypaws.com

June, 2009:

I’m writing this with a very heavy heart, On June 7, 2009 at 9:00am Maggie’s passed away in my arms taken her to the vets in the back seat of my truck. My brother in law Jim was there to drive me and help support me at a time that was one of the most difficult in my life. I’m heartbroken and sad losing my companion. What she has accomplished in her life was amazing and being there to share that love with everyone. It was a miracle we made it to twelve in February after beating mast cell cancer in 2006. She was blind now for awhile and it’s been over a year I have been carrying her up and down stairs. These last two days were tuff and she was getting weaker but she was comfortable. This is the most difficult thing for me to watch her like this. Sadie’s been a blessing and she will miss her partner. Sadie will be certified and will carry on Maggie’s legacy to help people. My little girl will be missed but never forgotten. The most important thing was to keep her as comfortable as possibly and be there for her. She is my ANGEL with four legs and showed everyone the benefits of pet therapy and all of the positives effects the program has made. Thank you for your emails and the memories we have shared with everyone, Mike

We are honored to have The Boston Red Sox Foundation make

Maggie the “Top Dog” of “Red Sox Nation”

If you would like to make a donation in Maggie’s name to help other dogs with cancer. The address is listed below and your gift will be greatly appreciated to help other dogs in need.

“We can make a difference”

Tuft’s University

Attn: Oncology Department

Foster Hospital for Small Animals

200 Westboro Rd.

North Grafton, MA. 01536

Thank You,

Mike Kewley

Donation Information