PAW S & T H I N K C O N N E C T S C A N I N E S AND PEOPLE FOR HEALING Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided
No one anticipated a life that would involve nationwide closures, lockdowns and selfquarantines, but when it became clear that the 2019 novel coronavirus posed a major health threat, schools, families, businesses and individuals had to quickly adjust to living life from the inside. Selfisolation means many in-person meetings are impossible, and organizations that serve the public’s mental health have been forced to think outside the box. One such organization is Paws & Think, a communitybased nonprofit that brings joy and healing to more than 60 program partners including schools, libraries, detention centers, humane societies, hospitals, cancer support centers and elder care facilities. The organization seeks to improve lives through the power of the human-dog connection, and finding ways to adhere to this mission was a tricky adjustment to
make during the pandemic that has forced communities to socially isolate. Recognizing that mental health management is critical during this time, Paws & Think leaders have formulated alternative ways to serve the community in order to boost morale, ease stress and brighten spirits.
therapy dogs. In the videos, the handler shares a personal message and the dog might do a trick, fetch a ball or simply stare into the camera looking cute. Paws & Think leaders are also filming videos for elder care facilities so patients can enjoy the company of their favorite four-legged friends.
“We know that now more than ever, people are in need of the love and comfort a dog can bring,” says Kelsey Burton, executive director of Paws & Think.
“These folks are very lonely right now,” Burton says. “Some of them can’t even come outside their rooms.”
For starters, the staff began creating and distributing activity books to hospital patients, teachers and other partners. Activities include crossword puzzles, word searches, and coloring sheets by local artist Gabriel Lehman. Paws & Think representatives frequently visit the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, and when self-quarantining started the organization began filming prerecorded videos so that children can still see the JUNE 2020
In addition, the staff has sent out greeting cards with pictures of therapy dogs on the front and a message on the inside reading, “Your therapy team sends you woofs and kisses.” “We want them to know that someone is thinking about them because we know this is hard,” says Burton, adding that although meeting basic, everyday needs is important, mental health preservation during this difficult time is also crucial. “There is a huge need to combat the loneliness and sadness
