KPETS - Keynotes Newsletter      
November 2013
  
Celebrating 10 Years of 
Touching Lives and Warming Hearts
  
Help Needed for these Upcoming Events
Park City Mall
Click link for dates

Get your family and friends to log in online and donate on November 22, 2013!

Touching Lives/Warming Hearts at Penn Cinema
Date:  Friday, November 22nd
Time:  3:00 - 9:00 PM
Where:  Penn Cinema Lititz, PA

Date: Saturday, November 23

Time:  10 am - 4 pm

Where:

The Farm & Home Center
1383 Arcadia Road

Lancaster PA 17601

 

Important Links

 To visit our website  www.kpets.org

 


Volunteers' Blogs

Chester Rima

 

Noche

 

River 

 

Karen and the kids

 

Toby

 

 

Send us your pup's page and we'll add it to our list!

We NEED YOU  to report your Volunteer hours

 

Did you know that:

 

* only 44% of volunteers are now logging their hours. Please log your hours at least monthly! 

 506 hours logged for September

 

* 5522 hours YTD 

 

CLICK HERE for a link to a video on how to log your hours!

 

To get to Tickspot, you can click here or go to the "I'm a Registered Volunteer" section on the KPETS website under the "Volunteer" tab. 

 

If you have problems, please let us know. We'll do all we can to help you!

Thanks!
 Go the EXTRA mile for KPETS!!!
      When you donate through the Extraordinary Give your dollars multiply!  This is our biggest fundraiser and keeps us in the black!
 

      On Friday, November 22, visit the Extra Give 

website [click here] from your computer, smartphone or device.  Make a donation (minimum of $25 required) to KPETS  and we will receive a percentage of the "stretch pool." (So if KPETS raises 3% of the total day's donations, we would receive 3% of the $250,00 stretch pool. Plus any EXTRA money from the $50,000 in prizes!) You can visit ExtraGive.org now, for more information. 

Look for us on that day at Penn Cinema for an event celebration reception!

 

KPETS therapy teams will be on-site Friday, November 22nd at Penn Cinema 541 Airport Rd, Lititz to provide a taste of pet therapy along with snacks for humans and canines from 3:00 - 9:00 PM.
Come out, join the fun, make a donation and catch a movie too!
  

 Another Exciting Event KPETS has the opportunity to participate in is the: 

Date:  Saturday, November 23, 2013, 
  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Farm and Home Center 
 1383 Arcadia Rd Lancaster PA 17601 
 Visit with 30+ community and global nonprofit organizations as you shop.
  • Experience hands on demonstrations, activities and entertainment for children, youth and adults.
  • Join us for lunch as you enjoy an amazing array of foods with an international flair, served up by our excellent local restaurants, caterers and bakeries.
  • $10 Additional training for KPETS team (therapy dog and handler) to work with a child in a reading program  
  • $25 Additional training for KPETS team (therapy dog and handler) to provide comfort for a hospice patient  
  • $?? A Charitable Donation to fund the work of KPETS
2014 KPETS Kalendars 
are now available! 
                   

$12.00 pick up at our office

$15.00 to ship
 
These calendars with photos of our fabulous therapy dogs make a great Holiday Gifts!!!! 
Meet our Sponsors for November: 

Rent Sponsor for the YEAR! : 
Phone Sponsor: Open 
Internet Sponsor:  Open
Printer Sponsor:  Open

  

Please consider filling any of the open spots on our Resource Page.  For information click on the link below!  Thank you!


Volunteer Recognition
   We want to thank ALL the KPETS' volunteers who so selflessly give to KPETS and our communities by visiting, staffing info booths, doing presentations and so much more. YOU  are what make KPETS what it is today! THANK YOU!
  
 
            In the Spotlight!
 
As we started to feature last month, there are so many key volunteers that support KPETS in various ways. 

     One of these key volunteers who has helped KPETS continue to grow in the Lancaster area, is Mary Stauffer! Mary has been conducting the KPETS Orientations in the Lancaster area for a few years. Being a teacher and sharing her love and compassion for what she and Cooper do as a KPETS team have brought only praises on the evaluation forms submitted after each Lancaster session.  The comments always have that common thread - her compassion for what she and Cooper do. She always gets "5's", the highest score for the presentation.

   We are sorry to say that Mary is needing to take a break for a time. Her teaching career has added new responsibilties to her already busy schedule and she has to cut back somewhere. She was so kind to do her last one in October for me, as I was on a wonderful two-week vacation. I know it really cramped her week, but God love her for pulling it off one more time for us!

   Mary, we want to thank you for your service! I'm sure many of the volunteers reading this have been through your Orientation and are thankful for the "Start" you gave them!

    It is because of Mary and so many others throughout the various counties, that make KPETS what it is today! 
With our most sincere gratitude!
Karen
            Thank You Volunteers!

MEETING AND GREETING THE COMMUNITY

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT IN CAMPBELLTOWN

 

By Patti Jo Hibshman

Fun, smiles, and wags of our furry companions was everywhere as we greeted our neighbors at the annual National Night Out at the Campbelltown Fire Hall grounds on August 6, 2013.  There were cloudy skies, but the rain held off making it a pleasant cooler evening.  

 

Sue Schreffler got the word out to KPETS' teams.  Nine teams attended and provided happy proof of the value of Pet Therapy.   Dave and I set up the KPETS booth.  Suzy Q, our Black Lab mix helped.  Our freebies were dog biscuits donated by Pet Headquarters, dog coloring books, lollipops, and KPETS pamphlets.  Troy Conner and his Golden Retriever, Brody worked with the Palmyra High School Robotics Team as a Frisbee catching dog.  Sophie, Lauren Gearhart's Brittany was busy greeting people.  Archie, a Poodle was busy making friends with his owner Linda Weindel.  Cathy Farr brought Sophie, a Miniature Schnauzer all dressed up in a colorful outfit complete with hat and sunglasses.  People wanted to pet Hunter, a gentle giant Mystery dog with Ron Dreibelbis.  Sandy Hibshman came with Daisy, a Golden Doodle.  They were getting good experience with the adoring crowds and other friendly Golden Doodles.  Coco, a Pomapoo was popular in Sue Hassenbein's arms.  Grace and Brady, two English Sheepdogs came with Renie Titus.  People enjoyed petting and visiting with these fine representatives of KPETS Teams.  

 

Thank you to all who helped!

 

 

A note from YTI Career Institute,       

Lancaster, PA:

Thank you so much for coming to our Wellness Fair.  You were all a huge hit!

 

A THANK YOU to our York Volunteers 

from Harriet Hombach

York Orientation Leader and Evaluator
(and as Karen fondly calls her "Woman of Many Hats")      

  

     To all you great KPETS teams who generously give of your time and volunteer for so many events we have had lately. I apologize for taking so long to relay my sincere THANKS to you.  
Those attending Suburban Middle School for Caught in the Middle on Friday, September 27th.
Rose & Katieann, Carla & Tucky, Audrey & Atticus, Pat & Cameo, Janelle & Buoy, Cheyenne & Jetty, Jean & Freddie, Susan & Max, Wendi & Meeko, Michelle & Thunder, Sharee & Lola, Harriet & Toon. 
 
Those attending Blessing of the Pets at Mt Carmel Church on Sunday, September 29th. 
Pat & Cameo, Rose & Katieann, Pam & Shiloh, Tom & Sadie, Janelle & Buoy, Cheyenne & Jetty, Jean & Freddie, Fran & Okra, Harriet & Corky. 
 
Those attending York College National Depression Screening Day on Thursday, October 10th. 
Susan & Max, Audrey & Atticus, Christine & JoJo,  Anita & Toby, Rose & Katieann, Fran & Okra, Wendi & Meeko, Anne & Ray, Noel & Monk, Mary Ann & Darby, Anita & Toby, Harriet & Corky 

  

 Also...CONGRATULATIONS to the York teams for earning  4th place in selling Bon Ton coupon books at Galleria Mall, York!!  We have sold 142 books so far!  I'm sure we will go over our goal of  $1,250.00!

 

You all do so much as you continue in "Touching Lives and Warming Hearts"  I've said it before.... KPETS Teams are the BESTEST !! THANKS!!! 

 

Harriet - I couldn't agree with you more! and thank YOU for coordinating all this too!    ~Karen  

Thank You  to Our Westminster Volunteers!
~Karen Gerth
    
Our very active group of Westminster, Maryland volunteers hosted a KPETS "Get Together" October 27th at McDaniel College's Harvey Stone Park.  Everyone brought a yummy dish to share, and burger and dogs were enjoyed by all around a beautiful roaring fire.  
 
These wonderful teams invited KPETS staff to join them. So Patti Overly and I ventured south and joined the fun. They asked me to say a few words and I was just overwhelmed with their devotion and dedication to pet therapy and KPETS. KPETS is so blessed to have them represent us in Maryland! 
 
Another unexpected gesture was when they presented me with a check to KPETS in memory of KPETS co-founder and my sorely missed golden, Sammy.
 
Thank you, everyone!! I am so glad I got to finally meet you. Keep up the good work and whatever I can do to help, please just let me know!

Announcing Our Retirees!

 

  We would like to thank the following team who recently retired from KPETS!  Thank you for all that you did for KPETS and the communities in which you served!

 Art Miller and Navajo

Cindy Painter and Sophie 

                   
    We have enjoyed every moment of being part of KPETS and I cherished the opportunity to share the gift of Max with others. He is such a special little dog with a great big heart who will tilt his head and lift his ear to listen to whomever is talking or reading a "dog" story to him even though we have heard nearly every dog book ever written!   Max and I will miss library time at the Manheim Twp. Public Library.  
    I truly feel that KPETS has helped to shape him into this little gift from God by meeting the many people he did throughout the last seven years of our service.     I found KPETS through a random online search when I was told that Max was NOT flyball sport material because he had too much of a mind of his own and that he would rather visit with everyone than be told how to chase a little yellow ball!   The creation of KPETS has touched so many people in so many different ways and I thank you for allowing us to be a part of it.
God Bless
~Carol Johnston 
 
Celebration of Life
"Dogs leave their pawprints across our hearts, 
and we are forever changed."

  

With sadness we said goodbye to these KPETS dogs

Please click on the links to see their tributes.

  

 

Visit our Celebration of Therapy Dogs' Lives featuring the memories of our dedicated Therapy Dogs now residing in Heaven awaiting our happy reunion. 

Have you ever volunteered with animals? How did it make you feel?
 
  
How Volunteering With Animals Will Help You Live Longer!
 

Volunteering with animals is a great way to make a difference and give something back, but it doesn't stop there!

Turns out, thanks to a new study linking volunteering to longevity, there may be more reasons to muck in at one of your local animal shelters.

So apart from feeling all warm and fuzzy inside knowing that you're doing a good thing, you can also take comfort in the knowledge that you'll live longer than those who've never volunteered.

Safety Information


   
Why Supervising Dogs and Kids Doesn't Work
 
It's sound advice given frequently:  Supervise your dogs and kids while they are together
. Breeders warn parents, "Don't leave the dog alone with children, no matter how friendly the breed." Veterinarians advise, "Never leave a dog and a child in the same room together." Dog trainers explain, "All dogs can bite, so supervise your dog when you have children over."  Everyone knows the drill.  So why doesn't it work?  Why are there an estimated 800,000 Americans seeking medical attention for dog bites each year, with over half of these injuries to children ages 5-9?

  

 
BEWARE!!! Bogus Therapy Dog Tags!
 
 
Visit Requests 
There are so many open requests 
and we need our teams 
to fill them. 
Here's where you can find them... 

1.  Weekly Request Update email every Wednesday
  • On kpets.org, scroll over "Konnect w/KPETS" menu
  • Click on the Konnecting Page and 
  • Type in your email address and click "FOLLOW"
  
Do you have...

* a story about a recent or memorable KPETS visit 

* a fabulous treat or toy that your KPETS partner loves 

* a great pet related book you'd like to recommend
* a memorial to a beloved KPETS partner who has recently passed 

 

If you have something you'd like to share with our Newsletter readers, please send details and any photos to us at konnections@kpets.org
 
Info for New Volunteers and VIP's (Volunteers in Process)
 
* Space may be limited. Registration Required / Dates subject to change!
 
Upcoming Orientations: Click here to register.
                              
* York - Saturday, November 16, 2013(3rd Sat of odd months) @ 9 am

* Lancaster - Saturday, December 14 (2nd Sat of even months) @ 9 am

* Westminster, MD - April 7 & Aug 18 @ 7 pm

* Hanover - March 12 & Sept 24 @ 7 pm

  

Workshops: Click here to register.

  

* Lancaster - 2nd Tuesday of every month @ 6:30 pm  

* York - 1st Monday of every month @ 6:00 pm 

* Hanover - March 19 & October 1 @ 7 pm

* Westminster, MD - April 14 & August 25 & 7 pm

 

* Therapy Dog Training Classes: York and Lancaster  Click here for more info. 
(optional class offered for those who would like additional guidance)  

Thank you all for making KPETS what it is and taking us to where we are today!

Let's continue Touching Lives * Warming Hearts in our local communities! ! !


Karen Gerth
KPETS - Keystone Pet Enhanced Therapy Services