Pals For Life

https://open.substack.com/pub/peggy925/p/does-your-dog-prefer-people-or-dogs?r=89igk0&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

Presenting our #2 human and pet volunteers of 2025, Tina Weinraub and JoeJoe!!!

Tina participated in 91 visits, and JoeJoe participated in 75 visits! Tina also brings her other PFL therapy dog, Rocco, on visits, which is why their numbers are different. Not only did Tina and JoeJoe do an incredible number of pet visits last year, but they participate in every type of visit that PFL offers: children, teens, college students, elders, corporations, special needs, summer camps, and mental health. They do it all. Tina is one of those people that we cannot live without, as she is always willing to drive wherever we need her to spread happiness to whoever needs it.

As a retired Philadelphia school librarian, she brings her love for children and education and literacy into our children's programs. But she is just as skilled interacting with our adult programs as well. JoeJoe is a dog that is up for anything and will visit anyone with his signature gentle nature, earning him the nickname "Gentleman Joe". One day he may be visiting a group of special needs children at a Philadelphia charter school, and the next day visiting lawyers at a law conference at the Convention Center. This team is one-of-a-kind and we are so grateful for them.

Congratulations, Tina and JoeJoe, and thanks for all you did last year!

May we present our #3 volunteer human and pet of 2025, Carol Kinzer and Gigi!

Carol and Gigi participated in 69 pet visits in 2025!! They participate in all programs that PFL offers, including children's literacy, special needs, high school, colleges, elder care, and corporations. Carol strongly believes in our mission and drives long distances to bring Gigi to those who need her. She also helps behind the scenes and is always thinking of others. Gigi is the sweetest, most gentle girl, and one of her most requested and beloved attributes is sitting on laps. A Gigi lap sit is the highlight of most college students' day. We love this incredible team and are so grateful for all that they do and who they are.

Congratulations, Carol and Gigi, and thanks for all you did last year.

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Had a great night last night at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. We registered 89 dogs for their Bark in the Park - Tail Wagging Tuesday!

A big thank you to Donna, Linda, Bruce and Mariellyn for doing a wonderful job. The weather was great and the dogs adorable!

May we present our #4 human and pet volunteers of 2025, Jamie Levick and George!!

They participated in 41 visits last year. When Jamie and George joined our program, they dove right in and have been eagerly spreading joy and love all over the Philadelphia area: colleges, high schools, businesses, conferences, hotels, the Philly Convention Center. They work with kids, teens, and adults alike. Jamie spreads happiness wherever she goes with a great smile, and George gives his enthusiastic love to everyone who needs it. We are so grateful for this team and appreciate all that they do for us.

Congratulations, Jamie and George! And thanks for all you did last year.

Happy 11th Birthday to our wonderful JoeJoe! You still look like a puppy to us! Wishing you lots of extra cuddles and treats today and always.

Thank you so much to Lavender Fields Rabbity and Ashlyn for sharing their Lionhead Rabbits with us yesterday on Zoom. We recently met Ashlyn at the PA Rabbit Show as we were beginning a search for a new bunny to join our organization. She understood perfectly what a therapy bunny should be and needs to do. And she loved our mission so much they are donating a bunny to us!

Now comes the hard part - we need to pick one (or two????) Stayed tune for the news which should be coming in July. Then we will have a Bunny Shower so everyone can meet all the new interns at PFL.