Written by Richard Waxman, Executive Director
We are just about to kick off our 25th year of serving the Coachella Valley with our Canine Ambassador Therapy Dogs, who make weekly visits to area long-term care facilities, Alzheimer and cancer centers, and special Ed classes.
“Lucky,” the little abandoned poodle/terrier came along first and we went on our first visit to Valencia Palms in Indio. From that initial visit Lucky proved to be an amazing therapy dog. Shortly after Scruffy came along, and the two of them were inseparable, visiting Eisenhower three mornings per week for many years. Maddie and Bingo were soon to follow.
Along the way we became a 501C3 Non Profit. I opened an office, and established a board of directors. We recruited and trained volunteers for weekly visits made to local facilities. We made the most impact in visiting individual rooms and making patients feel better, one paw at a time.
It is now almost 25 years later and we’ve survived the pandemic and are always looking for outstanding dogs to become Canine Ambassadors. If you are a full-time resident, your pup is at least one year old, spayed or neutered, current on their shots, incredibly friendly and outgoing, please review our website: www.pawsandhearts.org to see if you’d be interested in volunteering your time. All the information and a few YouTube videos are there. The rewards you receive from visiting patients are indescribable!
“Paws & Hearts” is located in the Berger Foundation Building, 42-600 Cook Street, Suite 138, Palm Desert, CA 92211. 760-836-1406
