Program in Derby seeks to help children with dog bites

DERBY - The Planetree People and Animals Working in Spirit (P.A.W.S.) Program is sponsoring a free dog bite prevention program for schoolchildren at 10 a.m. June 22 in the Meditation/Learning Center at Griffin Hospital.

Sheri Polzella, of For The Love of Dogs, LLC, will present the “Be a Tree” dog bite prevention program for schoolchildren.

The 45-minute program is offered across the country by veterinary technicians, dog trainers, dog behaviorists, public health nurses, emergency medical services personnel, animal control officers, police officers, teachers and humane educators.

Presenters use a teacher kit which contains large format photographs showing dog body language signs, games and activities.
Over 700,000 children worldwide have experienced the Be a Tree presentation since 2004.
To register, visit griffinhealth.org or call 203-732-1511.
For information, contact Ruth Tuccio at 203-732-1298 or rtuccio@griffinhealth.org.

About P.A.W.S
Griffin Hospital currently has 16 dogs in its P.A.W.S. program, ranging from a Toy Poodle to a Great Dane.
All the dogs are registered and insured through a Therapy Dog group. Each dog must pass a rigorous behavior and medical screening prior to entry to our program.  We welcome all breeds of dogs who qualify for testing for therapy dog work.
Griffin Hospital is currently seeking eligible dogs to visit weekdays. Dogs must be tested and registered as therapy dogs if not already certified. Dogs and handlers are tested together as a team.  Dogs must be able to walk beside handler on a loose leash, no pulling straining or jumping, MUST get along well with others dogs and must be able to take direction from their owner/handler. Dogs must be at least one year of age.

For information about the P.A.W.S. program, contact Ruth Tuccio at 203-732-1298 or rtuccio@griffinhealth.org.

This post is taken from a press release.