Executive Director’s Corner

By Eileen Heveron

In putting together this newsletter, it’s been fun to read the stories coming in: what are folks doing with their dogs this summer… what is transition training all about…how can you decipher what your pup is telling you about what they want to do when they grow up. It’s the Year of the Dragon. Designer Vivienne Tam says, “The Dragon represents individuals who are always full of life and enthusiasm, with a reputation for being fun-loving and innovative.” I am always struck by the incredible reach each of our volunteers have in their own community. As Barbara McKown noted in her article, many of our volunteers will be Pawsitive Teams’ Ambassadors at the San Diego County Fair this year, capturing that reach for us.

Being an Ambassador is truly pretty easy for any of us. We care about Pawsitive Teams and know a little about our small but mighty organization. All it really takes is thinking what “would I say if someone asks me about my activities?” You never know what results can come from chance conversations. For example, most of you don’t know this, but Barb McMurdo and I met in an aisle in Albertsons several years ago! Thus began her journey with dog training and with Pawsitive Teams. Barb is not only a passionate therapy dog volunteer with several of our programs, but also an Ambassador for our organization.

Being an Ambassador simply means getting the word out. Here are some handy ‘sound bites’ about Pawsitive Teams if you are ever asked! (I was asked once some 12 years ago and we ended up with a $1000 donation!)

• Founded by two local women… and one dog… 27 years ago.
• Our mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs who live in San Diego County by using the skills of highly trained service, facility, and therapy dogs.
• We accomplish our mission through the talent and time of over 80 volunteers.
• We estimate our work currently impacts ~6,500 citizens annually, through our three dog programs and our educational outreach activities.
• Our service dog program has a successful placement rate of ~70%, higher than the national average ~50%. We currently have four service dogs-in-training (and one facility dog-in-training) and 13 active service dog teams.
• We have 9 active Facility dog teams working at the North County Courthouse (Vista), Camp Pendleton’s Intrepid Center, the VA Hospital in La Jolla, at four high schools, one middle school, and with a pediatric occupational therapist at many schools.
• We have 11 active Therapy dog program sites across San Diego county, with 50 volunteers working at schools, with active-duty military, and in the courts.

Thank you to all who have put on their Ambassador hat – if you want to know more, give me a call through the main number or send me an email ([email protected]). It is my hope each of you have a great summer!!

Eileen