Upcoming Events

April 2013

April

9 Hope for Paws Meeting, Trinity

Episcopal Church, 5:30 p.m.

13 Pet Smart Adoption (Youree

Drive, Shreveport)

Begging for More

Purina One or Purina Pro

Plan Puppy Food

Pedigree or Purina One Adult

Dog Food

DRY FOOD & CANNED FOOD

Accepted

Small & Medium Collars

Leashes

Thank you to the

Natchitoches Area Jaycees

for their recent donation

to NHFP! Pictured is Chad

Hancock and Kay

Kaufman.

Five Life Lessons Kids Can Learn from Pets If you have kids, be prepared. For a pet, that is. Every parent of a young child

knows that at some point their child will pine for a pet of their own. While that pet

will most often be a dog or cat, for a child, any pet -- whether finned, feathered or

on all fours -- will provide friendship and teach important life lessons.

In researching the top five lessons kids learn from their pets, I sought out the

preeminent authorities in the field… my nephews and friends’ children.

Lesson 1 – Responsibility

“Even though I don’t really like doing it, I have to clean my cat TB’s litter box every

day,” said nine-year-old Janette Glaser of Lincoln, Nebraska. “And I have to make

sure he has food and clean water too. It’s a lot of work, but TB relies on me to take

care of him.”

According to American Pet Product Association’s (APPA) 2011-12 National Pet

Owners Survey, 58 percent of respondents owning small animals said a key benefit

of owning their pet is that their children become more responsible. APPA’s Presi-

dent Bob Vetere explained, "There are so many joys and benefits pets of all types

bring to our lives, and they truly help instill responsibility among children—from

ensuring they have plenty of food and water to helping them receive daily exercise

and play.”

Lesson 2 – Communication and Empathy

“Sometimes I wonder how my dog Jake feels, but then sometimes I can tell how

exactly what he is thinking,” said 10-year-old Ethan Lavelle of Seward, Nebraska

about his Jack Russell Terrier. “I can tell how happy he is by how fast he wags his

tail and sometimes when he is sad or worried his ears go flat.” continued on page 2

From the Director…Thanks to all

who helped make our Bloomin’ on

the Bricks Fundraiser a success

despite the Spring like weather.

Also, I am happy to report that two

of our older rescues have found

forever homes. Sammi, who has

been with us from the beginning

and Laila, our special needs deaf

dog is being fostered. Hope for

Paws continues its commitment to

the parish and the needs of our

rescues. We thank our members,

supporters, & volunteers for their

continued dedication to our cause.

~Amie’ Bolton

ADOPTABLE DOGS OF THE MONTH: Beau & Button

Children learn the subtle cues their pets give them to indicate their feelings, a lesson they can later apply to

human interaction because they are more accustomed to watching for body language. Children who interact

with animals also often become curious about the emotions their pets feel. This curiosity often extends itself

to the lifelong skill of empathy – feeling the feelings of others, knowing when someone is uncomfortable, and

caring enough to change your behavior so that the other person becomes more comfortable.

Lesson 3 – Commitment and Dedication

"You really have to commit yourself to taking care of a pet,” explained my 11-year-old nephew Kaden Rotunda

of Parker, Colorado, when asked about what he has learned from taking care of his pet turtle Blossom. “It's not

that easy because you have to clean their cage, exercise it and feed it every day."

Giving children age-appropriate chores related to feeding, grooming and cleaning up after the family pet helps

them understand what it means to be dependable and conscientious. Taking care of a pet teaches children the

importance of being reliable, since the pet is counting on them to provide what they need.

Lesson 4 – Respect for Life

Kaden’s 9-year-old brother Jett Rotunda, takes a more serious view of the care of his frilled dragon,

Muchacho. "I learned that sometimes pets have to die. So I take better care of them because I know I won't

have them forever.”

Life is short. And unfortunately the life span for most house pets is even shorter. Seeing a pet grow older and

eventually die can be traumatic for a child, but it can also help them learn to appreciate life more and live life

“in the now.”

Lesson 5 – Confidence and Unconditional Love

“My dog Daisy loves me even if I am angry and yell at her,” said 7-year-old Gracie Darensburg of San Antonio,

Texas. “Luckily she always forgives me and makes me feel better.”

Children go through life under constant evaluation—for their behavior, grades and athletic performance. Pets

have no such expectations and are just delighted that the child is with them, no judging or rating involved.

They love us unconditionally, just as we are, and do not expect us to change. This unconditional and unlimited

affection makes children feel special and can instantaneously improve a child’s self-worth and increase their

self-confidence.

There is no doubt that pets teach children—and adults—life lessons that we might not pick up as quickly or

easily somewhere else.

Written by Kristen Levine, Pet Lifestyle Expert http://www.bissell.com/pets/articles/5-life-lessons-kids-can-learn-from-pets/

Five Life Lessons Kids Can Learn from Pets Continued

Meet Beau and Button! Left on a porch when the owners

moved, they were seriously ill with worms and very

malnourished. Both are feeling much better. Beau is ready for

his forever home, while Button needs a little more time with us.

They are very sweet and love to sit in your lap!

Natchitoches Hope for Paws Membership Drive & Memorials

4,239 fans and counting!

PO Box 2552 Natchitoches, LA 71457 www.natchitocheshopeforpaws.org natchitocheshopeforpaws@yahoo.com

Memoriam Donations By

Jackie Shoback James & Gwen Stacy

Michael Roberts Warren & Susan Massia

Becky Palmer Thomas Grogan

Jeff Reid Rick and Karen Terrell

Morgan Gold

Kristie Wager

Christinia Cortese

Paula Richardson

Volunteer of the Month: Kay Kaufman

Kay has worked at City Bank for 33 years. She is married to Edward Kaufman and they have two children and two beautiful granddaugh-ters. She has been volunteering at Hope For Paws for two years. Kay says "I feel good knowing the ones we rescue are safe and cared for. Every time we adopt one out it gives us a chance to save another one". If you would like to volunteer, please contact Danielle Antoon, Volunteer Coordinator, at 318-663-4489 or at danielleantoon@gmail.com. Volunteers are welcome and needed in many different areas!

NHFP Spay and Neuter ~ Adoption Update

MARCH

9 intake

9 adoptions

General Donations $100 +

Natchitoches Jaycee’s

Memoriam Donations By

Ann Connolly

Caroline Boyd

Robert & Jamie Terrell

Ms. Bret McCarty

Connie Weaver

HAVE YOU JOINED? Begin Natchitoches Hope for Paws Membership today, and enjoy the special rewards of helping our furry four legged

friends as well as showing your support for our organization. Through your donation, Natchitoches Hope for Paws will

truly “make a difference, one paw print at a time.” As a no-kill facility our primary mission is to rescue, rehabilitate,

foster and adopt. Your investment today helps support our spay and neuter program, shelter at a no-kill facility,

medical care and evaluation, food and education materials. These types of programs, as you know, are important in

enhancing and maintaining a quality animal rescue organization. Membership levels begin at $10 for youth and $30

for adults. We receive no federal, state, or local funding for our life saving medical and rehabilitative programs.

Please consider donating today!