Pet Connections

11/28/2024

Wishing you the happiness of good friends, the joy of a happy family, and the wonder of the holiday season. Have a memorable Thanksgiving!

11/12/2024

LEVEL 1 CLASSES BEGINNING IN JANUARY!
Hosted by Pet Connections and Animal Assisted Therapy Professional
Gail Furst, CPDT KA

LEVEL 1 - January 6 | 6 PM
Using food and other rewards properly
Strengthen ability to work around household distractions
Relationship development for optimal success
Foundations of loose leash walking
Leashing up and manners at the door

REGISTER HERE: https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

11/11/2024

Thank you, veterans, from your friends at Pet Connections!

We are immensely grateful to all of those men and women who have fought and served our country. Wishing you and your family a safe and peaceful Veterans Day. Thank you for your service!

11/01/2024

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IS THIS WEEKEND!
We gain an hour on Sunday morning! Remember to set your clocks back an hour Saturday night.

WHEN?
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 3rd. Remember to set your clocks back by one hour before going to bed on Saturday night!
WHAT IT MEANS?
We’ll gain an extra hour of sleep and mornings will be a bit brighter.
SAFETY TIP!
Adjust to the change gradually if possible and be extra cautious during your commute, as darker evenings can affect visibility.

11/01/2024

One of our certified therapy dog teams, Halley and her handler Beth, volunteered at the Bristol Library’s Trunk or Treat event. Great times were had by all!

10/25/2024

Marigold, Paris, Stuart, and Casey, a few Pet Connections Certified therapy dogs had a great time visiting the students at the Keuka College Passport to Wellness event on Wednesday!

09/11/2024

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THIS UPCOMING CLASS!

LEVEL 3 - Beginning October 7 | 7 pm
Hosted by Pet Connections and Animal Assisted Therapy Professional
Gail Furst, CPDT KA

Animal Welfare and the 5 Freedoms
Introduction to Working with Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Working in Partnership with Other Dogs and Animals
Advocating for Your Dog and Handling Stress
Continuing to Increase Comfort & Confidence Around Environmental Distractions

***Dogs must be 1 year old and have a Canine Good Citizen Certificate to participate***

REGISTER HERE: https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

07/18/2024

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THIS UPCOMING CLASS!

LEVEL 1 - July 29 | 6 PM
Hosted by Pet Connections and Animal Assisted Therapy Professional
Gail Furst, CPDT KA

Using food and other rewards properly
Strengthen ability to work around household distractions
Relationship development for optimal success
Foundations of loose leash walking
Leashing up and manners at the door

REGISTER HERE: https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

07/16/2024

Clyde is so handsome after his grooming session!

07/02/2024

Sadie looks great after her grooming session!
Here are her before and after's.

06/11/2024

JULY 8 class postponed to July 29th, sign up today!

LEVEL 1 - July 8 | 6 PM
Hosted by Pet Connections and Animal Assisted Therapy Professional
Gail Furst, CPDT KA

Using food and other rewards properly
Strengthen ability to work around household distractions
Relationship development for optimal success
Foundations of loose leash walking
Leashing up and manners at the door

REGISTER HERE: https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

05/20/2024

LEVEL 1 CLASSES BEGINNING IN JULY!
Hosted by Pet Connections and Animal Assisted Therapy Professional
Gail Furst, CPDT KA

LEVEL 1 - July 8 | 6 PM
Using food and other rewards properly
Strengthen ability to work around household distractions
Relationship development for optimal success
Foundations of loose leash walking
Leashing up and manners at the door

REGISTER HERE: https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

05/10/2024

Beth and Halley visited Keuka College the other day to provide students with some much needed stress relief as they wrap up the semester!

05/02/2024

Level 2 class, beginning on Monday has 2 OPENINGS!

Sign up today https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

LEVEL 2 - CONNECTING WITH YOUR PET & OTHERS
May 6 | 6:00 PM

Clicker training and verbal markers
Animal welfare and the 5 freedoms
Types of reinforcement
Advanced cues like “leave it” and “go to your mat”, release words and stand
Intro to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have varying needs
Interacting with children
Working alongside other dogs

Pet Connections™ strives to be a leader in the education of dogs and their handlers, whether the goal is to have a great family dog or a highly-trained therapy dog to work in the community or in your therapy practice.

04/11/2024

Thank you to Jsaree Jennings (a student at MCC) for recording this video interview of Marilynn Kellogg, one of Pet Connections' volunteers, and her dog Taz on Monroe Community College Campus.

In the video, you'll see the special bond between Marilynn and Taz, and how Pet Connections utilizes Animal Assisted Intervention to improve lives.

Pet Connections, a division of The Arc Ontario, creates unique experiences by combining the healing power of pets with socialization for people with disabilities or other challenges. Pet Connections was founded in 2012, the first of it's kind, Animal Assisted Intervention program designed specifically for people with disabilities. They've since expanded to include volunteer opportunities with training and certification, similar to national organizations.

04/01/2024

CHECK OUT THE LEVEL 2 CLASS STARTING IN MAY
Hosted by Pet Connections and Animal Assisted Therapy Professional
Gail Furst, CPDT KA

LEVEL 2 - CONNECTING WITH YOUR PET & OTHERS
May 6 | 6:00 PM

Clicker training and verbal markers
Animal welfare and the 5 freedoms
Types of reinforcement
Advanced cues like “leave it” and “go to your mat”, release words and stand
Intro to working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have varying needs
Interacting with children
Working alongside other dogs

REGISTER HERE: https://www.mypetconnections.org/education.html

03/22/2024

The Arc Ontario is now offering ADOS-2 testing for adults and children ages 18 months and older to accurately assess and assist in the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This testing can be done for OPWDD eligibility, school testing, or for personal understanding of symptomology.

For more information, or to schedule an assessment, please contact our Family Support/Intake Coordinator, JoEllen Schaefer, at [email protected] or
(585) 394-7500 extension 2118

02/29/2024

Pet Connections sent teams to Keuka College to help the students de-stress.

Ways dogs can reduce our stress and depression:

Physiological changes: Simply petting a dog can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while interacting with them can increase oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone. This hormonal shift creates a sense of calm and well-being

Reduced anxiety and depression: Studies show that dog ownership can decrease feelings of anxiety and depression. Their companionship and unconditional love can provide a sense of security and support, especially for individuals struggling with loneliness or isolation.

Increased physical activity: Dogs often require regular walks and playtime, which encourages owners to get more exercise. Physical activity is a well-known stress reliever and contributes to overall well-being.

Mindfulness and presence: Dogs are known for living in the present moment. Interacting with them can encourage us to be more mindful of the present and detach from worries about the past or future.

Social connection: Dogs can be a great conversation starter and facilitate social interactions with other dog owners. This can help individuals feel less isolated and more connected to their community.