Paws & Hearts

Our mission is to enrich the lives of seniors and children that need a little one-on-one attention that only a "four-legged" healer can provide. Right now we visit all of the facilities, from Palm Springs to Indio, that cater to the needs of the elderly, sick or infirmed. We also visit children who need the special attention of a pet therapist at Martha's Village & Kitchen.

In addition to visitations, our goal is to educate the children in our area on the importance of humane treatment of companion animals, the importance of obedience training, and the importance of giving back to others by sharing our pets with those in need. (Volunteerism)

It is always been a goal of "Paws & Hearts" Animal Assisted Therapy to assist in placing shelter animals in loving homes. Two reasons: One, we are helping to get a dog or cat out of a shelter and into a hopefully positive home environment, and two, there is always the chance that a future Canine or Kitty Ambassador is in the making.

"Paws & Hearts" Animal Assisted Therapy founders Richard, Lucky and Scruffy Waxman. Richard and the 45 volunteers and their Canine Ambassadors make weekly visits to local hospitals, long-term care facilities, Alzheimer and cancer centers.

After reading an article on "Paws & Hearts" Animal Assisted Therapy in The Desert Sun from June 28, 2013, US Congressman, Dr. Raul Ruiz, sent this lovely letter.

Click Letter to View Detail

Local documentary film-maker, the late Joel Hochberg, was kind enough to spend a couple of months behind the scenes, filming visits, attending the annual dog walk and fundraiser, interviewing the Executive Director to produce a documentary on the organization. It is a fascinating look at the work the organization is doing and its goals for the future. Thank you Joel for donating your time and talent to this project!

To view the documentary click on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx-Ou4uXf5s

Ultimately our vision for the future is to increase the number of visits to each facility (to a minimum of twice a week), and to visit smaller board and care facilities.

"Paws & Hearts" Animal Assisted Therapy is here to enrich the lives of seniors & children in Palm Springs & Cocahella Valley hospitals, nursing homes, centers & Alzheimer's facilities that need the attention that "four-legged" healers can provide.