LAS VEGAS – August 17, 2022 – Nathan Adelson Hospice is seeking some friendly furry friends to add to its roster. With the “Paws for Paul – The Paul Ames Pet Therapy Program” in full swing again post-pandemic, the hospice is seeking to add more certified pet therapists and loveable pets to join the program to help patients and their loved ones.
The volunteer program -- created by Nathan Adelson Hospice in 2017 to honor the late Paul Ames, brother of comedian Brad Garrett – provides comfort and soothing power as part of the complementary services for patients and their families.
Before qualifying for the program, pets need to be trained and certified by a pet therapy trainer, have full and complete vaccination records, and have a valid pet therapy license. Therapy animal organizations familiar with the hospice and certifications include:
- Michael’s Angel Paws, 702-658-0148. www.michaelsangelpaws.org
- Independent Therapy Dogs Inc. 702-604-2351. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Alliance of Therapy Dogs. www.therapydogs.com
- Therapy Dogs International www.tdi-dog.org
“Therapy animals are proven to lift depression, lower blood pressure and respiratory rates, and bring comfort and healing,” said Jennifer Mauceri, manager of the Paws for Paul program at Nathan Adelson Hospice. “Our patients and their families are already going through a lot, so petting and snuggling up with a loving animal may bring the smile to their face that their families and friends need to see."
Animals of all kinds can be certified as pet therapists, from dogs and cats to miniature horses and Guinea pigs. The Paws for Paul Program looks for any kind of pet that is exceptionally loving and well-mannered.
For more information, or to apply to volunteer with the pet therapy program, please contact Jennifer Mauceri at 702-796-3185 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About Nathan Adelson Hospice
Nathan Adelson Hospice, the trusted partner in hospice care and palliative medicine, is the largest and longest-established hospice in southern Nevada. Founded in 1978, Nathan Adelson Hospice provides comprehensive end-of-life care to more than 400 patients and families every day. Recognized as a national model for superior care, the vision of Nathan Adelson Hospice is that no one should end the journey of life alone, afraid or in pain. For more information, visit www.nah.org.
About Paws for Paul
Paul Ames, brother of comedian Brad Garrett, was a passionate advocate for animals, especially the dogs he cared for during his life. To honor his memory, Garrett and Nathan Adelson Hospice created a program that enhances the services the hospice provides to those in our care and their furry friends. Nathan Adelson Hospice has always recognized the soothing power that pets provide to those in the final stages of their journeys of life.
