A-LISTS community by william kelly
HELPING PETS, HELPING PEOPLE
A CONVERSATION WITH LISA LIPSEY, THE VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PAWS SAN DIEGO COUNTY (PETS ARE WONDERFUL SUPPORT)
I’m the columnist who frequently asks people to “think about it.” One area to be focused on is how to help seniors remain
independent, and to age with grace and dignity. According to Lisa Lipsey, the Volunteer Executive Director at PAWS San Diego, pet ownership is one part of the answer. I share with you my conversation with Lisa.
Lisa, what is the mission of PAWS San Diego? To provide comprehensive services for the companion animals of low-income
people who are elderly, disabled or chronically ill, while serving as a resource for these isolated and vulnerable individuals to access services that improve their well-being.
How would you describe the mission in your own words? Our tag line is “Helping Pets, Helping People.” We keep pets together with the people who really need them. For many of our clients, their pet is a therapeutic necessity.
Service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs, are a physical necessity, but how are companion pets a therapeutic necessity? Great question! PAWS serves people with traditionally licensed service animals or guide dogs. However, the majority of our clients have what physicians call “emotional support” animals. There is a licensing designation for them and some doctors have started prescribing pets as a 24-hour therapy to combat loneliness and isolation. Our clients depend on their companion animals for much of their own physical, mental and social well being. Their dog or cat becomes their adopted family, a living presence in their home.
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RAGE monthly | MAY 2011
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