Trading Parishes for Puppies

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Thoughts from PAALS’ Intern, Sarah Schaff Hey y’all! You may have been introduced to me from the last newsletter, but if not, my name is Sarah, I’m a born and raised New Orleanian. I just graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Animal Science and Technology, and I’m the Intern at PAALS from September-January. During college, I found a magazine article about the organization Dogs 4 Diabetics. I am currently in my 9th year of being in control of Type I diabetes (also known as Juvenile diabetes), and am very grateful to be able to say that I have not had any complications or reason to go to the hospital because of it. The Dogs 4 Diabetics program trains their dogs to sense severe increases or drops in blood glucose levels, react accordingly, and help to avoid seizures, comas, and long-term complications. When I learned about what these hypo-alert dogs were doing to impact so many lives, I knew I had found my future career. I wanted to give others … [Read more...]

McAlister’s Percent Night to Benefit Sherry Blevin’s Team Training Fund

McAlister's Deli Wednesday, November 16, 2011 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. 119 Sparkleberry Lane Columbia, SC 29229 (803) 788-7600 Grab a bite with Sherry, her Facility Dog to be, Roberta, and PAALS. Five percent of the sales will be donated directly to PAALS for Sherry Blevin's Team Training Fund. … [Read more...]

ALL IN A DAY’S WORK…

Targeting the access button to enter the building!

The alarm goes off at 5:00 a.m. and I turn over, hoping Dori will hit the snooze button. You see, a big change has occurred in our lives, a good one. I’ve known for a few weeks now, but I have kept this secret under wraps. Luckily, unlike Dori, I do not talk much, except for the occasional expressive moan. But, Dori has finally given me permission to let the news out: Dori now has a full-time job like me! At the beginning of October, Dori and I embarked on our new career path. Dori will be assisting consumers with disabilities by providing them resources to empower themselves to reach the highest levels of independence as The Information and Referral Specialist for the Disability Action Center (DAC). While she works with people daily, interacting on the telephone or in person, I am working dutifully by her side all day, eight hours, everyday. The workplace is an interesting place to navigate. Not only do you meet many exciting people, but there are lots of … [Read more...]

Charity Preview Performance of “The Homecoming” by Earl Hamner, Jr.

November 2, 2011 Presented by Chapin Community Theatre 8:00 p.m. Harbison Theatre at Midlands Technical College 7300 College Street, Irmo, SC 29063 General Admission Tickets - $5.00 100 percent of the ticket price will support PAALS programs and services. Advance tickets available below or by calling (803) 788-7063. Limited seats available. Synopsis: Known on television as The Waltons, they're called The Spencers in the original book, which is how they're named here. The time is the Great Depression and the large Spencer family, living at the foot of a Virginia mountain, is struggling hard just to survive. With his father having to take the only available job a long way from home, Clay-Boy is stuck with unusual responsibility for his brothers and sisters. Just reaching manhood, Clay-Boy has a secret yearning that's quite extraordinary for the practical, earth-bound community in which he lives. He wants to write! Such foolishness is utterly foreign … [Read more...]

Charity Wine Tasting

Charity Wine Tasting to benefit PAALS assistance dog training programs & services Hosted at: Palmetto Wine & Spirits 109-V Old Chapin Road, Lexington, SC 29072 (803) 808-6396 Friday, September 9, 2011 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tickets - $10 each Includes unlimited tasting and hors d’oeuvres Make an additional $10 donation to PAALS through the night of the event to be entered in a drawing for a two-case assortment of fine wines. You do not have to be present to win. Great discounts on wines poured at the event and a portion of each sale will be donated to Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS). … [Read more...]

PAALS Uncorked Wine Tasting

Saturday, July 9, 2011 8 p.m. Sam’s Fine Wine & Spirits 5050 Sunset Boulevard Lexington, SC Purchase tickets online or in-person at Sam's. $15 in advance $10 in advance for Sam's Wine Club Members & PAALS Volunteers $20 Day-of-Event Hosted by For more information, click here. … [Read more...]

Earning My “Ears”

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Curious, excited, captivated, and questioning: these are all words that describe my first adventure to Walt Disney World. Upon entering the resort, I got right on the job, opening the automatic door for Dori. This turned out to be a real feat, as the button was located unusually high. Seeing me perform this skill amazed passers-by, and I received many kudos and applause. Unbeknown to me, this was only the beginning of a thrilling seven day vacation in the Happiest Place On Earth. My journey began with a trip to Epcot, the epicenter of culture, panoramic shows, and thrilling rides. After going through the bag check-in, Dori meandered through the gate. Letting them check my cape, I was ready for some real action. It wasn't long before I had my first Disney Character experience. Shortly upon arrival in the park, I met Daisy Duck; I couldn't get over her large beak. Now retrievers like ducks, but she'd be too big to carry! I had my picture taken with her and moved on through … [Read more...]

Strikes for Service Dogs Bowl-A-Thon

Sunday, May 22, 2011 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. Royal Z Lanes 8512 Two Notch Road Columbia, SC 29223 Do you play in league or just like to bowl? Save-the-date for an afternoon of bowling fun, food, and raffles. All skills levels welcome. Prizes will be awarded for top fund raisers, high scores and more. Registration is $15 per person (we’ll match you with a team) or $60 for a four-person team and includes three games, shoes, food and drinks. Raise $50 or more in pledges and you will receive a Strikes for Service Dogs Bowl-A-Thon t-shirt OR $100 or more in pledges and your registration is free. Proceeds will benefit PAALS programs and services. Click here to download the Pledge Form. Click here to download the Registration Form. For more information or to REGISTER onlne, visit our website at http://paals.org/bowl-a-thon.php … [Read more...]

Soldiers & Vets Charity Golf Tourney

May 16, 2011 11:00 a.m. Registration 12 Noon Shotgun Start 5:00 p.m. Dinner Golden Hills Golf & Country Club 100 Scotland Drive Lexington, SC 29072 Sponsorships opportunities and four-person captain's choice teams are still available. Proceeds benefit PAALS and the USO South Carolina. Early Bird Discounts Expire Monday, April 18, 2011 Registration deadline is Monday, May 9, 2011 Click here to download the registration form. … [Read more...]

McAlister’s Percent Night To Benefit Dori Tempio’s Team Training Fund

McAlister's Deli Tuesday, March 22, 2011 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. 4710-A Forest Drive   Grab a bite with Dori, her assistance dog, Casper, and PAALS. Five percent of the sales will be donated directly to PAALS for Dori Tempio's Team Training Fund. … [Read more...]