Verona Resident Gives Time Through 'Paws for Patients'

Denise Bastanza wanted to become involved in pet therapy for quite some time when she saw an ad last fall for October Tails, Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center’s (BHHPCC) annual Halloween-themed dog walk and costume contest to benefit its Paws for Patients. Paws for Patients, launched in 2009 by BHHPCC, pairs trained hospice volunteers, and their certified therapy dogs, with patients and familes who request a pet therapy visit.

Ms. Bastanza immediately signed up her dogs, Faith and Sarah, mother-daughter Samoyeds, for October Tails and then enrolled in the BHHPCC volunteer training program. Once she completed the program, the Verona Resident had Faith and Sarah certified by Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs.

One day a week, for the past year, Ms. Bastanza, and either Faith or Sarah (only one dog per handler is allowed) visit patients being cared for by Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center – in private homes, in the hospital or in a nursing or assisted living facility.

“The best part of volunteering is interacting with the patients, families, and employees and giving them some comfort and happiness,” says Ms. Bastanza, who has also directed the Verona/Cedar Grove Chorus for more than 12 years. “I love the program. It’s awesome! The other residents and staff in the nursing home and hospital also love the dogs. “If I have time, I’ll stay longer and visit with them,” she adds. “And the dogs love it too. When I take out their special Paws for Patients collar and leash, they both get very excited.”

In addition to her role as a volunteer, Ms. Bastanza has dedicated her time to fundraising for the Paws for Patients program. She has been awarded the October Tails top fundraiser honor for two consecutive years and this past October, Faith and Sarah earned the “Most Heartwarming” costume title at the event.

For more information about the Barnabas Health Hospice and Palliative Care Center Paws for Patients canine therapy program, please contact Laurie Berkman, Program Coordinator, at 973-322-4800 or lberkman@barnabashealth.org.