Community Corner

Nonprofit Spotlight: Paws for Friendship Inc.

Each week, we feature a different nonprofit

Paws for Friendship Inc. is a nonprofit organization that uses pets to help people in need.

Patch recently talked to Michele Frank about what the organization does and how the community can get involved.

Patch: What is the purpose or mission of the organization?

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Frank: Our Mission Statement: Paws For Friendship Incorporated is a non-profit organization of Volunteers sharing the unconditional love of their personal pets with people in need throughout the world.

Patch: Who founded the organization, and when?

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Frank: Paw For Friendship, Inc. was founded 18 years ago by a Great Dane named Jennie, who was slated to be destroyed. Our President, Jan Schmidt, heard about her and adopted her.  In 1993, Jan and Jennie drove to a nursing home to visit the people who lived there. It was there that Jennie put her head in an elderly lady’s lap and Paws For Friendship, Inc. began. Jennie is the founder of this global organization, and it is in her memory that we continue on with the tradition of sharing personal pets with people in need throughout the world.

Patch: What are some activities that the organization has been involved in in Tampa Bay?  Are those primary fundraisers for the nonprofit?

Frank: Paws For Friendship, Inc. is involved in providing support to hospitals (Shriners), nursing homes (too many to list but throughout Tampa Bay), Ronald McDonald House (St. Petersburg), and children’s organizations such as Joshua House and the public schools (Paws For Reading program) as well as others.

Paws For Friendship, Inc is an all-volunteer group with no member being paid for their services.  We raise funds mostly through donations. This year, we will be doing a Fundraiser in January 2012 at Lake Park in Northdale. 

Patch: Why is the organization important for communities such as Carrollwood and Northdale?

Frank: Paws For Friendship, Inc. visits nursing homes such as Emeritus (both Carollwood and Northdale locations), and Manor Care.  We make a difference to those we visit and allow them the unconditional love and enjoyment that a pet brings.  This often leads to conversations about the pets they have or had and how much they love the animals.  This is an opportunity for our members to share their pets with those in need and helps those in need get support.  Many times, these people have no visitors, and we become like family.  We have seen people open up to these “babies,” telling them their fears, joys, and concerns. 

Patch: How can the community get involved if they want to donate or volunteer?

Frank: Please check our website at www.pawsforfriendshipinc.org. We are always taking donations, and office supplies are always a need.  

Also, for our fundraiser (in Lake Park), we are looking for businesses to become sponsors. We have different levels of sponsorship and could use the community support. Please contact us if you are interested at (813) 961-2822. 

We are always looking for new members who want to share their pet with those in need.  We do not discriminate on the type of pet.  We have many different types including: rabbits, cats, dogs and even a miniature horse.  We look for animals that are well socialized and enjoy people. 

Call us at (813)961-2822 and we can tell you more. The process involves completing paperwork (application, membership agreement and vet approval), an evaluation and a commitment of one visit each month. 


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