Paws of the Spirit

Our Story

My name is Marjorie L. Shoemaker. For the last 19 years, I have served geriatric populations with animal-assisted therapy/activities throughout the entire southeast quadrant of PA. I have a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), two credentials in animal-assisted therapy (AAT/E); and, I am an ordained animal chaplain (OAC). Not only have I made this my professional career but it is also my personal passion. It is my life.

I have also been a guest lecturer for the following:

Harcum College (2000)
Delaware Valley College (2000-2001)
Greater DelMarPa Human Educators (2001)
Women's Humane Society "Be Kind to Animals Week" (2002)
American Horticulture Therapy Association (2003)
West Chester University (2003)
Association of Women in Science (2004)
Frankford Hospital Jefferson Health System (2006 & 2008)
WHAT Radio (2006)
Wharton School of Business (2006-2007)
Animal-Assisted Therapy In-service, volunteers SCAH (2006)
Earthbourne Institute (2007)
Joint Conference of the American Society on Aging and National Council on Aging, Chicago (2007)
Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Institute (2016)

At Temple University, I lectured on Alternative Therapeutic Modalities in their Dept. of Therapeutic Recreation from 2008-present.

Furthermore, I lectured on the Animal Human Bond at Camden County College from 2003-2014.

Our page highlights the positive impact of animal-assisted therapy on our aging population- a population that is often marginalized in our fast pace society. The genuine nature and spirit of animals helps to bridge a gap that is often present between older and younger generations. Animals not only provide comfort and company to older adults but they are a proven source of therapy, both physical and mental.

We have different breeds of animals including 4 different types of guinea pigs (Abyssinian; Peruvian; Texel; Skinny), 2 different types of rabbits (Rex and Holland Lop) and a dog, Golden Retriever.

Our services are available to geriatric populations in Southeastern PA and Southern NJ. We currently serve 30 facilities, including skilled nursing homes, assisted-living homes, independent living homes, adult daycare facilities and rehabilitation facilities.

Please contact us for information and scheduling. We would love to bring our animals to serve your facility!