INSIDE: 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, PICASSO PETS, MUTT STRUT & MORE! • FALL 2026
Three Decades of Healing Connections
This year, Hand in Paw is celebrating something truly special: 30 years of improving human health and wellbeing through Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Since 1996, thousands of lives have been touched by the simple but powerful connection between people and animals.
A wagging tail in a hospital room. A gentle paw beside a child learning to read. A calm, comforting presence during a stressful day. These moments may seem small, but we know they can make all the difference.
This spring, our community helped us celebrate that legacy in a big way at Mutt Strut. From the walkers and runners to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, Junior Board members, and four-legged friends who joined us at Homewood Central Park, the day was a joyful reminder of what makes Hand in Paw so special. Every registration, donation, and sponsorship helped ensure that our professionally trained Therapy Teams can continue visiting hospitals, schools, senior communities, workplaces, and other Program Partners at no cost.
And the celebration is far from over.
On Saturday, Aug. 22, we will gather at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum for the 25th annual Picasso Pets gala.
This year’s theme, Wags to Riches, honors the rescue animals, beloved companions, artists, donors, volunteers, and community champions who help transform compassion into healing. It will be an unforgettable evening of art, auctions, dinner, Therapy Team appearances, and mission-centered celebration.
As we look back on 30 years of impact, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for Beth Franklin, whose vision started it all. Gratitude for our volunteers, who give their time and hearts so generously. Gratitude for our Program Partners, donors, sponsors, and friends, who believe in the healing power of the human-animal bond.
Most of all, I am grateful that this work continues because of you.
Thank you for walking with us, celebrating with us, and helping us carry this mission into the next 30 years.
With gratitude,
Margaret Stinnett Executive Director
Hand in Paw’s signature gala returns Saturday, Aug. 22, for a milestone celebration you will not want to miss.
The 25th annual Picasso Pets gala will take place at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, bringing together art lovers, animal lovers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community champions for one unforgettable evening.
The theme, Wags to Riches, is inspired by the Face of Picasso Pets, Ginger, who was a mixedbreed dog lovingly rescued by Ashley and Dr. Farrell Mendelsohn.
(continued inside)
August 22
October 16
December 4
Celebrating 30 Years of Compassion
On May 16, Hand in Paw welcomed current and former volunteers, board members, staff, and friends back home for a 30th Anniversary Volunteer Reunion, which was made possible by the generous support of Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Held at the Hand in Paw Training Center & Gardens, the event was a joyful afternoon of storytelling, laughter, photos, and memories from three decades of Animal-Assisted Therapy. The reunion honored those who have shaped Hand in Paw’s story since 1996, from the earliest volunteers to the newest Therapy Teams carrying the mission forward today.
For 30 years, Hand in Paw volunteers have brought comfort, healing, and connection to people across North Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa. They have visited hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, workplaces, and human service organizations with steady hands, open hearts, and golden scarves ready to brighten someone’s day.
Longtime volunteer and board member Beth
Leonard captured the heart of the mission. “I love this mission. I’ve always had dogs, and I know how good they make me feel. So I figured they could bring a little joy and happiness to people who need it.”
She added that even a single visit can matter. “A dog can make someone’s life a little bit better on that particular day. And isn’t that what we’re all looking for?”
The reunion also offered a chance to reflect on Hand in Paw’s earliest days. DeJuana McCrary, one of its first volunteer Therapy Team handlers, recalled visiting a man in a geriatric psychiatric unit with her dog, Little Monk.
The man had not been speaking. But when he met Little Monk, he said, “I had a hound dog one time.” His son was moved to tears. Later, a nurse shared that the final weeks of the man’s life had been more peaceful because of that visit.
Stories like these remind us why Hand in Paw exists. Animal-Assisted Therapy is about connection, dignity, and reaching people in moments when words may not be enough.
As Therapy Team handler and Junior Board member Daniel Eleam put it, “Hand in Paw is a great, welcoming organization. There are just so many different ways that you can get involved.”
As Hand in Paw celebrates 30 years of service, we are looking ahead to the next 30. The need for comfort, connection, and healing continues to grow — and volunteers remain the heart of this mission.
To every volunteer who has worn the golden scarf, held a leash, served on a committee, or helped open a door for this work: thank you. Hand in Paw’s first 30 years happened because of you. Its future will, too.
Missed the fun? See photos from Picasso Pets 2025 at handinpaw.org/picassopics
At Mutt Strut, Community Spirit Wins Best in Show
This spring, Hand in Paw’s 16th annual Mutt Strut brought together friends, families, volunteers, sponsors, and plenty of happy pups for a morning full of movement, mission, and community spirit.
Held at Homewood Central Park on April 11, this year’s event was especially meaningful as part of Hand in Paw’s 30th anniversary celebration. Participants walked, ran, cheered, visited vendors, enjoyed activities, and helped raise critical support for Hand in Paw’s AnimalAssisted Therapy programs.
Every step taken at Mutt Strut helps keep Hand in Paw’s services free of charge for the hospitals, schools, senior communities, human service organizations, and workplaces we serve. That means every registration, every team, every donor, and every sponsor played a part in bringing
Love Mutt Strut? Help Us Make It Happen!
comfort, joy, and connection to people across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
We are especially grateful to this year’s sponsors, whose generosity made Mutt Strut possible and helped power our mission forward: Creative Dog Training (Title Sponsor), 23Design, ABC 33/40, Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Dogtopia, Long Lewis Ford Foundation, Dr. Susan and Rick Nelms in memory of Christopher, Top Dog Birmingham, Veterinary Specialists of Birmingham, The Bark Park, Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Deborah Michelle Photography, Exceptional Foundation, Compassionate Crossings, WillCapture Media, and Piggly Wiggly Homewood.
Hand in Paw’s Junior Board plays a key role in planning and promoting Mutt Strut while supporting our mission year-round through volunteer service, fundraising, community outreach, and event leadership. If you are a young professional looking to build leadership skills, grow your network, and make a meaningful difference for people and pets across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa, we would love to meet you. Junior Board members help bring energy, creativity, and community connections to Hand in Paw — and yes, there are plenty of dogs involved. Learn more or apply at handinpaw.org
25th Annual Picasso Pets Returns on Saturday, August 22
The gala and live auction will again be held at the iconic Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
(continued from cover)
The theme celebrates rescue animals and beloved companions who remind us that every life has value, every story matters, and transformation is possible with love, care, and connection.
With a nod to the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, the evening will feature Art Deco-inspired style, original pet-centered artwork, live and silent auctions, dinner, Therapy Team appearances, and powerful stories of impact.
At the heart of Picasso Pets are the one-of-a-kind works of art created through a special collaboration between pets, donors, and local artists. Each piece begins with a pet-painted canvas, which is then transformed by an artist into a custom work of art. These meaningful pieces are unveiled and auctioned to support Hand in Paw’s mission.
Proceeds from Picasso Pets help ensure that Hand in Paw Therapy Teams can continue visiting Program Partners at no cost, bringing comfort, motivation, and emotional support to people of all ages. Tickets, tables, and sponsorship opportunities are available now at PicassoPets.com
MUTT STRUT
Join The Pack and Help Us Grow!
Hand in Paw’s 30th anniversary is a celebration of the people and pets who have made this mission possible for three decades. It is also a reminder that the need for connection, comfort, and healing is not slowing down. That is why The Pack matters.
The Pack is Hand in Paw’s community of monthly donors: loyal supporters who provide steady, reliable funding for our Animal-Assisted Therapy programs.
Your sustaining support helps us recruit and train new Therapy Teams, support volunteer services, strengthen programs, and keep visits free for the hospitals, schools, senior communities, and human service organizations we serve.
Starting at just $5 per month, recurring gifts are one of the simplest and most powerful ways to support Hand in Paw.
A gift of any size adds up over time, creating dependable support that allows us to plan ahead and say “yes” to more opportunities to serve.
This summer, we invite you to become part of this special group of supporters. Your monthly gift will help bring the healing power of Animal-Assisted Therapy to more people across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
Because connection should never be out of reach.
Ready to join The Pack?
Visit handinpaw.org/ThePack or scan the QR code to the left!
Could Your Pet Be Someone’s Bright Spot?
Hand in Paw volunteer Therapy Teams do something extraordinary with something beautifully simple: they show up.
In hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, senior communities, human service organizations, and workplaces. Our volunteer Therapy Teams bring calm, comfort, motivation, and connection to people who may be facing stress, illness, loneliness, grief, or big life challenges. Sometimes the visit sparks a smile. Sometimes it helps a child practice reading. Sometimes it gives someone a peaceful moment when words are not enough.
And it all begins with a volunteer duo: a well-suited animal and a compassionate human.
If your dog is calm, friendly, reliable, and enjoys meeting new people, they may have what it takes to become a Hand in Paw Therapy Dog. But dogs are not the only stars of this mission.
We also welcome well-tempered cats who are comfortable being handled, enjoy attention, and can remain steady in new environments. A gentle cat can be just as powerful as a patient pup — and sometimes, exactly what someone needs.
Becoming a Therapy Team is a thoughtful, intentional process designed to prepare both you and your animal for meaningful, safe, and successful visits. Prospective teams begin with an application and screening, then selected applicants complete training, evaluation, orientation, and shadow visits before beginning official service.
The goal is not perfection, but rather partnership. We look for animals who trust their handlers, respond well to cues, and can stay calm and connected in a variety of settings.
Hand in Paw volunteers often say they sign up because they want to give back, but they quickly discover the experience gives something back to them, too. There is nothing quite like watching a person’s face soften when your animal walks into the room.
If you and your pet are ready to bring comfort, joy, and healing to others, we would love to meet you. Learn more about becoming a Hand in Paw Therapy Team at handinpaw.org/volunteer
Think your pet might be a great therapist? Now is the perfect time to take the leap. Visit handinpaw.org/volunteer to learn more and start your application today.