FALL/WINTER 2013
THE GOLDEN NEWS The official newsletter for Birmingham’s nonprofit organization motivating people towards brighter days
A SUMMER OF CHANGED LIVES Written by Therapy Team Charlotte Wilson and Ruby
As a new team member of Hand in Paw this year, I really had no idea what to expect when Ruby and I joined a Pawsitive Living group for the summer. I knew three other team members, and was excited to meet the rest of the group on our first night. The first night turned out to be more than I had ever imagined it to be. First, I must start by saying that Natalie, our facilitator was awesome. She was so welcoming and kept the visit interesting and fun. Natalie was so well prepared and full of vital information for us. Some of the information we desperately needed before meeting the girls. The entire team seemed to have jelled within the first few minutes of our meeting. When the girls first entered the room, one came and sat down next to me immediately and started talking about how excited she was to be a part of the group. And then, she stopped and said, “You know why I came and sat by you? You remind me of my mom.” She then went on to tell me about her mom, how much she loved her and missed her. It was a moment I will never forget. For it was at that moment, the reality of what we, as Therapy Teams through Pawsitive Living, could do… help change lives. We were informed that one of the girls who was to join us, had issues with dogs. The first night I found it interesting that she came into the room, but never joined us. I sat and wondered what she could be thinking. A couple of weeks later, she came back and sat on the sofa where I was sitting. But she sat as far away on the sofa as possible. She never took her eyes off Ruby. I guess she felt that Ruby was the less threatening of all the pets. My little Ruby is a 3.5 lb. very quiet and calm Maltese, and a rescue dog. As time went on that night, she started smiling at Ruby and even reached over to touch her. And then she asked if Ruby could sit in her lap. It was almost as if time stood still for all of us in the room. We all were aware...
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Meet Hand in Paw’s New Executive Director, Laura Cardwell!
SAVE THE DATE 04.26.14
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Say “Hello” to our 17 new Therapy Teams and TVAs! Page 7