Summer 2013

THE GOLDEN NEWS 2013

summer

The official newsletter for Birmingham’s nonprofit organization motivating people towards brighter days

Hand in Paw Awarded Grant to Expand Services at Children’s of Alabama Hand in Paw is pleased to partner with Children’s of Alabama to begin offering our successful Sit, Stay, Read! program to inpatients. The Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham has awarded Hand in Paw a $10,000 grant to enable the implementation of this special program.

Services are set to begin this summer in the Hematology/Oncology unit of the new Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children, with hopes to expand serve other inpatient units over time.

Kitty Terry 1955-2013 Hand in Paw pays tribute to a beautiful and wonderful lady, Kitty Terry.

Her contagious spirit will always be missed. Page 2

Save the Date Hand in Paw’s 13th Annual PICASSO PETS Animal Artist Debut & Auction

08.17.13

New Location: Old Car Heaven

“We are thrilled to implement Sit, Stay, Read! within the Hematology/ Oncology unit,” said Katie Green, Child Life Specialist at Children’s of Alabama. ”Pet therapy has been largely beneficial to our patient families since we partnered with Hand in Paw, and I look forward to integrating the program into Children’s literacy services as well.”

Many thanks to the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham and to the many caring staff members at Children’s for partnering with us to deliver comfort and motivation to read while working to prevent learning loss that can occur when children are away from the classroom for extended periods. We look forward to sharing news of this project’s successes with you!

www.picassopets.com See page 6 for more info

Hand in Paw has been chosen for the 2nd year in a row to be an honored Therapy Dog Charity Partner for the American Humane Associantion’s Hero Dog Awards!

See page 9 for more information on how to help Hand in Paw win money.

MEET OUR

NEW VOLUNTEERS! We welcome our newest volunteers with open arms. Hand in Paw is so excited about this adventure that they have begun!

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS President Scott Grover Vice President Lisa Thompson Treasurer Debra Linton, CPA Secretary Sheree York, PT, MS, PCS Members T.C. Branch, DVM Melinda Carter C. Merrimon Epps III Idie Hastings Stephanie Hightower, MD Denise Hoyle Joshua Klapow, PhD Matt Lackey Cassie Moore Joy O’Neal John D. Saxon Beverly Virciglio, CPA Tina Willard ADVISORY COUNCIL Chairperson Jennifer Buettner Members Alvin Atlas, DVM Kelly A. Bownes Timothy L. Colbert, DVM Elizabeth Harbert Cornay James Cunningham, CPA C. Merrimon Epps III Beth A. Franklin Idie Hastings Ken Jackson Susanne Jones Sheryl Kimerling James C. Lasker, MD Beth Leonard Sandy Logan Phyllis McCombs Judy Merritt, PhD Allen Montgomery Jeff Morrison Susan Nelms, DVM Kate Nicholson Claire Peel, PT, PhD Joan Cain Pizitz, MD Lisa Thompson Smith Joan Stelling Carol H. Stewart Sandra H. Storm Ava D. Story, DSJ Pete Van Pelt Jerome B. Williams, DVM

LETTER FROM THE INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

This is a tough letter to write, because I wish that our dearest Kitty were writing it. If only she were still bursting into the office each day, brimming with boundless energy, excited to share the news of the day. She loved and was loved by so many – to know Kitty was to love Kitty. Around the office, at times when we are saddened that we can’t talk to her, a funny thing eventually happens: we find ourselves smiling and laughing at the memory of one (of the very many) downright hilarious things she did. Kitty really lived.

Kitty loved Hand in Paw’s mission and the volunteers, who carry out the mission out so selflessly.

She would be overjoyed by all of the new things that they are doing, like visiting UCP each week to work with clients with special needs, preventing bullying at Tarrant Elementary School, and growing in the Tuscaloosa area to visit great sites like the Hospice of West Alabama. She would love that they will soon begin delivering Sit, Stay, Read! to inpatients at Children’s, and recreational therapy activities for veterans in the Blind Rehab unit at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. And while new growth is always exciting, she also had a deep appreciation our longtime partnerships and for those volunteers, who month after month, year after year, rise well before dawn to be at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center at 7:00 am, ready to greet people as they arrive for their treatments. We honor Kitty best by working harder than ever to provide top-quality programs and services that improve human lives.

Thank you for helping Hand in Paw do just that. Whether you do so as a volunteer, donor, advocate, or as staff at one of our partnering organizations, working with our teams to improve the lives of your patients, clients, or students, please know how critical your role is, and how grateful we are. Hand in Paw’s future is brighter than our golden scarves thanks to you.

With sincerest gratitude, Liz Wilson Interim Executive Director

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Liz Wilson EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Lisa McNair DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNITY RELATIONS Paige Staylor PROGRAM COORDINATOR Terri Jones RECORDS MANAGER Vicki Shay ADMINISTRATIVE VOLUNTEER Carol Speed INTERN Emily Cheatwood

Katharine “Kitty” Taber Terry

Kitty was not only a leader and mentor, but a dear friend to so many. Her passion for life lit up any room she entered. Hand in Paw has lost not only a wonderful woman, but their biggest cheerleader and supporter. We will forever hold Kitty in our hearts.

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TEAMWORK: A highlight of a special Therapy Team

Lynn and Natchez

1. Tell us about yourself! My name is Lynn Lowry and my Pet Partner is Natchez...I am married to Kris and we have four children, two girls and two boys, ages 24,22,20 and 18. I am a MAJOR ANIMAL LOVER and have been around all types of animals my entire life! I grew up in West Tennessee and was involved in our local 4-H club showing and selling beef cattle! Natchez has been a part of our family for three and half years. He is a mixed breed, otherwise referred to as an Alabama Brown Dog. Natchez also lives with his two doggie brothers and his eight kitty brothers and sisters! He also has an Icelandic Horse sister!

2. Where/why did you get Natchez? Our family adopted Natchez from Two By Two Recue. Our Newfoundland, Kuma, had just passed away and we were on the search for a “rescue” friend!! We were fortunate enough to find Natchez and bring him into our home to be part of our family!

3. How long have you been a HIP volunteer? Natchez and I have been involved with HIP since January, 2012.

4. Which facilities do you serve? Natchez and I visit at Oak Mountain Elementary School, The Bell Center and UAB Hospital. We have been involved in the No More Bullies! program and make visits to other places when needed!

5. Why did you think Natchez would be a good therapy dog? Actually, my youngest daughter told me about HIP and thought that Natchez would be a great therapy dog! He is such a pleaser and is so good-natured with an all around happy disposition! He loves everyone he meets!

6. When Natchez isn’t being a therapy dog, what’s his favorite thing to do? Natchez’s favortie thing to do in the whole wide world is to spend time on our farm in Tennessee. He LOVES to chase deer, turkey, skunks, squirrels and whatever varmint he happens to see! His all time FAVORITE is RABBITS! He also loves to ride in the Ranger and go for a swim in the creek and ponds!

7. Have you had a visit that has been particularly memorable for you? All of our visits are so rewarding! There is not a single time that we leave a visit that something amazing hasn’t happened. Being able to be a “team” with an animal and us having the same goal of helping others is truly a blessing in my life. I love helping people and I adore animals so obviously this makes the perfect organization for Natchez and me to be involved with! Seeing the children and adults SO EXCITED when we enter or leave a place is just priceless!

Thank you for being a part of Hand in Paw Thank you to the following teams for being so dedicated to our organization. Losing a pet, moving away, or having to retire a pet from the field is always difficult. We thank you so much for serving our community with your furry friend.

Each of these dedicated individuals and pets made such a difference in the lives of those they served.

Passed Away Lynn LaRussa’s Jackson Jody Otwell’s Cooper Lisa Wienhold’s Tess

Retired Joy Dorn’s Izzy Melannie Layne’s Mike Cathy Stephenson’s Charlie

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Moved Cindy Betz and Roxy Sarah Goodman Mandy Meredith and Sully Joy Minner and Dallas Claire Peel and Luke Pat Rivera and Sadie & Outlaw

Hand in Paw at Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center

If you happen to come by Quarterback Hall on a Thursday night, you might just see a parade of well-trained canines sitting in a semi-circle, waiting for some new friends to arrive. And if you happened to ride in the Glenwood van down to Quarterback Hall on a Thursday night, you might just hear things like, “I want the seat next to Batman!” “My dog is AJ!” “Emma likes me best!” “Hannah is awesome.”

“Is Susie coming tonight?” “Did you see Casey’s tricks last week?” “I hope Bradford is there.” “I wonder what color Spice’s nails will be this week?”

The boys from Daniel House II run to the door of Quarterback Hall in semiorganized, excited chaos. They grab seats quickly and settle in for two hours of animal assisted therapy through Hand in Paw’s Pawsitive LivingTM Program. They rattle off the group rules (“watch toes and tails,” “don’t make too much noise because it’ll scare the dogs,” “confidentiality,” “no feeding the dogs leftovers from dinner,” “respect each other, the animals and the pet partners”) and introduce themselves. They stroke the dogs’ heads and need reminders to stay in their

seats. No matter how bad a day it has been, their faces are all smiles for the next two hours.

Hand in Paw is a local Birmingham organization that provides animal assisted therapy to residential treatment centers like Glenwood, as well as to hospitals and nursing homes. Pawsitive Living is a twelve week curriculum that has been coming to Glenwood for a number of years. They run two “semesters” a year – one with Daniel House I and one with Daniel House II. The program consists of time for the individuals served to share with each other and with the pet partners (and with the dogs, of course) how they feel about certain things such as being unique, disabilities, diversity, empathy, and stereotypes.

The animals are used to teach lessons that might otherwise be too abstract.

Why, for example, does the big black dog at the shelter have the hardest time getting adopted? Because of the stereotypes that he faces – that big, black dogs are vicious and make bad pets. But is this true? The kids are encouraged to look at Bradford and Batman and see the truth of these big, black dogs. Then the discussion turns to times when the individuals have been judged unfairly or stereotyped.

The individuals and the pet partners are encouraged to look at times that they have done the stereotyping as well.

The Pawsitive LivingTM Program also consists of some time off-campus for the individuals. They take a field trip to Ruffner Mountain to learn about other types of animals and they visit a local nursing home to share what they have learned with others. The night at Ruffner Mountain was a particular success, as many of the individuals confronted their fears and touched snakes, guinea pigs, or Madagascar

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Hissing Cockroaches for the first time.

Dog training basics and the notions of praise and positive reinforcement were also important lessons for the boys to learn.

At the end of Pawsitive LivingTM, the group has a graduation ceremony.

Many of the boys ask for the dogs’ “business cards” so that they can remember them. It is clear that, though they may not know how to voice it, the animals have meant a lot to the boys.

The consistency of seeing them week to week has taught them about bonding and connection. They have gotten to celebrate each dog’s strengths and weaknesses and in turn celebrate their own strengths and weaknesses.

And they have gotten the experiences of meeting with pet partners (adult volunteers from the community) that really and truly get to know each and everyone one of the individuals and come to care about them. Pawsitive LivingTM is about more than playing with dogs, although that is the obvious buy-in for the boys. It is about acceptance and kindness and empathy and compassion and learning lessons in a way that is non-threatening and non-confrontational. It is also about the unconditional love that the dogs provide to children who may not have felt that in their lives before.

As the evening winds down, the dogs are tired and so are the boys from Daniel House II. It is a long time to pay attention but all participants (canine and human) have done well.

Some exchange last minutes hugs with the dogs or with the pet partners and then load back up onto the van to go back to the house. The twelve weeks will end but the lessons that these dogs have taught will last a lifetime.

By Leslie Lipton, MSW Intern Glenwood Autism & Behavioral Health Center

Therapy Dogs Provide College Students a Study Break

After hours of studying for intense exams, college students are usually extra stressed by the time finals week rolls around.

Some students turn to extra caffeine and others pull all-nighters before crashing once tests are over. But a group called Hand in Paw is hoping to change some of those unhealthy end of the semester habits by bringing therapy dogs to campus.

Hand in Paw held one of their “Puppy Breaks” at the University of Alabama on Friday, May 3, the last day of final exams. The program, which aims to reduce stress among students and even help improve test scores, has already visited many other campuses.

“Spending just a few minutes petting a friendly animal can calm nerves in the midst of a stressful time,” Liz Wilson, Hand in Paw interim director, said.

- Fox 6 News Tuscaloosa

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Kim & Gavin Give Puppy Break at UAB Students preparing for finals at the University of Alabama at Birmingham got a chance recently to blow off steam and de-stress at the Lister Hill campus library when AnimalAssisted Therapy Teams from Hand in Paw paid a visit. I am so glad Gavin and I got to be a part of it; we had the best time. Other Teams there were Jennifer and her dog Kinsey, and Debbie with Hudson. We greeted students and faculty after classes.

The Teams met with more than 50 students, who were able to forget about finals for a while, interact with the Teams and learn about the mission of Hand in Paw. The gathering turned into an impromptu photo session, with students posing with the dogs and their owners, and classmates taking photos with their cell phones. Gavin turned out to be quite the photo hog.

Most students were excited to meet with the Teams and to pet the dogs, but some students admitted to being afraid of animals. However, after some friendly encouragement, the shy students overcame their hesitation and enjoyed petting and talking to the owners and their pet partners. Even the standoffish male student-athletes, who initially watched the action from afar, soon found themselves in the mix, petting the patient pooches, who were happy to make their acquaintance.

The UAB visit was an overwhelming success for the Teams, and it was clear the students appreciated the opportunity to forget about the stress of university finals for a while. Numerous students also offered pet-sitting services to the Team members. A good time was had by all. We can’t wait to go again.

- Kim & Gavin Hand in Paw Therapy Team

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13th Annual Picasso Pets August 17, 2013 New Location: Old Car Heaven

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A pet paints...

2A local artist works his magic... 3The art is auctioned at Picasso Pets!

What is Picasso Pets exactly?

Your pet (a dog, a cat, a bird, a pig, a horse, whatever furry, feathery creature you love) is paired with a local artist (the pet’s “muse”) to create a masterpiece. The artist helps the animals use their feet to paint across a canvas, use their tails as paintbrushes, and sometimes even use their noses as a stamp. The canvas is then stretched, the artist puts on the finishing touches, and there you have it, the most unique piece of artwork that you will ever have, especially because it was created with the love of an animal. This artwork is then auctioned off in conjunction with other large auction items, and is accompanied by a silent auction. Over the past 12 years, the artwork has evolved into extraordinary masterpieces.

All the proceeds from our event pour right back into our organization to support to our mission, improving people’s health and well-being.

The Evening’s Events

Once you enter Old Car Heaven, you will start one of the greatest nights you could imagine. Guests will have the opportunity to browse our silent auction comprised of more than 100 packages, while enjoying drinks from Cahaba Brewing Company, Cathead Vodka, and International Wine Company, and an array of delicious local food. Cahaba is also making a specialty brew just for Picasso Pets. Half way through the evening the silent auction will come to a close and we will kick off the live auction. The live auction items include pet paintings, vacations, and items that you will not find anywhere else but Picasso Pets! You will also learn more about those whose lives have greatly been enhanced by the positive effects of our Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams. At the evening’s close guests will have the opportunity to donate money straight to Hand in Paw’s programs. One will not leave this dynamic event without being wowed by the impact Hand in Paw has in our community.

Become a Sponsor Want to get great PR and recognition in the community for your company? Being a Picasso Pets sponsor is the way to do it! Your company will receive recognition in our newsletter, be on our website, and much much more!

You will also receive tickets to the event with VIP seating. No matter what level you choose to sponsor the event, there is something that will match the needs and wants of your company perfectly. For more information on being a sponsor check out www.PicassoPets.com or contact Paige at paige@handinpaw.org.

Paws on the Patio

Two days in July, from 5-8pm you will be able to purchase Picasso Pets tickets at a great discount (BOGO), as well as commemorative posters and t-shirts.

Paws on the Patio will be held at Rojo on July 9th, and on July 24th at Cahaba Brewing Company (here you will be able to taste Cahaba’s specialty brew made especially for Picasso Pets!)

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Want your pet to paint?

You are in for a unique experience! When your pet paints, you get a photo shoot of your and your pet, tons of photos of your pet painting, an invitation to our exclusive Gallery Party, 4 VIP tickets to Picasso Pets, and much much more! For more information on being a presenter check out www.PicassoPets.com or contact Paige at paige@handinpaw.org.

WELCOME OUR NEWEST VOLUNTEERS! Congratulations on all your hard work!

Amber Acklin Chris Ballenger & Drake Tanya Beck & Kona Maggie Bowers & Eva Laura Cardwell & Jed Jim Clifford & Dusty Kim Dowdy & Gavin Laurie Flayhart & Maizi Karen Ford & Chester Fidele Fuller & Cedar Debbie Fulton Danielle Grehalva & Casey and Remington Sean Grehalva & Casey and Remington Wende Grehalva Roberta Guthrie Beth Hains & Max Amy Hamilton & Buddy Brent Hamilton & Buddy Becky Head & Sweetie Don Helton & Ryder Kathy Hinds & Sadie

Title Sponsors

Petco Foundation Veterinary Eye Care

Cynthia Huang Jackie Hutzell & Bradford Anita Hyde Judy Imhof & Karma Donna Johnson & Ali Summer Langston Renea Motte & Pickens Karen Peterlin & Flash and Missile Yvonne Renta & Mia Janet Richardson & Dewy Debbie Rote & Hudson Jennifer Rush & Buddy Ashley Ruth Tory Saunders Cathy Stewart Patti Summerford & Emma Beth Thomas Mahaley Tucker & Penny Shannon Tucker & Penny Susanne Webb & Dinah Anette Weisbarth & Jackie Charlotte Wilson & Ruby

4th Annual Mutt Strut, Biggest Year Yet!

This year’s Mutt Strut was the biggest and best yet! April Birmingham News 20, 2013 was truly a day CW21/ my 68 that went to the dogs! More Modern Dog Magazine than 800 people particiWarren Averett pated in the race, and many more were their cheering on Silver Sponsors there friends and family, or Medical Properties Trust simply enjoying a beautiful NuTech Medical day at UAB’s Campus Green.

Claire Peel The after party at Good PeoUAB ple Brewing Company was a huge hit. Every runner got to enjoy a free beer as well as We Talk Dog Liz Young, Dog Photographer food by Full Moon BBQ. Thanks to everyone who came out and supported our organization; we appreciate each and every one of you for helping us carry our mission further Bronze Sponsors into our community.

AL Power Service Org We are excited to announce that next year’s date is already set for April 26, 2014. Mark Dog Days of Birmingham your calendars, and please join us for another great time to get in some fun in the sun, Fetch! Pet Care play with your dog, and enjoy our amazing community.

Hollywood Feed Pet Supplies Plus

Gold Sponsor

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No More Bullies! Students Help Get Dog Adopted One of the goals of the No More Bullies! program is to develop empathy and compassion in children by teaching them to care for and respect animals and people. Nothing demonstrates the effectiveness of this program better than the events at Tarrant Elementary School this semester. For the first several weeks the students seemed eager to interact with the Pet Partners and their dogs and displayed a clear understanding of the concepts of compassion and responsibility.

But the true test came when Phil Doster, Animal Cruelty Education/Prevention Director of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, brought an energetic, young Doberman mix named Xandra to meet the students. The adorable gray dog immediately won the hearts of the children, who were appalled to find out Xandra’s owners had abandoned her. Not only did the students flood Xandra with praise and petting, they wanted to do more for her – they wanted to help her find a home. So in an impromptu activity, the students made adoption posters for Xandra. The posters, although not masterpieces, were filled with the sincerity and creative flair seen only in the work of children. Photographs of the posters were posted on social media websites and the posters themselves were hung outside of Xandra’s enclosure at the Humane Society.

Although Xandra had been available for adoption for over two months before she came to visit Tarrant Elementary School, she was adopted just two days after the posters were placed around her enclosure. The No More Bullies! curriculum defines the term compassion as, “understanding how someone else feels and doing something about it.” The children had greatly sympathized with the loneliness this sweet dog must have felt at the shelter and had done something to change her situation. They truly demonstrated compassion at its most basic level. At the beginning of the program, almost all of these fourth through sixth grade students claimed they had been bullied and one hundred percent of them claimed they knew someone who had been bullied. Obviously, these children have not always been treated with compassion and respect, yet they were eager to do everything in their power to give another creature the humane treatment she deserved. In a time when bombings and shootings are becoming more and more frequent, the attitudes and actions of these young students can surely inspire hopefulness for their generation. The ongoing work of Hand in Paw is becoming more and more critical as the need for these types of character-building programs increases throughout our nation. Thanks to all of the individuals who make these programs possible, and thanks to the students of Tarrant Elementary School for the example they have set for all of us.

- Natalie Crowe Hand in Paw TVA, Facilitator, and Jr. Board President

Important HIP Dates

July 9 24 - Paws on the Patio- Two evenings in July, from 5-8pm you will be able to purchase Picasso Pets tickets at a great discount (Buy One Get One Free!), as well as commemorative posters and t-shirts. Paws on the Patio on July 9th will be held at Rojo, and on July 24rd it will be held at Cahaba Brewing Company (here you will be able to taste Cahaba’s own specialty brew made especially for Picasso Pets!) th &

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July 27th- Pepper Place Farmer’s Market- Come visit the Hand in Paw booth and enjoy a relaxing Saturday in downtown Birmingham!

August 5th- CPK FUNdraiser- Giving won’t just feel good, it will taste good too! Eat at California Pizza Kitchen at The Summit on August 5th and 20% of your bill will be donated to HIP! You must bring the designated flyer with you, to print one, visit www.handinpaw.org.

August 17th- 13th Annual Picasso Pets- Join us for our largest annual fundraiser, with a silent auction, live auction, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and more! For more information check out www.PicassoPets.com.

October 7th & 15th- HIP 101- Think you want to volunteer with Hand in Paw? Come learn all about us, what we do, and the impact we are making in the community! To attend, email terri@handinpaw.org.

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School-based Programs Highlighted at AEA Conference

This spring, Natalie Crowe, Judi Morris, Trudy Stricklin and Charlotte Wilson presented Teachers’ Pets: Utilizing Therapy Animals to Enhance Educational Outcomes to a group of educators and administrators. Therapy dogs Rosie, Glory, and Ruby demonstrated ways that animals can be incorporated into classroom settings to help students read, speak, modify behaviors, and reach a variety of learning goals. A February story in the Alabama School Journal focused on how Ruby helps children become better readers in Charlotte’s classroom. Hand in Paw delivers Sit, Stay, Read!, Petscription, and No More Bullies! in partnership with local schools and after-school programs on an ongoing basis, and takes part in a number of special one-time educational events and camps at area schools as requested.

Petscription Session Presented at Alabama State Nurses Association Annual Convention

This past fall, Claire Peel, PhD, along with Philippa Bainbridge, and Trudy Stricklin, had the opportunity to showcase the successes of Hand in Paw’s medical partnerships to nurses from around the state. They shared information about the benefits to the mental and physical health of not only patients, but also to family members and medical staff. Therapy dogs Luke, Pippa, and Glory worked the crowd to help prove that point!

HERO DOG AWARDS The American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards™ were created in 2010 to celebrate the remarkable bond between dogs and people. This annual national competition searches out and recognizes America’s Hero Dogs, who unconditionally avail themselves to us in so many important ways, whether it’s saving lives on the battlefield, lending sight or hearing to a human companion, providing therapeutic support to children suffering from cancer, or just greeting us with a wagging tail at the end of a hard day.

Every finalist will be presented with a Hero Dog award for their feats of loyalty, bravery, and love, and win $1,500 for a selected charity partner. Hand in Paw, for the second year in a row, has been honored with being a charity partner for Hero Dog Awards. In addition, one finalist will walk away with top honors as the winning American Hero Dog for 2013, securing an additional $5,000 for their charity partner. The total approximate retail value of all prizes is $57,000 but the recognition is priceless.

The following dogs have chosen Hand in Paw as their charity partner, be sure to vote for them online once a day, every day, and help Hand in Paw win money! V O T E AT W W W. H E R O D O G AWA R D S . O R G

Truitt

Sargent

Piper

Parker

Luke

Lottie Dot

VOTE ONCE A DAY, EVERY DAY! Athena

Elle

Frankie Schlomo

Holly Mae

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Jackson

Giannina & Rio Visit UAB’s Many Thanks to Our Recent Grantors and Giving Programs!

Center for Palliative Care My most memorable Without the support of our generous grantors and giving experience visiting programs, Hand in Paw would not be able to serve the with Rio was on one community like we do. Thank you to these groups for of the visits we made making our mission possible. to UAB’s Palliative Care Center. While Rio and I have spent most of our nearly 7 years as a pet partner team serving the Pawsitive LivingTM groups, we did visit UAB and it was on one of those visits that I recognized how very special our pet partners are.

The Palliative Care Center at UAB is wonderful for the patients as the approach to their care is not only with medical care but also with music, arts and pet therapy.

Rio and I visited several times and found it’s not only the patients we served there that made a difference, but for the families as well. In a setting where you may very well be spending the final days with a loved one, everyone who wanted us to visit really seemed to enjoy seeing their loved one with Rio. Especially those who still had pets at home that they sorely missed. Also, the family members themselves responded very well to having a furry visitor to pet and hold for a while.

On one visit, we were invited to visit with a gentlemen patient who appeared to be asleep in his hospital bed. His wife and daughter asked for a visit and of course, Rio and I were glad to oblige. We were in there a few minutes as I ended up having quite a long conversation with the two women. During this conversation the patient continued to lay asleep, gently snoring. All of sudden Rio walked over close to the bed, his leash as long as it could go and he looked up at the patient and made several very tiny, alBirmingham most muffled woof sounds. Of course I immediately made him stop but was fascinated to see how excited the wife and daughter were by his tiny woofs and they remarked very passionately “look, he’s trying to wake him up!” “ he is trying to wake him up!!” It made them smile and connect so much with my own dog in a way I had not even done myself. I have been on visits or in Pawsitive LivingTM Fo u n d a t i o n with Rio when he barked, and he never barked like that.

Harry B. and Jane H. Brock Foundation He knew this was a special visit and he knew just how to act. To this day, I feel so lucky to have been blessed Nelson and Charleen Kemp Foundation enough to have had this experience with him and as we are now visiting another hospital, I know he will always Special thanks to the Birmingham know when there is a special situation that he needs to Obedience Club for allowing us to adapt to and that I’m lucky to be along to see it happen. host training classes at their facility.

- Giannina & Rio Hand in Paw Therapy Team 10

Hill Crest Foundation

Daniel Foundation of Alabama

Hand in Paw Contributions From September 16, 2012 through May 15, 2013 IN HONOR Anthony, Penny for Cindy Bowman & Sally Bainbridge, Frank and Philippa for Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Erdreich Berman, Justin & Mara for Louise Abroms Brasher, Terri for Ralph Rooney Brezin, Alan Ivan for Jacob & Lola Brezin Cameron, Marianne for Joan Stelling Clifford, Rev. James & Janice for Liz Wilson presentation at PEO Chapter B Coburn, Derek & Danielle for Judy Merritt Cooper, Lee & Joy for Eric Egea Crenshaw, Kim for Hand in Paw training teams Culver, Cynthia L. for Judy Merritt Denniston, Mike & Christine for Susan Nuckolls Draper, Stewart & Sarah for Carol & Jerry Speed Edwards, Preston & Lindy for Staff of We Talk Dog Elliott, Glenda for Harriet Schaffer Ferris, Mike & Kathy for Sharkey Williams Franklin, Beth for Katie & Jim Lasker Goldstein, Joel & Debra for Nena Moon Gotlieb, Harvey & Barbara for Joan Pizitz Harkins, William & Mary for Susie Baynes and Hank & Lucy Hartman Harris, Patricia A. for Judy Merritt Heath, Marcia K. for Debra Linton Hilliard, Elbert & Claire for Lee Michelle Hilliard Hobbs, Mike for Judy Merritt Hyche, Mary F. for Bandit and Misty Jones, Laura B. for Susanne Webb & Dinah Kiwanis Club of Birmingham Foundation for Dr. Jim McClintock Knowlton, Kay for Tracey Lathem Ladner, Justin L. for Jennifer Buettner Lamonte, Constance C. for Harriet Schaffer’s 90th Birthday Lee, Barbara J. for Tracey Lathem Lee, Lolly for Eric & Sinclair Lee, and Laura & Lou Leonard, Dennis for Beth Leonard & Bella Lewis, Feldman, Lehane & McAtee, LLC for Andy Sokol Lynch, Murphy & Paula for Jacque & George Hinman and Joe, Rita, & Tiffany Oberle MacLeod, Kathryn L. for Sandra Storm & her Canine Crew McNair, Lisa S. for Joy Dorn Morrison, Jeff for Denise Tortorigi Munn, Joan Loretta for Bruce Sommer Norkus, Margaret for Karen McNeil Nortick, Raina for Jonathan & Beta Berkow PEO Sisterhood Chapter F for Janice Clifford Petrofsky, Mark & Maureen for Andy Sokol for caring for Tyson Riverview Animal Clinic- Vets and Staff for Dr. Beth Gibbons at Animal Eye Care and Dr. Nelms & Dr. Korsch at Vet Eye Care Roberts, David & Beebe for Harriet Schaffer Robertson, Ann C. for Laura Wyrosdick Robinson, Darryl G. for Judy Merritt

Saad, Greg & Jamie for Tina & Les Currie Sanders, Michael & Brooke for Judy Merritt Smith, Betty for Perry Smith Smith, Roger & Catherine for Mr. & Mrs. Tom Brinkley and Mr. & Mrs. Tommy Heard Smith, Roger & Catherine for The Fredella Family and The Luce Family Stolz, Sidney for David Hatfield Swindle, Sam & Brenda for Fidele, James, and Cedar Fuller Tankersley, Will & Theda for Scott Grover Thompson, Lisa for Liz, Paige, Vicki, Kim, Lisa, Carol, Terri, and Kitty Viles, Andres & Shara for Dr. Anne-Laura Cook Willis, Sue L. for Charlotte Wilson & Ruby Wilson, Shain & Michelle for Judy Merritt Wright, Sean & Heather for Madison, Truman, and Lincoln Wright IN MEMORY Agnew, Jay & Kelli for James W. Conway, Sr. Alexander, Jean F. for Wilmar Freeman Alldredge, Hace & Anita for Ray Moss Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Clinic for Allie Powell, Anya Ramsay, Neeve, Ruby Pearson, Sirwitz, Tess Wienhold, and Zoro Atlas, Alvin & Jill for Sweet Heidi Shay Bainbridge, Frank & Philippa for Cooper Otwell and Lily Dieguez Baydala, Thomas & Sarah for Prince Currie Benedict, Kitty C. for Emmie Taber Longshore Bryant, Leonard for Susan Bryant Burt, Robert & Carol for Jean R. Howard Burton, Rob & Nancy for Jackson Busby, Joanne for Paul, Greg, and Katie Butler, Jenni C. for Arlo Turner Cardiac Evaluations, Inc. for Tucker and Bogart Grant Clark, James & Pamela for Doc Freeman Cole, Scott & Tracy for Charlie Ching Cook, Robert & Diana for Cooper Otwell Cox, Jean for Sugar Broadwater Cox, John B. for George Coyne, Pat & Corie for Ray Moss, Jr. Crenshaw, Kim for Cooper Otwell, Jackson and Tucker Grant Currie, Les & Tina for Cooper Otwell Darby, David & Susan for Brandie Darby & Ellie Moon Dennett, Dorothy for Dandie Dunlap, Susan M. for Cooper Otwell Eiland, Cecil & Susan for Jo Hazen Foster, Shirley for Virginia Williams Franklin, Beth for Cooper Otwell and Jackson LaRussa Fulton, Ricky and Debbie for Heidi Shay, Prince Currie, and Cooper Otwell Gadd, David for Cooper Otwell Gilbert, Justin & Lynda for Cooper Otwell Hand in Paw Staff for Emmie Longshore Harbert, Raymond & Kathryn for Jackson LaRussa Harkins, William & Mary for Jack Baynes and Hannah Williams Harris, Paula S. for Miss Jo Hazen Hawkins, Don & Gayle for Brad Echols,

Leigh Sellers, and Ruth Godsey Hearnsberger, Caroline M. for Sadie Henling, Dr. Colleen for Tucker and Bogart Grant Hilliard, Dr. Lee Michelle for Chloe Holmes, William & Elizabeth for Monte Walsh Howe, Shelby for Funchee Hyche, Mary F. for Missy Inglis, Patricia for Sweet Lily Inglis, Susan for Allie Dansky Jackson, Suanne Reid for Emmie Taber Longshore Johnson, Annelle C. for Jo Gielle Johnson, Phillip & Mandy for Bama Lovell, Jacob Skotnicki, Roxie Land Kimerling, Jon & Sheryl for Jackson LaRussa King, Alice for Emmie Longshore King, Anne D. for Annie Taber Longshore LaRussa, Benny Jr. & Lynn for Jackson Layne, Jeff & Melannie for Maggie Adams Leonard, Dennis & Beth for Heidi Shay Lovell, Dwight & Winonia for James Ray Moss, Jr. Lowry, Kris & Lynn for Myrna Loraine Laug McCorkle, Kristen for “Stevie” McDonald, Gene & Sally for Caymen Smith McFarland, Jackie for Bob Exekiel McKinley, Marie for Beauty, Mattie, Ernie, and Gypsy Gene Miller, Charles & Lisa for Jackson LaRussa Mills, Patrick & Lisa for Zoe and Aubrie Mittermaier, Jan A. for Willima H. “Speck” Hewlett frm Richard Able & family Moran, Jim & Teresa for Emma Mueller, Kirk & Rebecca for Lucy Murray, April Ann for Speck Hewlett Nathan, William & Virginia for Jo R.

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Hazen Neighbors, Dennis & Ruth for Emmie Taber Longshore Neville, John & Cindy for Elizabeth MacDermutt Parsons, RG & Mary for Marley and MOJO Waites Piola, Mariela for Heidi Reed, Kathryn S. for Doc Barber Richey, Doug for Beth Monny’s father and Miss Jo Robertson, Ann C. for Otis Egea and Pilgrim Wiggins Rothrock, Angela for Rebel Schaffer, Harriet for Reuben, beloved Shepherd Shay, Harold & Vicki for Heidi and James Shay Slappey, Donald & Patti for Montana Moneyham Smith, David & Dawn for Gracie Solomon, Allan & Sue for Alvin Stahlhut, Keith & Patti for Cooper Otwell and Heidi Shay Steed, Joan T. for Jackson Stephenson, Jack & Cathy for Cooper Otwell and all HIP Shelties Talley, John & Peppi for Jackson LaRussa Tipton, Art & Katie for Harry Vance, Frank & Becki for Jackson LaRussa Vare, Alex & Evie for Precious Daniel Vickery, Barry & Donna for Mrs. Jo Hazen Ward, Cathy for Cheeto, Jackson LaRussa, and Winston Ritter Weinberg, Harry & Rhonda for Tyson Wells, Theron & Jeanne for Lily Wells Williams, Smith & Misty for Oompy Threlkeld Wiygul, Jimmy & Margaret for Wilmar Freeman Young, David Charles for William H. “Speck” Hewlett

In loving memory of Kitty Terry Bailey, Jeffry F. Barganier, Jon D. Bell, Martha Benedict, Kitty C. Big Brothers Big Sisters Of Greater Bham Bowman, Howard & Cynthia Buck-Coleman, Audra Byrd, Richard & Rene Carter, Melinda Clifford, Rev. James & Janice Crouch, Greg & Robin Crum, Bart & Elizabeth Cunningham, Jim & Karen Currie, Les & Tina Davis, William & Susan Dog Days Of Birmingham Enrollment Advisors, Inc. Ermert, Michael & Lori Fava, James & Joyce

Fischer, Kurt & Monica Fletcher, Anne Thornton Franklin, Beth Fulton, Ricky & Debbie Gardner, Frank W. Givhan, Marc & Janet Haley, John & Sandy Hand in Paw Staff Harrison, Brian & Rachel Johnson, Jimmy & Sue Jones, Clay & Ely Kimerling, Jon & Sheryl King, Anne D. Kirkwood, Peter & Karla LaRussa, Benny & Anne Longshore, Jane Taber McCombs, Phyllis Mclendon, Mac & Joan Meyer, Tara Morris, David & Judi Murphy, Bill & Lamar Nelms, Rick & Susan Park, Joanna L.

Phillips, Ann Quarles, Adam Ragland, Kristen Reese, Amy R. Richardson, Bill & Nellie Riley, James W. Segall, Robert D. Shepherd, Barbara W. Smith, Hatton & Ellen Smith, Howard & Lisa Thompson Snell, Dillon & Rebecca Stahlhut, Keith & Patti Stewart, Rusty & Carol Storm, Sandra Terrell, Jim & Pam Thagard, Tommy & Rhett Tyson, Thomas & Martha Weibring, Donald Allen & Kristen Wiygul, Jimmy & Margaret

1912 14th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35205 T: (205) 322.5144 F: (205) 322.7784 www.HandinPaw.org

Save the Date Hand in Paw’s 13th Annual PICASSO PETS Animal Artist Debut & Auction

08.17.13

New Location: Old Car Heaven

www.picassopets.com