Pawsitively Impacting Our Community: A Summer of Therapy & Growth
Summer has officially arrived, and thanks to you, our Therapy Teams continue to spread healing, joy, and comfort across Central Alabama. From hospitals and schools to senior living centers and courtrooms, the demand for our free Animal-Assisted Therapy services continues to grow—and we’re answering the call.
In 2024, Hand in Paw Therapy Teams made more than 6,400 therapeutic visits That’s 6,400 moments of connection, calm, and care. And this year, we’re on track to surpass that milestone. None of this would be possible without your compassion and commitment. Thank you for believing in our mission and making this vital work possible.
Looking ahead, I hope you’ll join us for our signature gala, Picasso Pets, on Saturday, August 23, at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
This year’s theme is Paws of Valor, a superhero-inspired celebration of the courage and kindness of our Therapy Teams. Picasso Pets 2025 is proudly presented by VPFunds, whose mission of uplifting the arts, animals, and people in need beautifully mirrors our own. Their support inspires our entire HIP family.
We’re also thrilled to introduce this year’s Face of Picasso Pets: Boo Jolly, a gentle giant of a Newfoundland and beloved therapy partner to Dr. Joe Jolly. Boo’s super-sized presence and heart perfectly capture the spirit of the evening.
To learn more about the event or to get involved, visit picassopets.com, or reach out to me directly — I’d love to hear from you!
Wishing you a joyful, hope-filled summer,
Unleash Your Inner Su-paw Hero!
Join us on Saturday, August 23, from 6–10 p.m. for the 24th Annual Picasso Pets: Paws of Valor at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum!
This unforgettable evening blends art, heart, and a whole lot of heroism — where pets become painters, guests become champions, and every moment helps bring healing to thousands.
From original works of art created by Therapy Team pets and local artists to dazzling auctions, cocktails, and a mission-filled program, this is Hand in Paw’s biggest night of the year.
At its heart, Picasso Pets is a celebration of courage, connection, and creativity — and this year’s Paws of Valor theme shines a spotlight on the heroes — both human and furry — who make Hand in Paw’s work possible.
Guests will enjoy:
• A VIP Experience with early art access, live music, and museum tours
Margaret Stinnett Executive Director
• A silent & live auction featuring exclusive items, trips, and local treasures
Our thanks to
MARGARET’S CORNER
Nurses at DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa pose for a photo with Maggie.
Wags for Wellness Visits Spark Joy at McLeod Software
A corporate partnership that’s fueling healing — one paw at a time.
For employees at McLeod Software, one of Birmingham’s leading tech firms, stress relief doesn’t always come in the form of yoga or a meditation app. Sometimes, it walks in on four paws.
That’s the magic of Wags for Wellness, a restorative program created by Hand in Paw to bring comfort, joy, and healing to people in high-stress environments — including hospitals, fire stations, schools, and yes, even software companies.
“The moment that the Hand in Paw dogs step into our offices, you can feel the stress melt away,” says Meribeth Gilbert, Vice President of Human Resources at McLeod Software.
“Laughter echoes through the halls, and even the busiest teams pause to smile. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes a huge impact on our culture at McLeod.”
Originally launched in partnership with UAB Hospital, Wags for Wellness was designed to support frontline healthcare workers and first responders during the height of the pandemic. Since then, it has grown to include a wide range of workplaces where mental health support is more than a perk — it’s a necessity.
“Laughter echoes through the halls, and even the busiest teams pause to smile. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes a huge impact on our culture at McLeod.”
—Merebeth Gilbert, McLeod Software VP of Human Relations
At McLeod Software, Wags for Wellness is more than a once-in-a-while event. It’s part of a broader commitment to well-being, connection, and community.
Beyond opening their doors to Therapy Teams, McLeod backs their support with generous sponsorships for Hand in Paw events like Mutt Strut and Picasso Pets. Even their employees get in on the giving spirit — hosting creative fundraisers like a recent office-wide Chili Cookoff, with proceeds benefiting our programs.
“This is a partnership in the truest sense,” says Stephanie Stoltzner, Hand in Paw’s Volunteer & Programs Director. “We’re not just bringing therapy dogs to the office. We’re building a culture of care — one visit, one smile, one moment of relief at a time.”
The beauty of Wags for Wellness lies in its simplicity. A gentle nudge from a therapy dog. A wagging tail at the right moment. A pause in the day that becomes a breath of fresh air.
And the best part? Thanks to support from community-minded companies like McLeod, all Wags for Wellness visits are offered at no cost to the organizations we serve.
Bring Wags for Wellness to your workplace! Learn more at handinpaw.org/programs.
Hand in Paw Therapy Teams paws for a photo outside McLeod Software headquareters before a recent visit.
Mutt Strut Turns Back Time — and Raises $54,000!
On Saturday, April 5, more than 600 runners, walkers, and waggers gathered at Homewood Central Park for Hand in Paw’s 15th Annual Mutt Strut, and the ’80s-themed celebration was nothing short of electric.
With neon spandex, leg warmers, big hair, and even bigger smiles, the day brought a retro flair to our mission of healing through Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Homewood City Councilman Carlos Alemán welcomed the crowd before turning things over to emcees Stoney Sharp and Sarah Snyder — two of the talented hosts of ABC 33/40’s Talk of Alabama — who kept the morning upbeat and moving. The morning kicked into high
gear with the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run.
Thanks to your incredible support, we raised more than $54,000 to help us provide Animal-Assisted Therapy service free of charge across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa.
From the starting line to the final tail wag, the park was filled with joy, movement, and community spirit. Additional highlights included the Vendor Village, photo ops
with our mascot, Spot, and the Awards Ceremony.
Mutt Strut wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our Junior Board, who help plan and host the event each year. Their passion and energy set the tone for a day full of connection and compassion.
We’re grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Creative Dog Training, and the many sponsors, vendors, and volunteers who helped make this our most “paw-some” Mutt Strut yet.
Mark your calendars! The 16th Annual Mutt Strut returns to Homewood Central Park on Saturday, April 11, 2026. This Sweet Sixteen paw-ty will have tails wagging!
Mutt Strut was made possible by our sponsors: Creative Dog Training (Presenting Sponsor), VPFunds, UAB Medicine, 23Design, ABC 33/40, BhamNow, Birmingham Mountain Radio, Deborah Michelle Photography, Good Shepherd Media, Birmingham Animal Hospital, The Bark Park, and more!
Picasso Pets 2025: Paws of Valor
Suit Up for a Su-Paw Evening of Impact!
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• A seated dinner and mission program honoring our Therapy Teams
• The Parade of Therapy Teams and two special awards
• Plus: a themed photo booth, wine pull, and surprise moments throughout the night
Tickets are $250 for General Admission and $350 for VIP, which includes early access to the art exhibit, live music, and access to the museum. Want to bring the whole pack? Reserve a table of 8 for $3,000 and enjoy the evening together in heroic style.
So don your Superhero Chic outfits (cocktail attire with a bold twist!) and be part of an evening that powers so much more than just a party. Your presence helps us provide AnimalAssisted Therapy across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa — always free of charge.
Tickets and tables are going faster than a caped canine chasing a squirrel!
Visit picassopets.com or scan the QR code to the right to secure your spot today!
MUTT STRUT
Join The Pack, Make a Sustaining Impact
Become a Monthly Donor and Help HIP Therapy Teams Keep Tails Wagging
We believe healing happens one wag at a time. And behind every visit to a hospital room, classroom, or counseling session is a team of supporters who make it all possible.
That’s why we created The Pack — a special community of kind-hearted humans who give what they can each month to help sustain our mission to improve human health and wellbeing through Animal-Assisted Therapy.
When you join The Pack, you’re not just making a donation, you’re investing in hope and healing.
Your ongoing support helps us be able to plan ahead so that we can recruit and train Therapy Teams, cover expenses like background checks and business cards, and send our furry heroes into hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and service agencies across Central Alabama and Tuscaloosa — all at no cost to the people we serve.
You choose how much to give each month — whether it’s $5, $50, or somewhere in between (or more!) — you’ll join the ranks of our most dedicated and loyal supporters..
For example, did you know that just $5 a month pays for collectible
cards — a popular keepsake for kids, patients, and seniors — for a Therapy Team for a year.
Plus, when you join we’ll mail you a special welcome kit (with a surprise inside!) as our way of saying thanks.
It’s easy, impactful, and guaranteed to give you the warm fuzzies. And yes, joining The Pack comes with perks: a special welcome kit with an exclusive keychain; special updates and offers; and the warm, fuzzy feeling of knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
Ready to Join The Pack? Visit handinpaw.org/thepack to join today!
VWe’ve Got a Volunteer Spot Just for You!
Five Ways to Make an Impact at Hand in Paw
olunteers are the heart of our mission — and we don’t just mean the four-legged kind. Whether you’re hoping to visit with your pet or support our work behind the scenes, there’s a role here that fits your time, talents, and tail-wagging enthusiasm.
Here are two of the most impactful ways to get involved:
1. Become a Volunteer Therapy Team
This is our most iconic role — and for good reason. Therapy Teams visit hospitals, schools, and community partners to deliver the healing power of Animal-Assisted Therapy. We provide all the training and support you need to shine.
To qualify:
• Your animal must be at least 18 months old
• You must have owned them for 6+ months
• Dogs must complete a basic obedience course
2. Be a Visit Assistant (No Pet Needed!)
Want to be part of the magic without bringing a pet? Visit Assistants accompany Therapy Teams on visits, offering essential support that keeps everything running smoothly. You’ll see firsthand how powerful these visits can be.
If your skills, schedule, or interests aren’t a match for our program visits, here are three more ways to get involved:
3. Help Behind the Scenes
From stuffing envelopes to snapping photos, our admin and event volunteers help keep HIP organized and thriving. Opportunities include support with special events, communications, community outreach, and office operations.
4. Join the Junior Board
Our Junior Board is a passionate group of young professionals who fundraise, advocate, and lead the planning of Mutt Strut. If you’re a natural connector with creative ideas and a big heart, this might be your place.
5. Serve on the Board of Directors
Looking to lead from a strategic level? Our Board of Directors provides vision, stewardship, and support for HIP’s long-term success. If you have professional expertise and a passion for our mission, we’d love to connect.
The bottom line is that if you’re looking for ways to give back to your community, and you love both humans and animals, HIP is home!
Interested in volunteering? Visit handinpaw.org/volunteer or email stephanie@handinpaw.org to find your fit!