Making School Cool! Once a month, Starla Castle’s exceptional education class goes to the dogs – in a positive way! Therapy Team Lanette and Ginger have visited Mrs. Castle’s students for over 5 years. During their School’s Best Friend visits, Ginger the therapy dog wears a special activity vest that has pockets, Velcro patches, and zippers sewn on its sides. Mrs. Castle utilizes Ginger and her activity vest to create interactive lessons that motivate her students and teach life skills, social skills, and occupational therapy.
“Ginger continues to be a great motivator for my students. They get excited when they know it is a “Ginger Dog Day.” A recent memorable visit involved the kids answering questions about our class while Ginger dressed in different items depending on the answers. Ginger is the most patient dog I’ve every met. She let Lanette dress her in a hat and goggles, socks, a scarf and more! The kids had a great time and learned a lot,” says Starla.
Each week the lessons vary, but the impact stays the same thanks to your support.
Each week the lessons may vary, but the impact of Lanette and Ginger’s visits stays the same because of you. Your donations of time and money help hundreds of students in local schools achieve academic and educational goals every single day. Thank you!
You can help fund our Animal-Assisted Education programs by donating online at handinpaw.org/donate or using the envelope provided.
See Spot Run! We want to give a huge thank you to every runner, sponsor, and volunteer who made Mutt Strut 2022 possible! Thanks to your support, over $45,000 was raised for Hand in Paw! Mutt Strut was held in-person for the very first time at Homewood Central Park following a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19. It was so great to see over 500 supporters and their pups “run wild” at our dog-friendly 5k and fun run sponsored by Blue Pearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital and Veterinary Eye Care in Memory of Christopher Nelms!
Thanks to Our Mutt Strut Sponsors: Blue Pearl Specialty + Emergency Pet Hospital & Veterinary Eye Care In Memory of Christopher Nelms, Creative Dog Training, ABC 33/40, UAB Medicine, Long-Lewis Foundation, Steel City Emergency Vets, Dog Days of Birmingham, Bham Now, Over the Mountain Journal, Birmingham Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Adams and Reese LLP, Pet Suites Hoover, Hollywood Feed, Dog U, Kristen McGee - ARC Realty, Aspen Lewis, Bham Family, Brasfield & Gorrie
