A Furry Field Trip

Your support provides inclusive opportunities for exceptional students!

In 2018, your donations to Hand in Paw’s Capital Campaign made it possible to expand our campus and build a state-of-the-art training facility. The Lasker Training Room, which is mainly used to train and evaluate new Therapy Teams, also makes for an amazing community space perfect for hosting events, Lunch and Learns, and most recently - field trips!

On February 22, the Pizitz Middle School Life Skills Class came to Hand in Paw for a fun day filled with engaging activity stations with therapy dogs. During their visit, the students receiving special education services read with Taylor + Sophie, played dress up with Stephanie + Fern, and had brush time with Ashley + Abby.

Madison Sullivan, Pizitz Life Skills Teacher, notes,

My class has been partnering with Hand in Paw for 5 years, and recently had the opportunity to visit the Hand in Paw facility. While there, we rotated through stations to reinforce and support improving interactions with others, increasing willingness to join in activities, improving assisted or independent movement, and increasing self-esteem. We enjoyed our time getting to meet and interact with other members of this wonderful organization, and are forever grateful for our partnership with Hand in Paw.

Hand in Paw Board President, Todd Engelhardt, saw photos from the field trip and commented, “I literally burst into tears when I saw the student who was using a wheelchair nuzzling Fern. I think my heart grew 3 sizes today knowing this happened.”

Because of you, Hand in Paw Therapy Teams are able to touch the lives of exceptional children in need on and off campus.

You can support Hand in Paw's special education programs by donating online at handinpaw.org/donate

To watch a special WVTM news story on the Pizitz Field Trip, please visit handinpaw.org/tvspot