Book It to the HIP Library! During this difficult year, your amazing support made it possible to continue to visit people in need through new and creative outlets. Because of you, one of the ways HIP Therapy Teams were able to help most during this time is by providing virtual literacy support to local schools through the Sit, Stay, Read! (SSR) program. During virtual SSR visits, students and Therapy Teams read a copy of the same book and interact online. These virtual visits have made a huge impact in local schools and organizations such as Girls Inc.
Visit our book wish list at handinpaw.org/wishlist. To learn about library naming opportunities contact Beth Franklin at beth@handinpaw.org
“We saw the girls become more encouraged and motivated to read knowing they would be reading to a cute pup and wanting to get it ‘right’,” says La’Rae Slater, Assistant Center Director at Girls Inc. of Central Alabama. “The girls would consistently ask to read their provided books during class breaks so that they could be ready to go when it was time to read with their HIP Team. HIP has contributed to the girls’ growth in their ability to read, as well as in their confidence to read aloud to others.” With so many beneficial SSR visits happening virtually, Hand in Paw was in desperate need of new books to deliver to schools and Therapy Teams, so we started building a library on our campus! Your donations helped Hand in Paw once again by enabling us to transform our lunch nook into a library and fill the shelves with many new books across several reading levels! This library now houses the books needed for virtual SSR visits as well as the “pawtographed” books that are given to students who achieve their reading milestones. As we start planning to safely return to in-person visits, we are excited for more opportunities to use the HIP Library, including using the space as a field trip prospect for students and Therapy Teams to read together. Hand in Paw is so grateful for your ongoing support which continuously helps us grow, adapt, and accomplish our mission.
Virtual Mutt Strut Was A Success! Our first Virtual Mutt Strut is in the books! Huge thanks to every runner, supporter, sponsor, volunteer and junior board member who made this event possible! In total for 2020/2021 combined, we had nearly 500 runners sign up and raised over $53,000. These funds help Hand in Paw bring comfort and joy to people in need free of charge! Mutt Strut 2021 was presented by Veterinary Eye Care in Memory of Christopher Nelms. Thanks to Our Sponsors: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Alabama Graphics, Dog U, UAB Medicine, ABC 33/40, Hollywood Feed, Chick-fil-a Wildwood Centre Vestavia Hills, Bham Pets, Dog Days of Birmingham, Long-Lewis Ford Lincoln, Steel City Puppies, Over the Mountain Journal, Adams and Reese LLP, Creative Dog Training
