The Golden News

Summer 2012

The official newsletter for Birmingham’s non-profit organization motivating people towards brighter days

The American Humane Association has chosen Hand in Paw to be a charity partner for the 2012 Hero Dog Awards. The Hero Dog Awards were created to celebrate the powerful relationships be-tween dogs and people and to serve as a catalyst to advance society’s understanding of the human-animal bond. Dogs are an invaluable part of our lives every day as companion animals, service and therapy animals, animal soldiers, police officers and first responders and emerging heroes. Vote for Hand in Paw’s very own Therapy Dog, Mike, and Hand in Paw could win up to $10,000!

If you saw Mike, you’d say to yourself, “What a pretty dog!” and move on. But once you know him, it’s his inner beauty that stands out. Mike’s story began when he was a tiny puppy whose breeders planned to euthanize him because he was deaf. Luckily, those plans were interrupted by Melan-nie Layne, who decided to adopt the playful blue merle puppy.

With the help of the Layne family, today, Mike rec-ognizes and responds with gusto to more than one hundred signs. His talents are put to good use as a registered therapy dog with Hand in Paw. While all therapy dogs serve human beings by lowering blood pressure and reducing pain and anxiety lev-els, Mike communicates with deaf children and adults in a unique way: their language is his lan-guage. Hearing people, too, form a special bond with Mike, whose steely blue eyes gaze intensely as he reads their body language or, with help from Mike or Melannie - their signs.

Although Mike hears nothing, he gives everything, understands everything, and radiates love and ac-ceptance to everyone he meets.

To vote for Mike and to support Hand in Paw, visit www.HeroDogAwards.org. You can vote daily through June 30, 2012.

Vote for Mike, Hand in Paw’s Very Own Therapy Dog!

Boyde and I had been working with a Pawsitive LivingTM group at Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center this past spring. On the first night, the boys came in and one boy physically did a big step back when he walked in the room and saw all the dogs. He was afraid of dogs and later told us that night the only reason he came was to help overcome his fear of dogs. He quickly bonded with Boy-de who was so laid back, sweet and non-threatening whatsoever! From then on, when this boy would come, he would seek Boyde out and come over and love on him. He later told us that in the past he

had a problem dealing with anger, but that now he thinks about Boyde when he gets upset and remembers how calm Boyde was and that it reminds him to stay calm and think before he speaks and not act out in anger. Wow. We were all so happy to hear that and it was great to see how he now trusted dogs and understood how they could be such good companions.

Boyde recently passed away, and I was so worried what it would do to this particular boy as so many of the people in his life had abandoned him. But it was a good teaching experience about how we have to handle loss throughout our lives and even though Boyde was gone, I was not and would still be coming for him. He is a great boy and Pawsitive LivingTM has definite-ly helped him experience the special bond humans and dogs can have. I feel very privileged to have been able to be a part of this boy’s life and all the boy’s lives at Glenwood through the Pawsitive LivingTM program. I really do think we are making a difference, one life at a time.- Cynthia OlssonHand in Paw Volunteer

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*Letter from the ED*Mutt Strut Highlights

*Teamwork*HIP Academy Helps

Students Read*Changes at HIP

*Ronald McDonald House*Volunteer Information

*12th Annual Picasso Pets*Paint with a Purpose

*Carol & Hannah*No More Bullies

*Monthly Giving Program*Thanks to Our Grantors

*Contributions*Important Dates

*Wish List

IN THIS ISSUE

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BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresidentClay Jones, CPAVice PresidentLisa ThompsonTreasurerDebra Linton, CPASecretarySheree York, PT, MS, PCSImmediate Past PresidentScott Grover MembersT.C. Branch, DVMMelinda CarterCindy Grant, DVMStephanie Hightower, MDDenise HoyleJoshua Klapow, PhDMatt LackeyCassie MooreJoy O’NealDouglas R. RohmJohn D. SaxonBeverly Virciglio, CPATina Willard

ADVISORY COUNCILChairpersonJennifer BuettnerMembersAlvin Atlas, DVMKelly A. BownesTimothy L. Colbert, DVMElizabeth Harbert CornayJames Cunningham, CPAC. Merrimon Epps IIIBeth A. FranklinIdie HastingsKen JacksonSusanne JonesSheryl KimerlingJames C. Lasker, MDBeth LeonardSandy LoganPhyllis McCombsJudy Merritt, PhDAllen MontgomeryJeff MorrisonSusan Nelms, DVMKate NicholsonClaire Peel, PT, PhDJoan Cain Pizitz, MDLisa Thompson SmithJoan StellingCarol H. StewartSandra H. StormAva D. Story, DSJPete Van PeltMary O. WierJerome B. Williams, DVMEXECUTIVE DIRECTORKitty TerryASSOCIATE DIRECTORLiz WilsonEXECUTIVE ASSISTANTLisa McNairDIRECTOR OF MARKETINGPaige StaylorDIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEERSKim CrenshawDATA ADMINISTRATIONVicki ShayADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTCarol Speed

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It was a day that truly went to the dogs! Hand in Paw hosted their 3rd Annual Mutt Strut: Dog Friendly 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run, Presented by Veterinary Eye Care. The event was held on a cloudy Saturday morning (perfect weather for our run-ners and dogs) at UAB’s Campus Green. From running the 5K, walking the 1 mile, listening to Birmingham Mountain Radio’s live braodcast, visiting local vendors, to watching Manners in Motion’s agility dogs, fun was had by all!

With more than 600 enthusiastic runners and walkers, 21 generous sponsors, and more than 300 energy-filled dogs, Hand in Paw raised over $20,000! This will help Hand in Paw’s Therapy Teams continue doing our important work in the community. Thanks to everyone who made this event beyond a success!

Mutt Strut Highlights

Thanks to our amazing top sponsors!

Title SponsorVeterinary Eye Care

Gold SponsorsModern Dog Magazine

My68Petco Foundation

The CW 21

Dog Friendly 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run

H A N D I N P A W ’ S T H I R D A N N U A L

4.21.12 UABCAMPUS GREEN

Presented by Veterinary Eye Care

Congrats to our 1st Place Winner with a dog, Christopher Calderon & Ginger.

Dear Friends of Hand in Paw,

We continue to be inspired by your ongoing support. We hope you are inspired by the work our incredible Therapy Teams are doing in our community.

We are all very much aware of the impact of the sluggish economy, which has in turn increased the need for contributions and financial support for a variety of worthwhile initiatives and programs.Hand in Paw is no different than any other non-profit with regards to our ongoing efforts to identifying available funding for our Animal-Assisted Therapy programs. The list of agencies, organizations and facilities requesting our services has expanded at an astonishing rate.

So, as you can see, even though the economic trend has been declining, the need for the work we do and services we provide has been on an upward spiral. There is no decline in the number of children with cancer, no fewer troubled youth, and no less need for our help in physical and occupa-tional therapy settings. All too often, tougher times can create a reduction in the quality and quantity of services provided by non-profit organizations, but Hand in Paw has continued to INCREASE the quality of our programs, improve the expertise of our staff and expand the degree of service pro-vided by our phenomenal volunteers.

At no time has Hand in Paw charged for its services; therefore, we are funded entirely through the generosity of donors, grant monies and proceeds from fundraising events. Because we are a 501(c)(3) organization, all contributions made to Hand in Paw are tax deductible.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Hand in Paw. The 12th Annual Picasso Pets is in August. This year a couple of our steadfast ambassadors, Carol and Rusty Stewart, will serve as Honorary Chairs and long-time supporter Beverly Virciglio will be our Sponsorship Chair. Picasso Pets is so much more than a good time; it’s a good time you can feel good about all year. Proceeds make up forty percent of Hand in Paw’s annual budget. Hand in Paw’s Monthly Giving Program of-fers a convenient way for you to support us throughout the year. You can make a donation in honor of or in memory of a special person or cherished pet.

We are committed to providing Animal-Assisted Therapy to each and every organization requesting our help. You can make that promise a reality.

Kitty Terry

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TEAMWORK with Ywonna & Kobe

Congratulations to our new Therapy Teams & Therapy Visit Assistants!

* Carolyn Adkins & Bubba * Frank Bainbridge * Philippa Bainbridge & Pippa * Laura Beasley & Audrey * Sonia Crist & Batman * Deek Cunningham * Les Currie * Clare Emily Clifford & Sipsey * Barbara Evans & Kramer * Jennifer Faulkner & Kinsey * Sarah Goodman * Sandy Hughes & Molly * Josh Klapow & Blue * Max Klapow & Blue * Leah LaGrone & Pink * Lynn Lowry & Natchez

We would like to extend a huge thank you and best wishes to our recently retired

Therapy Teams:* Carolina Endert and Barnabas

* Alicia Walters and Lucy* Lisa Wienhold and Tess

We extend our deepest sympathies in the losses of these Therapy Pets:

* Jay Bucki’s Maya* Judi Morris’s Fincher

* Lannie Newman’s Bun Bun*Cynthia Olsson’s Boyde

* Claire Peel’s Moses

Where/why did you get Kobe?My family brought Kobe into our home 5 years ago. My children were 13 and 15 at the time, and we all were in need of something to nurture and care for. Since having another baby was out of the question for me and my husband, we felt that the time was right to get a pet for the family. Little did we know how Kobe would enrich not only our lives but also the lives of our extended family.

In which programs do you serve? Kobe and I have been Hand in Paw volunteers since 2009 and we cur-rently serve in the Pawsitive Living and Sit,Stay,Read! programs.

Why did you think Kobe would be a good therapy dog? Shortly after Kobe became a part of our home, my dad was diagnosed with Lymphoma. When he began treatments, he would be very sick and lethargic. Kobe seemed to pick up on it and would be very attentive to my dad. He would often sit in his lap until he would start to smile and seem to feel better. Then Kobe would move on as if he had finished his task. He would do the same thing with us at home if we weren’t feeling well. I

thought it would be awesome to be able to help others by using his unique gift.

When Kobe isn’t being a therapy dog, what’s his favorite thing to do? When Kobe isn’t “working,” he enjoys playing tug of war with anyone that will oblige him. But he mostly loves to cuddle. Whenever we are sitting down, he usually will squeeze his little body between us or he will invite himself into our lap. It also doesn’t matter if there is anything in your lap (laptop, Bible, etc.) because he will just sit on top of it and make himself comfortable!

Have you had a visit that has been particularly memorable for you?At the end of Pawsitive Living, we get an opportunity to visit Episcopal Place which is an assisted living facility. Often the kids that are involved in the program have to be encouraged to share the things that they have learned; however, this particular visit, the boys were eager to share. As I listened to the things they shared, I was amazed! They seemed to have gained an awareness and appreciation of differences in people and also a new level of maturity. I was so thankful to have had a small part in that.

* Julie McDonald* Jody Otwell & Cooper* Ashley Parsons* Michele Pawlik & Cody* Carol Pierce & Hannah* Mariela Piola & Chance* Josh Randolph & Gus* Carol Ritter & CoCo* Pat Rivera & Outlaw* Ashley Ruth* Daniel Seigel & Kinsey* Lisa Sherrod & George* Linda Timpson* Olivia Timpson* Becki Vance & Disco* Jason Vice

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Hand in Paw first began working in the Hoover school system about seven years ago with the creation of the Fincher Adventure, a program designed for children whose second language was English. This program introduced vocabulary in combination with animal care and safety for several classes. Since that time, teams have been visiting at several Hoover elementa-ry schools in both ESL classes and preschool classes. This year we had a wonderful opportunity to expand our visits with the creation of the Academy classes at the new Brock’s Gap Intermediate School. The pur-pose of the Academy program is to provide fifth and sixth grade students with additional adventure and experience-based opportunities. The students are al-lowed to choose from many different classes led by Brock’s Gap faculty and staff. Students are encour-aged to look closely at their interests, strengths, weak-nesses and goals and choose academies they will enjoy, that will challenge them and that will help them grow. The Hand in Paw Academy provides students with opportunities to interact with Pet Partner teams to build confidence in their reading and writing skills.

HIP Academy Helps Students Learn

Our Hand in Paw team of four is thrilled to be working with the children each week. We have received excellent support and guidance from the teachers and school administration. We are providing a fun opportunity to practice reading and encouraging them to become not only good readers but to have a love of reading that will last a lifetime. As they read and talk with the team they develop additional confidence, are able to expand their vocabulary, experience good adult role models from people that cherish reading and know its’ importance for future success. The teams enjoy discussing the books and interests with each student and these discussions help develop comprehension skills. Animal care and safety as well as interesting stories about each dog are regularly shared. The children remain with the same team for several weeks and have built strong friendships with their team. The teams have worked hard to be there every week and as a re-

sult the children know they can depend on their new friends not only for fun but also for encouragement. With no test or grade to worry about we have seen the children relax and enjoy reading, a critical component of education. ESL teacher and faculty sponsor Melissa Summers says, “The Hand in Paw Acad-emy has provided a positive reading and learning experience and a chance for each student to improve academic skills and gain confidence. Working with the Pet Partner teams is a privilege and honor for students, and the sessions are

a bright spot in the week for everyone involved.” Recently each child created a piece of art by selecting words that described their HIP dog friends. The dogs “autographed” the painting to complete the work. As a way of thanking Hand in Paw each grade worked together with the dogs to create a painting to do-nate to Picasso Pets. Our teams arrive at the school just as the students arrive for the day. We are greeted each day with friendly smiles from all students and staff, many knowing the dogs by name. Being involved with the students and faculty at Brock’s Gap has been a wonderful experience for our team, one we hope to continue for many years to come.-Judi MorrisHand in Paw Therapy Team

“These children have giv-

en Rocco and me so much

joy. It has been a bless-

ing seeing them reach out

to the dogs, even if they

were afraid of them at

first.”

- Patti Stalhut

“It is so exciting to watch

their reading improve

with stronger voices, less

hesitation, more expres-

sion and best of all more

smiles as our sessions

progress.”- Tina Currie

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My dog Molly and I became Pet Partners with Hand in Paw in December 2011. Molly is a 2 ½ year old ½ Black Lab/ ½ Great Pyrenees mix and we adopted her when she was 4 months old. We started our

first Hand in Paw visits in January at one of the nursing homes but I was also looking for a second place to visit. When I heard Hand in Paw was going to start visiting the Ronald McDonald House I signed up right away.

Hand in Paw currently has 2 groups that visit the Ronald Mc-Donald House monthly on the first and third Wednesdays. We usually have 5 to 7 Pet Partners and 1 to 2 TVAs to help us. We visit with parents who have spent all day at the hospital with their sick or injured children. They come back to the house exhausted but when they see the Hand in Paw dogs they stop in to pet them and they get to relax for a few minutes. Some of the parents also like to take pictures of the dogs or collect our Pet Partners’ business cards to show their children the next day.

Since entire families come to stay at the Ronald McDonald House, we also get to visit with the siblings of children who are in the hospital. Many of these children have pets at home and they miss them very much. One boy on our last visit spent 20 minutes sitting with us just petting my dog and telling me about his dog at home. Perhaps the most rewarding visits are with the children being treated at Children’s Hospital and UAB. About 30% of the sick or injured children stay at the Ronald McDonald House with their families. They may come back from their treatment or therapy tired or unhappy but their faces light up when they see all the dogs gathered in one room. They love going from dog to dog, petting all the different ones, and the dogs love it too!

Through Hand in Paw the Pet Partners have been able to give the guests at the Ronald McDonald House, who are going through such difficult times, a reason to smile and something to look forward to every other week- and we look forward to the visits just as much as they do.

- Sandy Hughes & Molly Hand in Paw Therapy Team

Hand in Paw is pleased to announce the promo-tion of Liz Wilson from Programs Director to Associ-ate Director, as well as the hiring of a new Director of Volunteers, Kim Crenshaw.

Liz Wilson joined the Hand in Paw team in 2008. She is a native of Brewton, Alabama and a graduate of Bi rmingham-Southern College. Liz has ten years of experience working in the nonprofit human services sector, and is a

graduate of the Alabama Association of Nonprof-its’ 2011-2012 Nonprofit Executive Leadership In-stitute. She and her husband John share their home with two pugs, James and Kevin.

Kim Crenshaw moved to Birmingham in the fall of 2009 from Huntsville, Alabama, where she owned a prominent obe-dience training school for 12 years. She and her Golden Retriever, Missile, become an active Hand in Paw Therapy Team shortly thereafter. Missile is Kim’s fourth therapy dog. Kim began competing in obedience in the late 1980s and has been nationally ranked in both obedience and agility across all breeds with multiple dogs through the years. She is an AKC Agility judge, an AKC Rally Obedience Judge and an ASCA Obedi-ence Judge. It was a very natural fit for to become the Director of Volunteers given her background and experience. Her daughter Lauren, also a na-tionally ranked dog handler, is a rising senior at Auburn University.

Hand in Paw is very happy to see their staff grow-ing and developing, as their Animal-Assisted Ther-apy services have been more in demand than ever. There are currently more than 80 agencies await-ing our free-of-charge services, and with the promo-tion and hiring of Wilson and Crenshaw, we will be able to serve more people in the community.

HIP is Growing & Developing

New Community

Partner

Birmingham RMH Facts:The Birmingham Ronald McDonald House (RMH) opened in 1979 and was the 5th RMH world-wide. They have a maximum capacity for 41 families or approximately 100 indi-vidual guests. Over 33,000 fami-lies have stayed at the Birmingham RMH since 1979.

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Hand in Paw is growing! We are adding new volunteers, new teams with pets, and logging more visits in more places than ever before. As a part of our growth, we are expanding our training and testing team in order to offer more classes and more opportunities for volunteers to get started, trained and fielded with Hand in Paw. We are also looking for more great dogs and handlers to join us. Our Fall schedule is listed on the website, and we hope to add even more dates as we get closer.

Becoming a Hand in Paw team is a rewarding way to serve others, but it is not an “easy” thing to do and requires much more than just a friendly dog. All prospective teams will have already had obedience training and should be able to perform basic obedience commands in a distracting environment.

Could your dog be a therapy dog? If you can answer “yes” to most of the questions below, we want to talk to you about joining us! • Do you think your pet would enjoy interacting with children of various ages? • Does your pet accept vigorous petting and touching of the ears, feet, tail and mouth by strangers? • Does your pet accept a stranger putting their arms around it in a full body hug? • When in a group of people, does your pet engage with others without clinging to you or hiding behind you? • Have you and your pet completed a basic obedience class?

Hand in Paw dogs: • Demonstrate good basic obedience skills: Walk nicely on a leash, come when called, sit and down on com- mand, stay when asked, do not jump up on people and do not “mouth” people or their leads. • Enjoy meeting strangers, and are not shy. • Are not afraid of other dogs, nor are they aggressive. They are more interested in being petted by the people they are visiting than they are in playing with the other dogs in the group. • Are not afraid of moving equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or other unusual objects or loud noises. • Are controllable, even in situations that are somewhat chaotic, like in a park with children playing, or in a gym nasium full of loud elementary school students.

On the way to becoming a Hand in Paw team, handlers will: • Commit to completing the training process and also commit to serving regularly for two years as a Hand in Paw team • Attend a 2 hour orientation class known as “HIP 101” • Participate in a temperament screening with their dogs • Complete two shadow visits to observe Hand in Paw in action • Attend the 8 hour Pet Partner workshop • Complete two more shadow visits after attending the work shop • Complete the open-book Pet Partner test and various adminis- trative documents and a background check • Pass the Pet Partner Evaluation with their dogs • Attend a 3 hour Hand in Paw class • Attend orientations, if any, for the facilities they wish to visit

If you think you and your pet would like to be a part of the great services that Hand in Paw provides, please contact our Director of Volunteers, Kim Crenshaw, at kim@handinpaw.org or call 205-322-5144 ext 155.

Want to be a HIP team?

1 2 T H A N N U A L P I C A S S O P E T SWhat 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 accom-panied by a silent auction. Over the past 11 years, the artwork has evolved from what you could call “abstract,” to extror-dinary masterpieces. All the proceeds from our event pour right back into our amazing organization, and back to our mission, improving people’s health and well-being.

When: August 18th

Time: 5:30pm-9:30pm Where: Cahaba Grand Conference Center

Tickets: www.PicassoPets.com

The Evening’s EventsOnce you enter the Cahaba Grand Conference Center and walk up the grand staircase, you will embark on one of the greatest nights you could imagine. Guests will have the opportunity to browse our silent auction comprised of more than 100 items and packages, while enjoying an open bar and music by jazz band, Soul Therapy. Halfway through the evening the silent auction will come to a close and there will be a seated dinner followed by the live auction. There will be 25 live auction items including the pet paintings, vacations, and items that you will not find anywhere else but the Picasso Pets auction! Presentations will be made by 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 directly to Hand in Paw’s programs. One will not leave this spectacular event without being overwhelmed by how

much good Hand in Paw does in our community.

Become a SponsorWant to get great PR and recognition in the com-munity 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 re-ceive tickets to the event with VIP seating. No mat-ter what level you want 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.

Claire

Henry

Bronco

Haley

Paws on the PatioEvery Tuesday in July, from 5pm-close, Rojo will be donating 10% of their proceeds to HIP. You will also be able to purchase Picasso Pets tickets at a great discount (buy one get one free!), as well as commemorative posters and t-shirts. Of course, bring your furry friend to enjoy a nice lazy evening with us at Rojo!

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Hannah is 12 years old, so we got a late start. Now that we are in it, I wish we would have started years ago! I am a former nurse who now works as a patient financial counselor at an oncology office. Once I started work-ing with cancer patients, I saw how one little thing or visit from someone, or words of encouragement, meant to someone suffering with such a horrible disease. They need all the support we can give them. So with my experience, I was used to being around patients and their struggles.

Hannah ironically is also a cancer sur-vivor. She has a digit on her right paw that was taken off 4 or 5 years ago and my wonderful vet caught it early. Because of that, she is still here with us and doing well. One day I would like to be able to visit with the kids at the UAB Cancer Center and show them Hannah's paw and missing digit, so they will know not to give up, as if to say, "see, Hannah had cancer, and you can get through this too.” Right now, we are starting out by visiting at

several of the nursing homes and retire-ment homes, St. Martin’s in the Pines and Fair Haven. We are due to start visiting at the Ronald McDonald House next month. It is truly the most reward-

ing thing I (we) have ever done. When you see someone smile and watch their face light up when they see us, or make them laugh, and to know that you helped make their day brighter,

well, that means EVERYTHING and we are so blessed to have the oppor-tunity to make some sort of difference in their lives, however small.

Hannah is a Border Collie/Aussie mix. She has a beautiful blue eye and a beautiful brown eye, and that is al-ways the topic of conversation, espe-cially at the nursing homes. This year Hannah turns 13. Who knows how much time is left, but the important thing is to use each time and visit wisely and focus on what we can still do now. When I put her bright yellow Hand in Paw bandana around her neck, it's as if she instantly knows where she is going and what she needs to do. It is amazing to watch. I believe this is our calling, mine and Hannah's, to make a small difference in someone's life, and we will continue to visit and spread as much joy and encourage-ment as possible, for as long as we can. And thanks to Hand in Paw, we have that opportunity.-Carol Pierce & HannahHand in Paw Therapy Team

Carol & Hannah

PAINTWITH APURPOSE

Renowned Birmingham artist Thomas Andrew and Hand in Paw have partnered to Paint with a Purpose!

Two days each month, Andrew will open his studio in downtown Homewood to people who want to paint, socialize, and have fun for a cause. Participants will walk away with a beautiful painting that they created. This is not a “follow-along, everyone paints the same picture” format. When you arrive at the studio,you will choose from 10 images to paint. The image you choose will be transferred onto your canvas. That day you will designate an organization of your choice, and fifty percent (50%) of the profit from the participation fee as well as twenty-five percent (25%) of any artwork sold that day will go to that charity.

The cost is $50 per person. This includes your canvas, paints, brushes, snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and instruction. Each participant will also receive an angel art card by Thomas Andrew and will be included in a raffle for a door prize. The sessions are limited to 28 artists.

To make reservations for yourself or a group of friends, email Thomas Andrew at mbrook21@aol.com. For more information about Paint with a Purpose, go to www.paintwithapurpose.com, and to learn more about Thomas Andrew, visit his website at www.thomasandrewart.com.

The Monthly Giving Program offers a convenient way for you to support Hand in Paw throughout the year. Each month your gift will be transferred electronically from your check-ing acount (EFT) or charged to your credit or debit card. You may change your gift amount or payment method, or cancel your participation, by contact-ing us anytime.If you would like to make a recurring gift to Hand in Paw and help our Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams continue to serve our community, visit our website at HandinPaw.org, or complete the form on the back of this card and mail it to:

Hand in Paw1912 14th Avenue SouthBirmingham, AL 35205

Give!Hand in Paw’s

Monthly Giving Program

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Hand in Paw partnered this spring with Big Brothers Big Sis-ters of Greater Birmingham and The Greater Birmingham Humane Society to present No More Bullies, a 6-week humane education program incorporating the expertise of professional educators, counselors, and animal behavior-ists. The curriculum combines character education with a strong anti-violence message. As we know, but sometimes need to be reminded, bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among children and young adults that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Both kids who are bullied and who bully others may have serious and lasting physical, school, and mental health is-sues. Hand in Paw wanted to address this serious and pressing matter, and was honored to offer a program of this magnitude for the first time.

No More Bullies was created by Wayside Waifs, and aims to prevent violence and bullying in schools and households by teaching students life skills through humane education. The program covered topics such as respect, integrity, compassion, pet safety, responsibility, and self-control. No More Bullies was held at the Greater Birming-ham Humane Society and offered to the “Bigs” and “Lit-tles” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Hand in Paw presented the curriculum with help from our Animal-Assisted Therapy Teams and Facilitator, Amanda Carmichael.

Hand in Paw Executive Director, Kitty Terry, commented on the effectiveness of humane education. “Hand in Paw’s Pawsitive LivingTM program has been teaching compas-sion and anger management to at-risk children and youth through Animal-Assisted Therapy for more than a decade. We are so pleased to expand our partnerships with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters through the No More Bullies program. Our Pet Part-ners often serve as the bridge of communication needed to help the children stay focused and understand the mes-sage of empathy and respect.”

No More Bullies

AUTHORIZATION AGREEMENT FOR MONTHLY GIFTS TO

HAND IN PAWI support Hand in Paw and want to make a monthly recurring charitable gift of:

$10.00 - Sponsors a reluctant young reader in our Sit, Stay, Read! program.$25.00 - Sponsors one group session at our powerful Pawsitive LivingTM program.$50.00 - Sponsors one week’s worth of visits to patients undergoing cancer treatments.$100.00 - Sponsors one new trained Therapy Team in the field.

Billing Address:Name(s):

Address:

City: State: Zip:

Email:

Phone:

My payment preference:Checking Account (EFT)I authorize Hand in Paw to initiate monthly electronic fund transfers from my checking account each month on the ____ day of the month (fill in your preferred day of the month) or the following business day. I have enclosed a voided check from that account.

Credit CardI authorize Hand in Paw to bill my credit card ac-count each month on the ____ day of the month (fill in your preferred day of the month) or the following business day.

Credit Card #: ____________________Card Type: _______ Exp. Date:______

Signature:__________________ Date: _______

Thanks forChanging Lives!

Other:___________

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# Many Thanks to Our Recent Grantors and Giving Programs!

Without the support of our generous grantors and giving programs, Hand in Paw would not be able to serve the community like we do. Thank you to these groups for mak-ing our mission possible.

Harry B. and Jane H. Brock FoundationNelson and Charleen Kemp Foundation

DanielFoundation of Alabama

Hill CrestFoundation

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Hand in Paw ContributionsFrom October 1, 2011 through April 30, 2012

-Acme Building Supply for Lilianna Thompson-Baer, Dianne for Volunteers at St. Martin’s As-sisted Living-Bainbridge, Frank and Philippa for Kathy De-Lucas-Barbee, Evelyn for Alabama Psychiatric Ser-vices-Brown, Glenna for Kim Roberts with thanks for care of LB Kitty-Clayton, Barbara J. for Sandy Hughes and Molly-Coburn, Derek and Danielle for Judy Merritt-Cooper, Lee and Joy for Eric Egea-Cox, Thomas and Elizabeth for Melannie and Jeff Layne-Culver, Cynthia L. for Judy Merritt-Cureton, Judi for Cary and Sassy-Denniston, Mike and Christine for Susan Nelms-Draper, Stewart and Sarah for Carol and Jerry Speed-Elliott, Benjamin W. for Jan and Steve Hill-Ferris, Mike and Kathy for Sharkey Williams-Franklin, Beth for Mary Phillips and Mariela Piola-Grant, Mitch and Sherry for Pam and Phillip Hardin and Virginia Scully-Green, Janie H. for Patti Stahlhut-Harkins, Clay for Jack and Susie Baynes, Hank and Lucy Hartman, and Hannah Williams-Harris, Patricia A. for Judy Merritt-Hilliard, Elbert and Claire for Lee Michelle Hill-iard on her March 10th Birthday-Hinman, Marty for Dr. Claire Peel-Hutchins, Thomas and Elizabeth for Debra Lin-ton and Beverly Virciglio-Kimerling, Jon and Sheryl for Lynn and Benny LaRussa-King, Anne for Kitty Terry and Rebecca Wil-liams-Knowlton, Kay for Tracey Lathem-Lee, Ms. Barbara J. for Tracey Lathem-Lewis, Feldman, Lehane & McAtee, LLC for Antony Mitchell, Dwight Smith, Mary Traylor, Patrick Higginbotham for Nana Gay, Patty Tice-McCombs, Phyllis for Vicki Shay and Buddy-Morris, Mr. & Mrs. David for Bella, Prince, Rocco, and Rosie-Munroe, Kim for Joy Dorn and Dixie-Parker, Robert and Sandy for Sadie Parker-Perry, Janet for HIP volunteers that serve Kirk-wood by the River-Robinson, Darryl G. for Judy Merritt-Saad, Greg and Jamie for Tina Currie-Sanders, M.E. & B.C. for Judy Merritt-Shay, Mr. & Mrs. Harold for Buddy Shay and

HIP Volunteers-Stephens, Craig and Jenna for Debra Linton and Beverly Virciglio-Terry, Kitty for Jane Longshore-Van Pelt, Pete and Sherri for Beth Franklin-Ward, Cathy for Cash Ward-Watson, Lynn for Phyllis and Joan-Watson, Mary Frost for Judy Merritt-Wood, Carolyn for Barbara Lee and Kathryn C. Knowlton

-Animal Rehabilitation and Fitness Clinic for Griffin, Hanna, Phischer Chandler, and Rusty-Atlas, Alvin and Jill for Boyde, Fincher, and Moses-Brannan, Tommy and Karen for Bo Crenshaw-Briggs, Dick for Susan Briggs and Katie-Brown, Glenna for Lucy Phillips-Busby, Paul and Joanne for Patsy Gant-Dunnam, James and Donna for Mr. & Mrs. James Jordan-Gillespy, Sharp and Louise for Muffin-Hardie, John and Adrienne for Colton Evans -Hardin, Joy A. for Tootsie and Toby-Hattaway, James L. for Prissy-Hawkins, Don and Gayle for Austin Bragg and Mr. Eldon Rushing-Henling, Dr. Colleen for Heidi Richardson-Hodges, Mike and Laura for Buck and Jake-Hofman, Constantin and Jan for Moses Peel-Johnson, Phillip and Mandy for Harry McGee, Alfie, Harley, and Lola-Josof, Louis and Wadia for Poppy Rookis-LaGrone, Charles and Leah for Bill Harris-Leonard, Dennis and Beth for Fincher Morris-Little, Margie for Chuck Little-MacKay, Rick and Barrett for Lily-Martin, Vickie for Prissy Huey-May, Cheryl and David for Kali-McGrady, Diane for Annie-McKie, Peggy for Jake Massey-Morris, Mr. & Mrs. David for Fincher and Mo-ses-Otwell, Carey and Jody for Kilo-Parsons, RG and Mary for Maggie-Patton, Jowane for Moses-Peel, Claire for Wally Brown-Piola, Mariela for James Shay and Moses Peel-Porter, Donna and Bill for Pepper Porter-Post, Jane and Troy for Mannie-Punch, John and Jaquetta for Mary Elizabeth Webb-Ratliff, Ocia A. for Colton Evans -Robertson, Ann for Fred Fisher-Schaffer, Harriet for Reuben Schaffer, beloved

shepherd-Scriven, Peter and Lesley for Boyde-Slappey Jr., Donald and Patti for Lacey -Rod-dam, Maggie Dudley, Rudy Caldwell-Spruill, Ms. Gloria for Sophie West-Standifer Animal Clinic for Mrs. Amanda Adaire’s Scout, Mrs. Melanie Atha’s Monroe, Mrs. Kaki Blanton’s Sonny, Michael Bowen’s Charco, Mrs. Carolyn Braswell’s Arthur, Chris-tine Byrd’s Babo, Mrs. Kerry Caines’s Reese, Mrs. Penny Cook’s BooBoo, Denise Cosby’s Wizzer, Mr. David Cullifer’s Bridgette, Mr. Andy Cunningham’s Emma, Beth Curington’s Mattie, Mr. Jeremy Duck’s Deacon, Mrs. Emily Elliott’s Lil Bit, Mrs. Faye Ellis’s Bridgette, Mrs. Suzanna Endsley’s Simon, Mrs. Emily Flack’s Skylar, Mrs. Tonya Formby’s Molly, Mrs. Anne Graham’s Sam, Allen Halpern’s Brutus, Mrs. Carolyn Harvill’s Merlin, Mrs. G. Henderson’s Simon, Mrs. Jennifer Hieftje’s Lulu, Judy Hor-ton’s Jordan, Mrs. Gudrun Jacobsen’s Louise, Mrs. Claudia Johnson’s Laci, Mrs. H. Johnson’s Scooter, Mr. Robert Kerr’s Shelby, Mrs. Barbara Lampkin’s Sam, Mrs. Karli Larussa’s Bob, The Lowell Family’s Skylar, Nicole Massie’s Lucy, Mrs. Lucy Money’s Samantha, Mr. Douglas Morgan’s Gussy, Mr. Joe Morgan’s Paddy, Mr. Bobby Pits’s Emma, Mr. & Mrs. Price’s Bootie, Mrs. Sherri Ragsdale’s Oompie, Mrs. Daphne Ratcliff’s Dooley, The Reese Family’s Lola, Mrs. Paula Reid’s Squiggy, Mrs. Grace Roberts’s Gloria, Mr. Don Robertson’s Curly, Michael Seller’s Nelly, Mr. Mike Shands’s Chloe, Sam Sicola’s Spakles, Mr. Glenn Sinichko’s Basil, Mrs. April Sission’s Babb, Mrs. Carolyn Smith’s Zeke, S.W. Smyer’s Millie, Diane Uhrine’s Scout, Terri Webb’s Amos, Mr. & Mrs. Weber’s Griffin, Mrs. Michelle Wheatley’s Cindy, Kay Wheless’s Marmie, Mrs. Susan Wiley’s Noah, Mrs. Jennifer Williams’s Shelby, Mr. John M. Williams’s Dixie Darlin, Mrs. Suzanna Wright’s Max-Stimpson, David and Bonnie for Jake and Petzl Burton-Taylor, Don and Kathryn for Virginia Oates Shaw-Thompson, Jerry and Linda for Baby, precious kitty of Julie Baird Williams-Tipton, Art and Katie for Maggie Hill and Molly-Vogtle Laura, for Moses-Wagnon, Bonner for Gabi the Wonder Dog-Ward, Cathy for Katie-Watson, Lynn for Huck McGriff-Weaver, Patricia G. for Fincher Morris-Wilkinson, Patti and Charles for Diane Savage and Prince-Yearout, Gusty and Laurie for Lily-YWCA Sit Stay Read Volunteers for Bun Bun

In Honor Gifts

In Memory Gifts

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

Important HIP DatesJuly 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, & 31st- Paws on the Patio- Every Tuesday in July, from 5pm-close, Rojo will donate 10% of their proceeds to HIP. You will also be able to purchase Picasso Pets tickets at a great discount (buy one get one free!), as well as commemorative posters and t-shirts.

July 26th- Pepper Place Farmer’s Market- Come visit the Hand in Paw booth and enjoy a relaxing Saturday in downtown Birmingham!

August 1st- CPK FUNdraiser- Giving won’t just feel good, it will taste good too! Eat at California Pizza Kitchen at The Summit on August 1st 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 18th- 12th Annual Picasso Pets- Join us for our largest annual fundraiser, with a silent auction, live auction, seated dinner, and more! For more information check out www.PicassoPets.com.

September 10th & 12th- 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 kim@handinpaw.org.

• Printer ink• Forever stamps• Paper towels and toilet paper• Two-pocket folders• Hand sanitizer (travel size)• Gift cards to Walmart, Sam’s, Lowes, or Office Depot• White computer paper• Clear storage containers of varying sizes• Computer monitor• File cabinets

Are you looking for small ways to support what hap-pens at the Hand in Paw office? Here is a list of items the we need. We will gladly accept any of the following: