INSIDE: 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, PICASSO PETS, MUTT STRUT & MORE! • FALL 2026 MARGARET’S CORNER
Three Decades of Healing Connections
T
his year, Hand in Paw is celebrating something truly special: 30 years of improving human health and wellbeing through Animal-Assisted Therapy. Since 1996, thousands of lives have been touched by the simple but powerful connection between people and animals. A wagging tail in a hospital room. A gentle paw beside a child learning to read. A calm, comforting presence during a stressful day. These moments may seem small, but we know they can make all the difference. This spring, our community helped us celebrate that legacy in a big way at Mutt Strut. From the walkers and runners to the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, Junior Board members, and four-legged friends who joined us at Homewood Central Park, the day was a joyful reminder of what makes Hand in Paw so special. Every registration, donation, and sponsorship helped ensure that our professionally trained Therapy Teams can continue visiting hospitals, schools, senior communities, workplaces, and other Program Partners at no cost. And the celebration is far from over. On Saturday, Aug. 22, we will gather at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum for the 25th annual Picasso Pets gala.
This year’s theme, Wags to Riches, honors the rescue animals, beloved companions, artists, donors, volunteers, and community champions who help transform compassion into healing. It will be an unforgettable evening of art, auctions, dinner, Therapy Team appearances, and mission-centered celebration. As we look back on 30 years of impact, I am filled with gratitude. Gratitude for Beth Franklin, whose vision started it all. Gratitude for our volunteers, who give their time and hearts so generously. Gratitude for our Program Partners, donors, sponsors, and friends, who believe in the healing power of the human-animal bond. Most of all, I am grateful that this work continues because of you. Thank you for walking with us, celebrating with us, and helping us carry this mission into the next 30 years.
Hand in Paw’s signature gala returns Saturday, Aug. 22, for a milestone celebration you will not want to miss. The 25th annual Picasso Pets gala will take place at Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, bringing together art lovers, animal lovers, donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community champions for one unforgettable evening. The theme, Wags to Riches, is inspired by the Face of Picasso Pets, Ginger, who was a mixedbreed dog lovingly rescued by Ashley and Dr. Farrell Mendelsohn. (continued inside)
Save the Date!
With gratitude,
Margaret Stinnett Executive Director
Picasso Pets
August 22
Barktoberfest
October 16
Holiday Party
December 4