INSIDE: GRATITUDE, BACK-TO-SCHOOL, NEW PARTNERS, UPCOMING EVENTS & MORE! • FALL 2025 MARGARET’S CORNER
Raise Your Steins: Barktoberfest is October 18!
Eight Years of Growth, Impact & Joy
I
say it every year, but it is so true — fall is my favorite season. The days grow shorter, the air feels crisp, and gratitude seems to come more easily. It’s the perfect time to take your dog for a walk and soak in the sunshine!
Hand in Paw wrapped up another summer filled with meaningful therapy visits from our all-volunteer Therapy Teams. Now it’s backto-school season, which means literacy visits through Sit, Stay, Read! as well as School’s Best Friend visits in Life Skills and Special Needs classrooms. With ongoing funding challenges in education, our work is more important than ever. And beyond schools, our Therapy Teams continue to bring comfort and joy to universities, hospitals, senior communities, businesses, courts, first responders, and community events. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for Picasso Pets. This year’s superhero theme — and the majestic presence of our Face of Picasso, Boo Jolly — made it unforgettable. Together, we raised vital funds to ensure our services remain free for those who need them most. We also celebrated the impact of our work at the Renal Care Center at Children’s of Alabama, where Katie and Dr. Jim Lasker presented the
Tweety Lasker Award. I encourage you to visit our website and watch the moving video featuring Therapy Team Paul and Macey— your generosity makes moments like this possible. Our special thanks to VP Funds — with the elevated virtues of Kindness, Consideration and Common Sense — for being our Presenting Sponsor four years in a row. Tito’s Vodka stood up for us once again as our Stage Sponsor. We are so very grateful for these partnerships. Thank you to all our sponsors for supporting our work in our community. You can help us too: Join The Pack with a recurring donation...just $10 a month makes a huge difference! This October marks my eighth year as Executive Director of Hand in Paw. It is an honor to serve alongside our dedicated staff, board, and incredible volunteers. More than ever, I believe in our mission: to improve human health and well-being through Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Margaret Stinnett Executive Director
Join Hand in Paw on Saturday, October 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Cahaba Brewing Company for Barktoberfest! This Oktoberfestinspired evening features costume contests for people and pets, a stein-hoist challenge, local vendors, and a festive photo booth. A suggested $30 donation unlocks entry into the fun, with all proceeds supporting Hand in Paw’s Animal-Assisted Therapy programs. Come raise a glass, show off your best costumes, and celebrate fall with friends, two- and four-legged alike! Buy tickets and get more information at handinpaw.org/bark2025.
Save the Date! Santa Paws
November 22
Giving Tuesday
December 2
Holiday Party
December 5
Mutt Strut
April 11
Picasso Pets
August 22