INSIDE: PICASSO PETS 2025, MUTT STRUT, WAGS FOR WELLNESS, THE PACK & MORE! • SUMMER 2025
Unleash Your Inner Su-paw Hero!
MARGARET’S CORNER
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oin us on Saturday, August 23, from 6–10 p.m. for the 24th Annual Picasso Pets: Paws of Valor at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum! This unforgettable evening blends art, heart, and a whole lot of heroism — where pets become painters, guests become champions, and every moment helps bring healing to thousands.
Nurses at DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa pose for a photo with Maggie.
Pawsitively Impacting Our Community: A Summer of Therapy & Growth
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ummer has officially arrived, and thanks to you, our Therapy Teams continue to spread healing, joy, and comfort across Central Alabama. From hospitals and schools to senior living centers and courtrooms, the demand for our free Animal-Assisted Therapy services continues to grow—and we’re answering the call. In 2024, Hand in Paw Therapy Teams made more than 6,400 therapeutic visits. That’s 6,400 moments of connection, calm, and care. And this year, we’re on track to surpass that milestone. None of this would be possible without your compassion and commitment. Thank you for believing in our mission and making this vital work possible. Looking ahead, I hope you’ll join us for our signature gala, Picasso Pets, on Saturday, August 23, at the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.
This year’s theme is Paws of Valor, a superhero-inspired celebration of the courage and kindness of our Therapy Teams. Picasso Pets 2025 is proudly presented by VPFunds, whose mission of uplifting the arts, animals, and people in need beautifully mirrors our own. Their support inspires our entire HIP family. We’re also thrilled to introduce this year’s Face of Picasso Pets: Boo Jolly, a gentle giant of a Newfoundland and beloved therapy partner to Dr. Joe Jolly. Boo’s super-sized presence and heart perfectly capture the spirit of the evening.
From original works of art created by Therapy Team pets and local artists to dazzling auctions, cocktails, and a mission-filled program, this is Hand in Paw’s biggest night of the year.
To learn more about the event or to get involved, visit picassopets.com, or reach out to me directly — I’d love to hear from you!
At its heart, Picasso Pets is a celebration of courage, connection, and creativity — and this year’s Paws of Valor theme shines a spotlight on the heroes — both human and furry — who make Hand in Paw’s work possible.
Wishing you a joyful, hope-filled summer,
Guests will enjoy:
Our thanks to
Margaret Stinnett Executive Director
• A VIP Experience with early art access, live music, and museum tours • A silent & live auction featuring exclusive items, trips, and local treasures (...continue reading inside)