Everything we do at Hand in Paw begins and ends with humble appreciation for our community.
Please watch this special howl-iday message from Stephanie and Olive expressing our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters and volunteers who help bring our mission to life. Your support is the cat's meow! 💛🐾🎁🎄
🎥 Watch here: Stephanie’s Thank You Video
Disco fever hit the streets as 700+ runners—and their furry companions—participated in our dog-friendly 5K and fun run. With nearly $60,000 raised, this family-friendly event featured live entertainment, a bustling Vendor Village, and plenty of groovy costumes. Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 5 for the 15th Annual Mutt Strut!
Click here for the Mutt Strut Photo Gallery.
Our “Wild Woof West”-themed gala, presented by VP Funds, brought together over 325 guests and raised an astounding $350,000 to support our programs. Highlights included vibrant auctions, the debut of stunning Picasso Pets paintings, and the prestigious Tweety Lasker Award, presented to the Birmingham VA Medical Center.
Click here for the Picasso Pets Photo Gallery.
Returning for the first time since 2022, this fan-favorite fall festival brought together 100+ attendees for a howling good time! Guests enjoyed craft beer from Cahaba Brewing, local vendors, festive costume contests, a photo booth, and the always-popular stein hoist competition.
Click here for the Barktoberfest Photo Gallery.
Margaret volunteers with her Therapy Dogs Lexi and Nova. They were honored for their exceptional service and dedication to our mission in the Tuscaloosa area.
Along with his Therapy Dog Macey, Paul was recognized for his outstanding contributions and commitment to enhancing the well-being of individuals across the Birmingham community.
Our Therapy Teams continue to shine bright, making headlines for their fantastic work in 2024. Here are just a few of the heartwarming stories that showcased their contributions:
This year, we bid a bittersweet farewell to Brittany Filby, our Director of Communications for six incredible years, as she stepped into a new role—motherhood. Brittany’s contributions were invaluable, and we wish her the very best.
We also welcomed Michael Hansen as our new Director of Communications. With nearly two decades of experience in communications and nonprofit leadership, Michael brings a passion for storytelling and animal-assisted therapy that will undoubtedly elevate our mission.
This Halloween, our staff got creative with a pumpkin decorating contest. Everyone’s artistic talents blew us away — check out the entries on Instagram and let us know your favorite!
As we gear up for 2025, we’re more determined than ever to expand our programs, forge new partnerships, and continue making a Pawsitive difference in our community. Our deepest gratitude goes to our volunteers, donors, program partners, and supporters who made 2024 an extraordinary year.
Stay connected with us through our Tales Blog and Paw Prints Newsletter for more stories and updates. Together, we look forward to another year of making a difference through the healing power of animal-assisted therapy.
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