HIP Wrapped: Your 2024 Year in Review

TALES BLOG / HIP Wrapped: Your 2024 Year in Review

As 2024 draws to a close, we at Hand in Paw reflect on a year brimming with growth, compassion, and impactful service. Together with our dedicated volunteers and their incredible therapy animals, we’ve spread comfort, joy, and healing to countless individuals across our community.

Our Heartfelt Gratitude

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




2024 Wrapped

Volunteer Achievements and Program Impact

  • 6,000+ Volunteer Hours: Our dedicated volunteers showed unwavering commitment to our mission, contributing thousands of hours.
  • 122,000+ Therapeutic Interactions: Through the power of the human-animal bond, we provided healing and connection to countless lives.
  • 96 Program Partners: Collaborating with an inspiring array of partners, we extended our reach and deepened our impact within the community.
  • 100+ Therapy Teams and Visit Assistants: These incredible teams ensured every interaction was filled with professionalism, warmth, and care.

Bigger & Better Events

Mutt Strut

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.

23rd Annual Picasso Pets

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.