For employees at McLeod Software, one of Birmingham’s leading tech firms, stress relief doesn’t always come in the form of yoga or a meditation app. Sometimes, it walks in on four paws.
That’s the magic of Wags for Wellness, a restorative program created by Hand in Paw to bring comfort, joy, and healing to people in high-stress environments — including hospitals, fire stations, schools, and yes, even software companies.
“The moment that the Hand in Paw dogs step into our offices, you can feel the stress melt away,” says Meribeth Gilbert, Vice President of Human Resources at McLeod Software.
“Laughter echoes through the halls, and even the busiest teams pause to smile. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes a huge impact on our culture at McLeod.”
Originally launched in partnership with UAB Hospital, Wags for Wellness was designed to support frontline healthcare workers and first responders during the height of the pandemic. Since then, it has grown to include a wide range of workplaces where mental health support is more than a perk — it’s a necessity.
At McLeod Software, Wags for Wellness is more than a once-in-a-while event. It’s part of a broader commitment to well-being, connection, and community.
“Laughter echoes through the halls, and even the busiest teams pause to smile. It’s a simple gesture, but it makes a huge impact on our culture at McLeod.” —Meribeth Gilbert, Vice President of Human Resources at McLeod Software
—Meribeth Gilbert, Vice President of Human Resources at McLeod Software
Beyond opening their doors to Therapy Teams, McLeod backs their support with generous sponsorships for Hand in Paw events like Mutt Strut and Picasso Pets. Even their employees get in on the giving spirit — hosting creative fundraisers like a recent office-wide Chili Cookoff, with proceeds benefiting our programs.
“This is a partnership in the truest sense,” says Stephanie Stoltzner, Hand in Paw’s Volunteer & Programs Director. “We’re not just bringing therapy dogs to the office. We’re building a culture of care — one visit, one smile, one moment of relief at a time.”
The beauty of Wags for Wellness lies in its simplicity. A gentle nudge from a therapy dog. A wagging tail at the right moment. A pause in the day that becomes a breath of fresh air.
And the best part? Thanks to support from community-minded companies like McLeod, all Wags for Wellness visits are offered at no cost to the organizations we serve.
Bring Wags for Wellness to your workplace! Learn more at handinpaw.org/programs.
Learn More
Please enjoy the photos below from Wags for Wellness Visits with McLeod Software, one of Hand in Paw's fabulous Program Partners!
