By Margaret Stinnett, Hand in Paw Executive Director
You already know that pets make wonderful companions. But here's something you might not know: spending time with them could literally save your heart.
A couple weeks ago, we hosted our annual photo shoot for the American Heart Association. It is a highlight of the year for many of us. Our therapy dogs donned their finest red accessories (with varying degrees of enthusiasm!) to support the AHA's Go Red campaign. It's a joyful reminder of a serious truth: heart disease remains one of the leading health threats for both men and women.
We join the American Heart Association in encouraging you to prioritize your heart health through balanced nutrition and regular exercise. And here's where your furry friend comes in: walking your dog isn't just exercise, it's medicine for the soul. After a demanding day, those quiet moments with your pet bring a peace that truly heals.
Not everyone can be a pet parent, and that's where Hand in Paw steps in. We bring the transformative power of therapy animals directly to those who need it most.
The science is compelling. Research shows that interacting with therapy animals triggers the same beneficial responses as spending time with your own pet, flooding your system with oxytocin, endorphins, and serotonin. These neurochemicals don't just make you feel good; they actively reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and yes, protect your heart health.
Animal-Assisted Therapy has been shown to:
This year marks a milestone: Hand in Paw is celebrating three decades of bringing healing through Animal-Assisted Therapy. We're more than a nonprofit — we're a community of animal lovers committed to making the world a kinder, healthier place.
There's a way to transform your love of animals into positive action:
Take your dog to group obedience classes. Socialize them with family, friends, and new faces. Bring them to Hand in Paw for screening. You could be our next certified Therapy Team. We'll train you to deliver professional Animal-Assisted Therapy, bringing healing to yourself at home and to others in the community. Click here to learn more.
If becoming a Therapy Team isn't right for you, consider making a donation. Your gift allows Hand in Paw to continue serving vulnerable members of our community at absolutely no cost to them. Giving truly does make your heart happy. Supporting an organization built on compassion fills it even fuller. Click here to donate online.
Doesn't that thought alone make your heart a little lighter?
This February, take care of your heart in every sense of the word. Whether you're walking your dog, volunteering as a Therapy Team, or supporting our work, you're part of a movement that heals our community, one wagging tail at a time. Learn more about Hand in Paw and how you can get involved.
