Picasso Pets

Hand in Paw's Signature Event

Celebrating animals’ amazing ability to heal, help people have a brighter day, and realize their potential.

Picasso Pets 2024: Wild Woof West was a smashing success! The Faces of this year's Picasso Pets were Wrangler Duncan and the late, beloved therapy dog, Ryder, the pets of long-time Hand in Paw volunteers Tracy and Bob Duncan. Guests came to the gala decked out in country-western flair, including boots, cowboy hats, bolo ties, and belt buckles!

The evening started with a special VIP Experience with complimentary Tito’s Vodka signature cocktails, wine, beer, and appetizers before doors for the main event. The 325+ guests browsed a collection of silent auction items, which featured everything from a weekend getaway to Nashville to an assortment of Taylor Swift collector’s items.

Folks also enjoyed a Wild West-themed photo booth; a wine pull; this year’s Picasso Pets paintings; a Diamonds Direct blinky tree; and the opportunity to interact with Hand in Paw Therapy Teams. Later, guests were treated to a seated dinner, a live auction, and a fabulous program highlighting Hand in Paw's mission. Lisa McNair emceed the program and Bob Straka served as the auctioneer.

During the program, Hand in Paw presented the Tweety Lasker Award to the Birmingham VA Medical Center for exceptional collaboration with Hand in Paw in providing Animal-Assisted Therapy to their patients, patients’ families, and their staff. The Award is sponsored by Dr. Jim and Katie Lasker and named after their beloved late Greyhound, Tweety.

A new honor was also given out to a volunteer who achieved exceptional service during the prior year. Ronnie McBride, who has been a volunteer Therapy Team with his dog Kenzi, was given the Margaret Davis Service Award. The honor is named after former Hand in Paw board member and supporter Margaret Davis who passed away earlier this year. Davis was the founder of Creative Dog Training and a beloved advocate for dogs and Animal-Assisted Therapy.

Altogether, Picasso Pets raised more than $350,000 in support of Hand in Paw’s mission to improve human health and well-being through Animal-Assisted Therapy. Funds raised by the event help to ensure Hand in Paw’s programs remain free of charge to the community.