TALES BLOG / 18 Years, 2,000 Hours and Countless Connections: Celebrating Becki Vance
For more than 18 years, Becki Vance has shared her time, compassion, and experience with Hand in Paw — serving alongside four Therapy Animals.
For more than 18 years, Becki Vance has been a familiar face at Hand in Paw — and an extraordinary ambassador for the power of Animal-Assisted Therapy.
Since beginning her journey with Hand in Paw, Becki has contributed more than 2,000 hours of service to our community. Along the way, she has volunteered with four Therapy Animals — three dogs and even a guinea pig — building a remarkable legacy of compassion, connection, and service.
Much of Becki’s volunteer work has centered on Sit, Stay Read!, Hand in Paw’s literacy-focused program. She and her Therapy Animals have made hundreds of visits over the years, including many at Girls Inc. and schools throughout Birmingham. Her Therapy Teams have also visited libraries, Girl Scout events, community gatherings, and older adults throughout our community.
And wherever Becki goes, she brings an unmistakable enthusiasm for the work. That enthusiasm is paired with the qualities that have made Becki such a trusted member of the Hand in Paw family: kindness, sincerity, empathy, encouragement, loyalty, and a genuine love for both people and animals.
Helping the Next Generation of Therapy Teams
Becki’s impact extends well beyond the visits she has made with her own Therapy Animals.
As one of Hand in Paw’s highly respected Therapy Team evaluators, Becki now helps other volunteers begin their own journeys. Evaluators play an important role in identifying Therapy Teams that are ready to serve and helping prospective teams understand what it takes to succeed in therapeutic settings.
For Becki, that also means sharing nearly two decades of experience.
She has become a mentor and role model for volunteers throughout the organization — offering guidance, encouragement, and a reassuring voice as new handlers and their animals prepare to serve their communities.
Whether she is evaluating a prospective Therapy Team, mentoring a new volunteer, representing Hand in Paw at a community event, or heading out on another visit, Becki has become one of the organization’s most dedicated ambassadors.
Honoring an Extraordinary Volunteer
At the 25th annual Picasso Pets in August, Hand in Paw had the opportunity to turn the spotlight on Becki.
In a surprise presentation, Stephanie Stoltzner, Hand in Paw’s Volunteer and Program Director, presented Becki with the the 2026 Margaret Davis Volunteer Service Award.
The award honors Margaret Jones Davis, a cherished Hand in Paw volunteer and advisor and the founder of Creative Dog Training. Established in 2024, the award recognizes a Hand in Paw volunteer whose compassion, dedication, and service reflect Margaret’s remarkable legacy.
Margaret’s sons, Conor and Damian Davis, continue that legacy through Creative Dog Training and the award created in her honor. At Picasso Pets, Conor joined Hand in Paw in recognizing Becki and presenting her with the award.
It was a fitting tribute to a volunteer who has spent more than 18 years giving her time, sharing her experience, and helping strengthen Hand in Paw.
More than 2,000 hours tell part of the story. Hundreds of visits tell another. But Becki’s legacy can also be found in the Therapy Teams she has encouraged, the volunteers she has mentored, and the countless people who have experienced a meaningful connection with one of her Therapy Animals.
We can think of few people who better embody the spirit of the Margaret Davis Volunteer Service Award.
Congratulations, Becki — and thank you for everything you have given to Hand in Paw and our community.
Join Becki and Our Volunteer Community
Becki’s story is more than 18 years in the making, but every Hand in Paw volunteer starts somewhere. Whether you’re interested in becoming a Therapy Team with your pet or supporting our mission without an animal, there are many ways to get involved.