Hand in Paw is proud to announce a new partnership with Baptist Health, expanding access to our Animal-Assisted Therapy programs across Central Alabama. In August, we launched Wags for Wellness at Baptist Health Princeton Hospital, with plans to extend soon to the Brookwood and Shelby campuses.
Wags for Wellness is specially designed for high-stress workplaces — from hospitals and schools to fire stations, police departments, and corporate offices. In these demanding environments, a visit from a Hand in Paw Therapy Team can make all the difference. Therapy Animals help reduce stress, lift spirits, and create moments of calm that help employees recharge and reconnect with their purpose.
“Healthcare workers give so much of themselves,” said Stephanie Stoltzner, HIP’s Director of Volunteers and Programs. “Through this partnership, we are caring for the caregivers — with comfort, joy, and a little unconditional love.”
The response from staff at Baptist Health Princeton has been overwhelmingly positive. During pilot visits, employees have shared stories of relief and gratitude — how a few minutes with a Therapy Dog helped ease tension after a tough shift or brightened a difficult day. These small moments of connection are a powerful reminder that healing happens in many forms, often beginning with a simple wag of the tail.
With this new collaboration, Baptist Health joins more than 100 hospitals, schools, universities, and service organizations partnering with Hand in Paw to provide Animal-Assisted Therapy free of charge to those who need it most.
At Hand in Paw, we believe every workplace and community organization can benefit from the healing, comfort, and joy our Therapy Teams bring.
If you'd like your company or organization to become a HIP Program Partner and bring the healing power of Animal-Assisted Therapy to your team, click here, or contact Stephanie Stoltzner at stephanie@handinpaw.org to learn more.
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