Home | What We Do | How to Help | Volunteer Opportunities | Photos Therapy Teams at Work | Memorials | Leadership | So HIP Young Patrons Council | Links - In order by last name, choose a letter - A - D    E - H    I - L    M - P    Q - T    U - Z Kelli Agnew / Jill Atlas / Lynn Bledsoe / Jenny Boswell / Jo Dee Bucki Sarah Campbell / Tracey Carter / Kathy Cross / Betsy and Joy Dorn Dana Dowdle Kelli Agnew & Asher Although Sit, Stay, Read! is my favorite Hand-in-Paw program, one of my most memorable visits was to the Evergreen unit at St. Martin’s Nursing Home. A lady we had seen frequently usually sat in her chair, showing no emotions whatsoever. This particular day, when she saw Asher, her hand went out to pet him and she began to giggle. Watching her enjoy this time with my cat made it so worthwhile! TOP Jill Atlas, Hallie and Jake On our first visit, I took Hallie to the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Baptist Montclair. The teenagers gathered around, petting the dogs, but I noticed one girl in particular was spending time with Hallie, talking to her, me and the other kids. One of the boys looked over at her after awhile and said, "This is the most you've talked in the three weeks you've been here!" That was just so heartwarming, and made me realize just what wonderful things these animals could do for people. TOP Lynn Bledsoe & Sandra Dee Lynn Bledsoe and her poodle, Sandra Dee, visit Hall-Kent Elementary School every week for Sit, Stay, Read! sessions. On Sandra’s weekly visit to the media center, she reads with 2 students who need help with their reading in a non-threatening environment. The response of the children has been tremendous, according to Norma Harmon, Media Specialist at the school. She says, “The kids work diligently to prepare their book for Sandra to hear, and when they complete reading it – their expressions speak volumes. Their success is evident.” TOP TOP Jenni Boswell, Sakeri and Drumm Jenni Boswell has been an active HIP volunteer with 7 of the beautiful, large dogs she owns: Biz, Dynasty, Misha, Charlie, Crash, Drumm, and Sakeri. Currently, two of her dogs are Pet Partners. They are Sakeri, a Saluki, and Drumm, a Borzoi. Because of their size, Jenni’s dogs always attract attention and their gentle natures always win over the children and adults she visits. She visits many of HIP’s facilities, and is also a Canine Ambassador at University Hospital. Some highlights of her therapy visits: “One of my favorite therapy visits was with a little boy at United Cerebral Palsy who, by holding onto Crash's collar, walked about 10 feet -- the first steps he had ever taken in his life. Another little boy at Children's Hospital, who eventually lost his battle with cancer, would pet Biz for half an hour at each visit, telling the dog all about his life since he last visited.” Jenni actively participates in finding loving homes for greyhounds after they retire from racing. TOP Jo Dee Bucki & Maya My visits to United Cerebral Palsy are an inspiration for me as I work with my Pet Partner®, Maya. During our visits along with other teams, a little girl refused to enter the room where the dogs were. Each month she inched a little closer with her wheelchair. Eventually she made her way into the room. She still didn't touch the dogs. Finally she gathered up her courage and came over to pet one of the dogs. Her confidence has grown so much that today she even wants to take the leash and walk the dogs. Maya was awarded the 2005 Willow Award from the Board of Directors of the American Whippet Club in recognition of her work with Hand-in-Paw. The national award is given to a whippet performing exemplary animal-assisted therapy work. The award is named for Willow, the only whippet in history to receive the coveted AKC Award for Canine Excellence for her intense work as a therapy dog. Jo Dee and Maya are pictured with Josiane (right), a retired Pet Partner®. TOP Sarah Campbell and Buddy Each week during Pawsitive Living sessions different issues are addressed, with the addition of one important ingredient lots of fun! With HIP animals the young participants begin to experience the unconditional love and acceptance most have never known. You see youth who are starving for love, acceptance and positive relationships gradually respond to smiling, friendly volunteers and their animal partners those furry, loving life changers! TOP Tracey Carter & Bojangles Tracey and Bojangles represent one of the cat therapy teams who work with HIP. Although the dogs are far more common, some of those we visit are intimidated by dogs and they may enjoy the quiet presence of a cat. There is also the popular perception that cats are more discriminating toward whom they show affection, which may be why so many people feel honored when our felines cuddle up with them. TOP Kathy Cross & Gypsy Rose The thing I like best about being a Pet Partner is being able to share Gypsy's love and understanding with others. At the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, we recently met little Cameron, his mother and aunt. As soon as he saw Gypsy he started holding out his hands and calling, “Doggie, Doggie!” They bonded almost instantly. When Cameron went to his treatment room, he walked Gypsy back with him. Unfortunately, he started crying in the treatment room, and Gypsy was then able to comfort his aunt. She picked Gypsy up and held her close as she had to stand by and hear Cammie cry. When his treatment was over, we went with Dr. Joe and Jerry back to Cameron’s wake up room and Gypsy got right on the bed for him to hold while trying to get his sea legs back. As he woke up, he laid his little head on her back. It was so moving. It made my day! TOP Betsy and Joy Dorn, Gabby & Izzy This mother and daughter team both work with Gabby visiting a variety of facilities. Betsy visits at nursing homes and Children’s Hospital. Joy goes to the Comprehensive Cancer Center and works with Pawsitive Living. She reports that during Pawsitive Living sessions she sees boys from difficult backgrounds transformed into a happy, playful group able to relax and enjoy being with the dogs. At the Cancer Center, she says, “I feel so blessed to be able to share my precious dog with others and hopefully bring happiness to their day. I have been touched by the brave children and their families at the Cancer Center. We walk the children to the treatment room and they know Gabby and I are waiting outside and will be there to walk them out or help them wake up if they are sedated.” At the nursing home, Betsy has experienced the joy of working with senior adults. Both Joy and Betsy say Gabby is excited to go to each facility to do her therapy work. TOP Dana Dowdle & Jelly Bean Dana Dowdle and Jelly Bean constitute HIP’s first therapy team that includes a miniature horse. He is one of 10 miniatures that Dana and her brother own on their farm in St. Clair County. Dana has a special place in her heart for visiting nursing homes and Children’s Hospital. She and her husband, Ron, lost their daughter Mandy to cystic fibrosis years ago. They know the stress of long nights and days at Children’s Hospital from personal experience. More recently, Dana’s mother passed away after being in a nursing home, and according to Dana, “My daughter and mother would have loved to have had a horse walk into their rooms wearing tennis shoes and a hat.” Dana, Ron and Jelly Bean hope to visit as many facilities as possible to make people happy – even if just for a minute. TOP TOP Hand-In-Paw is an affiliate of Delta Society® Pet Partners®

About HIP | How to Help | Happenings | Newsletters & Articles | Links | Volunteer Opportunities | Therapists at Work | Memorials | Leadership | Email | Home - In order by last name, choose a letter - A - D    E - H    I - L    M - P    Q - T    U - Z Kelli Agnew / Jill Atlas / Lynn Bledsoe / Jenny Boswell / Jo Dee Bucki Sarah Campbell / Tracey Carter / Kathy Cross / Betsy and Joy Dorn Dana Dowdle Kelli Agnew & Asher Although Sit, Stay, Read! is my favorite Hand-in-Paw program, one of my most memorable visits was to the Evergreen unit at St. Martin’s Nursing Home. A lady we had seen frequently usually sat in her chair, showing no emotions whatsoever. This particular day, when she saw Asher, her hand went out to pet him and she began to giggle. Watching her enjoy this time with my cat made it so worthwhile! TOP Jill Atlas, Hallie and Jake On our first visit, I took Hallie to the Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at Baptist Montclair. The teenagers gathered around, petting the dogs, but I noticed one girl in particular was spending time with Hallie, talking to her, me and the other kids. One of the boys looked over at her after awhile and said, "This is the most you've talked in the three weeks you've been here!" That was just so heartwarming, and made me realize just what wonderful things these animals could do for people. TOP Lynn Bledsoe & Sandra Dee Lynn Bledsoe and her poodle, Sandra Dee, visit Hall-Kent Elementary School every week for Sit, Stay, Read! sessions. On Sandra’s weekly visit to the media center, she reads with 2 students who need help with their reading in a non-threatening environment. The response of the children has been tremendous, according to Norma Harmon, Media Specialist at the school. She says, “The kids work diligently to prepare their book for Sandra to hear, and when they complete reading it – their expressions speak volumes. Their success is evident.” TOP TOP Jenni Boswell, Sakeri and Drumm Jenni Boswell has been an active HIP volunteer with 7 of the beautiful, large dogs she owns: Biz, Dynasty, Misha, Charlie, Crash, Drumm, and Sakeri. Currently, two of her dogs are Pet Partners. They are Sakeri, a Saluki, and Drumm, a Borzoi. Because of their size, Jenni’s dogs always attract attention and their gentle natures always win over the children and adults she visits. She visits many of HIP’s facilities, and is also a Canine Ambassador at University Hospital. Some highlights of her therapy visits: “One of my favorite therapy visits was with a little boy at United Cerebral Palsy who, by holding onto Crash's collar, walked about 10 feet -- the first steps he had ever taken in his life. Another little boy at Children's Hospital, who eventually lost his battle with cancer, would pet Biz for half an hour at each visit, telling the dog all about his life since he last visited.” Jenni actively participates in finding loving homes for greyhounds after they retire from racing. TOP Jo Dee Bucki & Maya My visits to United Cerebral Palsy are an inspiration for me as I work with my Pet Partner®, Maya. During our visits along with other teams, a little girl refused to enter the room where the dogs were. Each month she inched a little closer with her wheelchair. Eventually she made her way into the room. She still didn't touch the dogs. Finally she gathered up her courage and came over to pet one of the dogs. Her confidence has grown so much that today she even wants to take the leash and walk the dogs. Maya was awarded the 2005 Willow Award from the Board of Directors of the American Whippet Club in recognition of her work with Hand-in-Paw. The national award is given to a whippet performing exemplary animal-assisted therapy work. The award is named for Willow, the only whippet in history to receive the coveted AKC Award for Canine Excellence for her intense work as a therapy dog. Jo Dee and Maya are pictured with Josiane (right), a retired Pet Partner®. TOP Sarah Campbell and Buddy Each week during Pawsitive Living sessions different issues are addressed, with the addition of one important ingredient lots of fun! With HIP animals the young participants begin to experience the unconditional love and acceptance most have never known. You see youth who are starving for love, acceptance and positive relationships gradually respond to smiling, friendly volunteers and their animal partners those furry, loving life changers! TOP Tracey Carter & Bojangles Tracey and Bojangles represent one of the cat therapy teams who work with HIP. Although the dogs are far more common, some of those we visit are intimidated by dogs and they may enjoy the quiet presence of a cat. There is also the popular perception that cats are more discriminating toward whom they show affection, which may be why so many people feel honored when our felines cuddle up with them. TOP Kathy Cross & Gypsy Rose The thing I like best about being a Pet Partner is being able to share Gypsy's love and understanding with others. At the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, we recently met little Cameron, his mother and aunt. As soon as he saw Gypsy he started holding out his hands and calling, “Doggie, Doggie!” They bonded almost instantly. When Cameron went to his treatment room, he walked Gypsy back with him. Unfortunately, he started crying in the treatment room, and Gypsy was then able to comfort his aunt. She picked Gypsy up and held her close as she had to stand by and hear Cammie cry. When his treatment was over, we went with Dr. Joe and Jerry back to Cameron’s wake up room and Gypsy got right on the bed for him to hold while trying to get his sea legs back. As he woke up, he laid his little head on her back. It was so moving. It made my day! TOP Betsy and Joy Dorn, Gabby & Izzy This mother and daughter team both work with Gabby visiting a variety of facilities. Betsy visits at nursing homes and Children’s Hospital. Joy goes to the Comprehensive Cancer Center and works with Pawsitive Living. She reports that during Pawsitive Living sessions she sees boys from difficult backgrounds transformed into a happy, playful group able to relax and enjoy being with the dogs. At the Cancer Center, she says, “I feel so blessed to be able to share my precious dog with others and hopefully bring happiness to their day. I have been touched by the brave children and their families at the Cancer Center. We walk the children to the treatment room and they know Gabby and I are waiting outside and will be there to walk them out or help them wake up if they are sedated.” At the nursing home, Betsy has experienced the joy of working with senior adults. Both Joy and Betsy say Gabby is excited to go to each facility to do her therapy work. TOP Dana Dowdle & Jelly Bean Dana Dowdle and Jelly Bean constitute HIP’s first therapy team that includes a miniature horse. He is one of 10 miniatures that Dana and her brother own on their farm in St. Clair County. Dana has a special place in her heart for visiting nursing homes and Children’s Hospital. She and her husband, Ron, lost their daughter Mandy to cystic fibrosis years ago. They know the stress of long nights and days at Children’s Hospital from personal experience. More recently, Dana’s mother passed away after being in a nursing home, and according to Dana, “My daughter and mother would have loved to have had a horse walk into their rooms wearing tennis shoes and a hat.” Dana, Ron and Jelly Bean hope to visit as many facilities as possible to make people happy – even if just for a minute. TOP Hand-In-Paw is an affiliate of Delta Society® Pet Partners®