Hand-In-Paw

A - H I - Z

Anne LaRussa Bridgette & Buddy

Bridgette & Buddy retired in 2005 after several years of service. One of the programs they worked with was Pawsitive Living. Anne reports, "In an environment of caring, love and sharing of pets, the teens in the Pawsitive Living program learn acceptance and respect for themselves and others. Even though they haven't always had the nurturing they needed, they can experience it through the therapy animals. The joy the facilitators and volunteers receive from their pets in turn brings joy to the lives of the young people. I'm reminded that often it's the simple things we do that can make a real difference in the lives of others."We thank Anne, Brigette, and Buddy for their many hours of service to children.

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Julie Levinson-Gabis and Abby

“At the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Abby, my German Shepard, became the saving grace for a two-year-old girl. Occasionally, a child so young has to be anesthetized to have x-rays taken, but in one particular case, Abby stood in, giving the girl an incentive to keep still. Visits like this one demonstrate how the mere presence of these kind and giving animals can break down barriers.” Abby died in the fall of 2005 after struggling with a degenerative illness. She will be missed by family, friends, and her HIP family.

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Joe Lichtenstein & Shelby

Joe and Shelby retired after several years of active involvement with the Pawsitive Living program. In addition to freely giving his time, Joe was always on the lookout for tangible, simple ways to help the boys in the program. Joe and Shelby were also regular visitors to the Bell Center.

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Irene Lynn and Daisy

Irene and Daisy worked together for eight years as Pet Partners before retiring in 2005, making them one of HIP’s longest serving teams. Daisy was known for her clever costumes which highlighted every holiday, to the delight of the children she visited. They were named Special Service winners in the Delta Society’s 2000 Beyond Limits Awards.

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Laura McCrary & Hobbs
Laura McCrary and Hobbs retired in 2004 due to concerns about Hobbs' health. They served faithfully for several years, and Laura fondly recalls a visit to the Family Violence Center. A little boy wanted to pet Hobbs, but his petting was more like spanking, not a gentle touch at all. Realizing that petting wasn't something he was used to, Laura asked if he wanted to take Hobbs for a walk around the gym and then showed him how to tell the dog to receive a treat. That's when the light went off. His previously quiet and muffled voice became clear and effective, "Hobbs, sit," he said, and Hobbs obediently complied. The little boy was a natural trainer. He got a taste of accomplishment and relished it. His amazement at his own abilities was visible in his wide eyes and even wider smile. A connection had been made.

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Barbara Pierzakowski & Rocky

Barbara Pierzakowski and Rocky retired in 2004 after several years of active service. Barbara continues to work with her two Standard Poodles, Susie and Toby.

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Sara Ann Polhemus and Samantha

Sara Ann Polhemus and Samantha retired in 2004. One of their best therapy visit memories was "when Samantha and I went to UAB and visited with an elderly man. He wanted Samantha to get on his bed and lie down by him. He petted her, then Tucker Slaughter, coordinator of the Canine Ambassadors program, took their picture and gave it to him. The nurse saw us in the hall later and said when she walked into the room he was kissing the picture."

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Yvonne Rushano & Sierra

Yvonne Rushano decided to retire her Sierra, HIP's Labrador Extraordinaire, after six years of dedicated service, working with many children at UCP, Children's Hospital, Pawsitive Living and Camp SAM. The children will miss them and so will their HIP family. We send our congratulations to Yvonne, her husband, Martin, and all the four legged Rushanos - on the adoption of one year old Jonah in spring 2004.

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Vicki Shay & Heidi

Vicki Shay and Heidi retired in 2004. They participated in Sit, Stay, Read!, visited the Bell Center, and were a big hit with school groups where Heidi displayed her dramatic talents. Favorite tricks included being "shot" by Vicki, resulting in Heidi falling over "dead," and a loud "ah-choo" from Vicki which prompted Heidi to remove a tissue from the box to bring to her sneezing partner. This performance set the stage for a presentation on HIP’s work and the innate value of animals. Vicki continues to serve as Hand-in-Paw’s bookkeeper and database guru.

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Penny Sumrall & Buster

Penny Sumrall decided to retired her Sheltie Pet Partner, Buster, one of HIP's star therapy dogs, in May 2004. Penny and Buster worked with HIP programs for six and a half years, blessing the patients at UAB's Center for Psychiatric Medicine, Children's Hospital, Camp SAM, Mount Royal Towers, Pawsitive Living and many more at special events. Although we will not be seeing Buster at facilities, Penny is not leaving HIP. She has agreed to stay on as team manager for the Psych Center and is working with her therapy dog in training. Thank you Penny and Buster, for all those dedicated hours of service!

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Hand-In-Paw is an affiliate of Delta Society® Pet Partners®