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- In order by last name, choose a letter -

A - D    E - H    I - L    M - P    Q - T    U - Z

Susie Margotta / Vickie Martin/ Sara Mills / Nena Moon Mary Jean Morawetz / Claire Peel / Mary Phillips / Barbara Pierzakowski Karen Pilman / Mariela Piola

Susie Margotta and Zoomer Susie and Zoomer visit the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and participate weekly in the Sit, Stay, Read! program. They especially enjoy their Sit, Stay, Read! involvement with the homeless children in the YWCA’s after school enrichment program.

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Vickie Martin & Forrest Vickie and Forrest actively participate in visiting nursing homes, the Pediatric Unit at St. Vincent’s and have helped with the Sit, Stay, Read! program. Vickie also assists with Pet Partner® evaluations and can be counted on to help with office work.

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Sara Mills & Maddie Maddie was a Christmas gift in 2000, and what a wonderful gift! Sara’s love for the Bichon Frise breed began immediately, as did Maddie’s love for people. Her little puppy heart is full of love and she really likes visiting everybody at the Exceptional Foundation. Sara and Maddie also enjoy helping during Pet Partner Evaluations. During the summer, one of their favorite things is the Sit, Stay, Read! Program at the Avondale Public Library. This little ball of white fluff has a big smile and loves to share it with others.

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Nena Moon and Ellie When I got involved with HIP I never dreamed of the impact it would have on my life. I never imagined I'd be so drawn to the UAB Cancer Center. I consider it my ministry. My pastor even dubbed it my "holy bow wow." My life is richer and has more meaning through the visits we make. All of the patients show me such strength and courage as they fight this disease. Each smile and touch they give me fills me with joy.

Mary Jean Morawetz & Charlie I received six-year-old Charlie from friends in February 2003. After several months with him, I knew I had to share this special freckle-faced puppy with others. We joined HIP, and after certification I started looking for placement opportunities. With our first visit to the UAB Cancer Center, we knew we had found our spot. Together, we help people make their treatment visits a little warmer and more inviting. There is something special about petting a loving animal to help you forget your troubles, even if it’s only for a brief period of time.

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Claire Peel & Moses Moses and I are regular visitors to facilities serving older adults, and we participate in the “Sit, Stay, Read” program at the YWCA. As a team, we strive to bring smiles and laughter to the people we visit. Recently, we visited a man who could not talk or move very well. His face lit up when he saw Moses, and as he stroked his soft fur, he smiled. With his eyes, he told me how much he loves animals. At the YWCA, Moses listens carefully to the children reading and is rewarded with a hug and a treat at the end of each session. We both learn and grow from each visit and look forward to participating in other HIP programs.

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Mary Phillips and Millie One of my favorite visits was with a little girl named Morgan at the Bell Center. In the beginning she was withdrawn and disinterested. But when I got Millie to dance for treats, I got her attention. Asked if she'd like to make Millie dance for a treat, she let the therapist help her do it. Soon she was giving treats on her own. The therapists who were watching were astounded. Later I asked if she'd like to hold Millie's leash. She readily grasped it and began moving it up and down. The therapists, who never expected to see her so responsive, couldn't hold back the tears. I knew we were witnessing a real breakthrough. Another program I enjoy working with is Sit, Stay, Read! In the picture, Millie and I are with one of the little girls we worked with in the YWCA After-School Enrichment Program.

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Barbara Pierzakowski, Toby & Susie I've had many great therapy visits, but some I remember especially fondly. One was when an Alzheimer's patient at the Park at Riverchase remembered Toby from a previous visit. Then there was a little girl at St. Vincent's who was in terrible pain, but was so happy when Susie was allowed to get into bed with her. At the Family Violence Center, Susie showed a girl that big black dogs aren't always mean. There was a boy at Children's Hospital who was actually waiting outside for me to bring Toby. He remembered him from a previous visit, and instantly recognized that I'd brought Susie instead. He thought Susie was okay, but I had to promise to bring Toby next time! Finally, there was the teenager in the Pawsitive Living program who, after getting to know my dogs, said, Poodles ain't as stupid as they look!

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Karen Pilman and Calypso There have been so many memorable moments, both uplifting and heart wrenching. I always come away from a visit changed. One of them occurred at St. Vincent's Hospital Pediatric Unit. We visited a little boy about 4 years old who seemed very sad when we came to his room. He spoke little but showed me his leg in a cast -- letting me know what happened to him without using words. I set Calypso on his bed and after she became comfortable, she decided to "dig" a hole, a favorite pastime of hers. With each digging the little boy broke out in peals of laughter. She seemed encouraged by his response and continued to dig on his bed. My words were superfluous. Watching the boy and bunny share a laugh and seeing his joy was wonderful, but it was the gratitude and relief which replaced some of the anxiety in his mother's eyes that I carry with me.

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Mariela Piola & Polo Mariela not only works with Polo visiting a variety of facilities, she also provides obedience training to those in preparation to be Pet Partners®. She serves as a Pet Partner® Evaluator Assistant and has great insight in both her training and evaluator work because she knows first-hand the skills that dogs need to have to do therapy work.

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