Hand-In-Paw

"Love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation."

In April of 2000, we bid a fond farewell to Mayor George G. Seibels, Jr., a treasured friend to people and animals in our state. As a HIP volunteer, he loved visiting nursing homes with our Pet Partner teams. And the residents enjoyed seeing the Mayor that they remembered as much as they did seeing the visiting animals. George's tireless efforts bettered Birmingham and he will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. We are sure he is in heaven holding his favorite cat, Boo.

This poem by Richard Severo sounds as if it were written for George:

Do not weep for me when I am gone
For I have friends in the great beyond.
All the little ones I used to feed
Will come to me in my time of need.
They will purr and bark in great delight,
And I will hold and hug them tight.
Oh what a great day that will be
When my furry friends all welcome me.

"Our animals shepherd us through certain eras of our lives. When we are ready to turn the corner and make it on our own, they let us go." Anonymous

Mouska was Debbie Seller's faithful and loving Golden Retriever Pet Partner, who served HIP well through reaching adults and children. She visited the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and helped at numerous events in 1997 and 1998. Sadly, Mouska died of cancer January 1, 1999.

Because Mouska's greatest joy was giving love, especially to children, Hand-in-Paw created the Mouska Seller's Award. This award is given annually to a child who has shown extraordinary kindness to animals. We know she is wagging her tail and giving "kisses" in her heavenly home.

Ginger, a beautiful Sheltie, loved to dress in ribbons and to please all who knew her, especially her Mom Diane Gay. As a HIP Team, Diane and Ginger brought joy to patients and staff at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. Then Ginger was diagnosed with Cancer. After a long hopeful year, Ginger has crossed the Rainbow Bridge. She will be missed and remembered.

Alex Laney always made the effort to get out of his Children's Hospital bed to visit with therapy pets like Biz the greyhound. Alex eventually lost his battle with cancer, but not before his gentle spirit won our hearts. His family (Larry, Diann and Brad Laney) told HIP, "We became aware of the many lives Alex had touched in his short lifetime. We are grateful you were a part of his life." Alex will be remembered always. Alex B. Laney August 15, 1990- June 29, 2000

Precious was a favorite in Hand-in-Paw's reading program and she will be missed by the children and especially her Mom, Linda Pitts.

Thumper, HIP's first therapy rabbit, died unexpectedly in August 2002. He touched many children's lives in his gentle way. Our sympathy to his family, especially JaAnne Dezenzio and Christy Butt, his handlers.

Biz

Hand-in-Paw lost a dear friend in the passing of Biz the Greyhound. Jennifer Boswell, pictured with Biz, worked with him in the Pawsitive Living program, in nursing homes and at Children's Hospital. The loss of such a wonderful Pet Partner brings great sadness to us all. As Jenni says, "Race the wind, dear Biznes. There wasn't anything you couldn't outrace. I'll see you at the bridge.

Misha

Jenni Boswell lost her dear Misha in June of 2004. His registered name was Po Dusham Baryshinkov, from the Po Dusham kennel in Birmingham. He was the first certified therapy and service Borzoi in the state of Alabama. Jenni and Misha were very active during their years of service together and everyone was attracted to Misha's incredible gentleness, beauty and grace. Our deepest sympathy goes to Jenni. Misha was buried under an oak tree next to Biznes, in the big pasture they loved to run in. Her Bozoi, Drumm, Charlie the Afgan and Crash the Greyhound will continue Misha's tradition of therapy visits with Jenni, one of our most active volunteers.

Crash

We join Jenni Boswell in mourning the loss of Crash the Greyhound. He actively visited many facilities for HIP, his crooked nose and winning ways always bringing smiles. As with all of Jenni's Pet Partners, he was one of HIP's "gentle giants" and Jenni's dear companion through all life's ups and downs.

Christi

When Carol Speed volunteered to do office work at the Hand-in-Paw office, we got two for the price of one. We got Carol, but we also got her sweet, loving Christi who accompanied her faithfully for over two years. Dutifully seated in the chair next to Carol, Christi quietly "supervised" Carol's every move. Her unexpected death right before Christmas 2003 left a very empty place in the hearts of her officemates and friends.

Breeze

Leticia Burr's precious therapy dog, Breeze, crossed over the Rainbow Bridge in May 2004. Breeze and Leticia were the second Pet Partner team to join Hand in Paw in 1997. They spent many hours visiting patients and family members at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center, Children's Hospital, UCP, Camp SAM and outreach events, introducing community members to the good works of HIP. Breeze was a beautiful Golden Retriever with the disposition of an angel. She loved to put on her HIP scarf and go with her Mom to put smiles on peoples' faces. Her constantly wagging tail and sweet, gentle disposition won people over instantly. With the birth of the Burr's first child and a busy career in banking, Leticia decided to retire Breeze in 2001. However, we always hoped that Breeze would come back to work with HIP when circumstances permitted. That was not to happen. Those of us who had the wonderful opportunity to see Leticia and Breeze in action will always remember their work together as the model of a Pet Partner team.

Misha

Misha was HIP's first therapy cat, adopted by Beth Franklin from the Humane Society. The sleek, black cat later went to live with Pat and Stan Haluska, who loved him and cared for him long after his retirement as a Pet Partner. We will miss his gentle spirit.

Abby

Abby the German Shepherd was Julie Levinson-Gabis' Pet Partner and dear friend. Struck down by a degenerative disease, but never lost her brave spirit and even learned to use a doggie wheelchair to get around. Julie says they were blessed to have her with them much longer than they ever expected. We're thankful for the presence of their other shepherd, Annabelle, to love and comfort the family through difficult days.

^TOP^