Hand-In-Paw

Therapy Teams

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

Lois Scott & Molly

Being a Pet Partner has changed my life in amazing ways. It gives me the opportunity to see the tremendous potential in every human being.

At a recent visit to Children’s Hospital, we met two sisters about 2 and 5 years of age who were scared of dogs. Before we left they were petting and hugging Molly. The younger one cried when it was time to leave because she wanted Molly to stay. I was glad to see them discover that dogs are gentle and fun to be with.

Lesley Scriven & Winnie

Winnie and I love working with Hand in Paw. We visit the YWCA for SSR every Tuesday. Winnie cannot wait to go in and see the receptionist who gives the dogs treats. She shakes with excitement (there is a line of dogs waiting) and when it’s her turn, she jumps up to the counter and takes her treat. Not bad for an old dog! The children are adorable and unbelievable readers. In the short time I have been there the improvement has been very noticeable. One little girl would not read anything with chapters...too difficult! Now you cannot stop her. Another kindergartner reads like a 2nd grader. They stroke Winnie as they read and then give her a treat at the end. We also visit Brookwood Hospital. Initially, I thought our visits were for the patients, but it truly brightens up everybody's day, from the staff, to doctors, visitors and patients. Everybody has a story to tell about a dog a cat or some other animal. It is a very friendly hospital. Maybe we are giving our time to these facilities, but you cannot measure how much pleasure Winnie and I get from being able to go and meet these people. Winnie has never been loved SO MUCH.

Roby Simmons and Baci

Baci is just one of the many poodles serving as therapy dogs with Hand-in-Paw. Roby is not only active in therapy work, she serves on Hand-in-Paw’s Board of Directors and is an important part of the team that puts together Picasso Pets Debut & Auction every year. Picasso Pets is HIP’s annual fundraiser and Roby has helped ensure its success for the past few years.

Jo Simpson & Tater

When folks ask me what kind of a dog Tater is, I reply that she is everything I would want in a dog, and then some! As a stray, she entered my life about four years ago….definitely a meant-to-be! It was “love at first sight” but little did I know then what that sweet Tater would mean to so many, many folks she meets through our HIP visits! More times than not after visiting someone, they and/or their family will thank us for visiting. I usually respond, no, thank you, for letting Tater and me visit. It is our pleasure. Which it truly is, our pleasure to give so little and get back so very much! I sometimes wonder who benefits the most, the HIP teams or the folks we visit. I feel blessed to have an opportunity to participate in this terrific organization by sharing sweet Tater with others. Truly, “It is more blessed to give than receive.”

Janet Skotnicki & Annabelle

I'm a nurse and have seen the therapy dogs visiting at UAB Hospital and how they make the patient's faces light up. I also know that if I were in the hospital I would want Annabelle with me, or at least be able to see her, so I know what it means to people. As a nurse you see a lot of people in pain, and with Hand-in-Paw you get the chance to see them happy and comforted.

Trudy Stricklin & Glory

As an RN and also an avid animal lover, I strongly believe in the healing power of pets. I first learned about HIP through my work in a local hospital, and knew I wanted to be a part of it. Glory and I visit at the Comprehensive Cancer Center and at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Although we are a new team, I have already seen how Glory's love for people (especially children) and her keen sense of caring is a blessing to children at the Cancer Center awaiting treatment, and to residents at the nursing homes. I am always amazed at how we are blessed as we minister to those who need a loving touch, a friendly smile, a wagging tail.

Lisa Thompson & Cowboy

Lisa and Cowboy are active in HIP programs like Petscription and Paws to Comfort, but Lisa also actively serves on the HIP Board of Directors. She is president of MailSort of Birmingham and has generously provided support to HIP in many different ways through her company. She sees one facility as a bridge to her work. “It’s amazing how my visits to the Cancer Center positively affect my day-to-day work. They help me keep things in perspective and help me to make good business decisions.”

Penny Sumrall and Buster

When volunteering with HIP, I find most of the experiences are satisfying. The first really rewarding experience I remember was at UAB's Cancer Center. Buster and I were visiting with an eight year old who was getting ready for his first radiation treatment. He was frightened and didn't want to go into the treatment room. I promised him we would wait for him, so he summoned up his courage and bravely went for his treatment. When he came back out, he was able to smile when he saw Buster was still there waiting for him.

At UAB Center for Psychiatric Medicine, we've touched several lives – the highly agitated, somewhat belligerent patient who calmed down dramatically after petting Buster for a few moments; the nearly catatonic woman whose eyes lit up and smiled when she saw him; and the patient who had previously spoken only monosyllables talking to him in whole, coherent sentences. Then of course there are the kids at Camp Smile-A-Mile…I love listening to them tell stories about their own pets while they pet Buster.

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