Animal-assisted therapy provider Hand in Paw recently received a donation from Tito’s Handmade Vodka that will help expand its ability to provide animal therapy to help vulnerable populations.
The $65,000 gift from Tito’s will enable Hand in Paw to train, evaluate, mentor and place therapy teams, as well as provide animal-assisted therapy, to senior citizens and veterans in central Alabama.
Hand in Paw serves several vulnerable populations. The dogs and handlers are trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, retirement homes, hospice care and schools.
But the group has been experiencing a shortage of therapy teams to meet the needs of the community.
“With the support of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hand in Paw will now be able to provide services to organizations, like the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Birmingham and seniors in facilities throughout central Alabama at no cost,” a press release issued by the organization states.
Funding from Tito’s, which dubs itself “the Vodka for Dog People,” will allow Hand in Paw to recruit and train 30 new therapy teams in one year that will visit senior citizens and veterans who may be experiencing anxiety and isolation, among other emotional issues.
Additionally, the donation will allow Hand in Paw to launch a targeted volunteer recruitment campaign to help expand the nonprofit’s growing “paw print” in the greater Birmingham and Tuscaloosa areas.
“We are truly honored to have this support from Tito’s Handmade Vodka to expand our animal-assisted therapy program,” said Margaret Stinnett, executive director at Hand in Paw. “This funding will create the opportunity for dynamic growth within our organization and allow us to continue serving our central Alabama communities.”
Lindsey Bates, director of philanthropy operations at Tito’s, said, “We’re excited to support the work that Hand in Paw is doing to serve vulnerable populations in need. As the Vodka for Dog People, we know firsthand the positive impact that dogs can have, and the care that Hand in Paw is providing in Birmingham will continue to benefit the community for years to come.”
Hand in Paw is accepting applications for its Therapy Team.
Prospective service animals must be two years or older, and the owner must have owned the animal for more than six months.
Additionally, dogs and their owners are required to complete a group obedience course, according to the press release, to ensure the animal and owner are well-prepared to begin the intensive Therapy Team training program.
For more information on the teams, visit handinpaw.org/volunteer.
Tito’s also is stage sponsor for Hand in Paw’s Picasso Pets gala Aug. 19 at The Harbert Center. Buy tickets and learn more at www.picassopets.com.
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