Hand in Paw’s ribbon cutting brought smiles and wagging tails to Birmingham yesterday

It was a chilly and crazy-sunny afternoon in Avondale yesterday, but the feeling at Hand in Paw’s Avondale headquarters was all warmth—with happy smiles and wagging tails galore.

The event drew a crowd of dogs ranging in size from an enormous Great Dane to tiny King Charles Spaniels. Also in attendance were Hand in Paw’s donors, leaders, and friends, who ceremonially cut the ribbon to their beautiful new space. The renovated building is aptly named “The Beth Franklin Building” after the organization’s founder.

Hand in Paw’s ribbon cutting drew a sizable crowd of therapy animals and their two-legged friends

Hand in Paw’s ribbon cutting unveiled their beautiful new headquarters

Thanks to the generosity of donors who contributed $2 million in a recent capital campaign, they now have a state-of-the-art facility. The Beth Franklin Building will be the perfect home for Therapy Team trainings, community events, volunteer orientations, and more.

According to Executive Director Margaret Stinnett, “This fantastic building represents the generosity of our community and the hard work and generous hearts of our volunteers. Hand in Paw is entering a golden age and we are positioned to serve more people than ever before.”

Guests at Hand in Paw’s ribbon cutting got to see their state-of-the-art facility

“Hand in Paw’s expanded headquarters will enable the organization to train more potential Therapy Teams and thus meet more of the community’s demand for its unique programs and services. The expanded building features a large, open training room as well as a one-of-a-kind hospital simulation room donated by Children’s of Alabama. Hand in Paw will also utilize the additional space to further engage the community by offering more internships and service learning projects, hosting educational events, holding volunteer orientations, and more.”

Brittany Jennings, Director of Communications

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If you or someone you know would like to get involved with Hand in Paw, learn more about what they’re up to here, or check out their website here.

Now, Birmingham, we want to hear from you. Have you been a volunteer? Have you received a visit at a hospital, school, or other spot around town? Tell us about it in the comments below.