About Paws & Think

Paws and Think, Inc. is a values-driven 501(c)(3) charitable organization incorporated in October of 2001.

  • We serve at-risk youths, at-risk canines, and children and adults with disabilities/special needs in central Indiana (Marion and surrounding counties).
  • We are an all-volunteer, community-based organization. We work in partnership with schools, detention centers, youth agencies, and humane societies/shelters (among others).

Manuel HSAwards and Recognition:

Paws and Think has been honored with:

  • The RTV Leadership Award;
  • The Assistance Dog Institute’s Innovation Award (Pregnant Paws Program);
  • The Mayor’s Award for Community Service; and
  • The L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Award.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to match at-risk youths with canines to enhance the lives of adults and children with special needs.

Our Programs Serve:

  • Youths who are academically or behaviorally challenged; incarcerated; at-risk of suicide; pregnant and single; or who lack a positive self-image
  • Children and adults with physical, emotional, or behavioral disabilities/needs
  • Stray, surrendered or neglected dogs at-risk of euthanasia, and
  • The communities in which these groups reside

We do so through our four innovative programs:

  • Our At-Risk Youth-Canine Programs
  • Our Service Dog Programs
  • Our Animal Assisted Activity/Therapy Programs, and
  • Our Annual Dog Talk Conference

Our Core Values:

Our human and fiscal resources are directed first and foremost to the provision of quality programming for central Indiana’s at-risk populations and the training of qualified staff and volunteers who provide the programs.

Our core values are:

  • Respect for self and others
  • Effective decision-making
  • Affiliation and inclusion
  • Commitment and follow-through
  • Responsibility/dependability
  • Achievement and sense of pride, and
  • Life balance (work, humor, fun).

We are also committed to research that enhances the benefits of the human-animal connection.

Our History:

The program was founded by Gayle Hutchens, RN, MSN. When asked how she conceived the idea for the organization, Gayle says “When my husband was diagnosed with a serious illness, I knew I had to make a career change. I was looking for something with kids or animals or healing. When I told this to a friend at church, she said “God is bigger than that…you need to do all three!” Shortly after that conversation, I saw Oprah give Bonnie Bergin the “Use Your Life Award” for her similar program in Santa Rosa, California and knew I had found my answer. I contacted Bonnie to see if I could intern with her, and the rest, as they say, is history.” Dr. Bergin is the founder of the assistance dog concept, Canine Companions for Independence, and the Assistance Dog Institute.

Gayle earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from DePauw University and her Masters of Science Degree in Nursing from Indiana University. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau and Pi Lambda Theta honoraries. Gayle was formerly the Director of the Mother-Baby Care Program at Clarian Health Partners and held teaching as well as clinical and administrative positions for Clarian, the Indiana University Medical Center and the Indiana University School of Nursing. She has consulted in Brazil and Kenya as well as the United States.

Gayle was recently inducted into the nationally recognized L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth community. When notified that she had been nominated for this award and was one of 49 semi-finalists, she was asked to complete an application describing her journey.