Gayle Hutchens – We thank you!
After founding Paws and Think in 2001 and serving as Executive Director for ten years, Gayle Hutchens is retiring. The Board of Directors, both past and present, feel blessed to have worked with such a visionary. Lynn Wilson is serving as Interim Executive Director until a new Executive Director is named.
Gayle founded and incorporated the charitable organization in October, 2001 as a result of her desire to reach out and help children, animals and healing. She developed the concept in part from learning about Dr. Bonnie Bergin’s organizations in Santa Rosa, California which are based on assistance dog concepts.
The mission of Paws and Think is to match at-risk youths with at-risk canines to enhance the lives of adults and children with special needs, while providing the canine with the opportunity for additional training and socialization to increase its chances for adoption. Gayle has the unique ability to bring at-risk youth, at-risk canines, physically challenged people, children who are grieving and children in need of improved reading skills together with volunteers who share her passion for making a better life for all. Gayle’s tireless and enduring efforts to this organization have been recognized by the many regional and national awards for her unwavering efforts to the betterment of her community.
Gayle has touched so many lives over the past ten years and we invite you to take this opportunity to leave a comment below for Gayle. Feel free to include a story or just thank her for any impact she has had on your life.
Gayle, The only thing greater than your tireless dedication to this organization for the past ten years is the genuine kindness and thoughtfulness you show towards everyone you meet. Not only have you made a huge impact on the lives of all the the people and animals who have been helped through Paws and Think, but you have also shown everyone involved (volunteers, partners, board members, etc.) what a truly giving spirit you have. May that giving spirit continue to inspire us all daily! Sincerely, Rhaya
Gayle: Your love towards the human and canine communities is truly a blessing. Thank you for your vision, kindness and tireless efforts with Paws and Think. May you continue to touch the hearts of many in your future endeavors. Warmest Regards, Missy
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
-Roger Caras
Gayle, I want to thank you for starting such a great organization that helps so many people and animals. You have touched so many lives including mine, and it has been an honor to work with you. The legacy you leave with Paws and Think will be one that everyone will honor and remember. Thank you for all that you have given to Paws and Think and our community.
Hi Gayle! Although, I have only recently gotten to know you it is easy to see the impression you have on people. The lives (people and animals) that Paws & Think has touched and will continue to impact is immeasurable. You have started something special which is fitting for a special person. I wish you the best in everything you do in the future.
–J.
Gayle is an inspiration to me and to all the youth she has helped spread the human-animal bond to. I am honored to have met and spent time with Gayle and believe the work she has accomplished will continue to help more and more people every day.
Thank you Gayle for working hard to connect humans and animals in a truly unique and exceptional way.
Gayle, you have given us all an incredible example of how to care for and serve our community. Thank you for your vision and your willingness to bring to life an organization that impacts so many lives.
It has been a privilege to both work with you and get to know you over the last few years.
God bless you as your journey continues.
Gayle, Since meeting you via email in 2008, our relationship has gone from mentor to friend. You have truely been an inspiration to me! So many of the good works that you have done with children,indivduals and their companion animals are all apart of who I am today. I could not have done it without your encourgement and wisdom.
You will be a hard act to follow, but I will give it my best shot!
Love you, Carol
Gayle – In working together with you through the IAWA, I’ve found you to be such a warm and welcoming person. My only regret is that our paths didn’t cross sooner, as your reputation for leadership and compassion is not to be surpassed!
Gayle,
I have so many things to say but I will try my best to keep it short and sweet. You have been many things in my life; Great listener, Mentor, Boss, Co-worker and more. But more then anything I will always treasure our friendship. You have helped me grow as a person, you have been patient with me when I am being bull headed and more then anything you have given me the opportunity do what I do best. I will miss our work debates and conversations but I am thrilled to know that they will be replaced with many more personal ones!
Thank you for everything you have done for others, for the animals and for me. You will always have a special place in my heart.
With Much Love,
Kevin
Gayle, this city and animal welfare are enriched by your leadership and vision. Paws and Think is a vital service and your guidance and leadership and passion not only have made an immeasurable difference, it has been inspiring. I wish you all of the best! Much love and admiration, John Aleshire
Gayle, We all have folks we meet in our lives that have an exceptional impact on us. You are one of those people for me. Since I first met you at the Starbucks on the Circle on a cold rainy February evening, I knew you were a special person. That has certainly been the case as I have gotten to know you and your work with this organization. If I can model just a portion of your giving nature, I will be doing well! I wish you the best! Warmly, Mary Kay
Gayle -
When I met you I was immediately drawn to your dedication, your drive and your passion. You founded an exceptional organization which has impacted and enriched the lives of many — both human and canine. I am honored that I was chosen to work with you and serve on the Board at Paws and Think. Warm wishes, Sharon
Gayle I think it’s been eight and a half years now. I believe our meeting was providential, because I am a better person for knowing you. I trusted you immediately, and that’s how I knew you were unique, because I don’t trust easily, and I’m not easily impressed. You have definitely impressed me. You have the gift of making everyone around you feel special. You always accentuate the positive and seem to eradicate the negative. If only we were all more like that.
I thank you for your patience and understanding when I have been out of sorts. I also thank you for pointing me to my true passion as we have paired at risk children with at risk animals over the past several years I can’t begin to tell you what it has meant to me. I think I have seen a glimpse of what you must have felt once your dream began to become a reality.
I will certainly miss your “one step ahead” thought process as we worked, and I hope to build on a warm friendship.
I pray we will make you proud as we move forward with Paws and Think.
Gayle you are an AMAZING woman who gives and gives and gives! The legacy of your generosity, kindness, and sincerity has touched & will stay with so many people. Thanks so much for all you do!!!
Gayle, I cant thank you enough for my experience working with Paws and Think and Hogan. It changed my look on life. When my work situation is known to me I would like to volunteer again.
With much love, Coleen
Gayle,
I only wish I’d met you sooner! Your vitality, your genuine spirit of open heartedness, and your vision for all things good never cease to amaze me. Even in times of trouble you never stop giving to others. You have set an example to live by for all of us. I’m so grateful to have been touched by your life and surrounded by others who believe in your vision. Thank you for all you do and all you have done for others. Thank you for being a friend, a mentor and a role model. God Bless! – Kathy
Gayle,
Paws & Think was the first program that asked if they could be involved at IACC after my arrival in 2004. The benefit to our shelter animals was obvious, and the patience and expertise you offered the students was inspirational. It seemed a very holistic approach to life in need, any kind of life no matter what the need.
I didn’t know you well enough to ever assume your beliefs or faith, but I can tell you that you spoke to mine. You are, and ever will be, an example of how to interact with the PEOPLE in my field as well as the aniamls. Leading by example speaks louder to me than any list of commandments.
You have helped mold me as a person, which you may never have realized, but also as a professional. You’ve shown me that offering patience and compassion to animals (which comes easily to so many in our field) is of equal importance to what we must show the humans we interact with in our work. Thank you for cementing that ethic into my being. I’m forever grateful.
I look forward to continuing the wonderful work you’ve set into motion with your new board!
Gayle – your hard work, vision and the dedication you inspire among all those who have given their time and talents to Paws and Think, have left many lives – canine and human – richer. And our community stronger. Paws and Think will continue saving lives, and continue to improve the connections between dogs and people, many decades into the future. It has been a privilege to work with you. I wish you all the best. Melissa
I am most proud of what Gayle did to reach and rescue young people while advancing animal welfare. She simply changed the game. We can best honor Gayle’s impact and achievements by following her lead.
For more than 40 years — from Sandy’s birth, to my wedding and yours, and for all the ups and downs that brought us to today and your well-deserved retirement, you have truly been my inspiration. Even in following your passion with Paws & Think, you added to my life and Steve’s by searching out and finding Toby, the perfect solution to Stephen’s unique needs for an assistance dog. Paws & Think is just one more example of your extraordinary thoughtfulness and commitment. I know your next chapter will be even more amazing. Bless you.
I truly enjoyed my years with Paws and Think under the leadership of Gayle…She had a true passion for her work and Paws and Think achieved so much success under her guidance…Jason, Sarah, Teddy and Edie say thank you to a wonderful and incredible woman.
Hi Gayle,
I am so thankful to know you through this very special organization, Paws and Think. I remember when I signed up for the freestyle dance conference in February of 2007 and walked in with Indy and Bill. you came over and welcomed me with a great smile. Since that time, you have been such an encouragement to me for my little dream of helping others through Indy.
I am recalling the program with Hamilton County Humane Society and the juvenile detention center. You and I temperment tested 5 dogs and loaded them up in a van and transported them to the class. One lucky pup was an 11 year old Akita who weighed more than me. She was big!! One trip, I needed to get her in the jeep and if she decided she did not want to…I tried to pick her up to help her..no way. Thankfully, she did jump up on her own. Well, I think, as a result of the obediance classes, she found a new home. Very cool!
I know that what ever you decide to do next will be a blessing to others. God Bless you and your family!
Love,
Debbie
Hey Gayle–what an honor and pleasure it has been to work side by side with you….a little different arena, but when I got this I had to add a comment. You are a dear person with a huge heart for others who are less fortunate. May God be with you in your retirement. I hope Bill and your family are doing well.
Love always….deb
It was a pleasure working with you to advance the mission of Paws & Think, both as a volunteer and as a paid consultant. Most of all, I’ll remember your kindness when I adopted Sugar. You worked with her to socialize her and when she died you gave me much needed support. I now have a new “forever” pet named Cassidy. She is also a rescued dog from a puppie mill. She is very affectionate and the most popular dog in the neighborhood. It was a genuine pleasure to work with you and to know you personally.
Gayle, your efforts have been inspiring and will continue to have a positive effect on many people and pets! I wish you the best of luck in your post-Paws life.
Gayle, you are a blessing! You should be so proud of the successful organization you created. And you should enjoy your retirement knowing that you have helped so many people and animals. Jason and I consider you a great friend. I hope we can enjoy breakfast together again soon! –Sarah Burman
Dear Gayle,
Congratulations on the work you have done. I was lucky enough to be a part of Paws and Think for a short while when things were just getting going and some momentum was being gained. The experience was amazing.
You have changed lives and the legacy you have built will continue while you enjoy retirement. You have earned it and I wish you all the best in your future.
Thanks,
Sam Hopp
Dear Gayle,
You are an inspiration. I can’t tell you how much I admire your doggedness in turning a vision into a reality, all the while maintaining compassion and respect for all. I feel fortunate to have been part of Paws and Think for a short time, and especially fortunate to have known you. All the best, and God Bless.
Amy Canute
Gayle thank you for helping me get started with paws and think. casey and I filled in for someone who could not finish this year at fishers elementary. we had three second graders and one third grader. One second grader was afraid of dogs and it was so rewarding to help him decrease his fear. at the end of our last day he ask me if casey and i would be in the third grade. he was able to touch casey and while reading he would reach out and touch him gently. he said “i think casey likes me”. on the last day he was able to touch his head. i felt so good; he was such a sweet boy and casey was so good with him as he would lay his head on his leg and listen. such a rewarding experience. Thank you so much for all you have done; i;m sure there are so many such things that are so small but mean so much. peggy and casey
Gayle,
Thanks for all you have done. You and your organization have touched many lives, both human and canine, for the better. Jackson and I wish you all the best.
Dear Gayle,
You are very special and in our hearts and prayers. They say the animals leave paw prints on our heart – well, a few people like you leave very big paw prints.
Hugs!
Gayle – I have the greatest admiration for you and all you have achieved with the wonderful Paws and Think organization. It’s been a delight to work with you! Best wishes for a restful and purposeful retirement.
Gayle,
Congratulations on such an achievement! Your dedication, passion, and selflessness to the cause has been such an inspiration. You have left such a positive impact on not only those that surround you, but your community. Thank you for your work!
Many blessings,
Tory
Gayle:
I am sorry that I did not get the opportunity to get to know you better and work more with your fantastic organization. We met at a very hectic time in my life, but I want you to know that you are an amazing inspiration to me, and I think the group that you developed is vital in today’s society. Thank you for the many lives you have touched.
Sincerely,
Kathy Huber-Vatthyam
Dear Gayle –
After only meeting you briefly;I was inspired greatly… My beloved Bearded Collie, Cooper, and I now work as a pet therapy team.
Thank you for all that you have done to better the lives of those in need. You are an inspiration and are very much remembered in our prayers.
Sincerely,
Angie and Cooper
Gayle,
I am so glad to have been able to meet you and work on some projects with you. I’m glad Amber and I are a therapy team for Paws and Think! You impacted so many lives in such a positive manner. I wish you the best.
Regards,
Wendy
Gayle helped us find a service dog for our son Connor who has cerebral palsy. She was such a wonderful woman and touched so many lives. She will be dearly missed. I feel blessed to hav known her.