Welcome to Paws & Think!
What happens when you combine at-risk youths with at-risk canines? Magic!
Our accredited, structured, and research-based programs change lives:
Disadvantaged youths and youths with behavioral challenges are better prepared to manage their own lives and help others.- Children and adults with physical, emotional and behavioral challenges are better equipped to carry out activities of daily living and become more confident in interacting with others.
Dogs at risk of euthanasia are given a second chance, since they are more adoptable following their training and socialization.- Communities serving these at-risk youth and dogs are stronger, since they have happier and more productive residents.
A Win:Win:Win:Win For All!
In Loving Memory, Gayle Hutchens
In Loving Memory
Gayle Chadwick Hutchens, RN, MSN
10/17/1947 – 8/13/2011
Our founder, our inspiration, our friend Gayle Chadwick Hutchens died Saturday evening, August 13, 2011, embraced by the love of her devoted family who were at her bedside, and the many, many friends whose lives were touched by her selfless generosity and kindness.
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Meet our Summer Intern, Haylee!
Haylee Crowley has never lived outside of California until now. She has moved to Indianapolis for the summer to intern for Paws and Think! She is originally from the Monterey Bay area and attended Sacramento State University where she will finish her degree in Recreation, Parks and Tourism Administration as soon as she completes her internship. She has been inspired by her Boston Terrier/ Pug, Aurora to start her own non-profit back in California. She hopes to provide a safe haven for youth through a community center and animal rescue that will offer similar programs that Paws and Think does.
Haylee will be at many of our programs and events this summer (at times being joined by Aurora) so please feel free to stop by and introduce yourself!
Gayle Hutchens – We thank you!
After founding Paws and Think in 2001 and serving as Executive Director for ten years, Gayle Hutchens is retiring.
Gayle has touched so many lives over the past ten years and we invite you to take this opportunity to read about her journey and achievements and leave a comment for Gayle. Feel free to include a story or just thank her for any impact she has had on your life.
Over $2500 raised at the Paws in the City event
Our Paws in the City event was a huge success!! Raising over $2500, which includes a $500 donation from Lor Corporation and a generous portion of the food and drink sales from Tavern on the South. Donations like these (and from ALL of those who attended) are necessary for us to cover our expenses, such as general and medical care for our dogs and insurance, and so we thank you from the bottom of our animal-loving hearts!
June Dates for AAA (Pet Therapy) Classes
If you are interested in volunteering your time (along with your pet) for one of the Animal Assisted Activity/Therapy programs, our next class begins in June! The class dates are June 11, 18th and 25th and they take place at Fetch Pet Resort and Spa from 1 to 2:30pm. Please remember that prior to class, you will need to contact Carol Davenport at wellred_2@yahoo.com as well as complete and submit a screening tool. (Pre-registration and pre-payment is required.)