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!
What a difference a visit makes!
by Debbie Feltz, 2008 Volunteer of the Year
We went to Joy’s House this afternoon and had a great time. Indy was welcomed like a king! My most favorite memory was when we were in the back and one of the staff wheeled a woman in to say that she would like to say hi to Indy. She was not very responsive but, we hung there and I sat near her wheel chair so that Indy could get close. Her name is Miss Christie and she is hearing impaired. After a little while, the woman started signing! It was great. She and Indy started bonding and it was heart filling to know that my pup could connect with a precious one.
Since that day, my husband and I have continued to take Indy to Joy’s House. Yesterday, we were greeted with homemade doggy biscuits (that the guests made) and some of the guests gave them to Indy. Each time that we go, we meet both old and new friends and they love to spend a few minutes visiting with Indy.
We are thankful to God for this blessing of sharing our special boy with others.
Debbie, Bill, and Indiana Jones
A Day in the Life of Shelby, Facility Dog at Sanders School
The following article was written by Linda Dobbs, teacher at Sanders School, MSD of Wayne Township, Indianapolis, Indiana. Linda and Paws and Think both want to acknowledge McDonald’s Corporation for their monetary donation in enabling this perfect match to occur!
A Perfect Match
Shelby was rescued from the Indianapolis Humane Society by Kevin Knartzer, certified trainer with Paws and Think, Inc. He told me there was something in her eyes that told him she would be a great dog…for any situation. About the same time, I was emailing Gayle Hutchens to inquire about the possibility of securing a facility dog for my special education day program, Sanders School. After meeting Kevin and Shelby in May of last year, we knew we had a perfect match.
Who are the "Women of Worth" in your life?
The snow has melted, warm breezes swirl about, and flowering plants and trees compete for your attention. Spring…it makes everything seem so worthwhile. As we draw close to Mother’s Day on May 8, we are reminded of women who have had monumental impacts on our lives…our mothers, grandmothers, wives, daughters, sisters and countless of other women… whose love and goodness have made our lives indescribably wonderful. You probably recall that Gayle Hutchens, our Founder, was named, from thousands of nominations across the country, as a L’Oreal Paris Woman of Worth because of her work with Paws and Think. We want to pay this forward.
Who are the "Women of Worth" in your life? How will you be honoring them this year? As one option, please consider making a donation of $50 or more to Paws and Think that will support our at-risk youths, canines at risk of euthanasia, individuals with special needs or disabilities, and many others like those who are working to improve their literacy skills, going through rehabilitation following their military service to our country, and are grieving the loss of a loved one.
With your donation it will be our pleasure to send your loved one a card that informs her that you have honored her as a "Woman of Worth" in your life. And the first 100 honorees honored at the $50 or more level will receive a L’Oreal Paris lipstick with their cards. We will also feature their stories in our e-newsletter (with permission, of course).
Since our inception in October 2001, Paws and Think has helped shape the lives of over 5,000 at-risk youths, saved the lives of over 350 canines and placed 25 service dogs with individuals and facilities. Through our portfolio of programs, people in need draw hope, skills and confidence to positively embrace the future, and shelter dogs go on to live happy lives with loving families and provide lives of service. Honoring a "Woman of Worth" in your life by making a gift to Paws and Think is a beautiful way to say thank you.
Join us for Paws in the City on April 28th
Join us for Paws in the City, a glam evening with a New York City flair! It’ll be an evening of fun, fashion and cocktails on April 28th from 6-9 p.m. at Tavern on South near Lucas Oil Stadium (423 W. South St., Indianapolis , IN 46225 Map).
A $10 cover charge gets you free hors‘dourves, a canine fashion show, a silent auction and the opportunity to recognize our volunteers. Specialty martinis, cocktails and wine and beer will be available for purchase with some of the proceeds being donated to Paws And Think. Additional appetizers will be available off the menu for purchase with some of the proceeds also being donated. Parking is available on the street or in a nearby parking garage ($2 for 1 to 2 hours; $5 for more than 2 hours).
Click here for tickets.
For more information, contact David Landau at dlandau@pawsandthink.org.
Swisher Foundation provides operating grant to Paws and Think, Inc.
Paws and Think, Inc. has announced a generous operating grant from the Glenn Swisher Foundation. The grant will support the recent hiring of an Interim Executive Director as part of the organization’s succession plan.
The Swisher Foundation was created by Indianapolis business leader Glenn Swisher. The Foundation has offered support for the organization’s dog training program for a number of years.
“We are so very grateful for the ongoing generosity Glenn Swisher has shown Paws and Think,” said founder Gayle Hutchens. “This operating grant is another example of his support for the central Indiana community and for the mission our volunteers carry out.”