Paws and Think

10/16/2026

A true Tails of Celebration story: Hazel has found her home! 🐾✨

If you joined us for Tails of Celebration a few weeks ago, you likely met a very special guest: Hazel.

Hazel has been a favorite in our Youth-Canine program, even becoming such a “star student” that she participated in two separate programs! The youth who worked with her fell in love with her resilient spirit, and she clearly left an impression on our Tails of Celebration guests, too, as she joined David from SOAR and worked the room for belly rubs all night.

At the end of the evening, when Hazel saw our Paws & Think van parked outside, she couldn’t help but hop in for a minute, as it really did become one of her favorite places. We didn’t know then that it would be her final time in the van…before finding her forever home. 🥹

After 2+ years of waiting for the right fit with our amazing partners at SOAR: Street Outreach Animal Response Initiative, we are so excited to share that just two weeks after her Tails of Celebration appearance, Hazel has been adopted!

This is what Tails of Celebration is all about. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to seeing this sweet girl at SOAR, but we are so proud to be part of her journey. We also have a feeling this isn’t the last you’ll see of her, and maybe she’ll even be back with Paws & Think as a therapy dog one day soon!

Congratulations, Hazel, we are so happy for you! 🏠❤️

10/15/2026

Please join Paws & Think in congratulating our 3 new teams that passed their evaluations recently - they did outstanding jobs! 🎉🎉

Hannah Putnam-Johnson and Cappy - Cappy (short for Cappuccino) is an adorable 5.5-year-old Golden Retriever with a heart of gold. Hannah and Cappy are most interested in checking out our Paws to Read venues. Welcome aboard team!

Lauren Detrick and Layla - Layla is a 3-year-old Yellow Lab who is all smiles and full of tail wags. Lauren and Layla are planning on visiting senior living facilities as well as some schools. This duo is sure to add fun anywhere they visit!

Pamela Clark and Finneas - Finneas is a laid back, SUPER soft 3-year-old Australian Labradoodle. Fun fact, an Australian Labradoodle is not that same as an Aussie-Doodle…it is a Cocker Spaniel, Labrador, and Poodle mix! Pamela and Finneas are interested in our Paws to Read program. This duo is going to be great!

Way to go teams! We look forward to seeing you at our partner venues and special events! 💛🐾💙

10/14/2026

Therapy team and Paws & Think's Board President, Dot Hitchins and Hugo, visited Central Supply Company earlier this week as part of their 'Lunch N Learn' program!

Special thank you to Central Supply Company for their continued support and for letting us share our mission with your employees! 💛🐾💙

10/13/2026

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Therapy Dog Jessie. ❤️

Jessie, a sweet 10-year-old Golden Retriever, and her handler Marilyn were a Paws & Think therapy team for two years. During that time, they served more than 60 volunteer hours and touched over 1,000 lives!

Some of their favorite places to visit were Plainfield Central Elementary and Plainfield Public Library, where Jessie shared her gentle presence with students, readers, and community members. Though their time as a therapy team was relatively short, Jessie and Marilyn made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.

Please join us in thanking Marilyn for sharing sweet Jessie with Paws & Think and our community. We are so grateful for the time they spent making a difference together, and Jessie will be deeply missed.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Jessie to Paws & Think, you can do so here:
https://www.pawsandthink.org/give-today/make-a-donation/

10/12/2026

🎓🐾 Meet Our October 2026 Youth-Canine Graduates!

These amazing dogs are from Sketchy Mutts and Underdogs and are in need of good homes!

They recently graduated from Paws & Think's Youth-Canine Program at the Marion County Youth Services Center or MCYSC and are available for adoption!

They were trained in basic manners and skills by the youth at MCYSC.

Could one of them be your newest family member? 💙💛

Interested in adopting? Visit https://sketchymuttsandunderdogs.org/adopt 📲

10/12/2026

10/08/2026

📚🐾 We were so happy to be back at Proof: A Midwest Lit Fest this past weekend, hosted by Indiana Humanities!

Our Paws & Think therapy teams joined young readers and their families for two special Paws to Read sessions, where kids could practice their reading skills, share a story, and enjoy some quality time with our pups. 🐶❤️📖

We love being part of events that bring people together through a shared love of books and, of course, dogs! A big thank you to Indiana Humanities for welcoming us back and to everyone who stopped by to read with our therapy teams. We had such a wonderful time! ✨🐾

10/07/2026

📚🐾 Sabo has an important question for you… What are you currently reading? 👀📖

Sabo loves hanging out at the library, especially when he gets to meet kids who are excited to share a good book with a furry friend! 🐶💙

Our Paws to Read program gives children the opportunity to practice their reading skills with a therapy team by their side. We have many openings for kids who would like to come read to a dog!

📖🐾 Find upcoming Paws to Read opportunities on our website: https://www.pawsandthink.org/programs/therapy-dog-programs/paws-to-read/

And tell Sabo in the comments - what book are you reading right now? 👇

10/06/2026

We had such a great time at IndyVolved last week! 🐾💙

It was so much fun connecting with our community, meeting new people, and sharing more about Paws & Think and the work our therapy teams do throughout Central Indiana.

And, of course, our therapy dogs were happy to make some new friends along the way! 🐶💕

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hello and learn more about Paws & Think. We loved seeing you!

Did you spot us at IndyVolved? 👋

10/05/2026

Sometimes, the best kind of comfort comes with four paws. 🐾💙

Therapy dog Leo has been described by his human as a “warm weighted blanket for anyone who needs one,” and we think that’s the perfect way to describe him. 🐶

During a visit to Peyton Manning Children's Hospital, Leo found the perfect place to settle in and remind one little patient that they weren’t alone. 💛

We’re so grateful for therapy dogs like Leo who show us that sometimes, a little extra weight, warmth, and unconditional love can make a big difference.