Paws and Think

06/03/2026

Please join Paws & Think in congratulating our 3 new teams and 1 veteran teams that passed their evaluations recently - they did outstanding jobs! 🎉🎉

Angie Miles & Murphy: Murphy is a 10-year-old black lab who is living his best life. Angie and Murphy are looking forward to volunteering at various medical facilities.

Kate Matsoukas & Sally: Sally is a precious 3.5-year-old Australian Labradoodle who is excited to start volunteering with Kate. This team is interested in learning about all the different volunteer venues.

Sara Freeman & Marty: Marty is a handsome 6-year-old golden who is pumped to start volunteering. Sara and Marty are interested in venues such as libraries, Brooke’s Place, and community events.

Steven Lampron & Scout: Sweet Scout is a 7-year-old lab that simply loves everyone. Steven and Scout are eager to continue to volunteer at venues such as Lilly, Special Events, and Paws Around Town. Amazing job team!

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

06/02/2026

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

Winnie and her dad/handler Roy were a Paws & Think therapy team for more than 7 years.

Throughout their years of service, Winnie and Roy dedicated much of their time to visiting patients, families, and staff at Riley Hospital for Children, where Winnie brought comfort and companionship to so many. They also enjoyed participating in many Paws & Think special event visit and were a proud therapy team attendee at our 2023 Tails of Celebration event.

Winnie's gentle presence touched countless lives, and her impact will be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of spending time with her.

Please join us in thanking Roy and his family for sharing sweet Winnie with Paws & Think and our community over the past seven years.

If you would like to make a donation in memory of Winnie to Paws & Think, you can do so at https://secure.givelively.org/donate/paws-and-think-inc. ❤️

06/01/2026

🌈 Happy Pride Month from all of us at Paws & Think!

This month and every month, we celebrate the love, strength, and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. We are proud to stand with our volunteers, supporters, staff, and community partners in fostering connection, compassion, and belonging.

Together, let’s continue building a more compassionate and inclusive world where every person, and every dog, is seen, valued, and loved. ❤️🧡💛🐾💚💙💜

05/29/2026

🎓🐾 Meet Our May 2026 Youth-Canine Graduates!

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

They graduated todat 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 📲

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Therapy Dog Cooper and some amazing nurses at IU Health West Hospital ❤️🐾

Nothing brightens a hospital hallway quite like a therapy dog visit!

05/27/2026

As the month of May is winding down, we are reflecting on what a meaningful and busy Mental Health Awareness Month it has been for Paws & Think! 💚

Throughout the month, our incredible therapy teams visited workplaces and organizations across the community, helping create opportunities for employees and staff to pause, recharge, and experience the positive impact therapy dogs can have on emotional well-being. From employee wellness events to mental health initiatives, we were honored to support so many individuals through the healing power of therapy dogs.

Mental health matters every month of the year, and we are grateful to our volunteers, partners, and supporters who help make these visits possible. Thank you for continuing to prioritize kindness, connection, and well-being in our community. 🐾

05/26/2026

It’s time for a fun May edition of ! 📚🐾

Many of our therapy teams visit libraries, schools, and read aloud to children through our Paws to Read program—and we’re often asked for great dog-themed book recommendations.

Each month, Paws & Think’s Youth Services Coordinator, Shannon Gaughan-Kelly, shares a favorite pick you can add to your reading list, check out from the library, or gift to a young reader in your life.

Lisa W. Papp - Author & Illustrator has created a wonderful series of Madeline Finn books featuring dogs. In addition to Madeline Finn and the Library Dog, she also wrote Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog, a heartwarming story about Madeline Finn and her dog, Star, training to become a therapy team.

During a nursing home visit, Star and Madeline Finn learn how patience, kindness, and comfort can make a meaningful impact on others. This is a wonderful book to share with children to help teach them more about therapy dogs, the training they require, and the special difference they make in people’s lives. ❤️🐾

05/22/2026

Join Paws & Think in congratulating our 2025 Lead Volunteer of the Year, Rhaya Shilts! 🎉🐾

In 2023, our staff introduced the Lead Volunteer of the Year award to recognize the incredible individuals who go above and beyond behind the scenes. Our Lead Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our small staff team, and their impact is felt across every part of our organization.

Rhaya is a shining example of what it means to be a Lead Volunteer. As our Marketing Chair, she leads our Marketing Committee and helps oversee many of our marketing materials, from Day of Giving postcards to Tails of Celebration save-the-dates. She’s also our website guru, making sure everything stays current and running smoothly.

On top of that, Rhaya supports our Youth-Canine program by capturing photos of the pups and writing their adoption spotlights!

We are so grateful for Rhaya’s creativity, expertise, and the time she so generously gives to Paws & Think. Her behind-the-scenes work makes a huge difference, and we are proud to celebrate her as our 2026 Lead Volunteer of the Year! 💙🐶

To read more about Rhaya, visit our website at - https://www.pawsandthink.org/about/volunteer-of-the-year/

05/21/2026

Join Paws & Think in congratulating our 2025 Volunteer of the Year, Deb Lee! 🎉🐾

Deb and her dog Ozzy are a therapy team that truly does it all. From visiting patients at Ascension St. Vincent’s Seaton Specialty Hospital to bringing comfort and connection to residents at Wellbrooke of Carmel and Joy's House, their impact is felt across our community. They also spend time at the Damien Center, Brooke's Place, and jump in to support many of our special events throughout the year.

Deb is also one of those incredible volunteers who never hesitates to step in when a last-minute need arises, and we are so grateful for her reliability and heart.

And she doesn’t stop there! Deb recently stepped into a new role as an Assistant Trainer, helping guide future therapy teams during our therapy skills classes at Club Canine.

Deb has become such an important part of the Paws & Think community, and we are so proud to honor her as our 2026 Volunteer of the Year! 💙🐶

To read more about Deb, visit our website at https://www.pawsandthink.org/about/volunteer-of-the-year/