Our Story
Walter’s Story: A Journey of Hop, Hope & Healing
Walter Reid Chandra was not just any ordinary bunny; he was a beacon of love and resilience whose impact transcended his brief time with us. Despite his short stay, he left an indelible mark on our hearts, imprinting them with his gentle presence forever.
Though many never had the chance to meet Walter in person, his spirit touched countless souls through the lens of his bunny camera. With his boundless love, empathetic nature, and attentive ears, he became a confidant to many, offering solace and understanding to those who sought comfort. From his humble beginnings in a rabbit mill to the embrace of a loving home where he roamed freely, Walter's journey epitomized strength and courage, undeterred by health challenges.
Walter embodied the mission of Arlene’s Angels: Hand in Paw Healing 501(c)(3), offering animals a second chance at life and love. Though his physical presence is no longer felt, his legacy endures, infusing our homes with his absence and our hearts with his memory. His life remains a poignant reminder of the transformative power of love and compassion.
In the wake of his passing, Walter's absence is keenly felt, yet his presence lingers in the lives he touched. He will forever be cherished, honored, and celebrated as a testament to the unwavering capacity of animals to offer unconditional love and support. Through his gentle companionship, Walter provided a safe space for others to confront their own traumas, find closure, and embark on the journey towards healing.
Arlene’s Story: A Journey of Hope & Healing
Arlene Angeline's journey from darkness to advocacy forms the heart of our organization. Enduring unimaginable abuse as a child, she and her sister found solace in the love of their pets, a refuge from the violence of their father.
This harrowing experience ignited Arlene's lifelong commitment to supporting the most vulnerable in society - abused and neglected children and animals alike. As a social worker, she witnesses the resilience of the human spirit, even amidst despair, and believes in the power of understanding our past to shape a brighter future.
Driven by compassion and determination, Arlene founded Arlene's Angels: Hand in Paw Healing 501(c)(3) in 2021, a beacon of hope for those in need of mental health support. Her story serves as a reminder that everyone has the power to rewrite their narrative and create positive change in the world.
Our Purpose
We are a nonprofit therapeutic agency committed to aiding the most vulnerable members of our society - abused and neglected children and animals. Through partnerships with 'kill shelters,' we rescue animals on the brink of euthanasia, offering them a second chance at life. Hand in paw, these animals become emotional support companions for children facing adversity, providing comfort and solace in times of need.
Our organization offers complimentary therapeutic services, funded by donations, grants, and sponsorships, to ensure that children in need have access to mental health support through animal-assisted therapy (AAT), a proven intervention. Together with our furry friends - including bunnies, dogs, and other beloved companions - we address a range of mental and physical health challenges, from PTSD and anxiety disorders to depression and specific phobias.
Animals, particularly canines, play a crucial role in promoting well-being by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine, associated with love and pleasure. In their presence, individuals experience increased capacity for love and reduced feelings of sadness, finding comfort in the unconditional acceptance and safety animals provide.
Furthermore, our hope is that the bond formed between clients and animals will inspire them to consider pet adoption, offering more animals a chance at a fulfilling life. As animal-assisted therapy is not covered by health insurance, we rely on the generosity of grants, donations, volunteers, interns, and fundraising efforts to sustain our vital work.
In a world where access to mental health services is limited and the need continues to grow, especially in the wake of COVID-19, our mission takes on heightened significance. Likewise, as humane societies grapple with overflowing populations of neglected animals, our efforts provide a lifeline for both humans and animals alike, fostering love, hope, and companionship on their therapeutic journey towards healing.
Our Values
Respect: We believe that both human beings and animals are deserving of dignity and respect.
Safety: We value mental, physical and emotional safety for all those involved.
Self-Determination: We value self-determination for those with hands and paws. Youth, their families and the animals all have the choice to participate in therapy.
Acceptance: We value acceptance toward self and others.
Collaboration: We value collaborative therapy rooted in positive rewards-, play-, and relationship-based methods.
Compassion: We value compassion as youth and their families learn to recognize and respond to animals’ feelings.
Humanity: We value humanity, ethical practices and humane animal treatment.
Our Approaches
Therapy: We provide therapy by easing accessibility barriers such as financial cost and hours of operation for those seeking mental health services.
Research: We will partner with local universities to conduct further evidenced-based research to help support the demand and impact of the trauma informed animal-assisted therapy, activities, and interventions.
Advocacy: We will engage in advocacy efforts to help propel insurance coverage for trauma informed animal-assisted therapy, activities, and interventions into legislative policies and practices.