Kirkwood Receives the Tweety Lasker Award at Hand in Paw's 25th Annual Picasso Pets - Kirkwood

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Kirkwood Receives the Tweety Lasker Award at Hand in Paw’s 25th Annual Picasso Pets

By Sarah Sexton | Publish Date September 03, 2026

There are few things quite as powerful as the wag of a tail or the quiet presence of a friendly therapy animal to brighten a room. At Kirkwood, animal-assisted therapy isn’t just a fun activity on the calendar. It is a deeply meaningful source of connection, comfort, and emotional well-being for our residents.

We are honored and humbled to share that Kirkwood received the Tweety Lasker Award at Hand in Paw’s 25th Annual Picasso Pets gala. The award is presented each year to an outstanding program partner in recognition of their commitment to animal-assisted therapy. Our Life Enrichment Director, Claudia Reach, who coordinates with and works closely beside Hand in Paw staff and volunteers each month, accepted this wonderful honor on behalf of our entire Kirkwood community.

For years, Hand in Paw’s dedicated therapy teams, comprising passionate volunteers and their extraordinary pets, have visited our campus to bring unconditional love to our residents across Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing.

The impact of these regular visits reaches far beyond a cheerful afternoon:

Emotional Comfort: Interacting with therapy animals lowers stress, eases anxiety, and brings immediate warmth to residents.
Sparking Cherished Memories: For many in our community, spending time with a visiting pet unlocks fond memories of lifelong companions from their own pasts.
Fostering Community: Pet visits bring residents, staff, and families together, creating shared moments of laughter and conversation throughout our campus.

Hand in Paw has long been a beacon of compassion in the greater Birmingham area, making the 25th milestone anniversary of their Picasso Pets gala an extra special occasion. Receiving this award is a testament to the strong bond between our residents, staff, and the wonderful therapy teams who give so generously of their time.

Community partnerships like this lie at the very heart of life at Kirkwood. Watch the video below for a glimpse into the work of Hand in Paw and the impact they make on our community. We look forward to welcoming Hand in Paw’s therapy teams through our doors for many years to come!

The Residents

Our residents come from different backgrounds and bring their unique qualities, talents, and life experiences to complete the Kirkwood community. Here are just a few reflections from some individuals who call Kirkwood their home.

My time at Kirkwood was spectacular; they taught me how to walk again. The staff was outstanding, and the care was beyond reproach. When I arrived, I had a long way to go. I was very sick. The first night, they had to lift me as I could not move by myself. When I left, they were chasing me down the hallway. They taught me how to perform the activities of daily living again. It was the best care I could have prayed for, and on top of that, the food was spectacular.

Eli Gold Past Resident

I fell in love with the cottage and the view from my back porch. I am excited to have a yard for Ginger, my poodle, to play in and my own garage, all within an established retirement community!

Charlotte Hamilton Current Resident

My husband and I looked at a number of places when deciding to move to a retirement community. For the most part, we found communities that said, ‘We’re going to take care of you.’ But Kirkwood was different. It wasn’t just about taking care of us. It was also about having fun, having friends, and living life to the fullest. The attitude at Kirkwood was positive and the atmosphere was comforting. We simply couldn’t resist. Without a doubt, the location was ideal. The Cahaba Room that overlooks the river, the mountains, the trails – there were just so many things about life. The community was lively. It was alive.

Alice Brooks Current Resident

We realized we were approaching an age where we might need more assistance than what just downsizing could provide. Knowing we have my sons nearby and the levels of care should we need it is comforting, and the beautiful hillside, river, and the woods makes it that much more appealing. We don’t know of any other community that has the woods, the various levels of care, and so many different amenities.

Phyllis and John Guschke Current Residents

We were moving my parents down from the Cleveland area to be near us. I looked at almost every retirement place in the Birmingham area. The second I turned into Kirkwood’s drive and drove up the hill, I knew that I’d found the perfect place for my parents to live in Alabama. In the six years that my parents have been at Kirkwood, I have always felt nothing but love and helpfulness from every staff member. Everyone is always helpful with a pleasant attitude. You can truly see and feel the family atmosphere. I’m happy that my parents can call Kirkwood their home.

Brenda Sheehan Kirkwood family member

When we learned that Cedar Ridge was being developed, that seemed to fit our needs very well. It is the ideal place for the next phase of our retirement.

Carol and Arthur Stephens Current Residents

One thing that we feel is very important here at Kirkwood by the River is the relationship that we have between the staff and the residents. They are dedicated to making our life here as safe and secure and pleasurable as possible. That goes a long way.

Fred Rogers Current Resident

The community's cottage living surrounded by a wooded, natural environment with access to future healthcare services is what attracted us to Kirkwood!

Rick and Jane Ricketts Current Residents