Gayle Hutchens had to find a new career when her husband became ill. She told a friend at church that she would like to do something to help animals or kids or healing.

"God is bigger than that," the friend said. "Do all three."

In 2001, Gayle founded Paws and Think, pawsandthink.org. (Now I for one just love that name! Great minds think alike!) It's a nonprofit service organization that pairs troubled kids with rescued dogs.

On March 28, The Indianapolis Star honored Hutchens with a local Jefferson Award. Founded in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service, the Jefferson Award gives national recognition for outstanding community and public service.

In June, Gayle will travel to Washington, D.C., for her shot at the national Jefferson Award.

15 year old J.J. Kress is pictured with Alex, who he trained to be a service dog, and program founder Gayle Hutchens.

Since its beginning, Paws and Think has improved the lives of more than 2,000 kids and saved the lives of more than 200 dogs. The kids are developmentally disabled, or bound for juvie homes, or otherwise troubled. The program teaches them to become service dog trainers.

Hutchens told the Indy Star, "We structure the programs for outcomes, but it's the connection that the kids and the dogs make that makes the programs work."

For more information on this wonderful program, visit PawsandThink.org.