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Newsletter
April 2009 |
Letter From the Executive Director
Friends and Supporters,
WOW – what an amazing couple of months! In two months, we have gone from putting up sounds walls and painting to having a full schedule of classes and events. Our rescue and adoption program has seen tremendous increases in dog applications. So many that we have recruited some volunteers to help with reference checks and other paperwork aspects. Many of our adopters are signing up for dog training classes, a dream come true for me! Trained dogs don’t end up back in the shelter, so I couldn’t be happier about this new aspect of our organization.
Another really rewarding aspect of the new Center is getting to see so many happy kids! I love watching the kids in training classes. They are so excited and enthusiastic. We also have several kid/parent training teams. It’s really rewarding to watch kids having so much fun with their parents (and their dogs).
Working with a wide variety of volunteers has been enriching as well. Kids that were in K9 Kids Club three years ago have shown up to help. We also have been joined by a home school group and the Travis County 4-H.
Some of our adult volunteers have really stepped up and taken on a lot. If you see Colleen, Cassie, Dianne, Michelle, Ryan, Carolyn, Megan or any of our foster parents, say thank you. If you ever see my husband Bill, thank him as well. He spends most Sunday afternoons helping me with something at the center.
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It has been a learning experience too. Yappy Hour – free play time for dogs and social time for humans, was a bust. All the dogs and humans had a great time, but the dogs kept peeing EVERWHERE! It took me hours to disinfect after the last one. YUCK! Live and learn.
We have several fun and or informative events planned for the next month. Join us for a Free seminar about planning your estate needs for your pet (March 31st), our Grand Opening Party on Saturday, April 4th from 1 – 4 and a Bow Wow Reading Dog event on Sunday, April 26 from 1 – 4. We are offering fun classes this month – Tricks, Freestyle (Canine Dancing), Rally and of course Pet Therapy, Puppy Preschool and Pet Dog Manners. Our goal is to make your hour at dog training one of the fun-est things you do all week. Our instructors (Lacy, Pat, Jessica, Debby, Jenny, Debi and Carolyn) are looking forward to working with you and your dog.
As the organization continues to evolve and grow, consider getting involved. Give me a call at 335-7100 or send me an e-mail Debi@austindogalliance.org.
Together, we CAN make a difference.
Sincerely,
Debi Krakar
Executive Director
Austin Dog Alliance
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Volunteer Spotlight
Trick or Treat anyone?
Every Halloween, Ruth Ann Marsh dresses up her dogs and has them sit outside to help her give out candy to the trick-or-treaters. Seven years ago, she got a treat in the disquise of a sweet cattledog who would come up with every group. When none of the trick or treaters took him along, Ruth Ann opened her home and took him in. She did attempt to find Jack’s ‘real’ home, but of course Jack knew that he had found his forever home.
Now, as Ruth Ann tells it, life wasn't all treats with Jack. Seems he was more into trickery! He was always trying to herd the cats and Ruth Ann; at one point he ate 18 holly bushes; and he crashed through a closed window trying to chase one of her cats. But Ruth Ann didn’t give up on him. She continued working with him, knowing there was a good, obedient dog somewhere under all that energy. Those that know Ruth Ann aren’t surprised. She is a patient, kind person who teaches the blind and visually impaired how to travel independently. Ruth Ann also volunteers with the Central Texas SPCA, the Austin Humane Society (feral cat program) and is a foster mom for Austin Dog Alliance.
Some of Jack's good tricks include agility and chasing his yellow and red ball. In fact, no other ball will do! Ruth Ann has almost convinced him that a particular tennis ball is just fine, but he still prefers his red and yellow ball above all others!
Over the years Jack mellowed some, but Ruth Ann knew he still needed a job. So in April, 2008, they became a Delta Society Therapy Team, passing the test on the first try and rated Complex! Not bad for the once wild boy. Jack loves his occupation of visiting nursing homes, hospitals, libraries (he’s a Bow Wow Reading dog), and the Texas School for the Blind dormitory. Ruth Ann says he’s a sucker for being petted and a bit of a ham with his tricks! Guess that just figures, what with him being a Halloween dog!
Thanks Jack and Ruth Ann for bringing so much to all you do!
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Grand Opening Celebration - April 4th, 1-4pm
Here’s what will be going on. Please come and join us!
1:30 - Freestyle Canine Dancing Demo
2:00 - Leash cutting ceremony
2:15 - Freestyle Canine Dancing Demo
2:30 - Story time with Bow Wow Reading dogs
All afternoon we will have
- Nature’s Select pet food booth
- Pet photos by Carolyne of Pet Paw-tography - $10 for a 4 x 6 framed photo www.pet-pawtography.com
- Micro chipping – Insertion and Lifetime registration with Home Again - $24.99
- Meet and Greet all our puppies and dogs
- Refreshments
- Make Dog Bandannas and crafts with the Travis County 4-H
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
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Estate Planning for Pets (FREE) - March 31st, 7-9pm
Ronald G. Greening, Founder of The Greening Law Firm, P.C., has graciously offered to present a seminar on Estate Planning for Pets.
You may wonder what you would do without your pet, but what would your pet do without you? A pet is an integral and loving member of the family and many animals outlive their owners. It is vital that you plan for your pets welfare after you are gone because under Texas law, your pet is a personal possession, which could be distributed or sold with all of your other things. This seminar will teach you about Pet Trusts that set rules and guidelines for the care of animals. The seminar will consist of approximately a one-hour presentation followed by a question and answer session.
The Austin Dog Alliance is delighted to invite all pet owners to this seminar.
Please help us plan for how many chairs to set up by emailing colleen@austindogalliance.org if you are planning to attend.
Cost: FREE
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Lots of Fun Classes for Kids
K9 Kids/Teens – Dog Training – Starts at 5:30 on Thursday, April 2 $135 for six weeks
K9 Kids/Teens – Freestyle (Dog Dancing) – Starts at 6:30 on Tuesday, April 7 $150 for eight weeks
Teach Your Dog Tricks - Starts at 6:30 PM on Monday, April 13, $125 for 6 weeks
Visit our website, AustinDogAlliance.org, for details.
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Sign up Now for Summer Camps
Join us for summer camp in our INDOOR facility. Most of the sessions will be taught with a sign language interpreter available. Your children will learn a lot about dogs and a little sign language as well. Classes will be small, so register early. Free t-shirt for any registrations received by April 1.
Tricks, Games and More – Ages 9 – 16, bring your dog everyday
One week sessions starting 6/8, 6/15, 7/6 Camp is 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday $275
All About Dogs! – Ages 6 – 9, bring your dog or work with a rescue dog on Thursday only
One week sessions starting 7/13 and 7/20 Camp is 9:00 AM to Noon, Monday thru Thursday $150
Pet Therapy, Tricks and More – Ages 12 – 18, bring your dog everyday
One week sessions starting 8/3 Camp is 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday thru Friday $300
Sign up online at AustinDogAllliance.org.
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Wish List
Here are some of the things we are looking for at the moment. As always, you can check our website for updated list of items. Thank You from all of us at Austin Dog Alliance.
24 and 36 inch metal, collapsible crates
Office chairs with wheels, dark brown or black
Puppy Food and Toys
Financial donations for the signage required by the landlord and city - $6,000
Filing cabinet
Cleaning service
50 cup coffee maker
Van for dog transports
Media cart
Folding tables
Large rug/mats
Tool box with basic repair tools
Financial donations are always appreciated and needed! Click on Donate Today to donate online.
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Volunteers Needed
Craig’s List Poster – post events and available dogs. 2 hours per week
Office Help – 2 hours per week on a regular, scheduled basis. Answer the phone, file, and greet customers.
Event Coordinator – coordinate the meet and greets
Foster Homes – most dogs are adopted within three weeks. ADA provides all vet care, crate, collar and supplies. You provide food, love and toys. Click here to fill out an application today!
Transport – drive dogs to the vet or pick up dogs from shelters, as needed
Windows, floors and mirror cleaning – weekly basis, takes a couple of hours
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Austin Dog Alliance
12129 RR 620 Suite 401, Austin, United States
Tel: (512) 335-7100 Website: http://www.austindogalliance.org/
Email: debi@austindogalliance.org
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