As you may recall, we submitted a proposal to Impact Austin to obtain funding for an after-school enrichment program for children on the autism spectrum. Unfortunately, we did not receive the grant. However, the process did fuel our belief that the Austin community needs a dog facilitated program to help these children bridge the social communication barriers often associated with autism and asperger's. I'm not alone in this belief. The response to the idea from professionals who work with autistic children every day has been amazing. We are NOT giving up. In fact, this summer, we will hold our first K9 Kids Summer Camp designed specifically for children ages 9 - 14 with high functioning autism and asperger's. The camp is being designed and taught by myself and a team of the following professionals:
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Lynn Campbell, OTR with Leander ISD
- Karen Sims, PHD a Post Doctoral Fellow in Child Psychology
- Jody Jensen, PHD with Autism Project at University of Texas, Austin
- Lynne Raymond, Social Communication Supports and Services (Autism K-5) with Leander ISD
- Carolyn Honish, Special Education Teacher with Round Rock ISD
The premise behind our curriculum for summer camp and the afterschool programs in the Fall is that our pet therapy dogs will serve as the bridge to improve social communication skills. Teen volunteers will further enhance the learning experience by serving as peer models. The children won't realize they are working on social communication skills; they will just be having fun with dogs.
Many people are donating time and energy to make our autism outreach programs a reality in our community. Please show us your support by sending our newsletter to families affected by autism and by making a donation or attending our fundraising event, Fetching Art.
Together, we will make a difference.
Sincerely,
Debi Krakar, CPDT
Executive Director, Austin Dog Alliance
Note: Keep up to date with all the latest happenings on our Facebook page. We post pictures and updates almost daily. To see current pictures on our Facebook page follow the link. Remember our Yahoo! Group, too. You can keep up with the most current happenings and our volunteer opportunities.
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| Fetching Art is on! June 24th |  Come Join us for some fun and frivolity
with Canine Inspired cocktails! Try a "Doggie-politan" or a "bark-tini" !
Fetching Art
Where:
ADA Training Center-North
12129 RR 620 N, #401
Austin, TX 78750
When:
June 24, 2010
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets:
Or in person, available for purchase at the North Austin Training Center and the following locations:
- Dogadillo - 12912 Hill Country Blvd., Suite F-155, Austin
(At the Hill CountryGalleria)
- Romp N' Run Ranch - 3901 CR 175 (Sam Bass Rd), Leander
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| Training Classes Available in South Austin | |
Great news for all you dedicated souls that make the trek up North and for those of you who have been patiently waiting for our Expert Trainers to come closer to home...
We are proudly Announcing our New South Location Training Center:
Hill Country Galleria
12912 Hill Country Blvd. Suite E-105
Austin, TX
The use of this beautiful new space is being donated by the management company of the Hill Country Galleria. It is located next to the movie theatre, near Dogadillo.
Instructor Sandra Nelson, CPDT will begin teaching classes at the South location on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings starting June 5. Initial offerings include Leash Walking 101, Puppy Manners 1 and Dog Manners 1. Check out our group class listings for the most current dates and times.
Join us at our new space and meet Sandra at our Open House - Saturday, June 5 from 11 - 1. Our litter of 11 Border Collie mix puppies will also be there! |
| More Instructors, More Classes | 
Please join me in welcoming two new instructors, Elizabeth Smith, CPDT and Marilyn Nichols to our North Austin location.
Elizabeth Smith and her pet therapy Bulldog, Daisy, volunteer at the Center for Child Protection and a variety of other locations. Elizabeth will be teaching Dog Manners 1 on Thursday evenings starting in June. Marilyn Nichols and her dogs compete in Freestyle competitions at a National level. She will be teaching a Tricks class and a Freestyle class on Wednesday evenings. Marilyn will also be teaching some doggie dancing routines to our campers this summer.
K9 Kids Summer Camp Update - Over the course of the entire summer, we only have 10 spaces left in our Tricks, Games and More summer camps for kids ages 9 - 14. The Advanced K9 Camp for ages 11 - 14 has 5 open spaces. The All About Dogs! program for children ages 6 - 8 has 8 spaces left. Five spaces are still available in our summer camp program for children with autism/asperger's. If you are planning to send your child to dog camp this year, don't delay, sign up today.
Pet Therapy Class Update - Our pet therapy instructors will be busy teaching K9 Kids Camp this summer. Pet therapy classes and seminars will resume in late August/Septermber.
All of our trainers only use positive training methods. The entire family is welcome to attend our weekend and evening training classes. Both of our training locations are indoors and the air conditioning is ready. So get out of the heat and come join us for some learning fun.
For a complete schedule and to register, please see our website at AustinDogAlliance.org or call the North Training Center at 335-7100. |
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| Family and Dog Fun - Movie Night at Austin Dog Alliance Center |  
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| Magic of Dogs Book Project | 
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Does your dog have an amazing story?
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Has your dog inspired you to grow as a person?
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Has your dog made a difference in the community thru your work as a pet partner team?
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Has your dog helped someone?
Let's share the amazing stories of our dogs with the community in a way that will hopefully inspire others to embrace the magic of dogs. This link has the Guidelines for Submission. |
| Target Your Donation - How You Can Help... |
Donate Your Way! | As you can tell from everything listed in this Newsletter and on our website, Austin Dog Alliance has A LOT going on! With so much happening, we want to give you the opportunity to target exactly where you want your donation to go. Use our friendly pointer, choose your target below, make your donation online, now!
  Autism Outreach Programs
K-9 Kids Camp Scholarships
Pet Therapy Programs
Rescue and Adoption
OR, if you prefer, send in this form. Thank You!
I would like to make a donation of _______________ to support the _______________________________
program provided by Austin Dog Alliance.
Name _____________________________________ Phone _____________
E-mail __________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________ Zip __________ Option: I would like this donation to be in honor/memory (circle one) of: ___________________ Please send an acknowledgement of this gift to: Name _______________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________ Zip _______________
Tax-deductible donation checks may be made payable to : Austin Dog Alliance or you may charge your MC/VISA _______________________________________________
Expiration Date _______/______ 3-digit security code on reverse of card ____________ Signature _______________________ Please return form and donation to: Austin Dog Alliance, 12129 RR 620 N, Suite 401 Austin, TX 78750 Thank You for Your Support - Together, we make a difference! |
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Austin Dog Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with the mission of making dogs an integral part of our community through the use of science-based training methods and the human-canine bond. This special bond improves the lives of families and benefits the community through hospital and nursing home visits, reading dog programs, and educational programs that enhance the self-esteem of our children. |
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| Contact Us |
| Board of Directors
Executive Director
Romp N Run Ranch
Leadership Team
Adoption Application Manager
Adoption Support and Newsletter
Office Manager
Mary Pomeroy
Intake Team Leader
| Red Hot Opportunity
of the month:
"Sasha"
I'm single and looking to mingle :)
MAY-be we have something in common???
- 1.5 yrs female
- beautiful eyes
- luxurious hair
- good manners
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See my details here!
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