Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks.  It is a time in which we reflect upon the gifts that make each of us unique and relationships we have created with others.  When thinking about relationships, it occurred to me that volunteers and dogs are similar in that both have unique abilities that need to be appreciated.  Austin Dog Alliance is an organization run primarily by volunteers.  These volunteers all share the passion for making dogs a part of our lives in a positive way.  Some of our volunteers are very detail oriented, and therefore, they take on the roles which require consistency and attention to detail.  Some of our volunteers are really good on the phone, so they take on the role of coordinating therapy teams or talking with potential adopters.  Some are very creative and help with flyers and brochures.  Some are great at transitioning dogs from the shelter to a home and offer their time to foster.   
With a volunteer base of about 300, in 2010 we have been able to provide the community with over 6,000 hours of pet therapy community service in hospitals, nursing homes, libraries, special events and schools and the successful adoption of over 225 dogs.  We also provided the community with Paws in the Park and will provide another event, Bow Wow Express, on December 19th.  The key to our success has been utilizing the strengths and skills of each of the wonderful volunteers who offer their time.  

Dogs are similar.  (It always goes back to dogs when I'm writing. :))  Some dogs are really, really happy and friendly.  Some are very happy and well behaved in the home, but a bit nervous when out and about.  Some are awesome at agility, but really don't like strange people approaching them.  Some will lay around all day, and others never stop.  The key to working with dogs, just like with volunteers, is to understand their strengths and capitalize on them.    Instead of wanting all dogs to fit a certain mold, it's a lot easier if we learn to appreciate the strengths and learn to manage and/or accept the weaknesses.  If we learn to vary our training approach based on the dog, and not on what may have worked before with another dog, we end up with a stronger relationship with our furry friend. 

Rozi, Max, Levi & Riley

I have a pack of four dogs living in my home.  Two are wonderful therapy dogs.  One is a crazy, enthusiastic ball of energy who may never settle down enough to be a therapy dog.  The biggest is a 100 pound German Shepherd mix aptly named Max, who keeps all the dogs in line at home, but could never succeed in a therapy environment.  By accepting them as who they are, I can enjoy their varied skills and temperaments and incorporate them into my life and work in many ways.  Max is my only dog who never gets to work with kids at the Center, but he sure brings me joy at home, and, his ability to help me with aggressive dogs is absolutely priceless.     

So as we approach the Thanksgiving season, I hope you will join me in giving thanks for all the people and dogs in our lives who provide us with a rich kaleidoscope of experiences by each bringing their own unique set of gifts to each situation. 

Thank you to all our volunteers, adopters, students, K9 Kids Club participants, board members, pet therapy dogs (and cat), and supporters who each share something of themselves with Austin Dog Alliance.  Your contributions, big and small, of time and or money, make a difference in the lives of families in our community.