Greetings,
This time of year is not only a time for relaxing and celebrating all the special people (and dogs) in our lives, but is also a time for giving and reflecting. Here at Austin Dog Alliance our training schedule is substantially lighter during the Holiday Season, giving us time to host some fun events, reflect on the past, and plan for the new year.
As I reflect upon the past year, I realize that the 'Magic of Dogs' is just one component of the success of our organization. The other key component is the fact that our passionate volunteers, staff and trainers always put people first. We strive to serve the community with enthusiasm, respect, and integrity. We don't just rescue dogs, we spend a lot of energy making sure the dog is placed in the right home and that the family is given the support needed to make the adoption successful. We don't just teach classes, we research issues, take dogs home, schedule extra training session, send handouts and links after class thru e-mail; we invest ourselves in making each student a success. Our pet therapy dogs don't work alone, their handlers groom them, drive them to sites, schedule their work schedules around their volunteer time, keep their commitments even when it's not convenient, and when they are "working" they give themselves to the students and patients that need some extra love. We don't just teach children with Autism, we learn to appreciate and understand each child's unique gifts. We don't just have volunteers; we have friends and supporters who share our passion.
In May we will celebrate our 5 year anniversary. We have come a long way from $80 in the bank, a rescued dog named Bernie and a lot of faith and passion that someday we would make a difference in Austin by using the 'Magic of Dogs'. We reached a major milestone last month when Laurie Scott, a parent of one of our K9 Club - Autism students and I appeared on Fox 7 News Live. I was so nervous I was truly concerned I would throw up on the interviewer's shoes. Even though the interview was way outside my comfort zone, I realized that without publicity (and hopefully funding), Austin Dog Alliance can't continue to sustain and grow the pet therapy and autism programs. We are very grateful that our community is starting to recognize our impact. CarMax Cares, Seton, and Lakeline Mall have all recently selected Austin Dog Alliance to be part of their giving programs for 2011.
As you plan your holiday activities, please consider joining us for our Open House on December 11 (1-5pm at Austin Dog Alliance) or our first Bow Wow Express Family Festival on December 19 (1-4pm at Milburn Park). Bring your whole family out on the 19th, even your dog. We will have pictures with Santa and train rides for everyone.
On behalf of all the volunteers, staff, board members and dogs of Austin Dog Alliance, we wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday.
Sincerely,
Debi Krakar, CPDT
Executive Director, Austin Dog Alliance
Note: Keep up to date with all the latest happenings on our Facebook page. To see current pictures on our Facebook page follow the link. We are expanding our hours at the Training Center so you have more opportunities to stock up on holiday gifts. We also have gift cards. Stop by and say 'Hello'. |
Holiday Open House - December 11th
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Join us for our Holiday Open House!
Saturday, December 11th (1pm-5pm)Austin Dog Alliance Training Center
 - Enjoy refreshments! - Free gift wrapping of purchases from our pet boutique!
- Meet our trainers & learn about upcoming classes
- 2:00 pm, authors Shari Getz and Chaiti Sen read, "A Day With Lady" - Meet rescue dogs available for adoption - Have your gifts wrapped at our gift wrapping fundraiser!For more information: Holiday Open House
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Family and Dog Friendly Event
Sunday, December 19th from 1 - 4
Milburn Park, Cedar Park
Train Rides - Dogs welcome to ride too!
Carnival Games with prizes
Ornament, Snowflake and Bow Making
Hot Chocolate Bar - Complete with whipped cream & sprinkles
Dog Biscuit Decorating
Holiday Cookie Decorating
Holiday Market - Gifts for Dogs
Story time with Bow Wow Reading Dogs - The Polar Express
Family Photos with Santa*
A $20 donation per family is suggested, but not required.
To sponsor the event or to participate with a vendor booth, please contact us at Debi@AustinDogAlliance.org or call the Training Center at 335-7100.
* Fee for Photos |
Author Shari Getz Partners with Austin Dog Alliance
|  Author Shari Getz is partnering with Austin Dog Alliance to promote literacy, animal welfare, and reading outreach programs.
Getz recently completed development on "A Day With Lady," her first
children's picture book that introduces Charli and Lady, a young girl and her remarkably talented dog.
While designing the book for print, Getz set out to identify the right nonprofit with whom she would share a portion of profits from book sales. A nation-wide search for a nonprofit with a direct impact on children and animals led her right back to Austin, where she discovered Austin Dog Alliance. Getz featured her book at the Austin Dog Alliance tent at this year's Texas Book Festival and is donating 10% of the profits from book sales to Austin Dog Alliance in support of their programs.
Meet Shari Getz and hear a reading from her book at our Holiday Open House, December 11th, 2:00pm.
Read the full press release.
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Give the Gift of Training!
| | What better gift to give your canine companion (and yourself!) than some training? We offer classes to help you and your best friend get the most out of your life together.
Our upcoming training classes include:
- Puppy Manners
- Dog Manners I and II
- Dog Manners for Deaf Dogs
- Pet Therapy
- Tricks, Tricks, & More Tricks
- Barking & Growling
Visit Austin Dog Alliance Classes for dates, times, & online registration!
Do you prefer 1-on-1 instruction? Can't commit to a regular class? No problem! Private lessons are also available. Please call our Training Center at 512-335-7100.
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| Bow Wow Santa Program - Holiday Donations For Vet Care | 
Anderson Mill Animal Clinic will be accepting donations on our behalf for vet care. There are many times when a dog's vet costs substantially exceed the adoption fee. Heart worm treatment, demodex, ear infections, hip issues, pregnancy complications, distemper or severe cases of kennel cough all impact the dog's cost. Donations to help with vet care for our rescued dogs can be made in person or by calling (512) 258-4163. While you are visiting the clinic, please be sure to thank them for taking such good care of our dogs!
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Your donations, large and small, help us serve the community through our K9 Kids programs, Pet Therapy, & Dog Rescue/Adoption. We appreciate your support.
Please make your tax-deductible contribution today!
(EIN - 20-4797768)
* ONLINE: www.austindogalliance.org
* BY PHONE: (512) 335-7100
* BY FAX: (512) 287-4880
* BY MAIL: Complete the form below and mail a check or credit card information to:
Austin Dog Alliance
12129 RR 620 N, Suite 401, Austin, TX 78750
Credit card type: o MC o VISA Amount: ______________________
Card number: _____________________________________________________
3-digit security code on back of card: ____________ Expiration Date: ____________
Name: __________________________________________
___I wish to remain anonymous on donor listings/announcements
___ In honor or memory of _______________________________________________
Billing Address:____________________________________________________
City/State: ________________________________________ZIP: ______________
Signature: __________________________________________________________
Does your employer have a corporate matching gift program? If so, your donation could go twice as far! | |
Thank You for your donation. Together, we CAN 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 positive, 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.
Austin Dog Alliance is funded by the revenue generated from our training classes and donations by individuals and corporations. All donations are tax deductible. Please donate today! |
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| ontact Us | Board of Directors
Executive Director
Romp N Run Ranch
Leadership Team
Adoption Program Managers
Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
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