Alliance (Al-li-ance) - defined as an association to further the common interests of the members. When Austin Dog Alliance was incorporated in 2006, we chose to have the word Alliance in our name because the founding board members all felt that part of our organizational culture would always be to cooperate with other organizations that were also striving to improve lives by utilizing the powerful connection between dogs and humans.
As ADA grows and evolves, this philosophy comes into play again and again. We recently founded an alliance with the Human Society of Williamson County to jointly find dogs for our Special Dogs for Special Needs program and to jointly provide programs for our summer campers. We have also formed a collaborative agreement with the Autism Project at University of Texas at Austin and the Autism Society of Greater Austin to develop, document and promote expanded programs for children affected by autism. As we experience continued success with our approach of using therapy dogs to teach social skills to those with high functioning autism/Asperger's Syndrome, we realize the importance of sharing our knowledge and skills with others.
So in the spirit of being a partner with others with the same goals; we help breed rescue groups find homes for their "mixes", we help to train therapists and other trainers who can promote the use of dogs in a therapeutic capacity and we are always happy to participate in events that use the appeal of dogs to teach kids.
ADA is an alliance on many levels. We are an alliance of supporters, volunteers, staff, trainers, board members, corporate and individual sponsors and other organizations all striving to make a difference for families by using the magic of dogs.
Every day it's an honor to work with all of you.
Sincerely,
 Debi Krakar, CPDT
Executive Director, Austin Dog Alliance
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Thank You, Seton Cares Foundation!
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Austin Dog Alliance receives donation from Seton Cares program. On February 14th, Austin Dog Alliance accepted a donation from the Seton Cares Foundation for almost $20,000 in support of ADA's Pet Therapy programs. |
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Geronimo Rodriguez, Vice President of Diversity & Community Outreach for the Seton Family of Hospitals, presents Debi Krakar, Executive Director of Austin Dog Alliance with a check from Seton employees.
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ADA members, accompanied by therapy dogs Avery, Tini, Lumpi, & Riley, delivered "thank you" Valentines to University Medical Center Brackenridge nurses and staff members in appreciation of the generous donation.  | |
Therapy dog Riley thanks Seton staff members for their generosity
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Donations were raised through Seton Cares, the annual employee giving campaign for the Seton Family of Hospitals. Austin Dog Alliance was one of five non-profit organizations nominated by Seton employees and chosen as a recipient under this year's campaign. For more details, see the story on the Seton website and check out the video news story coverage by Fox 7 News. We consistently receive requests for more pet therapy teams to visit sites throughout the community. If you and your pet are interested in learning more about this rewarding volunteer activity, please visit the Pet Therapy section of our website! |
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"Book Blast" at Lakeline Mall
Saturday, March 5
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Sophie is ready to read with the kids!
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Join us Saturday, March 5th, at the Lakeline Mall "Book Blast" presented by the Simon Mall Kidgits Club. The event runs from Noon to 2:00pm, lower level Dillard's Women's Court. Austin Dog Alliance Bow Wow Reading Dogs will participate in reading sessions with kids at 12:30pm, 1:00pm, and 1:30pm. Bring a new or gently used book to donate to BookSpring and receive a special giveaway -- while supplies last. To learn more about the Simon Mall Kidgits Club and see previews of upcoming events, visit their website. |
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Special Dogs for Special Needs
Launch of new program & partnership with Williamson County Humane Society
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Austin Dog Alliance and the Humane Society of Williamson County (HSWC), a non-profit, no-kill shelter, have joined forces to launch the Special Dogs for Special Needs program. As our K9 Kids and K9 Kids Autism/Asperger's Social Communication Enrichment Programs have expanded, we've received increasing numbers of inquiries from families with special needs children. These families are interested in adopting dogs into their homes, provided the dogs have the temperament, training, and skills to successfully become a part of a family with special requirements. ADA launched the Special Dogs for Special Needs program in February with two dogs. The dogs live with a foster family for a minimum of six weeks while undergoing training in the foster home. When training is complete and the dog is ready, he or she is placed in a forever home. Adopting families are provided with pre- and post-adoption support to equip them with the tools for success. Carol Nemir, a first-time foster and one of the "inaugural" fosters participating in the launch of this program, is working with Annie, a black lab mix. Carol's experience has been very positive. "I feel like I hit the jackpot with Annie; she has such a wonderful temperament. When I decided to foster, I had concerns about how a new animal would fit into my household (which includes a cat and a rather protective lab mix). Annie's disposition made it very easy to incorporate her into the pack". Fostering provides benefits on both sides of the foster relationship, according to Carol. "I decided to give fostering a try because I was looking for a way to get more involved in the community and also wanted to learn more about dogs and dog training. Fostering seemed a perfect fit. Even in just the few weeks Annie's been with me, I have learned so much. It was also rewarding for me to know I helped get Annie out of the shelter by agreeing to foster". As the fostering period reaches its conclusion and the foster prepares for the dog's transition to a new home, they have the satisfaction of knowing they've made a difference in the lives of the dog and the waiting family. From Carol's view, "It's very rewarding to know that I'm helping Annie get ready for her new home, and that by giving her basic obedience training I'm helping her new family more easily incorporate her into their home".  | |
Annie is undergoing training to prepare her for her new home
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If you're interested in participating in this exciting new program and helping us give deserving shelter dogs a second chance at a happy life with a forever family, read about the ADA Foster Program and get started here. A special 2-hour seminar on fostering or adopting a dog from a shelter, What to Expect when Expecting a Shelter Dog, will be offered March 5th at our Training Center (free to existing/approved fosters, contact judy@austindogalliance.org for coupon code) Read more on our website about the Special Dogs for Special Needs program. |
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Group Training Classes & Seminars
New sessions (and new seminars) begin soon!
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 Training for you and your dog
It's not just wishful thinking. You CAN have a dog that walks nicely beside you on a leash, knows how to "sit", "stay", "leave it" and "come" when called -- in short, a pup that is a delightful companion -- a dog you can proudly take to the many dog-friendly venues in the Austin area.
We offer classes to fit any schedule: Weekdays, weekends, mornings, and evenings. Multiple sessions of these classes begin in March!
- Dog Manners 1
- Dog Manners 2
- Pet Therapy training class
- Barking & Growling Dog Manners
- Puppy Manners
- Dog Manners - K9 Kids
We also offer seminars which meet for one session, including: - Puppy Head Start
- Delta Society Pet Therapy (overview of Delta Society and the world of pet therapy)
- What to Expect When You're Expecting (preparing your dog for a new baby's arrival)
- What to Expect When Expecting a Shelter Dog (free for those already approved as an ADA foster; contact judy@austindogalliance.org)
Summer Camp registration is open! Summer Camp sessions run during selected weeks in June/July/August. We offer all-day and half-day (morning or afternoon) versions of camp. This year we have partnered with the Human Society of Williamson County to offer a one day field trip where the campers ages 10 and older will teach the shelter dogs some basics skills and we will make videos to help the dogs find forever homes. We recommend you register for Summer Camp as soon as possible; class size is limited, and some of the sessions are already more than half full! - Tricks, Games & More (for ages 10-14)
- Advanced Tricks, Games & More (for ages 11-15)
- All About Dogs! (for ages 7-9)
For dates and complete details on any class, seminar, or camp, and to complete an online enrollment, visit the Austin Dog Alliance Classes section of our website.
For those interested in 1-on-1 sessions or private training, call our Training Center at 512-335-7100 to schedule a private consultation or training session.
Revenues from our training classes help fund our outreach programs in the community. Thank you for training with Austin Dog Alliance!
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Wildflower Season...
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Spring in Central Texas means wildflowers!
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Molly
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In Central Texas, spring is wildflower time. In and around the Austin area, expect wildflowers to begin blooming in March and continue into April and May. Although the bluebonnet gets the most attention (it became the official state flower in 1901), there are an abundance of different wildflowers that can be found blooming in our area throughout spring and summer.
To learn the difference between an Indian Blanket and an Indian Paintbrush, or to become acquainted with the many varieties of wildflowers you may encounter, visit the "Wild About Texas Wildflowers" site.
The site includes a Wildflower Sightings page, where you can find the perfect place for a "photo op" with your two-legged and four-legged loved ones and/or add your own sightings to the list of contributions.
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Logan & Cyndi
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Another resource: The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDot) has a special site for Texas Wildflowers and Fall Foliage.
Last but not least, you can monitor wildflower blooms via The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and their live "bluebonnet cam".  | |
YYZ & Tai Shan
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So, check out these resources, grab your camera and your favorite subject, and enjoy the beautiful Texas wildflowers while they're in bloom!
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"Kids & Canines" at Lakeline Mall
Join us Saturday, March 26th
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 Join Austin Dog Alliance and Lakeline Mall for "Kids & Canines", Saturday, March 26, from 1:00-4:00pm. Enjoy dog-related events and activities:
- Meet some of the Austin Dog Alliance therapy dogs
- Read a story with a Bow Wow Reading Dog
- Learn how to teach a trick to a therapy dog
- Learn how to make dog treats and 'doggie trail mix' for your canine friends
- Enjoy other dog-themed crafts
- See how an agility course works (dogs and kids)
- ... and more!
Stay tuned to our Facebook Page for updates and more information!
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Looking ahead ... April, 2011
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Photo from 2010 MTDW
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Austin Dog Alliance volunteers enjoy supporting our fellow non-profit organization, Texas Hearing and Service dogs (THSD) annually at the Mighty Texas Dog Walk (MTDW). This year, the walk occurs on Saturday, April 2.
For 2011, the dog walk is accompanied by an all-day festival at Austin's Waterloo Park. More details and online registration are found here.
Help THSD and be a part of establishing a new Guinness World Record for "Largest Dog Walk"!
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Austin Dog Alliance is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, with the mission of improving the health and well being of individuals and families through programs incorporating the powerful connection between dogs and humans.
To achieve our mission we
- Provide professional and positive dog training classes
- Find dogs for families
- Provide programs for children and their families who are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Promote the valuable role of pet therapy in our community
- Implement animal assisted programs in nursing homes, hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Enhance student reading skills by utilizing Bow Wow Reading Dog pet therapy teams at schools and libraries
- Provide a variety of fun and educational programs designed to build self esteem and teach children to love and respect dogs
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 .
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| Contact Us | Board of Directors
Executive Director
Romp N Run Ranch
Leadership Team
Adoption Program Managers
Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
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