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Newsletter
  May 2011

Letter from the Executive Director

 
Volunteer Picnic may 2011
Volunteer Picnic at Candlelight Ranch

Austin Dog Alliance volunteers are awesome.  We have a talented and passionate group of volunteers that contribute to our success.  In addition to our front line volunteers who visit hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries and those that foster dogs, we also have volunteers that make the whole organization run.  We have volunteers that take photos, do legal work, write press releases, create logos and brochures, write the newsletter, run the office, answer the phones, organize events, write grant proposals, create summer camp curriculum, coordinate pet therapy sites, track volunteer hours, file invoices, order stock and on and on.    

 

Zip Lining
Zip Lining at the Ranch

At our Spring volunteer event at Candlelight Ranch, I looked around at the the happy volunteers and their equally happy dogs and realized once again how truly blessed I am to have so many dedicated volunteers working with me each day.  All these volunteers are the heart and soul of Austin Dog Alliance. Their compassion is reflected in all the wonderful work we do in the community.

 

An example of the work we do in the community is our Bow Wow Reading Dog program.  This year, for the first time, we sent our schools and libraries an online survey to get their feedback on the program. Click to review the Bow Wow Reading Dog Survey results.   The statistic I like the best is:  "94% of respondents felt the program improved the children's enthusiasm for reading".  It's feedback like this that inspires all of us.

 

 If you would like to join our volunteer team, please contact Judy about fostering, Michele about working in the office, Su about events, Nicole about pet therapy and me about anything else.  We are all looking forward to hearing from you.  

 

Sincerely,   

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Debi Krakar, CPDT

Executive Director, Austin Dog Alliance   

Note:  Hey Facebook Fans - please visit our Facebook page , add us as a favorite and promote us to your friends.  Thank you to Spencer Selvidge for the wonderful photos.  See more of his photos on Facebook.    

Yappy Hour at Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

Wednesday, May 4th, 6:00pm 


Bentleys Logo

 Bentleys Pink Paws Logo

Join us May 4 (6:00pm) for Yappy Hour at Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

 

Enjoy wine, spirits, and treats for the two-legged and four-legged.

 

1/2 Price nail trims, too! 

 

Sponsored by Bentley's Biscuits & Bones and Bark 'n Bubbles.

 

More details here 

   

 

Bentley's Biscuits & Bones

(In the Anderson Arbor Shopping Center)

13359 N. Hwy. 183, Suite 405

Austin, Texas 78750

512-918-3900

www.bentleysaustin.com 

 

Bentleys Logo Dog Face   


Beat the Heat this Summer!

Warm Weather Safety for Dogs

 

Summer DogTemperatures in Central Texas have already reached 90F and above.  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), pets are more susceptible to heat stroke than humans when it's hot outside.  Pets can't sweat like humans do; they perspire through their paw pads and rid themselves of excess heat primarily by panting.  It's important, therefore, to protect our pets during hot months.   

 

Some tips to help our canine friends stay safe and healthy during hot days are:

  • If possible, bring pets inside, and avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity
  • For pets that must stay outside during the day, ensure they have a shaded and well-ventilated area to stay in throughout the day, as the sun changes position.  (Most dog houses trap heat, and aren't a suitable option for shelter on hot days).
  • Ensure your pet has access to fresh water; keep water bowls in a shaded area
  • Walk or exercise your dog during the cooler times of day, early morning or very late in the day.
  • When walking your dog, remember that pavement and sidewalks can become very hot during the Texas summer, and in extreme cases can burn a dog's paws.  Avoid or limit exposure to these extremely hot surfaces.
  • Yes, dogs can become sunburned - depending on the coat of your pet and amount of exposed skin.  Apply sunscreen to sensitive areas and/or limit exposure, just as a human would.
  • Make sure your dog is clean and properly groomed.  Dogs with longer hair and thicker coats are able to remain cooler and healthier with the proper grooming and cut during warm months.
  • Provide a small wading pool, with fresh water, for your dog to cool off.  Small pools can be found at Wal-mart, Target, HEB-Plus!, Sears, Toys-R-Us, Petsmart, and other stores.Dog In Wading Pool
  • During warm months, never leave a pet in a car or confined in a hot space.  Even with windows cracked open, temperatures inside a car can quickly rise to dangerous levels.
  • In summer, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are more prevalent.  Talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate preventative and/or treatment to keep your dog free of these parasites
  • Short-nosed (brachycephalic) dogs are particularly susceptible to the effects of heat.  Watch your dog carefully when exposed to heat if your dog is in this group (e.g., Pug, Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bullmastiff, Pekingese, and others).

 

If your dog is exposed to high temperatures, be alert for signs of heat stress and/or heat stroke:

  • Excessive/hard panting
  • Glassy eyes
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Deep red or purple gums
  • Unsteadiness, disorientation, staggering, stumbling
  • Lack of responsiveness
  • Vomiting
  • Collapse

 

The AVMA recommends that, if you suspect your pet is suffering heat stroke, put a cool, wet towel around the animal's neck, get them into an air-conditioned car, and take them to a veterinarian for immediate evaluation and treatment.

 

See a short AVMA video on summer pet safety created in 2010 in response to a series of heat waves that affected the US. 



Pet Therapy Results Q1-2011


DeltaLogoWe've just tallied our volunteer hours for the first quarter of 2011.

From January through March, Austin Dog Alliance volunteers gave over 1,400 hours of service to the community and served over 6,400 clients and residents at special events and pet therapy settings across Central Texas.

Tini Reading DogWe continue to receive requests throughout Austin and Central Texas for pet therapy teams.  If you and your pet are interested in volunteering, learn more about the rewarding world of pet therapy on the pet therapy section of our website, or attend a Pet Therapy Seminar Saturday, May 14, at 1:30pm.  Registration is still open.

 

Dogs Available for Adoption 


May is National Pet Month.  If you're looking for a new four-legged best friend, check out our available dogs ready for adoption!  Our selection of available dogs is always changing as new dogs join our Foster Program and existing dogs are adopted into their forever homes.

ADA Adoption Managers carefully choose dogs from area shelters after screening them for temperament and friendliness.  Each dog is hosted by an Austin Dog Alliance foster until their forever family is found.  Most of our dogs are adopted into forever homes within a few weeks.
Hank adoptable dogShaggy adoptableJanie for adoptionBuck SDSNSophie Special Dog adoptable

Join our Foster Program -- the more fosters we have, the more families we can make happy with wonderful dogs.  Our Special Dogs for Special Needs program has a wait list.  If you enjoy training dogs, contact us for more information about training a Special Dog.  The typical commitment is about a month.    To find out more about fostering, see our Foster Program page or contact Judy McCarthy, Adoption Program Manager.

 

Training - Group Classes  

Sign up now for May classes; Summer Camps are filling fast! 


At Austin Dog Alliance, revenues from training classes help fund our programs in the community.  When you invest in one of our classes, you're doing something positive for the community AND strengthening your relationship with your dog at the same time.  Our goal is to make your time in class the most enjoyable part of your week!

 

Class sessions starting in May include:     

Sitting dog in manners class

Lollipop learned "sit" & other  

skills (even a "spin"!)  

in Manners 1 class

      • Dog Manners 1
      • Dog Manners 2  
      • Tricks
      • Barking & Growling 

 

Summer Camps are filling fast!  Summer Camps run during selected weeks in June/July/August.  Class sizes are limited, and all June camps are full.  Limited openings remain in July/August camps.  We offer all-day & half-day (morning or afternoon) programs.  This year we're including a field trip to the Humane Society of Williamson County where campers ages 10 and older will teach shelter dogs basic skills and make videos to help the dogs find forever homes. 

      • 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 Dog Training section of our website. Thank you for training with us! 


If you're interested in private training for you and your dog, call our Training Center at 512-335-7100.  We can arrange for specialized training with one of our certified dog trainers to meet your needs.  

 

ADA Volunteers Make It Happen

 

We've had a busy year, so far!  Our Pet Therapy and Foster & Adoption programs are gaining more and more recognition for outstanding service and exceptionally high standards.  We've been invited to attend and host many events, and hope to maintain this trend throughout the year.

 

Team at Mock Surgery eventWe want to give a heartfelt "THANK YOU" to our amazing pet therapy teams and dedicated volunteers for all the time they give to us, and to the community.  Their hard work has brought many smiles to those that need it most. Whether it's working the front desk or working an event, they've made a difference in the lives of countless families.

 

In case you haven't been by the Training Center in a while, we have some new faces helping out in the office. These volunteers help make every aspect of our organization run more smoothly! ADA Training Center Thank you - Kathleen, Nicole, Ramona, Ruth Ann, Pat, and Michele.  (Michele is our office manager extraordinaire. She is what keeps our office running like clockwork!).

 

We also want to give a special shout-out to the volunteers (human and four-legged) who worked our off-site events, such as Mock Surgery Day at Seton, Cedar Park Reads Pet Fair, Simon Kidgits Club Book Blast, and Canines and Kids.  Thank you - Colleen, Susan, Amber, Rebekah & Stephanie who represented Austin Dog Alliance at these 2011 events.Teams at Cedar Park Reads event

 

Lastly, we appreciate our Pet Therapy Teams who participated in Austin Dog Alliance off-site events.  Thank you -- Rob & Zoey, Becca & Gladys, Ruth Ann & Jack, Jessica & Tini, Nancy & Jessie, Lynn & Molly, Sue & Dawn, Eric & Tai, Debbie & YYZ, Megan & Sally, Nikki & Happy, and Joseph & Darla.

 

Join us, and be part of our volunteer team!  There are many ways you can volunteer with Austin Dog Alliance -- read more about the wide variety of volunteer opportunities here

 

Update on Bella - Japanese Refugee Dog

Reunited with family

 

Last month we told you about Bella, a 3-year-old Springer Spaniel, who was evacuated from Japan after the March 11 earthquake and subsequent events.  Bella traveled by airline crate over 8,400 miles and was hosted by a temporary foster family in Austin.   

Bella reunion

Bella & her family reunite

We're happy to report that Bella's family arrived in Austin to pick up Bella and reunite the family!  

Update from Bella's family:  They're working with Bella, continuing to teach her to enjoy her crate and to tolerate periods of separation from her family.  By consistently reinforcing the crate as a fun place to be by using toys, treats, and soft bedding, Bella is starting to see her crate as her own private den.  Her family is also using puzzle/chew toys and Kongs to keep Bella occupied during their absence.  Bella has responded well to the philosophy of "a busy dog is a happy dog".

 

Best of all, we're thrilled to see a family reunited and a happy ending to Bella's travels. 

   

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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 .

In This Issue
Yappy Hour May 4th!
Summer Safety for Dogs
Pet Therapy
Classes & Camps, Filling Fast
Volunteer Thanks
Quick Links



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Board of Directors
 Executive Director

Romp N Run Ranch

 Pet Therapy Director

Volunteer & Events Coordinator

Lauren Conrad
Dogadillo

Dr. Susan Culp, DVM
Hiway 620
Animal Hospital

Dr. Allen Codding, DVM
Anderson Mill
Animal Clinic

David Manzer
PR Consultant

 Leadership Team

Adoption Program Managers

Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator

Office Manager

 Nancy McIntire
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