This story was originally published in the May 2011 issue of Austin Pets Directory.

Photo by Jay Herman,  Zoom Pet Photography.  Story by Nancy McIntire.  

Debi Krakar has a vision.  She sees a future where animal-assisted therapy programs are offered throughout the country to help children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) develop social skills, relationships, and confidence to successfully navigate the social channels essential to living everyday life.    

Debi with Levi, one of her therapy dogs

Since launching the program in 2010 -- the K9 Club for Autism/Asperger's Social Communication Enrichment -- Krakar, founder and Executive Director of Austin Dog Alliance, has received tremendous response.  Parents report significant progress of their children in group participation skills and self-confidence.   Krakar explains, "The kids are having fun; they think they're training the dog, which is part of the program, but they're also developing important social skills and learning to work effectively in a group".  As a result, parents who were once apprehensive about leaving their child alone in a social group, even for a moment, now comfortably step out while club is in session; such is their confidence in this program and the team of professionals that lead the classes.    

Laurie Scott's son looks forward to K9 Club every week.  He was diagnosed with ASD at age three and is now finishing sixth grade.  Laurie has seen his self-esteem and leadership skills blossom through club activities and field trips.  She says "The impact on our family and my vision of possibilities for my son has been nothing short of a miracle.  With support, many more families and children can be positively affected, as our family has been".  The Austin Dog Alliance board of directors is actively seeking funding to expand the K9 Club program.    

Krakar is passionate about the program she's developed.  Her own family has been touched by ASD; she's walked in the shoes of parents with a child on the spectrum, and understands the challenges they face.  Her experience gives her a unique perspective and capability to design a program that is achieving results and attracting attention.  The University of Texas is developing and implementing benchmarking criteria in order to scientifically document the program's efficacy.  Ultimately, the goal is to publish the findings and share the curriculum with other programs across the country.  The Autism Society of Greater Austin is also on board.  Ann Hart, President, says "We are very pleased to collaborate with Austin Dog Alliance as it develops more programs.   The ADA staff understands that Animal-Assisted Therapy can teach young people responsibility, organization and appropriate social behavior, and also be loads of fun!"    

Austin Dog Alliance, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, was formed in 2006, with the mission of improving the health and well-being of individuals and families through programs incorporating the powerful connection between dogs and humans.  In addition to the K9 Club, the non-profit offers dog training classes in North Austin, a rescue/foster program (including a "Special Dogs for Special Needs" program where rescue dogs are selected and trained to join special needs families), and operates a pet therapy outreach program with 70+ teams across Central Texas.     

For more information on the Austin Dog Alliance, visit www.austindogalliance.org or call (512) 335-7100.

New Area Dog Parks Open!

(...and information/links for some existing favorites)

For dates, details, and online registration, please visit the Dog Training section of our website. 

Volunteer Spotlight - Michele Cuteri 

Michele Cuteri is the quite-talented-and-amazing volunteer office manager for Austin Dog Alliance (ADA), joining the team in 2009.    

Michele & her dog, Lexi

Michele handles administration for a number of ADA activities.  She also manages the front office and boutique/store located in the ADA Training Center, keeping the boutique stocked with treats, toys, collars, leashes, grooming items, and other dog necessities.  Additionally, Michele manages the schedule of open hours, working with other volunteers who help run the office and boutique.  Michele knows the importance of a strong volunteer team and is quick to mention the efforts of her fellow volunteers in the office, saying "we couldn't keep the place open without them".    

In addition to managing the ADA office, Michele has fostered adoptable ADA dogs for several years and continues to foster even after she and her family adopted Lexi, a beautiful black lab mix.    

Michele was drawn to ADA "because they help all breeds and are not just a rescue/adoption agency.  Helping people train dogs they adopt (or dogs they currently own) is a big plus.  People with good dogs tend to keep them and not dump them off at a shelter.  Knowing that dogs whose lives might have been cut short are now in loving homes, making families happy" is what makes ADA volunteer work so rewarding for Michele.    

As ADA has expanded, Michele has become interested in the pet therapy program: "Dogs being part of the community lets people know that while they make wonderful pets, they can also be "community helpers"".  Michele and Lexi are in training to become a registered pet therapy team.   

According to Debi Krakar, "Michele is the ADA angel.  She handles an amazing amount of details that make the organization run.  She is also always ready to jump in when extra help is needed at the last minute.  We would not be as successful as we are without her."   

Thanks, Michele, for all you do!      

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

Dogs Available for Adoption 

"Take Your Dog to Work" Day is June 24th