Happy New Year!
On your Mark, Get Set, GO..............
We are super excited about 2012 and we hope you will join in on all the action. A few of the things we are working on right now.
New Volunteer System - In all honesty, we were having trouble staying connected with volunteers that could only help out occasionally. Not anymore. We have implemented a robust volunteer system that is going to make volunteering with us a lot easier. It will also make us much more efficient in utilizing everyone's talents. Sign up today to be a volunteer. Our next volunteer orientation is Saturday, February 4 at 1:30.
Volunteer Opportunities at all Levels - We are looking for some team leaders (Volunteers and Events), pet therapy teams, office staff, foster homes, assistant trainers, grant writers, summer camp helpers, booth volunteers, dog transporters and on and on. Volunteers are the heart and soul of ADA. Lend us your skills and your time, you'll have fun and help us make a difference in our community.
New Training Classes and Time Slots - Our training team has been working on new classes and adding additional time slots for our basic puppy and dog manners classes. Our first Pet First Aide class was a big hit and it will be offered again on Saturday, January 28. We now have Rally classes on Sundays and a variety of classes on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. We are also offering a variety of one day specialized seminars. Dogs (and humans) of all ages enjoy class. Check out the schedule, there is something for everyone.
K9 Club Autism - Almost all our students from last semester are returning. We only have 5 open spaces for each of the younger kids (8 - 10) and the older kids (11 - 16) sessions. This semester, our focus is volunteering and the kids will be participating in some community outreach activities. We are excited to have Rany Thommen, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with ABA Today join our teaching staff. Although it's a lot of fun, this is a therapeutic program and an application is required. Classes start January 10, so fill out the form today.
Youth Association - Our student-led teen group is off and running. The group has been meeting on a regular basis and they have a full semester of volunteer activities and educational field trips planned. Membership is open to anyone ages 13 - 19. Join today!
Train a Dog for a Special Need Child or Adult - If you enjoy dog training, this is the volunteer job for you. We are looking for experienced dog owners that are interested in training a carefully selected dog to be the companion for a special need child or adult. The typical time commitment is about an hour a day for 2 - 3 months. Enjoy unlimited, FREE training classes while your foster dog perfects their skills. Contact us to get started.
Looking forward to seeing you at the Center,
Debi Krakar
Executive Director
Austin Dog Alliance
BTW - Summer camp registration will open February 1. Mark you calendars so you can make sure you get a spot.
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ADA Partners with UT Autism Project
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Click photo to see the Fox 7 News story & video
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Austin Dog Alliance is partnering with researchers with the Autism Project at the University of Texas (UTAP) to study the effects of specially-trained therapy dogs on the ability of children ages 8-15 with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to remain engaged and learn essential social and life skills.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects, on average, 1 in 110 children in the United States.
Researchers are studying students' responses to measure whether children with ASD increase attention levels, calm repetitive/distracting behaviors, and learn social skills more easily when engaged in learning about, and with, dogs in the classroom.
Fox 7 News visited the ADA Training Center to learn more about this program and talk to those involved in this pioneering approach to working with kids on the Autism spectrum. Click the photo to view the Fox 7 News story and video.
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ADA Volunteer Spotlight - Nancy Clarno
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Nancy Clarno & therapy dog, Izzy
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Nancy Clarno became aware of Austin Dog Alliance as she was searching for information on pet therapy training. She'd heard about pet therapy, seen news coverage of pet therapy over the years, and believed in the therapeutic value of animals from her own life experiences. Nancy and her husband, Jim, adopted their Labrador mix, Izzy, four years ago as a puppy from Paws for a Cause. Izzy possessed a sweet temperament, showed a love of being around people, and Nancy saw the potential for animal-assisted therapy work. She and Izzy signed up for ADA's six-week Pet Therapy training class. After completing training, Nancy and Izzy successfully completed the Delta Society Pet Partner evaluation, and joined the ADA Pet Therapy team in 2011. Nancy regularly volunteers her time with the K9 Kids Summer Camps and the K9 Club - Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skill Program. She finds it especially rewarding to see kids in the Autism/Asperger's Social Skill program enhance their social skills through interaction with dogs, explaining "All of the children are drawn to the dogs - they are magnets and great rewards for good behavior". Nancy also volunteers with Izzy as a Bow Wow Reading team at Blackland Prairie Elementary School in Round Rock. There are many places to volunteer in the Austin area. Nancy chooses ADA because "The people are what make ADA a great place. Everyone is welcoming, glad to see you, and instant friends -- and Izzy is welcome, of course!". Nancy, thanks for all you do for ADA. We are glad to have you on the team! To learn more about the many ways to volunteer with ADA, visit our Volunteer page. |
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Pet Therapy Teams Spread Holiday Spirit
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Click photo to see Fox 7 News story & video
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On Saturday, December 24, ADA volunteers, pet therapy teams, and youth association members shared the holiday spirit by stopping in at Austin area retirement communities, nursing/rehabilitation sites, and assisted-living facilities to visit with those who might not be able to get out for their own celebrations of the season. Fox 7 News caught up with some of our pet therapy teams. Click the photo to see the Fox 7 News story and video. We have over 20 schools, libraries, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers on our waiting list for pet therapy outreach. Do you think your dog has the potential to be a therapy dog? We're always adding new members to our team. Read more about pet therapy here. To learn even more, attend our next pet therapy seminar Saturday, January 7 (1:30-4:00pm). Details and online registration can be found here. For registered Delta Society pet therapy teams who need to renew their status, or for those who have already taken our six-week pet therapy class, you can find information on upcoming evaluation dates
in January and March, 2012 on our Delta Evaluations page. |
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January is "Train Your Dog" Month!
Group Training & Seminars
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The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) celebrates January as Train Your Dog month. Start the new year off right and sign up for a seminar or group training class! (Editor Note: Most of our trainers are professional members of APDT.)
Learn about the world of pet therapy, pet first aid/CPR, and other important topics in January. Read more and register online here.
- Pet First Aid/CPR, Dog Care, Disaster Preparedness
- Introduction to Assistance Dog Work
- Keeping Kids Safe
- Pet Therapy Seminar
Would you like to be one of the first dog handlers/owners in Austin to gain your C.L.A.S.S. "degree"? Are you thinking of teaching your dog how to bow or "sit pretty" and demonstrate impeccable manners to your friends and neighbors? Maybe you've taken Rally and you're ready to take it to the next level. Learn more about our group classes and complete an online enrollment here. Multiple sessions begin in January for:
- Group training (multi-week classes)
- Puppy Manners/Socialization
- Dog Manners 1 and 2
- K9 Kids - Dog Manners 1 (kids ages 10-15)
- Dog Manners C.L.A.S.S.
- Pet Therapy
- Tricks, Tricks, & More Tricks
- Rally 2
- Rock 'n Rally
- Barking/Growling
- K9 Club - Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skill Program
ADA's K9 Club - Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skill Program is a powerful new approach to enhancing learning and social skills for kids on the autism spectrum. As one parent reports: "The impact on our family and my vision of possibilities for my son has been nothing short of a miracle." The program for kids ages 8-10 begins January 17, and the program for kids ages 11-16 begins January 18. To get started, complete the K9 Club Application and return it prior to enrollment.
Thank you for training with ADA. Your class fees support our community outreach programs, including pet therapy and our Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skill program.
Questions? Call our Training Center at 512-335-7100. If you have a schedule that makes it impossible to commit to a six-week group class, we offer one-on-one private training sessions tailored to serve your needs.
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Gift wrapping fundraiser for Autism/Asperger's program
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 Go Team!
Thanks to the hard work of many ADA volunteers, the organization and planning skills of lead volunteer Colleen Kawamura, assistance from Little Helping Hands, and donations from shoppers at Lakeline Mall, over $2,000 was raised to support the K9 Club - Autism/Asperger's Social Skill Program, including the ability to provide a sliding scale fee structure.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in this effort!
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Holiday smiles at the 2nd annual Bow Wow Express
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 Big THANKS to Girl Scout Troop 2023 and our ADA volunteers for a successful Bow Wow Express Holiday Festival this year! Even the gloomy weather took a hiatus and we enjoyed sunshine and train rides in Milburn Park.
Rescue organizations found forever homes for adoptable pups, kids enjoyed story time with the Bow Wow Reading dogs, attendees warmed up with hot chocolate and had plenty of opportunity to demonstrate their creativity at the Christmas cookie and dog biscuit decorating tables.
Thanks again to all of our sponsors and participating vendors!
The Pink Company (Lunch and snack food)
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Stay up to date with ADA events and programs
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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
Leadership Team
Adoption Program
Pet Therapy Volunteer Coordinator
Pet Therapy
Training Director
Media and PR
Youth Association
Pet Therapy Director
Event Coordinator |
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