 | | Debi and Cujo - Photo by Trish Harris |
Greetings:
I'd like to introduce you to Cujo, my therapy dog in training. Yes, a therapy dog named Cujo. Cujo came to Austin Dog Alliance when he was 12 weeks old because the owner said a "trainer" had told her to put Cujo down because he was aggressive to people and dogs. I offered her free training, but she insisted that she wanted to surrender the dog because he was bad. My plan was to just keep Cujo for the summer so that our campers could enjoy the puppy. Well, it's time to register for summer camps again, and he is still with me.
As you can see in the photo, he is all bandaged up. This week, right before K9 Club-Autism, Cuj and I went off leash hiking, just like we do most days. This time however, Cujo went exploring the water and when he came back to the trail, his paw was gushing blood. Not just dripping, gushing, like a faucet. Since I had recently taken the pet first aide instructor course, I knew that I needed to apply pressure to the wound and to raise his paw above his head. Apparently, he had cut an artery. Luckily, I was with my friend Michele who helped me carry him to the car and drove us to the vet. Our vet friends at Anderson Mill Animal Clinic, took good care of him instantly. While everyone was hovering over Cujo, with blood oozing out, he remained his friendly self. At that moment, I realized I have my next therapy dog. Since we didn't have time to go home after surgery, Cujo joined me at K9 Club - Autism where the kids gave him lots of very tender affection. It was extremely touching to watch the kids lay on the floor next to him, to stroke him and comfort him. While the kids were comforting Cujo, they started to share, a social skill we work on with our students.
Once again, a dog makes a difference.
Debi Krakar
Executive Director
Austin Dog Alliance
BTW - Summer Camp registration is now open. This year we have added a special camp titled "I want to be a vet". This is an advanced camp that will co-taught by a vet, feature a field trip every day and includes the completion of the Pet First Aide course. Last year, the June camps were completely full by the end of March. To avoid disappointing your child, please do not wait too long to sign up. Unfortunately, we have not been able to secure funding to offer camps for special need kids. I really, really tried to get funding, but not this year. I'll keep trying for next year.
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Join us at 21st annual "Mock Surgery & More"
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Have you ever wanted to know what REALLY happens in an operating room? Here's your chance -- the Clinical Education Center (CEC) at Brackenridge is hosting their 21st Annual "Mock Surgery & More" event Saturday, February 4th. This free event gives visitors the opportunity to tour operating rooms, see hands-on demonstrations and explanations of medical procedures, and speak with Seton associates, physicians, and surgeons. Austin Dog Alliance will have a booth at this event. Stop by to say hello to some of our wonderful ADA therapy animals! Date: Saturday, February 4, 2012 Time: 9am-2pm Where: Clinical Education Center (CEC) University Medical Center at Brackenridge 1400 N. IH-35, Austin, TX 78701 Cost: Free (children and adults welcome) Park: Free in the CEC parking garage Link: 21st Annual Mock Surgery and More
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Volunteer spotlight - Kathleen Majcher
|  If you stop by the ADA Training Center any given day, and a sweet little Westie appears from around a corner to greet you, it's a sure bet Kathleen Majcher is volunteering in the office that day.
Kathleen is a writer/editor by profession, and she lends a hand on a myriad of tasks - everything from writing grant applications and tackling special projects to coordinating the newly-installed online volunteer system. You're likely to run into Kathleen at many of the ADA events held throughout the year, as well.
Kathleen has a long history of volunteering. When asked why she volunteers for ADA, Kathleen explains, "There are many great organizations that support animal welfare in Austin, and I have worked with more than one in the past. Austin Dog Alliance focuses on the welfare of animals and children, the topics closest to my heart. There is a lot of positive energy here, and Debi Krakar is clearly focused and intent on her mission. I like that. Every day I work here something happens that touches my heart".
Kathleen became involved with local disaster relief efforts in 2005, after Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans. She remembers "According to most estimates over 250,000 pets died after Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. The dog people in Austin, from all organizations, said "not again". There was an amazing coalition that formed, including Pets America, the Red Cross and what is now the Austin Animal Center. Training sessions were given, kits for the centers were made, equipment was allocated and we opened and ran eighteen pet shelters during that time. People came from all over Austin to help; it was one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. It seems that people who are loved by a dog want to pass on that love to other dogs and their people. It's miraculous what good that love inspires".
Over the course of her work in shelters, Kathleen has encountered all sorts of people and situations. Kathleen's experience is that "not everyone who comes to a shelter is honest, safe, or mentally competent. Inevitably, we encountered dangerous people and dangerous situations. The security protocols that were in place were observed rigorously, and the Austin Police Department couldn't have been more supportive". As support poured in from local government, businesses, and private citizens, Kathleen remembers it as a "miracle of community". 
One of her most memorable experiences involved a pet and owner that were forced by the hurricane to spend their first night apart. Kathleen recalls the "delightful woman in her nineties, who entrusted her eighteen year old miniature poodle to us. They had never been separated. Believe me, that little fellow spent the entire night in my arms".
Kathleen, we're proud to have you on the ADA team. You exemplify the spirit of volunteerism at its best. Thanks for all you do for ADA and our community! |
Happy Tails ... and New Beginnings
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 We first saw Riley (formerly Rufus) at Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter,  recovering from surgery. He'd lost his left rear leg after being hit by a car, but you'd never know he was in pain. His charm and his sweet temperament were evident.
Because of his personality, we brought Riley into ADA foster care, thinking he would make a great therapy dog. It didn't take long to place him. After a friend of Kathie Younghans' met Riley at a rescue event, Kathie decided to put in an application (even though she wasn't even looking for a dog).
It was love at first sight, and it just so happens Kathie is a hospice volunteer. She plans to train Riley as a therapy dog and take him to work with her. He is also her walking buddy. Having three legs doesn't slow Riley down!
Thanks to Wilco for saving Riley and to Kathie for giving Riley a wonderful home and a new life.
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Current Volunteers: Town Hall February 4th
|  A Town Hall for current volunteers will be held February 4th (1:30-3:00pm) at the ADA Training Center. RSVP via ADA's Online Software Center, by calling the office at 335-7100 or by e-mailing Heather. The Town Hall Meeting is open to all current Austin Dog Alliance volunteers. We'll have a brief presentation on upcoming events, ADA news, and will discuss the features of our new online volunteer system! Afterward, we'll have time for Q&A and there will be multiple "Help Stations" where volunteers can get help building profiles, logging hours, etc. |
New Volunteer Orientation February 18th!
|  Join the team! Make a difference in our community in 2012. Our new volunteer orientation will be held February 18th (2-3pm) at the ADA Training Center. The session is recommended for brand new volunteers or anyone interested in learning more about Austin Dog Alliance. The orientation will include a short video and presentation outlining ADA's programs, and instructions on how to get involved in areas that interest you. We'll have plenty of time for Q&A as well. RSVP by filling out a Volunteer Application or by emailing Heather Allard at heather@austindogalliance.org. |
Austin Dog Alliance Youth Association
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The Austin Dog Alliance Youth Association (ADAYA) is a student-led youth volunteer association with a mission:
To partner with dogs to improve the lives of children and their families in the Greater Austin community while providing fun and rewarding leadership and volunteer opportunities for students. Service projects include working with other dog-related nonprofits (shelters), visiting nursing homes and libraries with the therapy dogs, youth-led fundraisers such as dog washes, and helping out at Austin Dog Alliance events throughout the year. Every quarter, ADAYA plans a social/learning event. Speakers include area veterinarians, humane society employees, groomers, and other dog-related speakers. The ADAYA is open to all teens ages 13 - 19. Learn more and sign up here.
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Summer Camp Enrollment Now Open!
Group Classes & Seminars
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 It's time! Enrollment for K9 Kids Summer Camps is OPEN. These camps sell out every year, so don't delay -- visit our K9 Kids Summer Camps page for all the details and online enrollment. Seminars and Short Classes: So, you love your dog, but you hate dog walking because your pet relentlessly pulls you down the street every time you head out the door on leash? We can help. There are proven techniques that, used consistently, will turn dog walking time into a pure pleasure. Attend the Loose Leash Walking seminar scheduled for February. We've got other seminars scheduled for February, including "Choosing the Right Dog For You & Your Family", "Keeping Kids Safe", and "Mind Games". Check our Seminars & Short Classes page for details on these and other seminars in the months ahead, including our popular "Pet Therapy" and "Pet First Aid/CPR" seminars. Group Training Classes: If you've been thinking about enrolling in a group training class with your dog to develop (or strengthen) a strong foundation of polite behavior, check out Dog Manners I and II classes on the Group Training Classes page. Pet Therapy Training: Studies on animal-assisted therapy have documented the positive impact therapy  animals have on kids' reading scores in a structured reading curriculum like our Bow Wow Reading Program. Therapy animals also bring their special brand of comfort to nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and retirement communities. If you have a pet with a temperament suited to therapy work, visit our Pet Therapy Training page to read more about our programs and our six-week group training course. In addition to group seminars and classes, our certified dog trainers are available for private sessions or consultation. Call the ADA Training Center (512-335-7100) to discuss your needs. We can help you decide what type of training or program you and your four-legged family member would enjoy most. As always, THANK YOU for training with ADA. Your training and seminar fees support our community outreach programs, including pet therapy and our Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skills program.
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Pflugerville Bark Park opens
|  Attention area dog park enthusiasts!  Pflugerville opened its new Bark Park in December. Falcon Pointe developer Newland Communities donated the park to the City of Pflugerville after investing in landscaping and other improvements for the 2.5-acre park. The fenced Bark Park includes separate enclosures for small and large dogs and other amenities. Read more at the Pflugerville Bark Park link. |
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Looking Ahead: Free event "Estate Planning for Pet Lovers" March 5
|  What will happen to your beloved pets if you're no longer able to care for them because of death or incapacity? It's not a pleasant scenario to contemplate, but it is one that every responsible pet parent must consider.
Austin Attorney W. Michael Murray will conduct this seminar on estate planning with a special discussion on providing for your pets. Mr. Murray is the owner of Murray & Associates.
Murray & Associates' office mascot is a rescue dog named Maggie who was adopted from Austin Dog Alliance, and Mr. Murray has been practicing Animal Law (on a pro bono basis) for 30+ years. He helped found Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation almost 35 years ago and has represented it since inception. Mr. Murray will be delivering a presentation on Representing Sanctuaries at this year's Animal Law Seminar sponsored by the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas.
Read more about this free session on our Events Calendar. RSVP to colleen@austindogalliance.org.
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Stay up to date an ADA events and programs
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Double Your Impact Through Employer Matching
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 Did you know many mid-size and small employers in the Austin area have an Employer Matching program for charitable gifts? Employers will often match the amount of an employee's charitable donation, thus doubling the impact of individual contributions.
Charitable giving allows nonprofits to provide services to the community and expand their programs, while allowing individuals and companies to benefit from tax deductions for charitable contributions to qualified organizations.
To find out if your company has an Employer Matching program, contact your Community Relations or HR department.
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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 Director
Training Director
Media and PR
Youth Association
Event Coordinator |
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