We own 7.1 Acres - Groundbreaking 9/13!

Newsletter
September 2012

Austin Dog Alliance purchases land for new Forever Home!

Greetings:

Michael Murray, Debi Krakar and Bill Krakar Celebrate Closing

We did it! We bought the land for our new Forever Home! Big thank you to the closing team - Michael Murray (lawyer), Andrew Childers (real estate agent), Robert Shipman (Frost bank), Tyler Mosley (treasurer) and Jason Andrus (construction project lead). We have been actively pursuing land for about 2 years, so signing the papers and moving one step closer to building was a very emotional moment. Definitely an occasion for champagne!

Next Steps - We had our final review meeting with the City of Cedar Park this week. Looks like we will have permits in about 3 weeks. The City has been extremely responsive through this entire process. Demolition and brush clearing will start shortly after groundbreaking on September 13th at 6 PM. Our Board of Directors, major donors, Youth Association and therapy dogs will lead the groundbreaking ceremony. We will have a reception afterwards to show off our new video and answer any questions you may have about our building plans. It should be fun, come join us

New Forever Home - Coming Spring 2011

1321 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park

Fundraising - Best guess is that we have about 72% of the costs of the project covered - through cash donations, loans and in-kind commitments. I say best guess because as detailed bids come in, we will see some adjustments of costs estimates. We have taken a leap of faith that our supporters - you - will help us reach the 100% level. The backup plan is to build in stages.

Thank Yous - As we proceed down this path of building a campus that will provide dog-related job skills training for at-risk young adults, an oasis for folks with autism and other special needs, a training location for puppies and therapy dogs, a place for children to come and grow and learn and a place for the seniors in our community to volunteer and engage, we are very grateful to all that are supporting us. Everyday I am thankful to everyone that is helping and donating and supporting our efforts. So many people are passionate about this project and giving so much of themselves to make it happen. The news is always filled with stories of crime and hatred. It's refreshing to be involved in something that is all about folks coming together to help those less fortunate.

Sincerely,

signature block

Debi Krakar

Founder and Executive Director

Austin Dog Alliance

ADA Approved for Texas State Employee Charitable Campaign

In 2012, Austin Dog Alliance joined the list of approved charitable organizations for the Texas State Employee Charitable Campaign.

ADA has been invited to participate in State Employee "Charity Fairs" in September and October. These events, for each of the State's 90 departments, offer employees opportunities to meet qualified charitable groups to which they may choose to donate.

If you're a State of Texas employee, look for ADA representatives (and therapy dogs!) at these events soon. We appreciate your support [we're listed as charity code 228204] as we expand the services we provide in our community.

Donate and Receive a Permanent Tile on our Supporter Wall

Tile photo Logan Kaiser image for wall tile

Groundbreaking ceremony

September 13!

Help build our new Forever Home and honor your pet with a permanent tile on our Supporters Wall.

Do you support the need for job- and social-skill training programs for special-needs learners?
Do you know a child who would benefit from Bow Wow Reading in a school or library?
Do you know someone in assisted living or nursing care who would love a visit from a pet therapy team?
Do you know someone on the autism spectrum who would benefit from canine-assisted therapy?
Would you enjoy a beautiful environment to learn and practice agility and other outdoor sports with your dog?

We're building a new facility at 1321 W. New Hope Drive in Cedar Park where we can expand our programs and provide more services to the community. Our training facility will have a permanent Donor Supporter Wall with tiles honoring dogs, families, and businesses.

Several levels of donation/support are available. Read more about the project here and make your donation to help us build not only a new facility, but a better future for our community.

Planet Dog Foundation Awards $3,500 Grant to ADA

Planet Dog Foundation (PDF) awarded Austin Dog Alliance a grant for $3,500 to help fund our therapy dog programs, helping children and young adults with developmental disabilities and providing animal-assisted therapy teams to area hospitals, rehabilitation centers, retirement centers, nursing homes, schools, and libraries. From a pool of over 100 applications, we are one of eight canine service organizations in the country to receive a PDF grant.

"The Planet Dog Foundation is honored to establish a partnership with the Austin Dog Alliance through this grant," says Kristen Smith, Executive Director of Planet Dog Foundation. "Their comprehensive program to improve the health and well-being of individuals and families by incorporating the powerful connection between humans and dogs aligns beautifully with our mission to celebrate and support dogs working to help people in need. We are proud to invest in their remarkable program and help dogs to help people in so many ways."

"Austin Dog Alliance is thrilled that Planet Dog Foundation is supporting our work," says Debi Krakar, ADA Executive Director. "This comes at an exciting time, when requests for our services are increasing dramatically. These funds will help us continue our current work while we work to broaden our therapy dog programs and reach out to more children and youth."

Read more at Planet Dog Foundation.

New Volunteer Orientation - September 8

Sign up for our volunteer orientation session Saturday, September 8, 2-3:30pm and find an activity that's a match to your interests, skills, and availability.

Austin Dog Alliance volunteers represent ADA at events, foster adoptable dogs, write grant proposals, serve in pet therapy, assist with training classes and outreach programs, provide back office and behind-the-scenes support for programs, staff our training center, manage the retail boutique, and more!

Now that we've closed on the property for our new Austin Dog Alliance campus in Cedar Park, there are even more ways to volunteer on the horizon - attend orientation September 8 and find out how to have fun and serve the community all at the same time.

Greater Austin Walk Now For Autism Speaks - September 22

"Every 11 minutes, another family receives the devastating news that their child has an autism spectrum disorder".

We're participating in the 2012 Greater Austin Walk Now for Autism Speaks, Saturday September 22 at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock!

Read more about this event and Walk Now For Autism Speaks efforts organized throughout the United States and Canada to generate funds for autism research and raise awareness about the increasing prevalence of autism and the need for increased research funding to combat this complex disorder.

September Classes, Seminars, & Events

Lucy is a recent graduate of Dog Manners 1

Join us in September for a class or seminar! See the links for more details, full course information, and online registration.

Want to build a better relationship with your pup in a positive and fun environment? Six-Week Group Training Classes beginning in September include Dog Manners 1, Dog Manners 2, Young Dog Manners/Socialization, and Pet Therapy Training.

Have you ever considered volunteering with your dog as a pet therapy team? Our Pet Therapy Seminar September 15 will give you an overview of pet therapy and help you determine if your canine companion has the temperament and skills for a successful future in pet therapy.

Did you know grapes/raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs? Do you know what to do in the event your dog ingests a toxic substance or chokes on a chew toy or stick? Attend our Pet First Aid/CPR seminar September 29 to learn first response measures and become certified in pet CPR.

K9 Club Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skills programs start in September. Ages 8-10 begins September 18, ages 11-14 begins September 19, and the pilot program for dog-related job skills training for ages 15-20 begins September 20. Please note, class sizes are limited and a K9 Club Application must be completed prior to registration for these programs.

A complete listing of upcoming dog-training classes, events, seminars, and K9 Club - Autism/Asperger's Group Social Skills programs can be found here.

Foster & Adoption Programs

ADA adoption coordinator, Judy McCarthy, is looking for a volunteer to help screen new fosters for ADA. If you enjoy working from your own home, we need you! Please contact Carla Elmore if you are interested.

Our Foster Program always needs fosters. If you can open your heart and your home for just a couple of weeks, you can save a life. The adoption team will be there to support you every step of the way. Please fill out a foster application, and Judy will get in touch with you.

Make Your Tax-Deductible Contribution Today!

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 (EIN: 20-4797768).

* ONLINE: Donate Now!

* BY PHONE: (512) 335-7100

* BY MAIL: Mail pledge to Austin Dog Alliance

12129 Ranch Road 620 North, Suite 401

Austin, TX 7875

Mail-in Donation:

I/we would like to donate the following: $__________________

I/we would like our donation to support:

□ Autism and Special Learning Need Programs □ Pet Therapy in Hospitals & Nursing Homes

□ Youth Leadership and Enrichment Programs □ Bow Wow Reading Dogs

□ Rescue and Adoption □ Summer Camps □ Build Our Forever Home Capital Campaign

Checks and credit cards gratefully accepted.

Credit card type: o MC o VISA

Card number: ______________________________________

3-digit security code on back of card: _______ Expiration Date: ____________

Name: __________________________________________

___ I wish to remain anonymous on donor listings/announcements

___ In honor or memory of _______________________________________________

Billing Address:____________________________________________________

City/State: ________________________________________

ZIP: ______________

Signature: __________________________________________________________

Thank You for your donation!

Stay up to date on Austin Dog Alliance news and events

We're counting down to groundbreaking on the site of our Forever Home. Stay up to date on plans for our groundbreaking and other developments. Check our Events Calendar, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, add us to your Google+ circles, follow our boards on Pinterest, or subscribe to our YouTube channel for news and updates.