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Newsletter
  May 2012

Letter from the Executive Director

Summer Camp Agility

Greetings:

 

Summer is just around the corner and we are starting to get excited about summer camps. Last summer we had a large number of kids that had already attended camp in previous years.  To make sure that camp is just as exciting the second time, we have updated all our craft projects and presentations.  We have also added a special camp the first week of summer that will focus on puppies.  And yes, we will have little puppies there for the kids to work with.  For our older campers, we have added a special session that will have a field trip every day.   Dr. Susan Culp, DVM will join me in teaching the kids all about dog training, development, and emergency first aid.  Please note, daytime summer camps are for typically developing kids ages 7 - 16.  The staffing ratio of these camps is not high enough to accommodate children on the Spectrum.    

 

For students with high functioning autism or Asperger's Syndrome, we are offering an evening camp designed just for them.  The 8 - 10 year old program starts June 12 and the 11 - 16 year old program starts July 11.  An application is required for new students.  Since our first Parent Night Out/Kids Night Out program was so much fun, we are offering it again June 16.  Space is limited, so please reserve your spot early.  

 

Build Our Forever Home Update 

Outside View RenderingThe response to our capital campaign has been wonderful.  I am  honored that so many in our community are excited and supportive of this project.  This week we confirmed a large donation of services from both Big Red Dog Engineering and Acuity, a networking and security consulting firm.   This week we also met with the O'Connell Robertson team to select flooring, windows, cabinets and other interior items.  Thank you to everyone who has donated so far.  Special thank you to everyone that has been brave enough to set up a personal fundraising page.  Our lead personal fundraiser is 19 year old Hannah Zeevi, one of the leaders of our Youth Association group.  Go Hannah.  To learn more about how personal fundraising works, check out Personal Fundraising FAQ.  Or just jump right in and  

 

 

Part of our fundraising efforts is the sale of tiles that will be used to create a large mural in our training building.  The mural will feature brightly colored tiles painted by donors (or a professional artist if you choose) and black and white photos of dogs printed onto the tiles.  To kick off this effort, we will have a Tile Painting Carnival on Saturday, May 12 from 1 - 3 at our current Training Center.  We are also hosting a Rummage Sale the same day from 8 - 4, so please stop by.  Both events are Free.  A donation is required to paint a tile.  You can make a donation and register for the event here:   

 

If you prefer to have a photo of your dog (with a caption of who donated the tile) in the mural, please donate with the blue "Donate Now" button, and we will contact you to obtain the photo of your dog.   

 

For those of you wanting to make a more substantial investment in our project, we offer the abilty to sponsor various components of our campus.  For example, your family could sponsor the dog park, the early childhood room, the vet tech training area or the welcome center.  Your contribution includes a variety of sponsor benefits and a plaque or other signage with your name.  To learn more about sponsoring at this level, please contact me.  I'd be delighted to meet with you.  

 

 

I hope you are as excited about the future of Austin Dog Alliance as I am.  Thank you for supporting us.   

  

  signature block 

Debi Krakar

Executive Director

Austin Dog Alliance  

Dr. Raymond Bouloy Donates Space to ADA
Former Hiway 620 Animal Hospital becomes our "annex"

Annex LobbyAnnex front entranceAustin Dog Alliance would like to give a really big "thank you" to Dr. Raymond Bouloy and Cypress Creek Pet Care for the donation of the former Hiway 620 Animal Hospital space for the remainder of 2012.  

 

We're very excited to have this additional space for classes, seminars, and special events/programs for the next eight months.

 

You can visit Dr. Bouloy and the team at Cypress Creek Pet Care (Animal Hospital & Boarding Facility) at the corner of Cypress Creek and El Salido Parkway in Cedar Park (formerly known as Griffith Animal Hospital).   

 

Thank you for this generous donation!      

 

Thanks also to some dedicated volunteers who came together for a whirlwind project to make the space ready for our first Parents'/Kids' Night out!  Kathleen Majcher, Michele & Joe Cuteri, Bob Coonrod, Pat Mewhinney, Mindy & Maddy Penland, Nancy McIntire, and Susan, Scott, & Amber Windham.  

New CDC Survey on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism up 78% in last five years

 

CDC LogoA recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concludes that the number of children in the U.S. displaying symptoms of autism has dramatically increased over the past decade. The new estimate is one in 88 -- up 23% since the last CDC report in 2009 and a 78% increase since their first report in 2007.

 

While the center says most scientists in the field don't believe there is a single cause for autism spectrum disorder, the study suggests:

  • Children born to older parents are at slightly higher risk.
  • A small percentage of children who are born prematurely or with low birth weight are at greater risk for having ASDs.
  • Some harmful drugs taken during pregnancy have been linked with a higher risk of ASDs; for example, the prescription drugs thalidomide and valproic acid.

The reason for the dramatic increase, according to the CDC, may be better screening, noting that more children are being diagnosed by age 3. Early diagnosis and treatment of autism is important, as it's shown to help improve communication and other skills.

 

For more information on this study and free tools to help parents track their child's development and free resources for doctors and educators, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Autism Spectrum Disorders page. 

 

Austin Dog Alliance's K9 Club - Autism Enrichment classes offer social and life skill development program for children with high functioning autism/Asperger's Syndrome.

 

 

 

Volunteer Picnic - April 15

National Volunteer Week April 15-21
ADA Picnic Jenga game
ADA PicnicADA volunteers enjoyed a special volunteer appreciation picnic April 15 at Veterans Memorial Park in Cedar Park. 

Fun, games, food, prizes, adults, kids, dogs... we had a great time celebrating the work of our dedicated team.

Interested in joining the cause?  Volunteer one hour a month or 100 hours a month - Adults, kids, dog owners, non dog owners, there's a spot for you to lend a hand and have a uniquely rewarding volunteer experience.  Join us - let's make a difference together in our community.

Our next New Volunteer Orientation is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, (1-2:30pm).  Jump-start the process by indicating your interests on our Volunteer Application

Dog Training Classes, Pet 1st Aid/CPR Seminar in May 

 
Pet First Aid CPR HandbookWe're hosting our Pet First Aid/CPR seminar May 19.  Instructors are certified through Emergency Care & Safety Institute and Pets America, and our instructor team for May 19 includes a veterinary technician with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry.   

It's a great time of year to be out and about with your pet.  Make sure your four-legged companion beautifully handles a night out on one of Austin's dog-friendly restaurant patios, or spend some time gaining loose-leash walking skills so your daily walk has your neighbors saying "What a well-behaved dog!".   

Group Training Classes:  Our very experienced team of trainers are offering a variety of time options to meet your needs.  The whole family is encouraged to attend.  For little ones that my get bored, we have a variety of toys available.  All training is positive and designed to improve your relationship with your dog.  
  • Dog Manners 1
  • Dog Manners 2 (focus on off-leash reliability & fine-tuning of basic obedience/manners skills.  
  • Puppy Manners & Socialization (6 months & younger)
  • Pet Therapy six-week training class
Springer Spaniel sittingIn addition to group seminars and classes, our certified trainers are available for private sessions or consultation.  Call the ADA Training Center (512-335-7100) and let's talk about your specific needs.

Once again, 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. 

Adoptable Dogs - Update
 Annie adopted May 2012
Annie (now Addie) has a new forever home!

Here's a report Addie's new family:  "She is wonderful and has been nothing but a joy.  Everyone she meets just loves her right away.  She's great with kids and even babies, and has really opened up and let her adorable and sweet personality fly.  We are so thankful that y'all rescued her and brought her into our lives!".

There are more great dogs like Annie/Addie looking for their perfect match, their forever family.
 
See all the dogs in our Rescue/Foster/Adoption program on our Adoptable Dogs page.

PS - We'd love to save even MORE deserving, wonderful dogs.  Read about our Foster Program and become one of our special foster homes!
Rummage Sale - May 12 (Donations appreciated)

Rummage Sale
We're holding a fundraising rummage sale! 

Your donations are needed!  If you have items you no longer need, or you're doing some spring cleaning, we'd very much appreciate it if you would donate items to ADA for this fundraiser.

Donations can be dropped off at our Training Center (12129 Ranch Rd 620 North, Suite 401) any time during operating hours

Thank you for your support!

Attention shoppers:  The rummage sale will be held Saturday, May 12 (8am-4pm) at our ADA "Annex" (12129 Ranch Rd 620 North, Suite 330, same shopping center as our ADA Training Center).

Come join us and shop for a great cause!   
Pet Therapy News
Pet Partners log 2012

Congratulations and welcome
to the newest members of the Pet Therapy team!

Robin Taylor & Weasie, Carolyn Wilsford & Sammi, Karen Parshall & Rylee, Kim Corazao & Rudy, Kate Corazao & Rudy, Robert Mautte & Reco-Very, Jennie Chen & Mouse, Melisa Thompson-Kemp & Maggie, Shelly Kuempel & Beau.

Think you and your pet might have a future as a Pet Partners� team?  We have a waiting list of sites/facilities that have requested pet therapy visits.  Read more about animal-assisted therapy and our Pet Therapy Training Program or reserve a spot in an upcoming Pet Therapy Seminar

For new or renewing teams, sign up for a Pet Partners Evaluation.  (Next evaluation dates are May 5 & June 2.  All May 5 evaluation times are currently reserved, some open time slots remain for June 2).

 

In This Issue
Donated Space for 2012
New CDC Survey - Autism Estimate Now 1 in 88
Volunteer Picnic
Pet 1st Aid/CPR, Dog Training Classes in May
Annie (now Addie) Finds Her Forever Home
Rummage Sale May 12
Pet Therapy News
Quick Links



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 Tyler Mosley
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 Heather Allard
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 Judy McCarthy 
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