We're on the move in 2013!

Newsletter
January 2013

Letter From Executive Director

Happy New Year,

We are getting closer and closer to the big move date. Our goal is still to open at our new location in Cedar Park on February 1. Could something unplanned come up that causes a delay? Absolutely. Would it be easier to guarantee a date if we had more money? Absolutely. Is this project teaching me how to be more flexible and to have faith that everything will work out? Absolutely. Am I very, very grateful for so many people that are giving time, talent and money to make this dream a reality? Absolutely. Is it going to be really, really awesome when we get to our new location? Absolutely.

Here are some of the NEW classes we are working on:

K9 Tot Preschool Program - For kids ages 3 - 5 of all abilities. Starts after Spring Break.
Bow Wow Bootcamp - A human and dog fitness program starting on Monday evenings in February
Family Nature programs with CampFire - Early Spring
K9 Kids Spring Break Camps - For children ages 7 - 14. Space is very limited.
Agility - Early Spring

Some of our goals for 2013 include expanding our Youth Association, Autism and Pet Therapy programs and to continue to pursue funding for our job skills program and our Job Skills Lab.

Save the Dates: March 2 - Grand Opening Gala - A formal evening event and March 24 - Grand Opening Carnival - A FREE event for families and dogs. Details coming soon!

Keep warm,
signature block
Debi Krakar
Founder and Executive Director
Austin Dog Alliance

PS - At this stage of the building process, every day brings very visible changes. Join us on Facebook to see the daily picture of the site and to follow our progress.

January is National "Train Your Dog" Month!
by Michelle Munson, Training Director

January is National Train Your Dog Month

When we think of January we often think of change. Especially changing our "bad" habits, or adopting new "good" ones. My father has joined a gym for the first time at the age of 76!

So what does that have to do with dog training? It is a perfect reminder that we are never too old to learn something new, and neither are our canine companions.

At Austin Dog Alliance we're in the middle of some very big changes. Training is expanding rapidly to offer some exciting learning opportunities in 2013.

Here's a snapshot of what we have planned:

New locations! In addition to our new Forever Home in Cedar Park we'll begin offering classes at two other locations, beginning January 23 (see our website for details and to register now).

Central Texas Animal Hospital Museo Apartment Complex

1200 Pecan Street West 11250 Taylor Draper Ln

Pflugerville, TX 78660 Austin, TX 78759

Bow Wow Workouts: That's right, fitness for you and your dog! No excuses now.
K9 Nosework: Learn something new this year! Any dog can participate in this fun class.
Agility and Rally: From fun seekers to serious competitors, we'll have levels for all.
Tricks, Tricks and More Tricks: Thought you'd seen them all? Think again!
Barking and Growling: Anyone have some "bad" habits the would like to change in 2013?
Puppy Kindergarten and Socialization: Start out right with your new addition!
Manners Classes: We are a lot more likely to include our pets in our activities when they are well mannered!
Pet Therapy Class: Resolved to volunteer more in 2013? Pet Therapy is good for the soul!
Private Lessons: Think of it as Personal Training for you and your dog.

Training your dog isn't just about "sit" and "stay" anymore. We are expanding our class offerings in order to facilitate lifelong learning for both humans and canines. Check out our website for complete course descriptions and to register for classes. Join us in 2013 and we will help you make that resolution a reality!

We have a terrific training team, including our long time trainers and some new faces that recently joined the team! Get to know all the members of our Training Team online.

Volunteer with Austin Dog Alliance in 2013

Start your year off right! Resolve to make a difference in the lives of others this year -- both human and canine. Join our team of volunteers!

Attend a short orientation session to learn about our programs and find a match for your interests and skills.

Our next orientations are:

January 8 (Tuesday) 6:30-8:00pm - 12129 Ranch Road 620 North

February 9 (Saturday) 2:00-3:30pm - 1321 West New Hope Drive

Learn more and sign up to attend on our Volunteer page.

Why We Foster
by Beth LeVitt Christians - Volunteer/Foster

Why Foster Dogs?

This is the question I'm often asked when talking about my newest "foster baby". My answer is always the same, there is something remarkable about helping a dog feel secure and making sure they are placed in a loving forever home. People also often ask how difficult it is to care for a dog and then pass it on to a new family. To this I answer, the joy of helping to place a dog with a loving family is a wonderful thing, and helping a dog transition from a shelter into a happy home warms my heart.

Why should you foster? There are hundreds of dogs in area shelters today that need our help. The Austin Dog Alliance foster program is a wonderful way to help these dogs find their very own "furr-ever" families. Opening your home to a foster dog is a loving way to give back to the community and to help share the experience of placing a dog, once lonely and abandoned, with a family that is ready to give it a loving and caring home.

Why should we foster?

To pass on the love.

Fluffy, current foster dog of Beth & Ed Christians

Learn how to become a foster with Austin Dog Alliance. Our Foster/Adoption team supports you throughout the entire experience. We save lives and help dogs find their forever families every day.

Pet Therapy News

Join us in 2013!

We have 40+ sites on our waiting list that have requested pet therapy visits. We'd love to add new teams to our pet therapy volunteer group in 2013!

In December, volunteers made Christmas Eve visits throughout the community to spread the holiday spirit. Gifts donated by DogBreedStore.com had been carefully wrapped and accompanied by handmade cards created by Little Helping Hands.

KXAN News joined us at one site. In 40 seconds of video, you'll understand exactly why we do what we do:

KXAN News: Therapy Dogs Spread Christmas Cheer

Interested? Want to learn more? Read about Pet Therapy Training or join us for our Pet Therapy Seminar (January 12 at 1:30pm).

For new or renewing teams: Pet Partner evaluations are scheduled for January 19. More information here.

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

1321 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park TX 78613

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!

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