July 2015 --  Summer seminars and summer safety

 

Happy Summer!  We are in the middle of summer camp season, so our ranch is filled with laughter and wagging tails.  What a joy it is to go into work and see so much happiness. Your support makes it possible for us to provide this rewarding experience for so many children.  Next year, after our new building is up and running, we will be able to offer additional camps; including the camp for children with autism.  

 

Your support also provides us with the funding needed to help adults with disabilities find rewarding paid employment.  Recently, we have helped several students obtain their "dream jobs" working with dogs.  For me, the belief that every person, no matter what their challenges are, has something to offer an employer, is reinforced every time a student reaches the 90 days employed benchmark.   Sometimes we need to work extra hard to find the perfect match and sometimes it takes a couple tries, but we do succeed and it feels good.  To support the job training and placement program, our new building will feature kennels, grooming tubs and a mini-computer lab.  More space = more students employed in their dream jobs.  Very exciting.  

 

We are chugging right along with our kennel and training building capital project.  Today we started to pick out windows, sinks, tile and flooring.  The engineers are working on the details for plumbing, roof trusses, concrete slabbing, grading, heating and air conditioning and all the millions of details that come together to create a space where we can work and teach and provide service to our community.  Learn more about the building project  

 

Enjoy the long days of sunshine.   Sincerely, 

Debi Krakar




Executive Director, Austin Dog Alliance
PTSD and Service Dogs Seminar - July 29th
veteran, PTSD, military It is estimated that there are half a million veterans across our country (including approximately 10,000 in Texas communities) are living with symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)*. 

As citizens, civilians, friends and family, we want to be understanding and supportive of our veterans. To assist you and any interested community member in this goal, Austin Dog Alliance and Tania Glenn and Associates are offering a free seminar on PTSD and the use of Service Dogs.

 

This seminar will discuss stresses that military members and their families face during and after deployments, most specifically the onset and manifestation of PTSD. Effective treatments to combat PTSD and the role of a psychiatric service dog will also be covered.

*This estimate is based on several statements and studies provided by Veterans and PTSD Statistics and Texas Veterans Commission
Last Chance for Summer Camps
We still have spots in our summer camps. Weeks starting: July 20 & August 3.
If you see a dog in a hot car...
dog, car, dangerMost of us know that it is not safe to leave a dog in a locked car, but frequent reminders can't hurt. Dogs only sweat through their paws and tongues, so even in a car with the windows open, the temperatures rise faster than a dog's ability to cool it's body. 

If you see a dog alone in a locked car... what can you do?
  1. Write down the car's make, model, and license plate number.
  2. Find an Authority Figure nearby: police, security guard, store manager. If the car is parked near a building, go ask the front desk to page the owner of the vehicle. 
  3. If there's no Authority Figure nearby, contact the police. If the dog is moving and full of energy, you can call the local police non-emergency number if you have it. If the dog is lethargic or in distress, call 911. (You will not be fined for calling 911 about a dog in a locked car who is in distress.)  Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to stay and provide witness to the officer who responds to the call. 
stars-banner.gif Agility... Under the Stars

After being inside all day to avoid the heat, get your pup outside and moving in the evening breezes with Agility training classes. Register online. If you have questions about which Agility class is right for you, email Kathleen Reish.

 

Agility - Level 1 - Introduction starts July 29th at 6:45 pm

Agility - Level 2 - Beginner starts July 26th at 6:45 pm

Agility - Level 3 - Advanced starts July 26th at 8:00 pm

Volunteer Orientation
Do you want to support Austin Dog Alliance with your time and your skills? We'd love to have you contribute to our mission. But first, you'll need to attend Volunteer Orientation before jumping in to help. Attending the orientation is free but you must register so we are properly prepared to welcome you. 
folded-corner-red.gif Save the Date - Fall 2015
Mark your calendars for these upcoming fall events that benefit Austin Dog Alliance programs or feature Austin Dog Alliance therapy dog teams.

October 17Hounds for Heroes Poker-Bike-Run. VFW 8787, Austin.
October 17 & 18 - Texas Book Festival. Downtown Austin.
October 31 - Fable Fest. Elizabeth Milburn Park, Cedar Park.
November 8 - Snout by Snoutwest. Austin, Texas.
November 11Veterans Day Parade. Downtown Austin.
JulyCalendar
July Calendar
While we are busy with K9 Summer Camps during the summer weekdays, there are still many classes starting and seminars available.
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday



123
Agility/Dog Park Open
9 - 3
4 -
Closed Independence Day 
5
Nose Work Advanced Fun Day
67891011
121314151617
Agility/Dog Park Open
9 - 3 
18
1920
Field Trip Summer Camp Starts
2122232425
26
27
Nose Work Intermediate begins
2829
3031
Agility/Dog Park Open 
9 - 3
August 1


SafetyIssuesforSummer
Safety Issues for the Summer
Fireworks - 30 - 60% increase in lost pets over the Independence Day weekend. Keep dogs inside during evening hours of the holiday weekend. (90% of micro-chipped pets are returned - so make sure your pet is micro-chipped and contact information is current.)
Heatstroke - Signs of heatstroke: heavy panting and slobbering, lack of coordination, red gums and tongue, lethargy, rapid pulse, diarrhea or vomiting.
Ground temperatures - To check ground temperature of asphalt or cement, press the back of your hand against the ground and hold for 7 seconds. If its too hot for your hand, its dangerous for your dog's paws.
Swimming - Even those dogs who love to swim aren't always strong enough to swim to safety in all situations. A dog life vest is a necessity if you'll be boating with your dog.
Summer Foods - Many summer treats are great for dogs, but some are very dangerous. Dogs should not eat: grapes, raisins, dairy-based ice cream, pit fruits (peaches, plums).
 
For more about summer safety for dogs, see our Pinterest Summer Safety board.
SummerCampLastLast Chance for Summer Camp
All About Dogs (Ages 7-9)
Camp Dates: July 20 - 23, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm; August 3 - 6, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Register online or call our office at 512-335-7100.

Enjoy crafts, games where dogs are part of the team, and plenty of interaction with a wide variety of pet therapy dogs of various breeds.


Field Trip Camp (Ages 11-15)

Camp dates: July 20 - 24, 9 am - 4 pm.

Register online or call our office at 512-335-7100. 

In our Field Trip Camp, students will go on four different field trips to learn about the different ways we keep and care for dogs. Students will be given the option to watch surgery. 

 

Dog Sports Camp (Ages 11 - 15)

Camp dates: August 3 - 7, 9 am - 3 pm

Register online or call our office at 512-335-7100. 

In our Dog Sports Camp experienced campers and their dogs explore more advanced agility, luring, and other dog sports. If your child attended camp earlier this summer, they are eligible. 

 

Like us on Facebook    Follow us on Twitter 
View on Instagram   Find us on Pinterest

1321 West New Hope Drive
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 335-7100