October 2015  - Hounds for Heroes Benefit, Texas Book Festival, Job Skills Graduates
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* Change a Life * Learn a Skill * Celebrate *
Job skills end of session party
If you would have walked into Austin Dog Alliance this past Friday, you would have seen a kitchen full of people. Five dogs weaved and sniffed among this crowd and above the introductions, chatter and cake eating, laughter would erupt. Maybe it was a typical office party, but maybe it was something more.

Those gathered were parents, grand parents, friends, family, instructors and volunteers here to celebrate the latest graduates of the S+CORE Job Skills for Dog Related Careers classes.

Sixteen weeks ago, our students arrived ready to commitment to an 86 hour training program, but still facing many uncertainties: Can I handle the environment of a vet's office, a shelter? What if the dogs won't listen to me? What if I say the wrong thing? How does lunch work?

Each week as their knowledge of dogs and professional social conduct grew, so did their confidence. Confidence to re-frame disabilities into unique positive abilities. Confidence to adapt and stretch their comfort zones.

Now, maybe they were just participating in an average end-of-class party, but maybe they were demonstrating skills that cannot be listed on a resume. Skills that allow those of all abilities to work, and celebrate, together.
PTS
Please join us at our Hounds for Heroes second-annual Benefit and Family BBQ. We encourage you to register for the Motorcycle Run ahead of time ($20) and to purchase your BBQ plates before October 10th ($12). 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
10:00 AMMotorcycle Run Day-of Registration begins
11:00 AMFirst bike out
12:00 PMLast bike out
2:00 PMGather to welcome bikers
Silent Auction begins
3:00 PMLast bike returns
3:30 PMBBQ Served ($15 purchased at the event)
4:30 PMSilent Auction ends. Live Auction begins.
Raffle Winner & Ride Winner Announced
Stay for live and silent auctions, raffle, music by Jay Styles of Mix 94.7, activities for kids, and thanking our service members and program supporters.
Thank you to our Gold Paw Sponsors

* Share the Pride * Spark a Passion * Volunteer *
"I am so proud to be a part of Austin Dog Alliance and I love sharing that pride at the Texas Book Festival."
Fritch, Iggy Pet Therapy
"Had I not encountered Alliance at the Texas Book Festival, I would have missed out on an opportunity that has brought so much richness and love into my life."
 - Kimberly & Iggy

Three-year volunteer, Kimberley Fritch first encountered Austin Dog Alliance at our annual booth at the Texas Book Festival. "I walked away so impressed by both the team that was there that day and by the Alliance's mission." 

Seven months later, Kimberly and her dog Iggy attended our Pet Therapy Seminar and started their journey to becoming a pet therapy team. Since then, they've served over 500 people through their pet therapy work at events, schools, and nursing homes. A single conversation on a sunny afternoon led to hundreds of people being touched by the special love of a dog. 
 
"That's one reason I look forward to volunteering at the festival each year -- helping to spark that interest like someone did for me." 


1. You don't have to be a complex pet therapy team. We need volunteers who can share information about our broad range of services. Our wonderful dogs draw in the crowd, but they can't speak... we need our human support to share our mission. Already a volunteer? Sign into the system to sign up for a shift.

2. If you're not a volunteer... yet.... you can be in time for the book festival! Register for Volunteer Orientation on Saturday October 10th.
* Pave The Way * Buy a Brick * Honor *
Be a permanent part of our new kennel and education center. Buy a brick that will be a part of the walkway to the front door of the new building. The walkway is part of the Tribute Garden, which will feature a water fountain and native Texas plants. The Tribute Garden and its brick path is to honor our Veterans, Friends, Family and the special dogs in our lives.

Your purchase is tax-deductible and will allow us to complete the building and Tribute Garden by spring 2016. 
* What is Agility? * A Big Game * Bonding *
Zoe in the agility tunnel Agility A Frame practice  
To a dog, agility is just a big game of chase that gives him complete and total attention from his favorite human - you! There's always something to do, something to jump, something to explore. But, we know that our dog is also gaining confidence, improving her focus, and building a stronger relationship with you. 

My dog is too big, too small. Agility can benefit a dog of any size. From 8 lbs to 180 lbs, each dog and owner can customize the activities for the best fit and most fun. 

My dog won't stay by me if he's off leash! Our first agility classes begin on-leash and we work on training your dog to stay with you. 

My dog is shy and sometimes nervous. Shy uncertain dogs need a little more time, but succeeding on agility tasks helps build their confidence. 

My dog doesn't really like other dogs. In class, dogs do not interact with each other. The dogs pay close attention to their handler, ignoring other dogs, in order to keep the game going. (Severely unfriendly dogs should take Reactive Dog Rehab before attempting any group class.)

I'm afraid my dog might get hurt if I do something wrong. Obstacles are not attempted until the dog and owner are ready. That is why classes are required to use the field and why we have different class levels. You can have fun while being completely safe. 

Are there dogs that shouldn't do agility? Low energy, elderly, or injured dogs usually are not a good fit. But if you're not sure, give it a try. Your dog may surprise you!


If you can't make the class currently scheduled, email Kathleen Reish and she'll notify you as soon as additional classes are posted. Or sign-up for a private lesson, by contacting Kathleen Reish.
JulyCalendar
harvest-banner.jpg October & November Calendars
Holiday Season Closures
Austin Dog Alliance offices will be closed:
November 23rd - 29th
December 21st - January 1
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1321 West New Hope Drive
Cedar Park, TX 78613
(512) 335-7100