DAS Volunteer Newsletter - October 16, 2024

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Photo Challenge Update!

A huge congratulations to DAS dog Linda (A1223262) for winning our goofy photo challenge! Thank you to everyone who voted on the D90 Volunteer Facebook page

Up next: the Cozy Cuddler photo challenge! We're looking for the pictures that warm you up inside. Get ready to capture them napping, cuddling, and being their sweet, adorable selves. Can't wait to see what you all submit! Here is the link in case you need it.

Kitten Nursery Closing

As summer comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank all our amazing volunteers who dedicated their time and love to our precious kittens in the nursery!

During the summer months, we typically see a significant influx of these adorable little furballs, and your hard work has made a tremendous difference in their lives. With the changing seasons, the kitten nursery will be closing for the year. We're incredibly grateful for your support and commitment during this busy time. While we're sad to say goodbye to this season of cuddles and play, we're excited for what's to come as we prepare for the next wave of furry friends!

During our kitten off-season, we will be in need of kitten fosters who can care for underage kittens after hours when there aren't staff in the building. If you are interested in fostering kittens in the offseason, please email [email protected]so we can add you to our kitten off-season email distribution list!

Christmas Trail Volunteer Opportunity

Get ready to spread some holiday cheer while supporting a great cause! This year, we've teamed up with our non-profit partner, Friend of Dallas Animal Services, for a festive volunteer opportunity that directly helps the animals at DAS. The more volunteers and hours worked, the bigger the donation that goes towards our shelter pets!

When: November 15th - January 4th
Shifts: 5:00 PM - Midnight (7-hour shifts)
Location: Valley View Mall (at 635 and Preston)

What You'll Do:
Volunteers will help manage food vending and keep those holiday lines moving smoothly, ensuring everyone has a magical time! It's the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit while making a real difference for our furry friends.

Important: Please no last-minute cancellations. Our partner relies on confirmed commitments made at least one week in advance to make this event a success.

You can sign up here and join us for some festive fun, and together we'll make the season brighter for our shelter pets.

And if you're ready to take it a step further and lead an event, just email us at [email protected]. We'll get you trained and set up to be an offsite event lead, playing a key role in our community outreach.

Volunteers Needed!

Pet Resource Transporter

Are you looking for a fun and fulfilling way to give back to the community? Join our Pet Resources Transport team and be a vital part of our mission to support pets and their families in need! As a transportation volunteer, you'll be helping with community outreach, picking up and delivering essential pet resources to locations like our pet food pantries, community partner facilities, and families out in the community.

It's easy and flexible! Sign up for the position here, and our amazing volunteer lead will reach out to share upcoming transport dates. You'll choose the times that fit your schedule, making it a perfect opportunity to help out while balancing your other commitments.

This is your chance to be a hero for pets in our community! Don't wait-sign up today and help us ensure every pet gets the care they deserve. Together, we can make a difference!

Dogs Playing For Life

From October 21st to 27th, we will have two Dogs Playing for Life facilitators leading a playgroup workshop for staff and volunteers. We highly recommend attending the initial session on Monday, October 21st, from 9 AM to 12:30 PM, where they will cover the principles of playgroup. Following that, we will run playgroup intensively for the rest of the week. We are in need of runners daily from October 22nd through 27th, from 9 AM to 12 PM and 2 PM to 5 PM. You can use the link here to sign up for the Playgroup Runner shift.

This is a wonderful opportunity to help shy dogs transition from their kennels and observe their development in the play yards, allowing you to learn so much about animal behavior. Please note that you must be Canine trained to participate in playgroup. If you need to complete the training, or would like to sign up for the classroom portion of the playgroup workshop, please reach out to the volunteer team!

Shelter Needs

We believe that every pet deserves a happy and enriching environment, and we need your help to make that happen! We are currently seeking donations of enrichment items to keep our animals engaged, happy, and thriving while they await their forever homes.

Whether it's toys, treats, or cozy bedding, every little bit helps us create a more stimulating atmosphere for our furry friends.

To make it easy for you, we've put together an Amazon wishlist filled with items our pets will love! Check it out here and consider making a donation today. Your generosity makes a world of difference in the lives of our animals.

Daycation Celebration!

For 53 long days, Collin (A1224886) waited at the shelter, watching as other dogs found homes, but never losing hope. Throughout his stay, he remained his loving, easy-going self. Collin knew "sit," had impeccable manners, and greeted everyone with a wagging tail and playful spirit. He adored walks, showered people with kisses, and made it clear that he loved everyone-kids, adults, and other dogs alike. His affection was endless, and anyone who met him knew he'd be the perfect family companion.

Even as the days turned into weeks, Collin never let his pawsitive attitude fade. Finally, Collin's big moment arrived. After his daycation photos were shared, his future family saw the loving, laid-back dog he truly was and knew he was the one for them. This week, Collin's 53-day journey ended as he walked out the doors of the shelter and into the loving arms of his new family.

Collin's story is a powerful reminder of the difference each of us can make. Whether it's spending time with the dogs, sharing photos, or taking a pup like Collin on a daycation, every little action brings them closer to finding their new home.

If you'd like to help other dogs like Collin find their families, you can sign up for a daycation or volunteer shift today here. Let's continue making an impact, one daycation at a time!

Reminder: If you've completed your canine training, no appointment is needed for a Daycation! We just ask that you send us an email or text before you come by so we can have supplies ready.

Volunteer Town Hall - October 27 at 5 pm

Join us (virtually) for our monthly volunteer town hall. During this meeting, we will go over important updates and volunteer opportunities. Afterwards, we will host a Q&A for you to bring your questions and concerns to our attention. If you have any questions you would like to submit in advance, please email us at [email protected] by October 27th at 10 AM.We are always grateful for your feedback and ideas! Click here to join.

Meeting ID: 229 832 689 45
Passcode: hHePfo

Volunteer Shout Out!

Every newsletter we try to randomly select an active volunteer to recognize for all of their hard work! This month, we would like to shout out Stephanie Karasick. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer.

Do you have any pets at home?

Yes, we have two amazing and hilarious rescue dogs from DFW; Winston and Lucy, and this past year we said goodbye to our first dog, Rufus, who was rescued off the streets in San Antonio.

What is your favorite volunteer position?

I love doing laundry because it makes me feel really useful although I'm not working directly with animals. Everyone loves a nice, warm blanket. I also like taking the dogs outside for a walk or play time.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?

I feel like everyone is actively involved in caring for animals and believes in working with the shelter to help save them. Their passion and devotion is truly inspiring.

Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?

I was doing click for calm for one of my first shifts. I went by this one dog's kennel and he was waiting to go to medical and you could tell he wasn't feeling very good and seemed sad. I gave him some pets through the kennel door and he even took a small treat from me. And then he leaned his whole body against the kennel door so that I could pet him and give him scritches. It was just the sweetest moment that I won't forget.

A huge thank you to Deanna Fought for her amazing work on creating Instagram reels this week! Thanks to her creativity, several pets got the social media exposure they needed, reaching new followers who hadn't seen them yet. This was such a big help in getting them noticed!

And a special shoutout to Lori Ferguson for going above and beyond to capture some truly precious kitten photos! Your dedication to getting those sweet moments on camera is helping our kittens shine and giving them the visibility they need to find forever homes

Welcome New Volunteers!

Welcome all of the new volunteers who have joined us since the last newsletter!

Taylor A. | Jeremy A. | Esteban A. | Lourdes A. | Sophie B. | Crystal B. | Karen C. | Jose C. | Lizzie C. | Beth C. | Jacob D. | Cindy D. | Cindy D. | Merari G. | Jacob G. | Jarrod H. | Lindsey H. | DaeTrianna H. | Jade H. | Sofia H. | Kaelyn H. | Stephen I. | Jalaluddin I. | Jillian J. | Madison K. | Lindsay L. | Sydni M. | Brad N. | Anthony O. | Madison P. | Janea P. | Abri P. | Sonja Q. | Kaitlyn R. | Valerie R. | Annika R. | Ivelisse S. | Briana S. | Courtney S. | Maya S. | Marci S. | Garrett S. | Kylie S. | Julia T. | Miracle T. | Harsh U. | Kimberly V. |

Dallas Animal Services, 1818 N Westmoreland, Dallas, TX 75212 | Website
Contact: [email protected]