DAS Volunteer Newsletter - August 20, 2024

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Enter the New Photo Challenge

We're excited to launch our new photo challenge: Action Shots! Capture our animals in motion to showcase their energy and playful nature. Whether they're leaping, running, or engaging with toys, we want to see their lively spirit! Please rename your photo or video with the animal's A Number and submit them using the here by September 7! Once we have all of the submissions, we will post the top 5 in the Facebook D90 group for you to vote on your favorite.

New D90 MVP Facebook Group

Last week, Dallas Animal Services launched a new Facebook group called D90 MVPs. This group is specifically dedicated to networking our Most Vulnerable Pets (MVPs) who are at risk of euthanasia. This will be a group to see information on which pets are at risk directly from the shelter, rather than from a third party Facebook page or group. If you would like to join this group and help network at-risk pets, you can use the link here to join.

For any volunteers interested in adding content to these posts in the MVP group, we will to have an update for you in the next few weeks about volunteer positions that can help get our at-risk pets additional social media exposure.

Clear the Shelters: September 7

On Saturday, September 7^th we will be having an onsiteClear the Shelters event. This event is part of a national Clear the Shelter adoption push, and we are hoping to have 150 adoptions that day. We will be needing 16 volunteers to help with giving out information to adopters, help with meet & greets, etc.

The volunteer shifts will be from 10 AM - 1 PM, 1 PM - 4 PM, and 4 PM - 7 PM. If you do not already have your Canine Handling training, we will be having impromptu Canine Handling Trainings 30-45 minutes before the shift starts. This will not be a full training, it will just be the basics of how to get a dog in and out of their kennel and how to lead a meet & greet for the event!

If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here!

FURtography Update: More Shifts Available

We're excited to announce a change in our FURtography shifts to give you more opportunities to help capture our adorable animals! Starting in September, shifts will be available every hour from 12 PM to 6 PM. This new schedule allows you to choose a time that fits your availability and helps us get the perfect photos to showcase our pets. You can use the link here to sign up!

Moving forward, when you arrive for your FURtography shift please work from the FURtography binder in the volunteer area located off of the adoption lobby (next to the printer/copier). You don't need to check in with any staff members and can start snapping pics right away! If you do need assistance, see our Volunteer Coordinator or ask the adoption desk.

Upcoming Trello Training

As a key player in our BeDallas90 mission, the Rescue team's role is vital in helping us maintain a 90% Live Release Rate. To support this crucial work, we're hosting a Trello training session on August 22! In this training, you'll learn how to update the Trello board with essential details, including dog information, locations, and photos. This tool is instrumental in helping our rescue partners make informed decisions. Sign up here!

Shelter Needs

Help us keep our pets happy and engaged!

We're always in need of Kongs and other enrichment items to keep our animals mentally stimulated and happy while they wait to be adopted. If you'd like to help, check out our wishlist for the items we're currently in need of.

Daycation Updates

We're thrilled to announce that our Daycation program is thriving! Here is a breakdown of the outcomes from daycations: Adoptions - 109 (40%), Rescue - 70 (26%), Foster - 63 (23%), and Foster to Adopt - 18 (7%). These outings are crucial for showcasing our dogs' personalities outside the shelter and attracting potential adopters. Your participation not only enriches the lives of our dogs but also significantly increases their chances of finding loving homes.

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.

Daycation Bingo

Each backpack now includes a bingo sheet with fun challenges and activities to complete during your day out with our pets. If you get bingo, you'll win a stylish DAS bracelet as a thank-you for your participation. It's a fun way to engage with the animals and make your daycation even more memorable.

Volunteer Town Hall - Aug 25 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. We are always grateful for your feedback and ideas! Click here to join.

Meeting ID: 264 183 396 383

Passcode: BewmKn

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 Andrew Flangas. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer.

Do you have any pets at home?

Not at the moment, just a plant. My schedule is so busy I think it would be unfair for a pet, since I couldn't devote all my time to them.

What is your favorite volunteer position?

I really enjoy the D90 runs every weekend, both Saturday and Sunday morning both have a unique vibe so either day is usually a fun experience. I also like the dog walking shifts if I'm too sore to run.

What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?

I really enjoy helping the animals get outside and enjoy some fresh air, and I also love being able to commit some of my time to give useful service for no other reason than to help those that really need it.

Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?

I would say that my favorite DAS story isn't really a story, but an experience. When I was new to Dallas about 10 months ago, one of the first things I did was get involved with DAS. I remember last year there was a volunteer event at the Dallas marathon where we handed out water to the marathon runners. I feel like being there gave me a cool perspective of the people of Dallas, and I thought the energy there was really exciting.

Welcome New Volunteers!

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

Paola A. | Alyssa B. | Lauren B. | Katelin B. | Kim B. | Vaishnavi C. | Elizabeth C.| Bryce C. | Gwen C. | Cole D. | Eddy D. | Haylin D. | Gabriel D. | Blake E. | Leslie F. | Ana F. | Kiyonna F. | Avery G. | SJ G. | Carlos G. | Leyton G. | Grecia G. | Stephanie G. | Caleb H. | Rebecca H. | Jazmin I. | Shonyae J. | Mike J. | Cameron K. | Meredith K. | Kaleigh L. | Melissa L. | Courtney-Marie L. | Alexandrea L. | Stanlee M. | Edwin M. | Adoni N. | Lilly O. | Cristina O. | Sophie O. | Morgan P. | Nirja P. | Lydia R. | Danika R. | Cheryl R. | Javier R. | Taylor S. | Willow S. | Kevin S. | Nick T. | Riley T. | Chanattha T. | Juby T. | Jude T. | Pradeep T. | Priya T. | Emma T. | Alexis T. | Yifang T. | Maresa T. | Ana V. | Lisandro V. | Uriel V. | Mark V. | Abby W. | Jared W. | Crystal W.

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