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North Texas Giving Day
On September 18th, we’re coming together for the biggest giving event of the year: North Texas Giving Day! This year, we hope to raise $150,000 for Dallas pets in need. Friends of DAS helps bridge the gap between city funding and the cost of lifesaving and innovative programs and services. By donating, you’ll help us fund things like enrichment items, foster care support, medical equipment, on-site shelter needs at DAS, and more. Click this link to learn more and donate!
Distemper Update
Thank you all for your continued hard work and dedication during the distemper outbreak — your efforts are truly appreciated! At this time, most rooms are considered unexposed with bombproof dogs in between. PPE does not have to be worn. Please do not interact with any dogs who are showing signs of illness such as nasal discharge, coughing, or excessive sneezing.
Dogs can only go to the play yard attached to their designated room. Dogs housed in Rooms 12, 13, and 14 should use the play yard attached to Room 11. Unless a dog is bombproof, they should not be walking in the hallways. These dogs should be transported in a clean blue bucket. The bucket MUST be thoroughly cleaned and returned to their designated location. For more information on cleaning and utilizing buckets, please stop by the volunteer coordinating desk!
Finally, dogs in room 15 can only participate in in-kennel visits with full PPE.
Pickle PAWlooza
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who participated in Pickle PAWlooza this past weekend to help raise funds for the foster program at DAS! We are especially thankful to Sarah Jones from @Must_Have_Mutts who organized the event in partnership with Friends of DAS! Thanks to everyone’s efforts, the event raised over $2,300 for FODAS!
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Dog De-Escalation Training
Volunteers are not responsible for breaking up dog fights, but it’s always a good idea to learn how to stay safe and know what to do if one happens.
If you are canine trained and interested in becoming a run club lead or just wanting to know more about how to safely intervene in a dog fight, consider signing up for the virtual Dog De-Escalation Training on September 24 at 5:30 PM.
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BMW Dallas Marathon
Come cheer on the runners with DAS at the BMW marathon! For the third year in a row, DAS volunteers and friends are heading back to the BMW Dallas Marathon, the longest-running marathon in Texas! Last year, many of you asked to be stationed along the half marathon route so we could cheer on even more of our D90 runners, and local friends & family. We heard you! So, this year, we’ll be right where the action is:
When: Sunday, December 14
Where: Half Marathon + Full Marathon Route (5403 Ross Ave Dallas, TX 75206)
What’s in store: Provide water, Gatorade, and encouragement to thousands of runners, joggers, and walkers. Make an unforgettable impression on participants and spectators and show them what DAS is made of!
At least 30 volunteers are needed to maintain this water stop location — so grab a friend, bring your DAS spirit, and make this an annual tradition with us!
Please sign up on MyImpact to join the fun and get more information. If you have any questions, please reach out to Kristen Sudela at ksudela@gmail.com.
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Daycation Updates and Reminders
Daycations are back! Volunteers who are not canine-trained can book an appointment here, while those who are canine-trained do not need an appointment, but please notify the volunteer team in advance so supplies can be prepared. If there's a specific dog you'd like to take, email the volunteer team to coordinate. Before removing any dog from their kennel, check in with the team to confirm they're eligible for a daycation.
When you return your daycation dog, don’t forget to fill out a report card. Please also leave the dog’s collar on but remove and return all harnesses and leashes to a pillowcase so they can be washed.
Thank you for giving our pups a much-needed break from the shelter!
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Donations: Treats, Dog Food, and Enrichment Items
We are currently in need of treats, dog food, and enrichment toys. Enrichment items can include kongs, toys, food puzzles, lick mats, etc., feel free to share and shop our enrichment wish list on Amazon. All donations can be dropped at the front entry way of the adoption lobby. If you are needing help bringing supplies in, email DASvolunteer@dallas.gov and we can assist.
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Boxes for Cat Hides
We're currently looking for printing paper boxes to repurpose as cat hides in our kitten nursery and adult cat rooms. These simple boxes help our cats feel safe and comfortable during their stay. If you or your workplace have any to spare, we’d love to take them off your hands!
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D90 Run Club Time Change
Starting October 4th, our run clubs' start time will be pushed back to 8:00AM. If you are interested in running with the DAS dogs, complete your canine training and sign up for a Saturday or Sunday shift!
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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 Melissa Mikalsen. Thank you for everything you do as a volunteer!
How long have you been volunteering with DAS?
Since December 2023.
Do you have any pets at home?
I have two senior dogs, and I foster when I can. I've had 21 fosters since February 2024.
What is your favorite volunteer position?
When I visit the shelter, I focus on taking dogs out who do not have any good pictures or notes. I also focus on the puppies as I run the puppies of DAS Instagram. I also love hanging out with the playgroup staff and doing daycations on Sundays.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with DAS?
If you ask anybody who knows me, all I do is talk about dogs! Even my coworkers, including the CEO of my company, know that my passion is helping shelter animals. I also love the community and have met some amazing people who I can call good friends. I love developing relationships with rescues, which helps me advocate for dogs as well.
Do you have a favorite DAS story to share?
Too many to get specific, but one of the greatest feelings is finding dogs homes, whether through social media or by helping adopters with matchmaking. I’ve had many successful matches since I started, and I still receive updates from both adopters and my foster dogs.
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Welcome New Volunteers!
Welcome all of the new volunteers who have joined us since the last newsletter!
Jenisha B. | Shirley B. | Phen B. | Jessica G. | Miqueas H. | Alexandra M. | Stacey P. | Sarah P. | Basker S. | Hannah T. | Drew B. | Charlene D. | DeMarion H. | Joelle L. | Nicole L. | Kemaya M. | Sarah M. | Olivia M. | Mia U. | Shelby V. | Ethan W. | Stephanie A. | Michael B. | Sydney B. | Lily D. | Sam P. | Amber R. | Eli R. | Gabriella Y. | Bella Z. | Abel H. | Anna B. | Victoria B. | Andrea E. | Gabby H. | Megan K. | Naomi K. | Katerina W. | Celine Z. | Destiny D. | Brandon M. | Angela M. | Alok N. | Nirjala P. | Tori S. | Keara S. | Sheri W. | Gemma D. | Mary E. | Iluvia M. | Mary Claire R. | Joelirith R. | Estrellita V. | Theo W. | Ana Carolina Y. | Ivy A. | Todd A. | Natalie A. | Maria B. | Tori H. | Isabella L. | Huntley L. | Daniela M. | Amy W. | Lauren B. | Madeline B. | Sebastian M. | Andrew M. | Ashlyn P. | Sara P. | Annika S. | Lily S. | Madison B. | Logan C. | Meghan G. | Melissa H. | Aidan K. | Brian P. | Cathy W. | Christine A. | Alex B. | Corinne C. | Rose D. | Abby F. | Logan H. | Lisa H. | Cady J. | Drake L. | Dominique S. | Lanie A.| Lani D. | Kayla B. | Alison C. | Fabian C. | Lianne K. | Colleen L. | Juana R. | Rachel W. | Sierra B. | Elizabeth R. | Anayeli S. | Jocelyn S. | Jessica U. | Aileen H. | Jessica N. | Katie N. | Ke'Ana O. | Charlotte S. | Karla T. | Donna C. |
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