New low cost training options available

We received this exciting announcement from Tara, a trainer who has worked for free helping many of our dogs at the shelter.

Training by Tara

Is Proud to announce:

Low Cost Obedience

&

Foundation Training

These classes are held for owners/rescue groups who are desperate to solve their pets’ problems, & want to keep them, but have not been able to afford professional training.

Our low cost basic obedience class will teach:

sit, down, stay, come, & leave it for $15

Our Foundation Training teaches the owner/pet the importance of boundaries and how to apply them in daily routines. Leash control, food control, and door control.

This class is also only $15

Both classes are held 1 Saturday a month and are open to all spayed/neutered dogs with a certificate from a rescue group, shelter, or welfare group.

For more information or to receive certificates please call or email Tara today!

512-402-4229 • myheart4k9s@aol.com

www.trainingbytara.com

Did You Know October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?

Town Lake Animal Center and the Austin Humane Society are celebrating National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month with their “Elect to Adopt” campaign. They will be offering a reduced adoption fee of $35.00 for dogs from Friday, October 10 – Monday, November 10, 2008. Visit TLAC to meet “Special Delegates”  – dogs who have been waiting a long time for a new forever home. The Special Delegate package includes:

$150 voucher for professional obedience training or medical care
Large, comfortable dog bed
Food-dispensing “MolecuBall” toy
Dog Training for Dummies or Understanding Your Dog for Dummies book
6’ nylon leash

Reggie, Jicama, Barry, and Twyla are a few of our special delegates. These are all great dogs that deserve a new home.

Reggie

Barry

Twyla

Buddies at the shelter

I had the fun of helping with two play buddy sessions with two different sets of dogs Saturday — and, oh yeah, the dogs had a great time, too. Our manly Captain and flirtatious Fifi had a really lovely play session with Virat and me. Captain gets along with lots of dogs and L OVES to play, but it was as though Fifi was the girl he was waiting for all of his life. He often let her take the lead (or she just decided to) and they tumbled together, chased each other all over the place, went into the wading pools to cool off and just had a very well-mannered, fun time together. Sweet Luna was in the next pen and would very much have liked to join in. The three interacted in a friendly way as far as they could. Now that we know we can do a play session with three dogs (and three people), we’ll be able to let her join in next time. Meg and I also did a play buddy session with gorgeous Ricky and charming Annie. It was like a very acrobatic ballet! They chased each other, jumped over each other, wrestled a bit and then broke away and chased some more. Meg noted that there was no mouthing at all when they interacted with each other, they only touched each other with their paws and necks/bodies.  At one point Ricky did an almost-headstand against the side of the barn, just goofing around. A lot of fun! Play sessions like this are a good reminder that two dogs really are even easier than one. Good matches like these can keep each other entertained while you’re at work. They’re happy, you’re happy.

A very happy ending for Cosmo

Streudel (L) and Cosmo (R)

We knew Cosmo had been adopted this weekend, but we didn’t know any more than that. Today Sarah (adoption staff at Town Lake Animal Center) forwarded an email from Cosmo’s new family to the volunteer list.  Apparently Cosmo is exceeding their wildest expectations. His behavior has been wonderful and he is learning everything they teach him as fast as he can. Even the husband who is not a dog person is now totally smitten with Cosmo. This lucky family looked past Cosmo’s breed and recognized the wonderful family pet he would be. If you’re looking for a new addition to your family, please visit TLAC and meet one of our other overlooked gems. Visit http://townlakedogs.smugmug.com/Adoptable_Dogs to see our featured dogs.

Scully was adopted today

Everybody’s favorite energizer bunny finally went home today! Scully had been waiting for her forever home since April. This sweet, fun-loving girl was overlooked time and again. Well, the wait is over. A very nice man adopted Scully and took her home today. According to the adoption counselors, it was a real love match with kisses all around. Good luck, Scully. Thanks to all the volunters who worked so hard to keep her active and engaged over the past few weeks especially.

Scully pauses for an instant