July 12 meeting with guest speakers Joseph and Rebecca Fairchild
Lorraine Wilson
On July 12 the Happy Tails Dog Club welcomed Joseph and Rebecca Fairchild of JRK9 as guest speakers. The Fairchilds offered members a practical and detailed overview of various training collars used in dog training. They emphasized that these tools should never be used casually or without guidance, noting the importance of working with a professional trainer to ensure the safety and well-being of the dog.
Members attending the July meeting unanimously agreed to donate $500 to Kerrville Pets Alive to assist in the rescue efforts being made for the pets of the victims of the horrendous flooding. Joseph and Rebecca Fairchild also donated their speaker fee towards our donation!
On Aug. 9 representatives from Dogs for Better Lives took the stage. This nationally recognized service dog organization specializes in training dogs to assist individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, autistic, or in need of support in professional care facilities. A standout initiative from Dogs for Better Lives is their Shelter to Service program. Launched in partnership with Operation Kindness in Carrollton, the program rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become certified assistance animals. Since its public launch in June of 2023, four shelter dogs have successfully completed training and have been placed with individuals in need.
With fall just around the corner, the Happy Tails Dog Club has a full schedule of engaging and educational meetings planned. On Saturday, Sept. 13, the club will host Karin and Roberto Saucedo from Song Dog Watch for a presentation titled “Coexisting with Coyotes.” Karin, a Dallas native and published wildlife conservation photographer, brings a wealth of experience in animal rescue, behavior study, and advocacy. She works with several wildlife organizations, and her husband Roberto shares her passion for wildlife and has spent the last seven years documenting coyote behavior throughout North Texas using photography and camera traps. Together, the Saucedos offer a unique and informed perspective on how residents can safely and respectfully coexist with native wildlife.
Rounding out the fall schedule on Saturday, Oct. 11, the club will welcome a representative from Bob’s House of Hope, a program of Ranch Hands Rescue. Based in Justin, Ranch Hands Rescue is known for stepping in to care for farm animals suffering from extreme neglect or abuse. Their current residents include horses, cows, pigs, llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, and donkeys. Although their focus is on livestock, they do offer occasional sanctuary for special needs dogs and cats. Their presentation will shed light on the vital work being done behind the scenes to protect and rehabilitate some of the most vulnerable animals in the region.
Happy Tails Dog Club continues to bring meaningful, educational, and inspiring programming to its members. With topics ranging from dog training to urban wildlife and animal rescue, the fall lineup promises something for everyone who cares about animals and the roles they play in our lives and communities.