Lorraine Wilson
On Aug. 9 members of the Happy Tails Dog Club gathered for a special presentation from Dogs for Better Lives, a nationally recognized service dog organization with a mission to change lives through the power of canine companionship.
Representatives from the group explained how their expertly trained dogs provide assistance to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, autistic, or in need of emotional support in professional care facilities. One of the organization’s most innovative efforts, the Shelter to Service program, drew particular interest from the audience.
Launched publicly in June 2023 in partnership with Operation Kindness in Carrollton, the initiative rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to become certified assistance animals. To date, four dogs have successfully graduated from the program and are already transforming lives for the people who depend on them.
Looking ahead, the club has a full calendar of events designed to both inform and celebrate the joy animals bring to people’s lives.
In October, members will welcome a speaker from Bob’s House of Hope, a division of Ranch Hands Rescue based in Justin. Ranch Hands Rescue has earned a reputation for taking in farm animals suffering from severe neglect or abuse. Their sanctuary is currently home to horses, cows, pigs, llamas, alpacas, goats, sheep, and donkeys, as well as occasional special-needs dogs and cats. The October presentation promises to shed light on the often unseen world of animal rescue and the tireless work that goes into giving vulnerable animals a second chance.
November will bring a touch of holiday cheer with the club’s Winter Holiday Mini Photo Sessions on Nov. 8. Timed perfectly for those eager to prepare their holiday greeting cards, the event is expected to be a highlight for pet owners who want festive portraits of their four-legged companions. Open to everyone, the cost for a delightful picture of your pet (and you) is reasonable, and funds raised go towards animal-related organizations that Happy Tails Dog Club donates to.
Finally, the year will close with the club’s beloved Annual Holiday Party in December, a tradition that always fills the room with good food, laughter, camaraderie, and plenty of stealing during the white dog gift exchange. The question is, what will the next have-to-have gift be that everyone wants this year? Another cute, seasonal dog rug? A decorative dog blanket?
Happy Tails Dog Club meets on the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 103 of the CATC building. Membership is open to all dog lovers, with annual dues of $10 per household. For more information, visit www.rrhappytailsdogclub.weebly.com.
From educational presentations to joyful celebrations, Happy Tails Dog Club continues to bring together animal lovers across the community, creating meaningful connections while championing causes that improve the lives of both pets and people.