Club members with Elizabeth Test and spokesdog Petey from Happy Pet Project.
Lorraine Wilson
April was a month of generosity, compassion, and wagging tails as the Happy Tails Dog Club carried forward its annual pet food drive with remarkable community support. Donations poured in throughout the month, thanks in large part to dedicated club members Kathy Visalia, Eileen Pierson, Lys Olenkiewicz, Lorraine Handel, Melissa Crabill, and Teresa McGill, who hosted collection containers outside their homes—making it easy for neighbors to give.
One standout effort came from member Janet Pauley, whose commitment went above and beyond. Janet personally gathered donations from multiple households, transported them, and stored them until DASF picked up—ultimately helping fill an impressive three SUV loads of pet food. While the final tally is still being calculated at this writing, hopes are high that this year’s drive will surpass last year’s total. One thing is already certain: the impact on local families and their pets has been meaningful and deeply appreciated.
The spirit of giving continued at the club’s April 11 meeting, where members welcomed Elizabeth Test, executive director of the Happy Pet Project. Founded in 2021 as part of the Texas Good Deeds Project, the organization is dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation through rescue partnerships with municipal shelters across Texas.
Members were especially moved by the story of Petey, a once-neglected dog who arrived emaciated, suffering from mange and heartworm. Thanks to the efforts of the Happy Pet Project, Petey received life-saving medical care, made a full recovery, and ultimately found his forever home. Today, he proudly serves as a spokesdog for the organization—a living testament to the power of rescue and compassion.
Looking ahead, the club has an exciting lineup of guest speakers. In May, residents will hear from Deborah Diehl, who will share highlights from her visit to the 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York. With photos and firsthand stories, her presentation promises to delight dog lovers—and perhaps steal a few hearts along the way.
In June, Jenny Dirks, Shelter to Service program manager for Dogs for Better Lives, will speak about training service dogs that transform lives. Her organization focuses on pairing professionally trained dogs with individuals in need, while maintaining a lifelong commitment to both the animals and the people they serve.
The Happy Tails Dog Club continues to be a hub for animal lovers and advocates alike. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 103 of the CATC building. New members are always welcome to join this passionate community for just $10 per household annually.
From food drives to rescue stories, Happy Tails Dog Club proves that when a community comes together, lives—both human and animal—are forever changed.