Lorraine Wilson
The Happy Tails Dog Club’s annual Pet Food Drive wrapped up in May with record-breaking results, thanks to the generosity of Robson Ranch residents. A total of 3,526.25 pounds of pet food was collected: 633.18 pounds of cat and kitten food and 2,893.07 pounds of dog and puppy food. This impressive total far surpassed last year’s donation of 2,772 pounds and took a large truck and three SUVs for Denton Animal Support Foundation (DASF) to pick it all up!
Donated food was distributed to several organizations that help people experiencing financial difficulties keep their pets fed. These include the Pet Food Pantry at the Linda McNatt/City of Denton Animal Shelter, Our Daily Bread, SPAN Meals on Wheels Senior Paws, and the Denton Veterans Association. Each program offers temporary assistance to pet owners struggling with income insecurity.
The success of the drive was made possible by dedicated club members who hosted collection bins at their homes throughout May. Among those recognized for their efforts were Melissa Crabill, Kathy Dial, Lorraine Handel, Teresa and Steve McGill, Lys Olenkiewicz, Janet Pauley, Joan Pursley, Sherrie Roach, Robyn Schroeder, Cheryl Spencer, Kathy and Wayne Visalga, and Lorraine Wilson.
On June 14, 15 members of the Happy Tails Dog Club took part in a Paint Your Pet event led by Maria Hunt of Local Art Parties. Each participant submitted a photo of their pet, which was pre-sketched onto a 16×20-inch canvas. From there, members had creative freedom to paint their pets in a colorful and fun session, which was both entertaining and meaningful for the animal lovers involved. Club members certainly showed their love for their pets and proved they are an artistic group of dog (and cat) lovers.
Looking ahead, the club’s next meeting will take place on Saturday, July 12, at 10:30 a.m. in Room 103 of the CATC building. Featured speakers Joseph and Rebecca Fairchild from JRK9, a respected training organization in the DFW area, will discuss their programs ranging from basic puppy training to advanced behavioral work. Their approach is personalized, focusing on the unique needs of each dog based on breed, temperament, and learning style. The session will be a valuable resource for those looking to build stronger, healthier relationships with their dogs.
In August, the club will welcome representatives from Dogs for Better Lives, a national nonprofit that trains assistance dogs. The presentation will highlight specialized programs for hearing assistance, autism support, and facility use. A major focus will be the Shelter to Service initiative, a collaboration with Operation Kindness that trains rescue dogs to become service animals for individuals in need.
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.