City of Dallas, TX

02/03/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/03/2023 20:00

DAS Things to Know February 3rd, 2022

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Winter Storm Response

Thank you to everyone for your hard work this past week as Dallas faced tricky weather conditions. Our shelter staff braved the icy roads to come care for our shelter animals, and our field team responded to more than 800 calls around the clock in freezing temperatures.

We appreciate how dedicated all of you are to our animals and our mission, and our residents are truly grateful for your service to the community.

Manager Sandy Castillo and ASO Andrew Sanchez stepped up to the plate by taking on a last minute request for a media interview. A WFAA reporter followed them around and we're so proud of how they represented the Field team and Dallas Animal Services. Check out the video story here.

Clean Break Progress

We know that the breach of the clean break and the increase in euthanasia is difficult and disappointing news for everyone, but our team continues to work daily to identify outside-the-box strategies and pull every resource at our disposal to overcome this hurdle and save more lives.  Dr. Newbury at the University of Wisconsin warned us from the beginning that setbacks would be very likely due to the size of our building and population, but she remains confident that we can succeed in eradicating CIV and become the largest single building shelter in the country to accomplish this action. We are continuing to work with her team to fight this outbreak and are adjusting our strategies accordingly as we prepare to start a new clean break. One of the key changes we must make is to return to operating within our building's population limitations.

We remain committed to our overall mission to #BeDallas90 and achieving, sustaining, and surpassing a 90% live release rate, and we know we can only do that together. Thank you all for sticking with us through these changes as we work to get back on track to #BeDallas90.

We are on track to restart the clean break on February 14th.

Refeeding Schedule for Emaciated Animals

When you see an animal that has been starved, your first instinct is probably to give them lots and lots of food, but this can make them sicker or even lead to death. When an animal comes in that is very thin, the DAS Medical Team puts them on what is called a "Refeeding Schedule", which is designed to slowly reintroduce nutritious food at a pace that their body can handle. Please DO NOT give very thin dogs treats or extra servings of food, it can lead to additional weight loss, anemia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological problems, and even death.

Staff Favorite Photos

That pet that's tugging at your heartstrings every time you walk past their kennel? You can help them get adopted! We want to feature our wonderful staff more and get some insight into their favorite pets. If you are interested in taking your photo with your "Staff Favorite" for our social media posts, email us at [email protected] so we can get you scheduled for a quick and easy photoshoot!

Employee Engagement Group

Want to help work on projects to build camaraderie and have some fun with your coworkers? Join the Employee Appreciation Group and help us make DAS an even better place to work. Email [email protected] if interested!

Compassion Fatigue Resources

Thank you all for attending the compassion fatigue webinar with Jessica Dolce.

If you missed the event or would like to review the material again, you can view the webinar recording here.

More resources regarding compassion fatigue provided for you by Jessica:

Stress Zones and Actions

Hot Walk and Talk

Managing Anger, Frustration, and Resentment on Your Team

STOP

SCARF Model

SEEDS

Shoutout to the Field Team

We received so many notes of support from the community for our Field officers for responding to more than 200 calls about pets left in the freezing temperatures. Check out some of the kind words they had below!

Shoutout to ASO Jacqueline Sutherland

ASO Sutherland and her trusty assistant Missy have been working hard this past year to exclude coyotes from our residential areas. Much of her work has been focused in North Dallas where coyote activity has been greatest. Jackie was recently featured in the Lake Highlands Advocate, a piece we hope will help spread awareness about coyote attractants in residential neighborhoods. Check out the article here.

Spay Neuter Network Low-Cost Vaccine Clinic

Spay Neuter Network is hosting a free FVRCP (cats) and Distemper/Parvo (dogs) vaccine clinic at Dallas Animal Services on Saturday, February 4th from 9am to 12pm.

DAS Pet Food Pantry @ The Stew Pot

The DAS Pet Food Pantry will be distributing at the Stew Pot on Saturday, February 4th from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm.

Address: 1835 Young Street (Southwest corner of Park & Young)

Pet owners will receive a few days' supply of food for their pet(s). Supplies are limited and first come, first served. Pets do not have to be present to receive the food, but if you do bring your pet, please ensure they are on a leash or in a carrier. For more resources to support your pet, visit BeDallas90.org/resources.

Foster Adoptions at Hollywood Feed

Dallas Animal Services fosters will be at Hollywood Feed on Saturday, February 11th at 10 a.m. with adoptable pets.

Location:

Hollywood Feed

2031 Abrams Rd, Dallas, TX 75214

Pets must be healthy (CIV negative) and comfortable in public spaces and around other dogs. Crates will be provided, please bring a bowl for water.

If you are interested in bringing your foster dog, please reach out to foster Kristen Sudela at [email protected], as spots are limited.

Business Supervisor (Closes 2/11)

Assistant General Manager (Closes 2/4)

Lead Animal Services Officer (Closes 2/4)

Service Agent (Closes 2/4)

Animal Services Officer (Closes 2/4)

Maddie's Fund Shelter & Rescue Support Calls

Maddie's Fund, in concert with American Pets Alive!, hosts a weekly hour-long Zoom call for animal welfare workers and volunteers. While these calls started out as a response to COVID-19, it's grown into so much more. These calls are a safe place to discuss uncomfortable topics, all while sharing a common goal of preserving the human-animal bond.

This call, recurring each Monday unless otherwise posted, is primarily for shelter workers, volunteers and rescue organizations.

Register here.

Letter from T.C.:

Click here to view the latest letter from City Manager T.C. Broadnax.

City News:

  • City media releases can be found here.
  • City news is posted here.

Volunteer Newsletter

Check out our latest volunteer newsletter!

Foster Newsletter

Check out our monthly foster newsletter!

Dallas Animal Services, 1818 North Westmoreland Drive, Dallas, TX 75212 | Website | Contact: [email protected]