Today marks North Texas Giving Day, and Dallas Animal Services (DAS) sets an ambitious goal to raise $150,000 to support local pets in need. Funds gathered serve to cover a variety of services and items, including enrichment products, foster care assistance, and medical equipment, according to the City of Dallas.
On the frontlines of animal care, DAS volunteers work tirelessly to address a recent distemper outbreak, with most shelter rooms now considered unexposed to the virus. The organization shares a heartfelt thank-you for the volunteers' dedicated efforts during this challenging period. Following guidelines, dogs remain confined to specific play yards and, in some cases, travel in sanitized blue buckets to avoid contamination. DAS emphasizes that safety procedures are in place and that the outbreak is steadily under control.
This past weekend, the Pickle PAWlooza event, dedicated to the DAS foster program, raised more than $2,300. Coordinated by Sarah Jones of @Must_Have_Mutts in partnership with Friends of DAS, the event succeeds thanks to the support of volunteers and community members.
DAS continues to encourage volunteerism, offering opportunities such as the virtual Dog De-Escalation Training on September 24 and the BMW Dallas Marathon on December 14, where volunteers are needed to support marathon runners. The organization also welcomes donations of enrichment toys, dog food, and materials for makeshift cat hides—underscoring the continuous need for supplies to keep the shelter operating smoothly.
In the latest volunteer spotlight featured in the DAS Volunteer Newsletter, Melissa Mikalsen earns recognition for her significant contributions since December 2023, including fostering 21 dogs since February 2024. In her own words, “all I do is talk about dogs!” She considers helping shelter animals and advocating for them to be one of her greatest joys.
New volunteers remain an essential part of DAS outreach, as shown by the warm welcome extended to the many fresh names joining their ranks. Their commitment ensures the continuation and growth of vital community services and the welfare of local pets. The comprehensive newsletter is available online, offering a window into the efforts and needs of the tireless workers and helpers at Dallas Animal Services.
