It's a difficult question to answer,particularly when posed by children not yet resigned to the evils of the world.
Diane Trull wasn't able to face the students of her fourth-grade reading class and tell them that this is just how
the world works-that healthy dogs must be killed just because there are too many of them, and that the kids must be
satisfied with this "adult" solution to the problem of pet overpopulation.
She wasn't able to tell the children that there was nothing they could do,
that they were powerless to help these desperate animals.
And so began DAWGS-the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary.
In March of 2003, Diane, her family, and the inspirational fourth graders set out
to change "how the world works."
For almost five years, the shelter has struggled to survive, fighting against overwhelming odds
and obstacles posed by both man and nature. When the shelter received an eviction notice
from the city of Dalhart,TX, the lives of the 500+ animals in their care were threatened
with euthanasia.
In April of 2007, during a huge blizzard, all of the dogs and cats were safely moved to
their new sanctuary.
Today the original young volunteers are in high school
and together with many others, are still volunteering (under the 
supervision of adult volunteers).
They have rescued over 3,900 animals and continue to strive to make a difference in their
community.
Their goal for 2008 is to provide permanent housing for the animals
as well as a spay/neuter clinic to solve the area's problem of pet over population.
To read more about DAWGS: www.myspace.com/dawgsntexas
Contact Information:
(806)244-3216 or (888)TXDAWGS
PO Box 911, Dalhart, TX 79022
DAWGS is a non profit 501c3 organization
