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Dear DAWGS Family,

Spring came to Dalhart, Texas, in the form of a horrible blizzard the first weekend of April.  We had snow drifts over 7 feet tall and two feet of snow.  The dogs were stepping out of their pens and running outside our exterior fence.  The storm began on Friday with a “white out” and only got worse from that point on.  Our entire area was completely stranded.  On Saturday, it took us two hours to travel six miles to the sanctuary.  Once we got there, we found many dogs were trapped in their igloos and doghouses.  We worked frantically to rescue everyone and they were so happy to see us. At the end of the day everyone had shelter, food and fresh water. We have several with colds but otherwise everyone is healthy.  The following week we had the unique experience of “rivers” running everywhere on the land, due to the runoffs from the storm.  By the end of the week, we had huge windstorms.  Of course we always have wind in the Texas Panhandle.  The problem is when it hits over 68 mph…..that is a lot of wind!  Then this last weekend we had rainstorms and, once again, we are trying to get out from the water and mess.  We are hoping the rest of the Spring treats us more kindly.

We know it is a difficult time for everyone and we hate to have to add to your burdens, but we really need your help.  We desperately need a windbreak to slow down the horrible winds, snow and rain.  We have looked at several alternatives, all very pricey, and then decided “Going Green” is the most affordable answer.  Our local USDA office is currently promoting a matching funds program which, if we can raise the enormous sum of $30,000, they will match it.  The total cost includes the grass, trees and their placement and irrigation system.  We are hopeful that, if everyone chips in, this will make a huge difference at the shelter.  Should there be any additional funds (we have great hope!), they will be used towards veterinary expenses included from the storm.

We deeply appreciate your past support and know everyone is suffering in this economy.  We’re just hoping you can find something to contribute to this endeavor that will so significantly improve the lives of the dogs at the shelter.  Thank you for all you do for our sweet animals.

Love,
Diane and Mark Trull and everyone from DAWGS

IN MEMORY OF:

• Sonora Fischer
• Alice Mae “Kitty” Patterson
• Libby Skinner

The Oakland CA, Police officers and the SWAT team members who were killed in the line of duty:

• Officer John Hege
• Sgt. Daniel Sakai
• Sgt. Ervin Romans
• Sgt. Mark Dunakin

IN HONOR OF:

• Teddy Baggenston
• Buffy Becker and her boyfriend, Yogi
• Lily Eranger
• Jed Feuer
• Jerry and Bertie Goodman
• Casey Krafft
• Ellen and Robbie Little
• Leslie O’Loughlin
• Karen Poole
• Mona Trace
• Rose, Bill and Roxanne Travers
• Barbara Von Vorys

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