A NO-KILL DOG SHELTER AND SANCTUARY

OUR STORY

HISTORY

 

  • 1997

    Straydog is founded as a 501c3 in East Texas by Pat and Bill Arnold. Pat’s vision and perpetual love of animals set the tone of our work. The mission is based upon dedication to the no-kill philosophy and commitment to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned, abused, and homeless dogs. To see a video of who Straydog is please click here.

  • 2003

    In May, the Straydog community, along with her family, tragically loses Pat Arnold. Her last words are, “Take care of my dogs while I’m gone.” Bill Arnold and Juana Vazquez work together to continue Pat’s dream for her dogs. They vow to never give up and work tirelessly to see her last dog either in a forever home or living a long and happy life
    at the Straydog sanctuary.

  • 2006

    Bill and Juana are married and continue rescuing dogs as partners in the mission.

  • 2008

    A building providing shelter for at least 20 dogs is donated by a couple who are long- time supporters of Straydog.

  • 2017

    Bill Arnold retires. Juana Arnold and Pam Bollinger continue the mission as Co- Presidents of Straydog with the support of a new Board of Directors and volunteers. Learn more about Straydog through the eyes of Juana Arnold by clicking here.

  • 2018

    A generous couple donate another building to Straydog which provides space to house at least 20 dogs, prepare meals and provide a small office space.

  • 2023

    In March a successful capital campaign results in ground-breaking ceremonies to erect two large buildings, which will provide large indoor kennels with access to large outdoor runs for at least 80 dogs.

  • 2024

    In March, the building campaign is completed, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is held prior to moving dogs into the two new buildings. 

VALUES

Rescue

Straydog rescues stray, homeless, and abused dogs, and provides each of them a healthy, happy life until a forever home is found.

Sanctuary

Straydog is a true no-kill shelter and provides a sanctuary for the dogs who are never adopted.

Health

All dogs receive comprehensive medical care for life; in addition to being spayed, neutered, vaccinated, chipped, medically examined, and treated for heartworm prevention upon intake.

Safety

All dogs live inside one of our five buildings which provides safety and security particularly during inclement weather.

Quality Time

All dogs receive one on one loving care each day consisting of daily walks to one of our large parks where they play freely and interact with the kennel staff and other dogs. Brushing, hugs, training and treats are a routine part of each day.

Adoption

Straydog holds weekly adoption events in the DFW metroplex and East Texas, and hosts shelter visits so the public can meet our available dogs.

Educate

Straydog educates and counsels the public about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

Happiness

Each adoption includes a mandatory adoption/home visit process assuring all adopted dogs will continue to be safe and have a happy forever home.

OUR MISSION

To rescue and rehabilitate homeless and abandoned dogs in a no-kill environment until each is adopted into a caring, loving home; and to act as a sanctuary for those dogs who are never adopted.

OUR VISION

All dogs will live in a safe and loving home.

OUR TEAM

Our dogs are cared for by 15 staff members including Juana Arnold, Shelter Director, and her Leadership Team pictured here.

JUANA

JORGE

DANI

RONNIE

SKYE

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pam Bollinger, Co-President - Pam is an avid animal lover, experienced animal rescue volunteer and long time supporter of Straydog. She brings her passion for the mission to the board as co-president, volunteer coordinator, and adopter of 8 former Straydog residents.

Juana Vazquez, Co-President - Juana's passion for dogs since childhood led her to begin working with Straydog founder Pat Arnold in 2001. She learned everything from Pat and committed to caring for the pups always. Juana doesn’t look at her work as a "job" at all. With the ups and downs of running a shelter and sanctuary, she treats the pups as if they were her own children seeing the family through so many happy endings mixed in with a few tough challenges as well.

Don Cristopher, Vice President - Don got involved with Straydog years ago and is a strong advocate for the health, sheltering and long term care of the Straydog family. He and his wife Kim have cared for over 30 dogs, keeping many doggie families, mostly rescues.

Diana George, Secretary - Diana gives her time to Straydog because the organization serves not only as a shelter, but also as a sanctuary that offers special dogs, who cannot be adopted, a loving and caring home for life.

Laura Gorecki, Director - Laura joined the board in 2019 and brings 10+ years of experience in and tons of passion for animal rescue, combined with extensive career experience with nonprofit organizations.

Joe Cavagnaro, Director

OUR FACILITY