DO NOT GO TO A BIG SHELTER ANNOUNCING THAT YOU ARE THERE TO WRITE A BIO: Other than a few of the workers at APA, the volunteers at the shelters are not aware of any arrangements we have made and may well only be irritated by you making their jobs more difficult (as they see it). The first rule of service learning (as in Medicine) is "DO NO HARM."Therefore, before you go, you MUST view the latest APA updated list of dogs' needs
Once you select a dog to write about, just fill in your name and email address in the three columns to the right devoted to bio, photo, and video. Then you will receive an email from APA setting up a time to meet your dog and the dog's "handler"
ALSO, TAKE A GOOD CAMERA IF YOU HAVE ONE, THAT IS, THAT TAKES STILLS AND VIDEO BETTER THAN A CELLPHONE AND TRY TO AVOID DISCONCERTING SHIFTS AND BACKGROUND NOISE WHEN MAKING THE VIDEO*
The dog locations change weekly. They also have adoption events every weekend.
________________________________________LOCATIONS_______________________________________________
APA-TLAC (1156 W Cesar Chavez) 11:30-7 Daily? ?_______________________________________________________________________________________
PETCO 5601 Brodie Ln, Sunset Valley, TX 78745
Transit: Us 290/Mopac (Walmart)
M-F 4:30-8 PM Sat 12-6 Sun 12-4?
PETSMART 51ST AND MUELLER
1201 Barbara Jordan Blvd Austin, Texas 78723
M-F 6-8 PM Sat 12-6 Sun 12-4?
_______________________________________________________________________________________PETSMART on Balcones 11150 Research Blvd #100,
78759 : 11100 Research/Balcones Woods
M-F 4:30-8 PM Sat 12-6 Sun 12-4?
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Tarrytown Adoption Center
3108 Windsor Rd
T-F 1-6 PM Sat+ Sun 12-5; closed M?
TRANSPORTATION
For Austin sites, IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A CAR, http://www.capmetro.org/planner/
APA main site: 1156 West Cesar Chavez, Austin, TX 78703 Phone: 512-961-6519 weekday hours usually noon to 7 PM?
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The Basics
dog Name :*
Animal ID:
Age:
Color:
Color Pattern:
Gender Male/Female: The onsite counselor is the only person who can answer the following questions. The bios do not have to cover every aspect of the dog as long as his or her personality is captured. So, some of the questions/answers can be left out of the bio. If they seem important, then the student may have to do a followup visit.
Good with other dogs? 1 - not good; 2; 3; 4; 5 - great!
Details about how dog is with other dogs:
Good with dogs? 1 - not good; 2; 3; 4; 5 - great!
Details about how dog is with cats:
Good with kids? 1 - not good; 2; 3; 4; 5 - great!
Details about how dog is with kids:
Vocal? 1 - not at all; 2; 3; 4; 5 - very!
Details about how vocal dog is:
What do you know about dog's history?
This dog's Characteristics
Please provide as much detail as possible. Specific behavior examples / experiences that illustrate their qualities are a big help!
3 adjectives to describe dog:
(www.thesaurus.comcan be a helpful source for adjectives.)
How cuddly is this dog? 1 - not at all; 2; 3; 4; 5 – total lap dog!
Describe cuddling behavior/affection Level:
How playful is this dog? 1 - not at all; 2; 3; 4; 5 – extremely!
Describe play behavior and favorite toys:
How active is this dog? 1 - not at all; 2; 3; 4; 5 – extremely!
Describe activity level:
What are your favorite things about this dog? Cute behaviors? What is/are your favorite physical characteristic(s) of this dog?
What would the ideal home look like for this dog?
Anything else that would make this dog stand out to an adopter?
Any special concerns?
Any notes you'd like to leave for the marketing team?
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
From Judy Racino.
HOW TO CHOOSE A dog from the list: "It's going to be much riskier for students to write about young dogs, rather than the adult dogs, as puppies tend to get adopted more quickly. Black dogs/puppies tend to take longer to get adopted. So, ) Pick an older dog. OR Pick a black dog or puppy 4+ months), if available.
Getting information about the dog's history: "sometimes Adoption Counselors or volunteers at the dogteries (not PetSmart employees) may have additional information on dogs residing there."
Remember to include if possible: how are they thought to be with other dogs/dogs, how are they with cats (opposite species), how are they with kids? What is their activity level like? What is their affection level like? What are some physical characteristics that make them stand out? What feelings / sensations/ touch? do they evoke in you when you spend time with them?
Photos and Videos: Take plenty, but check to see if the dog is already on the website: http://www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt/dogs/ "Photos and video can be checked in advance by going to our web site and searching for the dog's name:" , remember: "we are limited to three photos -- it's a function of the backend system we use." If there are three already there, the photos you take can be used for your P1 essay. If there are less than three, they may be able to use one or more of yours. In any case, "Most dogs do not have video... If a student wants to take video submit it as a YouTube link.
*ASHLEY FERRY: As for the videos, I noticed last year that a lot of students simply sent videos from the smartphone that they had done nothing to. There were distracting conversations going on in the background and weird sections where it looked like there was an earthquake. Do you think it would be possible to require the students to do some editing to the videos? Just some simple background music and maybe an intro and closing would be great. When I took your course, it was my understanding that editing the video was required. Below are a few examples of some videos that I have edited simply using Windows Live Movie Maker:
Chatterbox: http://youtu.be/L78jbRbh7C8
Orion: http://youtu.be/EXReF4ucgJY
100%
Wesli & Walter: http://youtu.be/1a6x47hkzDo
100%None of them are very amazing, but it helps to make the video more appealing.
