November SAWA Conference - Where the dogs are

If you're a shelter administrator, you probably know by now that SAWA's 2011 Annual Conference is coming to the San Francisco bay area. We're longtime SAWA members, so are pleased as punch about the location. If you're still on the fence about fitting this trip into your busy schedule, we'd love to give you another reason to attend...

As part of the conference, attendees will have an opportunity to attend a BADRAP sponsored Open House and see first hand some of the country's most effective solutions to contemporary challenges facing pit bull type dogs. The scheduled field trip will take you to Berkeley CA. This town of rebel rousers and change makers has been celebrated by Maddies Fund and others for their progressive community-based solutions that have brought a nearly 100% live release rate to its public shelter's treatable dogs including "pit bulls" - and we've been very proud to be active participants in those efforts.

On Sunday morning, November 13, conference attendees will meet a community of people who are facilitating positive change for the dogs. Pit Ed training classes will be in full swing during the Open House, and attendees will watch as dogs get their manners smoothed out and adopters with little or no previous dog handling experience find the support they need to embrace their pets as responsible homes. Attendees will also have an opportunity to tour Berkeley Animal Care Services, hear about their policies and pick the brains of both BR and BACS staff. And we're serving lunch, too ... Our mamas raised us up right, you know!

Thanks to the generosity of Animal Farm Foundation, there will be free transportation to and from the hotel and Berkeley, where you'll be greeted by up to 50 dogs and their handlers. The dogs you'll see represent a variety of behaviors and backgrounds - but more importantly, you'll see Berkeley-style solutions at their best. You might even sneak a peek at some of those former Michael Vick dogs (they always seem to show up at the best parties).

We hope you decide to attend this Open House along with the many wonderful presentations that will be rolled out at the conference. As expected, this opportunity is limited to SAWA Conference attendees only. The public is invited to see the same at one of our Open Houses - dates to be announced.

We're grateful to the board and conference organizers of SAWA for providing such a wonderful venue for animal welfare professionals to share their ideas and experiences.

For more info, check out the SAWA Conference Brochure.