Denison Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) is a Denison-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of pets in need. Established in 2014, DAWG has worked tirelessly to help lost, abused, neglected, and abandoned animals within the City of Denison find loving forever homes. The organization's mission has always been to eliminate the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable animals while developing partnerships with businesses and community supporters to help fund veterinary care and other expenses associated with animal rescue.
Currently housed in a decommissioned fire station owned by the City of Denison, DAWG is committed to saving the homeless animals of Denison, Texas. According to DAWG President Stephanie Phillips, one of the organization's greatest achievements was attaining a 99 percent live-release rate during its first three years of operation. This success is largely due to the strong partnerships DAWG has developed with the City of Denison, local businesses, volunteers, foster families, and community members.
Maintaining these efforts requires ongoing support and funding to provide food, veterinary care, shelter operations, and other essential services. DAWG recently contracted with Denison Animal Services to provide shelter care and administrative services for stray animals brought in by city staff. Under the agreement, DAWG covers utilities, security, and insurance costs, while the City of Denison funds shelter staff payroll.
Fundraising remains a vital and ongoing part of DAWG's mission. “Without the generous donations from our community, we would not be able to do what we do,” says Phillips. Throughout the year, DAWG volunteers organize events to raise funds, including annual favorites such as the Christmas Auction and Drinks for DAWGS. The organization also welcomes individual donations of any amount, as well as trained foster volunteers and community members willing to donate their time.
Looking ahead, DAWG hopes to open a dedicated, modern animal shelter within the next two to three years. A task force is currently exploring options to help make that vision a reality. When asked why the work is so important to her, Phillips explains, “It is up to us as a society to speak for those that can’t speak for themselves. We are blessed to have a community that cares so much for animals.”
One recent volunteer-led project highlights the community's commitment to animal welfare. In April, Benson Hunter, a local Boy Scout, selected the installation of a public microchip scanner as his Eagle Scout project. Hunter provided the plans, labor, and materials for the project, while the Denison Police Department supplied the scanner. A solar panel keeps both the scanner and camera charged and operational.
The scanner is available 24 hours a day and can be used by anyone who finds a stray pet and wishes to reunite it with its owner. If a pet has a microchip, the scanner will detect it and provide information to help locate the owner using materials available at the station. The scanner is located at the front of the DAWG facility and is one of only a few publicly accessible microchip scanners in the country. Since its installation, other animal welfare organizations have contacted DAWG to learn how they can implement similar programs in their communities.
To learn more about volunteering or donating, contact DAWG at (903) 361-4211 or visit denisonanimalwelfaregroup.org. The DAWG shelter is located at 3307 S. Eisenhower Parkway in Denison, Texas.