So, who is the new top dog at the SPCA? Former, three-term Dallas City Councilman Chris Luna.
Prior to assuming his new role today, Chris was previously with T-Mobile for 18 years where he held “several roles, including Vice President, Legal Affairs and Chief Counsel, Sales and Distribution.”
Currently on the boards of The Dallas Foundation and the Dallas Theater Center, his past involvement in the North Texas non-profit world has included Parkland Health and Hospital System and Dallas Zoo board memberships, chairing the Richardson Chamber of Commerce and the Shared Housing Center and serving as president of Garland Housing Finance Corporation, the Dallas Hispanic Law Foundation and The Dallas Assembly.
According to SPCA of Texas Board Chair Hiren Patel, “Chris is an inspiring and innovative leader with deep experience and a proven track record in expanding organizational reach and impact leading to increased operational excellence. The Board search committee worked diligently for the last nine months to find the right candidate and we are confident that Chris will guide the SPCA of Texas into a bright future.”
SPCA of Texas*
As part of his responsibilities heading up the SPCA, he will oversee 153 employees and 992 volunteers to carry on the organization’s mission to “provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home.”
In taking on this new chapter in his career, Chris said, “Leading the SPCA of Texas into its next chapter of serving the animals and people of North Texas is an honor and a privilege. I am beyond thrilled to work together with this exceptional organization of dedicated staff and volunteers as well as community partners to drive meaningful programmatic impact.”
While DIFFA Dallas’ Burgers and Burgundy was partying it up outdoors at The Village Dallas on Friday, October 20, the animal-lovers were donning their best bib and tucker for the SPCA of Texas‘ 2023 Fur Ball in Deep Ellum’s The Factory.
Needless to say, the scene stealers were the SPCA residents and graduates. And topping the list was a fellow by the name of Lt. Dan, whose backstory was only enhanced by a reunion with his mother, Grace. Here’s a report from the field:
It was a sea of every shade of purple imaginable Friday night, October 20, when more than 400 champions of the SPCA of Texas gathered at The Factory in Deep Ellum to celebrate and support the tireless work of the organization and the vulnerable four-legged animals they serve.
The gala began with guests like Sandra and Colin Fite, Carla Rockmore, Cathy and Paul Brown, Nancy Beck and Ward Hunt, Gina and Doug Gunn, Sunny and John Ackerman, Courtney Brandon Roane, Mandy Strauss, Jodi Benefield, Courtney and Andrew Nail, Michelle Bleiberg, Michelle and Paul Grandfield, Shelby Bobosky, Alexandra and Ariadne Pavlakis, Coral McMinn and Sara Wilkins enjoying the ease of arrival through the valet station generously sponsored by Sewell Automotive. The fun began inside with a photo opportunity against an SPCA of Texas branded background that included a fancy cat and dog decked out in diamonds and coat and tails.
Colin and Sandra Fite*Coral McMinn and Sara Wilkins*Ellie Breaux*
The Cuddle Zone, sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals, which presented adorable puppies and adult dogs for guests to hold and pamper, left guests wanting more when cocktail hour ended. A whimsical digital photo booth, provided by Murray Media and sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, that encouraged guests to don zany hats and props, was a huge hit throughout the evening. Guests were wowed by the glittering and gorgeous jewelry designs of Marian Grace Designs at a pop up dedicated to donating a portion of the proceeds to the SPCA of Texas. Miss Texas Ellie Breaux even donned a beautiful necklace to show off to the crowd.
The Fur Ball stage was adorned with larger-than-life marquee letters that glowed in the iconic “SPCA” purple thanks to Shout It Dallas. One remarkable highlight of the gala was the largest mirror ball in the United States twirling above, spreading sparkle throughout the evening!
Guests perused the silent auction upstairs as they sipped cocktails, including the evening’s signature drink, the “Regal Beagle,” created with delicious Tito’s Handmade Vodka, cranberry juice and a splash of Sprite. A beautiful assortment of purple floral designs, thanks to Central Market, were placed on tables and were available for guests to take home in return for a donation. Other dining tables featured square glowing boxes with the stories of dogs and cats whose lives were made better through kind donations to the SPCA of Texas.
Emcee Ali Turiano, FOX4 Meteorologist, kicked off the festivities by introducing Plum, a spunky rescue dog—decked out in a brightly colored tutu—who is in fospice care because of kidney failure. Ali reminded guests that it is through their generosity that Plum is living in a happy, love-filled home, receiving the best of care for the rest of her life from the SPCA of Texas.
Ali Turiano and Garbanzo the puppy*Elbert and Christie Choi*
Chairs Christie and Elbert Choi beamed with pride as they welcomed everyone and thanked them for their generosity. Christie, in a beautiful deep burgundy gown, and Elbert, wearing a black tux with a lavender bowtie and purple Nikes, also recognized the event’s sponsors for their commitment to the SPCA of Texas’ mission, the host committee, and everyone in the room for their generosity.
“The dollars raised tonight turn into life-saving surgeries for a rescued animal, special behavior support for the fearful and neglected, and an extra bag of food that can help a loving owner keep their pet, to name just a few,” said Elbert.
He added a very special thank you to the 2023 Fur Ball Honorary Chair Jack Knox, who has supported the SPCA of Texas for more than 30 years and has made an enormous difference in the lives of tens of thousands of animals. Mr. Knox received a standing ovation.
Interim President and CEO Don Lindsley took the stage and, in addition to sharing a heartfelt thank you to everyone, gave the guests an overview of the work of the SPCA of Texas. He focused on the work in the realm of animal cruelty, the challenge of overcrowding in the shelters across the country, and the SPCA of Texas’ never-ending commitment to keeping animals in their loving homes.
Lindsley also made an outstanding announcement. The 2024 Fur Ball Chairs will be Katy and Lawrence Bock, who were in attendance and sporting purple! He also thanked them for joining the SPCA of Texas in its mission of helping animals.
The live auction, led by auctioneer Morgan Hopson, heated up as guests bid often and high on the evening’s six live auction items. These included a five-night stay at the Black Diamond Family Retreat in Brian Head, Utah, and a priceless package focused on the animals and for the animals, featuring a behind-the-scenes tour of the SPCA of Texas with the new President and CEO as well as an exciting ride along with SPCA of Texas Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit.
Hopson then introduced the moving and heroic video of Lt. Dan, the doggie star of the evening, who was rescued from underneath a trailer as a little puppy. He was born with only two functional back legs. However, after months of care and love, Lt. Dan received a special wheelchair and was adopted, living life to the fullest. Lt. Dan was carried on stage with his medical rockstar, Dr. Amber Alu, Chief Medical Officer for the SPCA of Texas. As a total surprise, Lt. Dan’s mother, Grace, also joined him on stage! It was the first time the two had seen each other in more than two years and they were delighted. Grace even did a happy dance!
Lt. Dan, Amber Alu and Grace*
It was the perfect way to kick-off the paddle raise—Pony Up for Paws.
Thanks to a surprise $50K challenge match, generously given by the Roberta Wright Reeves Trust, donors sprang into action, with the first paddle raise being a $20K donation. Each donor received a sparkle ring as a token of thanks.
Next on stage, SPCA of Texas Vice Chair Whitney Eichinger introduced her handsome guest, Palomo, a precious 12-year-old lab mix who is a direct beneficiary of funds raised during the event. His brave foster has been taking Palomo for heartworm treatments for months and he now is three weeks clear. Palomo is ready for adoption!
Eichinger thanked everyone involved in creating Fur Ball 2023 and graciously thanked all the guests and sponsors for their support and commitment to the animals. Finally, Ali again took the stage to thank guests and finish up the usual housekeeping items. She then invited guests to dance the night away with DJ Jennifer Miller.
Unique and creative co-producers Hamilton Sneed of HAS Events and Steve Kemble brought so many visions to life with imagination, enthusiasm and all that is purple to make this an evening to remember and enjoy.
The SPCA of Texas sincerely thanks sponsors:
Purrty in Purple Sponsor: Sewell Automotive;
Magenta Mutt Sponsors: Jack D. Knox;
Paddle Raise Sponsored by Savannah and Braden Wayne;
Photo Booth Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka;
Cuddle Zone Sponsored by VCA Animal Hospitals;
Fuchsia Feline Sponsors: Dumbo Dombrowski, Whitney Eichinger, Mandy C. Strauss, Carla Rockmore, Brandt Financial Services LLC, Central Market, CTL Marketing, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, RKD, Travis-Lee Moore, Coldwell Banker Realty and Whataburger;
Periwinkle Pug Sponsors: Sunny and John Ackerman, Steve Atkinson and Ted Kincaid, Michelle Bleiberg, Blair and Guy Heartfield, Courtney and Andrew Nall, Dr. Rachel Neese, Ariadne Pavlakis, Courtney Roane, Nancy Schaefer, CB Choi Family Foundation, Citizens National Bank, CityVet, Higginbotham Insurance, IDEXX Laboratories, JP Morgan Chase, MarshMcLennan Agency, Merck Animal Health, Northern Trust and Realtex Ventures; and
Media Sponsor: “Modern Luxury Dallas.”
Fur Ball is DFW’s salute to the bond between people and their pets and a celebration of the SPCA of Texas’ important mission to provide every animal exceptional care and a loving home. All money raised through Fur Ball 2023 will go directly to the SPCA of Texas to help rescue, heal and find homes for thousands of animals.
According to animal advocate volunteer Ciara Cooley Biggers,
“Hearts and Bones Rescue is a non-profit foster-based rescue organization with dual bases in Dallas and New York. It is dedicated to ending the needless euthanasia of shelter dogs through direct lifesaving, shared learning, and community building.
“They are made up of an incredible network including rescue partners, fosters, volunteers, and a small and mighty staff! Working together, they can impact shelters under the greatest stress, one of which being Dallas Animal Services. While pulling dogs from DAS and creating space for incoming dogs, Hearts and Bones is able to transport dogs to the Northeast where they are united with loving adopters who are ready to give these dogs the lives they deserve!
Hearts and Bones Rescue*
“One of our wishes this holiday season is that North Texas residents become aware and support this very special cause. Hearts and Bones is the realization of a shared dream to bring people together across the country to save the lives of dogs in need and find their forever families. They are making an impact on animals here in our community, and are responsible for 6% of the total Dallas Animal Services’ outcomes since their founding. This year, they were able to rescue their 5,000th dog!
“As a foster-based rescue, they focus on providing all their dogs with secure and caring environments while they search for their adopters. At Hearts and Bones, all of their dogs are 100% certified pre-loved.
Hearts and Bones Rescue*
“There are four cornerstones of the Hearts and Bones mission that make the organization exceptional.
“Firstly, they are conversation-based which means they know their dogs and will equally take time to get to know you. They work with adopters to find the perfect match for not only the animals, but the families, too.
“Secondly, they understand every situation is different. With no judgement, they approach saving dogs with an open mind and heart- they are here to help, regardless of the situation.
“Thirdly, they are always there. Even beyond the adoption day, Hearts and Bones is there to provide education, training and a support system.
“Lastly, they are transparent with all their adopters! While adoptions are exciting, they can also be stressful. Transparency is their top priority, which in turn helps ensure that forever homes are in fact, forever!
“In whatever capacity- whether fostering, adopting, providing financial support, or volunteering – all commitments are welcome and so appreciated – by Hearts and Bones, the dogs they save, and all the families impacted by their lifesaving efforts!
“Operation Kindness is an animal welfare organization in Texas that’s committed to making the world a kinder place for animals and the people who love them. One of the organization’s initiatives to help keep pets happy and healthy is the Operation Kindness Pet Food Pantry, which provides temporary food assistance to help families in need of help feeding their pets. The Pet Food Pantry, which has distributed over 103,000 pounds of food this year, offers free dog and cat food, cat litter and other supplies to pet owners who struggle paying for these necessities themselves. The pantry sees an increase in need around the holidays with families stretched thin and requiring more help in making ends meet and feeding their pets.
“Dry and canned dog food, dry and canned cat food and cat litter are always in need at the Pet Food Pantry, with no preference to brand. Donations can be dropped off at 3201 Earhart Drive, Carrollton, Texas, 75006. Monetary donations to the Pet Food Pantry or other Operation Kindness initiatives can be made at operationkindness.org.”
“Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is Dallas’ municipal shelter and has the third highest animal intake shelter in the entire country. They also have over 1,000 animals in foster homes—enough to fill 2 other shelters! They support the pets in our community and could use our help.
“Launched in 2018, BeDallas90 is DAS’ community outreach campaign, with the efforts to find positive outcomes for more than 90% of the shelter population. They reached this milestone in September of 2020, where they achieved their first-ever fiscal year life release rate of over 90%. This major milestone would not have been possible without the support of the community.
“While they do so much for the animals in our community, there is still so much work to be done and supported to help our community shelter! During 2020, COVID-19 brought new challenges to DAS and pet owners in Dallas, but also created opportunities to increase awareness and support.
“My wish this holiday season is for you to join the #BeDallas90 movement to help us save the lives of pets in need. Here’s how you can help:
“Adopt – If you are wanting to add the next furry family member to your home, visit DAS, where adoption staff can help match you with a great fit for your family. Adoptable pets are available online, or you can visit the shelter in person at 1818 Westmoreland Road to meet them. If a pet is in a foster home, you can submit an online query and their foster family will be in touch.
“Volunteer – There are volunteer opportunities open for anything you are interested in, and for a range of ages (while younger ages require parent/ guardian participation!). Volunteering can help the shelter increase the number of lives we save, improve the quality of the lives of pets in the shelter, and support our community in becoming the nation’s best pet owners. There are countless ways to become involved, and all volunteer positions are a huge help to DAS.
“Foster – If you aren’t quite ready to adopt, you can still open your home to foster a DAS pet. These volunteers are crucial to help save more animals. Whether you are a dog person or a cat person, you can commit to a short-term or long-term opportunity. DAS will work with you to ensure a good match for your home. This gets animals into homes where we can learn more about them to help them find their forever families, and clear kennel space for incoming animals.
“Donate – No donation is too small and will help make a difference in the lives of shelter pets at DAS. Please consider making a contribution to Friends of Dallas Animal Services, the non-profit partner of DAS. Friends of DAS is volunteer run and strives to have low overhead costs, so more dollars can go directly to the pets and shelter for lifesaving support.
“Visit www.BeDallas90.org which will link you to everything you need to know about DAS’s services, applications for specific opportunities, and an updated roster of pets available for adoptions—there are countless ways to support this incredibly meaningful cause.”
While the SPCA of Texas Board is staying pretty much in place, with returning officers Board Chair Hiren Patel and Vice-Chair Whitney Eichinger, the board’s newly elected officers include Jonathan Kelly as secretary, Courtney Nail as treasurer and newly named SPCA President/CEO Chris Luna as ex officio member.
Joining the board membership are William “Bill” Driscoll, Rachel Neese and Maureen Short.
Bill Driscoll*Rachel Neese*Maureen Short*
According to Hiren, “As the SPCA of Texas begins an important new year, I want to thank John Ackerman, our exiting board member, for his dedication and service to our organization. And, I want to welcome the new members joining our board. 2024 will be an exciting year for us and we look forward to leading the SPCA of Texas as they serve the vulnerable animals and their families in North Texas.”
Despite the return of winter temperatures, the Turtle Creek Park Conservancy is looking to warmer times with Easter on Sunday, March 31. For more than 50 years, Easter along Turtle Creek has been a much beloved and glorious tradition.
This year’s Easter In Turtle Creek Park will include an afternoon of food trucks, an Easter Egg Hunt for youngsters at 1:30 p.m., free photos with the Easter Bunny, a DJ cranking out the tunes and an Easter Recognition Wall highlighted by the showboating of area canines and their human companions in the unforgettable Pooch Parade at 2 p.m.
Kristin and James Hallam‘s family, including Christian Case, Jackson Case, Georgia Hallam and twins Hale Hallam and Hite Hallam, will serve as the 2024 Easter In the Park event co-chairs.
From the left: Hite Hallam, Georgia Hallam, James and Kristin Hallam, Christian Case and Jackson Case*
According to Turtle Creek Park Conservancy President Tiffany Divis, “Easter In the Park is really a family affair. When we brought the event back last year after a brief hiatus during the pandemic, it was attended by hundreds of families, so we decided to embrace and expand the experience that so many families enjoyed at Turtle Creek Park. The Hallam family has a rich history of supporting arts and cultural resources throughout the community.”
And the entire Hallam clan is getting involved including the family pooch, Ace, that will serve as the Pooch Parade chair.
Easter In Turtle Creek Park*Easter In Turtle Creek Park’s Pooch Parade*
As a tribute to the late teenager Logan Betts, this year’s Pooch Parade will be presented in memory of Logan, whose family served as 2023 Pooch Parade’s honorary co-chairs before his untimely death last spring.
As Tiffany said, “The Betts are animal lovers and we think it is fitting tribute to Logan’s memory and his love of dogs.”
For more information about Easter in Turtle Creek Park, and to register your pooch for the parade, go here!
It was an oh-so-typical situation. An unwed mother of four was rejected by the man in her life. At least the man took her and the four youngsters to a shelter instead of turning them out in the street to fend for themselves.
As he was preparing to take them into the shelter, a couple saw the situation and offered to take two of the little ones to prevent them from being in the shelter. Their plan was to find fosters or adopters.
Whoa! Before going any farther, you need to know that the mother was a two-year-old Lab mix named Little Girl. She was “a sweet, loving dog who always aims to please. As a mother of six-month-old puppies, she was a patient and nurturing momma who cared for her babies with gentle affection.”
Unfortunately, this was a typical situation that Dallas Animal Services (DAS) faces all too often, where an owner for whatever reason didn’t have animals fixed to prevent the pregnancies, grew tired of them and then dumped everything on DAS to solve the problem.
Mary*Shelley*
Little Girl and her remaining two six-month-old pups, Mary and Shelley, were lucky. Because of the relationship between DAS and organizations like Operation Kindness, the trio was rescued.
According to Operation Kindness Marketing Manager for Brand and Communication Lilly Watson, “Little Girl is currently resting in our upper respiratory infection unit in the Rees-Jones Foundation Medical Wing, but Mary and Shelley are vaccinated, cared for and ready for adoption.”
Not all animals luck out of DAS. With the DAS facility at 139% capacity, DAS Director MeLissa Webber and her team are forced to euthanize animals for “space.” To relieve the overload, area rescue groups do their best to transfer animals like Little Girl to their own adoption programs.
But even the area rescue organizations are overwhelmed with requests to the point that they’re transporting adoptable animals to parts of the country in need of pets. Yes, you read that right. There are actually cities where people want to adopt and there are no animals to be found.
Here’s an alert for the upcoming Easter Sunday. The Easter Bunny has burrowed down at Turtle Creek Park for all types of shenanigans for 2024’s Easter In The Park.
Easter In The Park map*
With an expected 6,000 to 7,000 people planning to attend, don’t be faint of heart. Most of the folks and families will be coming to the 20-acre park from the neighboring high rises and Oak Lawn/Turtle Creek communities. Plus there will be a swell of people strolling from The Katy Trail. For those who don’t want the angst of parking, think Alto, Uber and other ridesharing transportation.
But don’t plan on using Turtle Creek Boulevard from Lemmon Avenue to Hall Street. That will be blocked off for the day’s activities that start at 1 p.m.
So, why all this hoo-ha on Sunday in the Park? Let’s count the ways:
At 1:30 a mammoth Easter egg hunt will take place. Organizers fessed up that last year’s hunt of 2,000 was way beyond successful with munchkins grabbing the eggs lickety-split. This year Easter In The Park Co-Chairs Kristin and James Hallam and their kids (Christian Case, Jackson Case, Georgia Hallam and twins Hale Hallam and Hite Hallam) have ramped up the production of eggs by hens to provide 10,000 eggs.
From the left: Hite Hallam, Georgia Hallam, James and Kristin Hallam, Christian Case and Jackson Case File photo)
At 2 p.m. the Pooch Parade presented in memory of animal-loving Logan Betts will take place along Turtle Creek Boulevard. You can register online or the day of the event. Judges will include Dallas City Council District 14’s Paul Ridley, “Katy Trail Weekly” Editor Dave Mullen, former Dallas Park Board member/Turtle Creek Park Conservancy Board Member Sonya Rose, author/artist/animal advocate/former Dallas Symphony Orchestra League deb Gracie Dix and Dallas Park Board President Arun Agarwal.
Following the parade and judging, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra Quintet will kick into place on the boulevard at 3:15 p.m.
In the meantime, the “Roaming Easter Bunny” will be hopping around looking for selfies, while his fellow bunny will be at the Allie Beth and Pierce Allman Pavilion for posed photos from 1 to 4 p.m.
Throughout the afternoon there will be food trucks (The Mexican Food Truck, SerenDIPity Ice Cream Bus, YummuPizza, Cristi And Ali Cuisine and Isa’s Kitchen, The Good Foundation Of Texas Ruthie’s Fueled by Good, Snowie Natural DFW, EasySlider Texas and JuiceLand), dog rescues operations (Recycled Pomeranians, SPCA Of Texas, Power To The PawZ and Barkbus) at the corner of Hall and Turtle Creek Boulevard and 20 Port-O-Potties on the southwest corner of the park.
* Graphic provided by Turtle Creek Park Conservancy
With the solar eclipse in the rear-view mirror, the Friends of the Katy Trail ‘s Spring Support Campaign is in full bloom. Campaign Honorary Co-Chairs Brittany and Baxter Underwood are aiming to raise $100,000.
Friends of the Katy Trail Spring Support Campaign*
As Baxter explained, “The Katy Trail is a beautiful and welcoming green space for all. It is a citywide gathering place that provides wellness, a nature experience, a sense of belonging in our community and alternative transportation. We ask all who love and use the Trail to support the important work of Friends of the Katy Trail by making a gift to the Spring Support Campaign.”
Already there have been 821,000 visits to the Trail since January, “setting a pace that the Trail may reach 3M visits this year.” That would be a million more than last year!
Thanks to funds raised through the Spring Support Campaign, such things as landscape maintenance, beautiful native plants, lights and electricity, signs and water for the three “P’s” (people, pets and plants) are made possible.
According to Friends of the Katy Trail Major Gifts and Membership Senior Director Ann Whitley Wood, “The annual Spring Support Campaign is a key part of raising the funds needed to operate the Trail in the first half of the year. Gifts of any size are so appreciated! Donors of $1,000 or more are recognized online plus on a sign on the Katy Trail and company donors of $5,000+ may provide a logo for recognition.”
