If you have seen us mention our volunteer parties and wondered what actually happens at them, here is a closer look at what they are, why we host them, and why they mean so much to us.
What Our Volunteer Parties Are
Our For The Pups volunteer parties are volunteer events, a group of pup-loving people getting together to help pups at a local rescue. Most events take place at Austin Animal Center (AAC), Austin’s municipal shelter. We party with the pups making enrichment treats, like stuffed Kongs, and taking pups for walks or giving them time outside to play and explore. We might also help clean and refresh the individual tiny houses that the rescue pups relax in with an AAC volunteer for some decompress time and the comfort of home feels.
We (For The Pups) bring everything that is needed for our party, think pup treats to make enrichment treats, and for volunteers to give to pups, whistles for volunteers (important for pup walk safety), volunteer appreciation gifts, and more. We want it to be as easy as possible for our For The Pups volunteers to join us and to leave with a small token of our appreciation.
Every party is guided by an official AAC volunteer, so we’re always supported, and you don’t have to participate in a way that you’re not comfortable with.
These activities truly matter and make a difference. Many of the pups at the shelter only get out once a day, and some days not at all. During our parties, they get fresh air, attention, treats, or even just a moment to relax while we make enrichment. The atmosphere is positive, full of kindness, good people, and the experience is so fulfilling. People talk, laugh, learn about the shelter, and often make new friends. It is always exciting when we later hear that a pup we spent time with has been adopted or gone to their foster home.
Our volunteer party dates are posted on our Instagram and in our newsletter, so feel free to follow along and join whenever it feels right.
Social Sharing to Raise Interest for The Pups
After our volunteer parties we, For The Pups, share about our party on social and include the adoptable (and fosterable!) pups that we met and walked. We tag those from our party (if possible), so that they can easily share about the party and the pups, too. You never know who is just a view or share away from adopting or fostering a pup, or who might know someone who can.
Even if you can’t make it to a volunteer party, sharing about the pups is another way to help. It spreads awareness, brings more eyes to pups who need homes, and keeps the momentum of caring going. These ripple effects matter.
A No Pressure Way to Help
Everyone is welcome. If you come often or once every blue moon, you’re always appreciated. If you think about joining for a while, before you actually do, that’s okay, too. And if volunteering your time is not your thing or doesn’t align with your life, there are many other ways to support. Interacting with and sharing our posts, telling a friend about us, donating from our Amazon wishlist, or buying something from our shop all help in meaningful ways. However you choose to support and be a part of For The Pups, we’re grateful.
To share again, you can follow along on Instagram and join our newsletter for updates about our volunteer parties and other ways to support and to stay connected. Joining either or both of these is a way to support in itself.
How For The Pups Began
For The Pups was inspired by our love for our three pups, Deacon (forever 14), Chloe (10), and Sebastián (3), and all of the love, purpose, and everyday adventures they bring us.
Our Name and Logo
Our For The Pups logo was created as a loving tribute to our three pups, Deacon (forever 14), Chloe (10), and Sebastián (3). As long as we can remember, we’ve affectionately called them “The Pups,” and doing things for our pups (and then for other pups, too) is where our name came from.
After we started volunteering, Gina ordered a custom hat that said “for the pups,” and it became a reminder of our love for our pups and why we show up for other pups, too.
The sun in the design was inspired by our sweet Deacon and his love for sunbathing. Now that he’s no longer here on Earth with us, the sun honors him, his legacy, and the way we still meet him in the sunshine. It’s a reminder of the love, life, and purpose our pups have always brought us and the reason we show up for rescue pups today.
The For The Pups colors were inspired by our pups’ coat colors, sunshine, and Gina’s love for teal.
For The Pups is more than a name, it’s a tribute to our babies, a purpose, a space built from love, compassion, and the happiness and privilege of being pup parents. It’s also a commitment to celebrating our pups, and all pups, and contributing to the lives of dogs in meaningful ways, however this journey evolves.
Our Purpose and Mission
We want to make volunteering more accessible, helping pups easier, connect people who care through pup-loving experiences and spaces, and do more good, while celebrating our pups and all pups. Every volunteer party, every donation, every shared post, and every moment someone chooses to be a part of For The Pups becomes part of our mission and our story.
How We Give Back
Giving back is a part of everything we do.
• Ten percent of every purchase from our shop supports pup-related causes.
• The same percentage from pup photography sessions is donated.
• Through our real estate business, Dueñas Realty Group with Compass, a percentage of every closing is donated through For The Pups to local pup causes.
Why It Matters
Helping pups in need doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t even have to be done by one person regularly. We believe in volunteering and supporting however is right for you. By believing in a shared purpose and cause, and working together, we can collectively make a difference.
More than anything, our volunteer parties are about helping pups in need and bettering their lives; they’re about community and the fulfillment that comes with doing good for pups. If you have been thinking about joining us, we would love to have you. If you support in other ways, we appreciate you just as much. Every bit helps.
For The Pups, Always
Gina, Jorge, and The Pups
Join the For The Pups pack for updates on volunteer parties, pup fun, and more.