Animal welfare organization celebrates 25 years in Santa Barbara County

The Dog Adoption Welfare Group (DAWG) celebrated its 25 year anniversary with a Fourth of July BBQ at Elings Park Sunday afternoon.

DAWG’s mission is to provide a safe and loving environment for dogs awaiting permanent adoption and promotes adoption through outreach programs in Santa Barbara County.

Shirley Jansen, founder of DAWG, said she started the group because she couldn’t walk away from a dog that needs a home and has love to give.

Jansen said that 25 years ago dogs had 72 hours to be picked up from some shelters or risk being euthanized.

DAWG’s primary goal is to reduce the rate of euthanasia in Santa Barbara County shelters by providing medical care and training to dogs.

“I think probably the most important thing we have done is bend the arc on how this county treats its lost and abandoned animals,” Jansen said. “I hope we last another hundred years, but if we went out of existence tomorrow, things would never go back to the way they were.”

“I think things are much better than they were and not as good as they are going to be.”

Jansen believes her organization has saved about 8,000 dogs.

Sunday’s barbecue celebrated the accomplishment with a costume contest, a raffle and a contest for dogs to show off their tricks.

Proceeds from the event go towards veterinary care for dogs in shelters. DAWG has a full-time veterinarian with a vet clinic in their shelter.

Vendors at the celebration included Atlas Rehabilitation for Canines and professional canine photographer Wendy Domanski.

For more information on adoption or volunteering at DAWG visit their website.