The No Kill Kids of Texas How a group of children rescued the dogs of their town and taught us all a lesson in compassion and dedication. This article tells the continuing story of life at DAWGS.

What is D.A.W.G.S.?

"Why do the dogs have to die?"

How does an adult answer this question, especially to the satisfaction of 11-year-old children, not yet resigned to the evils of the world?

Diane Trull couldn't think of an acceptable answer when the question was posed by students in her fourth-grade reading class in the tiny town of Dalhart, Texas. She was unable to tell her students that they had to accept the adult "solution" to pet overpopulation, which in Dalhart meant killing 600 dogs and puppies at the city pound every year.

As a result, Diane and her husband, Mark, started on a journey that has been both daunting and rewarding, helping the children to build their own rescue group and sanctuary, now known as the Dalhart Animal Wellness Group and Sanctuary (D.A.W.G.S.).

In less than two years, D.A.W.G.S. has saved 1,819 animals -- mostly dogs, but also many cats, and a here and there the odd raccoon, goat, owl, deer or rabbit. In the process, the group turned Dalhart into a no-kill town almost overnight.

Their story, one of perseverance, sacrifice and compassion, stands as a beacon for the belief that even the smallest people can make a big difference.

The D.A.W.G.S. tale is one worth telling. It was featured in the January/February edition of Best Friends magazine, and this section will continue to provide updates on the progress of the children and their sanctuary.

Please join Best Friends in spreading this inspiring story, and in giving DAWGS the boost it needs to make sure that its noble experiment is a success.

DAWGS Mission Statement
Read the Starfish Story that inspired the young group to help the dogs.