The Dream
Mission Statement
DEMI’S DREAM uses positive, force-free dog training techniques to help build bonds and transform the lives of people and their dogs who are experiencing homelessness. We use obedience and skills training to help individuals build self-confidence, develop marketable skills, and create a safer environment for the dogs and the community at large.
Values Statement
We believe in the absolute value of all living beings and in fostering strong relationships between people and their pets.
Purpose Statement
Our purpose is to strengthen relationships and build self-confidence in unhoused dog owners and their dogs through dog training, thereby improving their likelihood of staying together.
Services
Obedience Training
We will provide private group classes to help pet parents build skills in their dogs such as Sit, Down, Focus, Loose Leash Walking, etc. These can be taught at open air workshops, shelters, or transitional housing campuses.
Transitional Housing Training
We address common "problem behaviors," such as Potty Training, Bark Control, Crate Training, and others that may be impacting the success of those transitioning to traditional housing.
Skills Training
Skills such as Paw Shake, Commando Crawl, and Spin help to strengthen the bond between dogs and their parents by creating a playful alternative to traditional obedience training.
Coordination of Pet Services
Working with our partners in both the animal care and homeless services fields, we will try to connect our clients to needed pet services such as veterinary care, grooming, and pet food distribution.
Join the Mission
We would like to thank all of our friends and family who had faith in our vision and jumped in with the resources to get Demi's Dream off the ground. You are absolutely the Founders of a new vision!
We started Demi's Dream here in the Austin area, and look forward to developing a curriculum and model that can be replicated to address the issue nation wide.
Won't you please consider joining us on this mission?
Who We Are
Steve Garcia, Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer
I am a certified dog trainer and retired school teacher with 29 years of service. I am also a 12-year volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! All of these experiences have helped me to see the transformative power dogs have in our lives. They impact our physical, mental, and emotional well-being and are often the closest thing we find to unconditional love. It is my goal to ensure that vulnerable people and pets can stay together whatever the circumstances.
Blake Miller, Co-founder & Chief Development Officer
Having experienced housing insecurity and food scarcity in my youth eventually led to my passion of lifting up others where and when I am able. With decades of experience in fundraising and serving on non-profit boards, I am excited to combine passions with Steve to create this uplifting organization. The unconditional love and bonds that we have with our pets should never be compromised and I look forward to growing this important program for many years to come!