Atlas' Legacy: A True Community Helper
Atlas didn't set out to be a hero or famous. In fact, he arrived at South Austin Dog Center as a puppy facing his own behavioral challenges. Those behaviors led to him coming into our care first as a foster pup, then as a formally adopted member of SADC. During his tenure, he has helped other dogs learn to play before he retired from off leash group work. With time, training, and an incredible spirit, he grew into something extraordinary: a master "neutral dog."
If you have ever trained a leash-reactive dog, you know how vital it is to have a calm, unfazed dog sitting in the distance to help your pup learn to chill. For nearly a decade, Atlas has been that rock. He has safely guided hundreds of reactive dogs through their fear, helping them build confidence. He gave our community his patience and his calm demeanor. Now, it's our turn to rally behind him.
His Medical Journey & The Danger of Periodontal Disease
For the past few years, we have been quietly fighting a tough battle against growing periodontal disease.
Canine dental disease is more than cosmetic teeth issues, it is a serious, painful condition. Left untreated, bacteria from the mouth constantly enters the bloodstream, threatening a dog's heart, kidneys, and liver, while slowly deteriorating their jaw bone.
To protect his health, Atlas saw a specialist earlier this year and underwent an intense surgery totaling nearly $7,000.
We hoped that would be the end of it.
Unfortunately, advanced periodontal disease is relentless. Recent checkups show he requires a follow-up specialized surgery to treat the deep-rooted infection and help manage pain as he lives out his senior years.
The Financial Reality & Ways You Can Help
We have been quoted between $4,500 and $5,500 for this secondary specialized procedure. We are setting our fundraising target at $5,000 to cover the median cost of his impending surgery.
Because this is a private campaign, we want 100% of your generosity going directly to his veterinary bills rather than platform fees.
- Donate via GoDaddy: Use the direct payment link on the right. Choosing ACH/Bank Transfer completely bypasses credit card transaction fees!
- Buy Merch: Head to our storefront. A portion of every merchandise purchase directly funds Atlas's medical tab.
- Sponsor a Trick: Let's have some fun! Put Atlas (or his sister, Essie) to work by either demonstrating a trick they know or learning a new one on camera. Then, check out your trick on social media and share with your friends.
- Share His Story: Please share this page with fellow Austin dog lovers. Let's get the word out for the dog who spent his life helping ours.
- Check Back In: We're tracking, sharing, and updating the journey to our goal. Stay in the know and see what comes next!
As a final note regarding pet insurance, we looked into it for him a few years ago. We, unfortunately, let the opportunity slip past us.
How You Can Help
Direct Donations
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Support Atlas via Limited Edition Merch
We appreciate you more than words can say! If you would prefer to support Atlas without purchasing merchandise or art, please use our secure payment link below to donate directly to Atlas' Dental Fund.
Pro Tip: Choosing ACH/Bank Transfer option completely bypasses credit card transaction fees, ensuring 100% of your generosity goes straight to Atlas' veterinary care!
Support Atlas via Limited Edition Merch
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Support Atlas via Limited Edition Merch
We created custom, hand-drawn designs - crafted by a real artist (Lynnette), never AI - featuring Atlas and his siblings!
Head over to our brand-new storefront and browse these limited edition designs on tees, mugs, totes, and more.
Be sure to check back in frequently or follow us on our socials throughout the campaign! We will be periodica
We created custom, hand-drawn designs - crafted by a real artist (Lynnette), never AI - featuring Atlas and his siblings!
Head over to our brand-new storefront and browse these limited edition designs on tees, mugs, totes, and more.
Be sure to check back in frequently or follow us on our socials throughout the campaign! We will be periodically dropping fresh, seasonal designs while the fundraiser lasts.
Order Hand-Drawn Stylized Pet Portraits
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Not satisfied with merely creating merch designs, Lynnette is opening up 15 slots for custom pet portraits!
For a $50 minimum donation, you receive a digital, high-resolution, black and white stylized portrait of your pet. Have a multi-pet home? You can secure a portrait featuring two pets together for a $85 minimum domnation.
Your complete
Not satisfied with merely creating merch designs, Lynnette is opening up 15 slots for custom pet portraits!
For a $50 minimum donation, you receive a digital, high-resolution, black and white stylized portrait of your pet. Have a multi-pet home? You can secure a portrait featuring two pets together for a $85 minimum domnation.
Your completed file will be emailed to you in crisp PNG format with a transparent background, making it the perfect choice for custom holiday cards, wall prints, phone backgrounds, or unique gifts. Please allow 4-6 weeks for completion.
Please note: All extra "tips" added at checkout go 100% directly to Atlas' Dental Fund.
Slots are strictly capped at 15 for this wave. Click below to claim yours before they fill up!
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Join "Tricks for Teeth" to Sponsor a Trick!
Atlas is a working boy, and he knows exactly how he can help with his own fundraiser. He even roped his sister, Essie, into helping out!
For a small donation, Atlas or Essie will perform or learn a trick on camera and post it to our social media channels with a shout-out to you, his benefactor.
How it works: Click our link below, choose yo
Atlas is a working boy, and he knows exactly how he can help with his own fundraiser. He even roped his sister, Essie, into helping out!
For a small donation, Atlas or Essie will perform or learn a trick on camera and post it to our social media channels with a shout-out to you, his benefactor.
How it works: Click our link below, choose your tier, and use the "Notes" field on the payment to tell us your social media handles, which pup - Atlas or Essie- and your trick choice for the "Request a Trick" tier (we recommend listing 3)!
Show Me a Trick:
$5 minimum
Atlas or Essie will show off a fun behavior, chosen by us, they already know (like perch, shake, boop, or high-five!).
Teach Me a Trick:
$10 minimum
Sponsor a fresh behavior loop, chosen by us, and watch Atlas or Essie learn a brand-new skill on camera!
Request a Trick:
$25 minimum
Want to see them learn a specific trick or a train of tricks? Request your custom idea for the team to film!
*Subject to trainer approval based on physical ability and safety.
For the safety and health of Atlas and Essie, we reserve the right to limit the number and type of trick requests. Please keep in mind that teaching new behaviors take time and pups get tired, but they will do their best to help out.
Thank you!
We appreciate you all.
Thank you for being part of Atlas' Village.
💖