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Service Day Walk to #ShadeOutDM

Corgi KC Rocks Her Shades
#ShadeOutDM mascot KC.
KC corgi in her cart
"KC loved to wear her Shades! Actually, she loved the "Oh how Cute" reaction that she got when she would dress up in her wheels, go swimming or ride her Chariot (stroller) with her Shades on." Tauni Backmann
Tarleton students show pictures of dogs
Tarleton students walked in the honor of a DM dog.
#ShadeoutDM donated swag
ShadeOutDM donated swag for the event!
Wesson's ride
Walk royalty Wesson had the coolest ride!
Students sitting
Tarleton students rest between walk rounds and show off their dogs.
DM booth infomation
#ShadeOutDM representative Cheryl Schuch set up a booth to share information.
Wesson and Roxy
"Walk royalty" Wesson (far left) and Roxie Hollywood (far right) joined our walk to help educate the community about DM. Here they hang out in their chill mobiles with Phantom.
Dr. Holley and Dr. Goen
Dr. Tracey Holley, co-chair of the #ShadeOutDM walk, and Dr. Karley Goen from the Department of Communication Studies share congratulations on the success of the event.
Corgis in carts with owners
Winner of the cart Phantom and walk royalty Roxie Hollywood chill in their rides.
Students walking in Jaycee park
Tarleton students, faculty, staff, and friends walking to #ShadeOutDM!
Corgis in cage
Millie and Casey came to help us #ShadeOutDM.
Thank you sign
Several local businesses and members of the Tarleton community donated to the cause.
Fluffy corgi
Fluffy corgis are always popular!
More walkers
More walkers join in the event.

Service Day 2020

Thursday, March 26 from 10 AM to Noon

Join the Department of Communication Studies for its second annual Walk to Shade Out DM On Thursday, March 26 from 10 AM to Noon. This year will be bigger and better! We will walk to bring attention to the prevention of DM and have short, educational sessions.

This year we will have props so you and your furry friend can take your own memory photo. We will also continue the tradition of walking in a DM dog's name. And, just to top things off, we will once again provide a lunch (while supplies last) donated by our generous sponsors Taco Casa, Chili's, Ci Ci's Pizza, Chicken Express, and The Water Shop!

Attendees of the educational sessions can select to be entered into a drawing for prizes of Tarleton Swag and the Grand Prize of a custom watercolor portrait of your pet by Mike Patterson!

So join us at the Stephenville Jaycee park for fun, friendship, education, and let's #ShadeOutDM!

Service Day 2019

Over 200Tarleton students, faculty, staff, and community friends gathered at the Stephenville Jaycee City Park on Thursday, March 21 to help the Department of Communication Studies #ShadeOutDM. Attendees were encouraged to wear their shades - or put shades on their furry friends! - and join in the walk to spread the word about DM. Many Tarleton students wore a picture of a DM dog who has passed or is currently battling the devastating disease and walked in their honor.

Degenerative Myelopathy - DM- is the canine version of ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). DM is a debilitating disease that causes gradual paralysis, and eventually, death. DM is common in more than 100 breeds,including corgis, boxers, and pugs. There is; however, hope. DM is detectible through genetic testing, allowing breeders to remove affected dogs from breeding.

Along with KXTR Radio and several generous donors, the Department of Communication Studies organized the walk, gave out door prizes, and fed the masses!

Two DM dogs, Wesson and Roxy Hollywood, attended the event, along with a #ShadeOutDM representative, to help spread the word and educate the community on the cause and prevention of DM.

Corgi Roxy in her cart

Roxie Hollywood, one of our 2019 #ShadeOutDM "walk royalty" has lost her brave battle with Degenerative Myelopathy. A feisty corgi, Roxie never let her dependence on a wheelchair stop her from getting where she wanted; she actually ran over one of the event coordinator's feet to get where she wanted to be! Her spirit and tenacity impressed the Tarleton students. The Department of Communication Studies extends its sincerest condolences to Roxie's furmom, Nanette. Thank you for bringing your special girl to our event to help us #ShadeOutDM. 

Wesson in his hot rod

Wesson, one of the DM dogs who came to share his story with the participants of the 2019 #ShadeOutDM walk, crossed the Rainbow Bridge earlier this summer. Wesson, who his furmom once referred to has her "brown clown" was brimming with a joyful spirit. Wesson met the Tarleton student walkers with a bright smile and was always up for a pat. His "I get around" video was one of the highlights of the event! The Department of Communication Studies thanks you, Chrissy, for sharing your special boy with us, and sends its condolences for your loss.