Service Day Walk to #ShadeOutDM
Service Day 2021
The Department of Communication Studies Service Learning Day project will return in Spring '23.
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.
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, 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.