Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Hanson.
Hi Stephanie, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
December 17, 2018… The day that has forever changed my life and journey. I saw a pic of a dog that said urgent Pre Lab EU. I push the link and fell down the rabbit hole, that’s the moment my journey began in Animal Rescue. Since that day I have rescued approximately 450 dogs. Most come from death row in the DFW Shelters. Others from people asking for help. May 2020, I became the Dallas Animal Commissioner for District 8. My district has the largest intake of animals (33% of DAS intake). The famous dumping area Dowdy Ferry Road is also located in my district. I have learned so much about our city since I began. I’ve learned Councilman Tennell Atkins is the best advocate our city could ask for. His office is incredible (Maria & Alexandra) to work with, they get things done.
February 2021 I was on my first Animal Cruelty Case with Meagan from DFAC. She and Wraith had footage of a man that murdered 2 puppies. She was at work and called me so I rushed over. Jeremy from DFAC pulled up right behind me but neither of us could get the police out. I called CM Atkins office and they had the Sargent for Animal Cruelty there in 11 minutes. Thanks to the collaboration between CM Atkins office, DFAC, and Dallas Police Department Sebastian Acosta was arrested. Our amazing Prosecutor Felicia Kearny held her ground. Acosta received a 6 1/2 years prison term.
We had a mobile grooming trailer donated. We use it for homeless camps and doggies at shelters in the DFW area.
We also partnered with Dogs Matter. We share a van for transporting animals as well as pulling the grooming trailer.
Our goal is to improve life for all animals in DFW and beyond.
Our goal is to make sure the dogs are prepared for the bright future ahead as well as train the new family on proper Handling. Educate. Train. Equip. There are no bad dogs. If I can do this- anyone can. We just have to be honest about what it takes. Map a game plan and don’t stop until we are there.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The bumps in the road have come from the ones that want to remind everyone how long they have been rescuing animals. I have always been sensitive to animals so I couldn’t go to shelters. I finally realized that’s not going to make change.
When I first began, I was harassed and attacked on social media by a bunch of women I didn’t even know. Then came the ones that were running the larger organizations. It’s been a very bizarre experience. I sat back and thought wow if this is the best we have in Animal Welfare the dogs are in serious trouble. The best allies I’ve had are people you will never hear about” silently doing everything they can to save animals. A lot of the ones on the “Front line” the old timers are a huge problem of why we aren’t progressing. They talk a good game until you ask questions or show where they are providing inaccurate information. I never knew I would be fighting the ones we pay to protect animals. They protect the ones that shouldn’t be in charge of animals’ lives.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Innergy Fitness/ IF By Innergy 501c3?
My career is in Health and Fitness. I founded and run a small private training studio Innergy Fitness. We focus on balancing bodies using a variety of equipment and modalities. I’m also a big advocate for Plant Based Nutrition.
IF by Innergy is our 501c3 founded to improve human capital thru sports and education. We have also added our Animal Outreach IF DOGS.
We have a multitude of ways to get involved:
Adopt a Dog! Our adoptables are listed on our website www.ofdogs.org
Volunteer! Please fill out the volunteer form on our website www.ifdogs.org
Donate! We always need support. It’s impossible to save the doggies that need it without our support. Please go to www.ifdogs.org and donate today!
Training! If you have a rescue dog or would like to sponsor one we have the best program. Please go to www.ifdogs.org to sign up or email: steph@ifmoves.org for more info.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I love to work out and help others. It’s how I’ve been my entire life. I’ve always either belonged to a gym, worked at one, or owned one. I find Helping others achieve their goals very rewarding.
I also love seeing the transformation a Doggie makes when they know they are safe!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ifdogs.org
- Instagram: IF Dogs
- Facebook: Ifrescuedogs
The day keely and I drove to Houston and drove back with Drake, Marley, and a little chi. They were about to be Euthanized and we couldn’t let that happen!
Juneteenth celebration at Fraizer Revitalization we took the grooming trailer to educate on hygiene for pets.
Picking up luffy a German Sheppard Puppy that had a broken leg and was about to be euthanized at Dallas Animal Services.
One of our partners Taylor with Dogs Matter giving baths to shelter dogs at Garland Animal Shelter in our Grooming Trailer.
I love sheppards and found Meka her forever home.
Our new Tshirts and great volunteer YoYo
My first Dog Lucky and Black Kitty. And of course Dallas Cowboys!
Cowboy a doggie we saved that had been ran over on Dowdy Ferry. He’s at my training studio in Uptown.
Hollywood feed sponsors us. We have Adoption Days the last Saturday of every month 11-2pm on Knight and Lemmon Ave
Diamond a doggie I rescued with her puppies!
Event we hosted to share our plan to improve Dallas Animal Welfare. We have Felicia Kearny Animal Prosecutor present.
