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 work 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!
Lesley Riley, Treasurer & Director of Finance
For Lesley, dogs have always been family, including her cherished companions, Scout and Rowan. Her belief in the healing power of dogs drew her to Demi’s Dream. Semi-retired after a 25-year career at UT Austin and now a private pre-med consultant, Lesley has spent decades mentoring others through important transitions and helping them achieve their goals. She believes dignity, community, and the bond between people and their dogs can change lives. Lesley is honored to serve on the board and help expand access to training that strengthens relationships, supports unhoused individuals, and keeps people connected with their canine companions.
Luis Sanchez, Director of Marketing
Luis brings more than 14 years of communications and brand strategy experience and serves as Director of Communications at Austin Humane Society, following roles with Austin Pets Alive! and El Buen Samaritano. He holds an MBA from Southern Oregon University and is a doctoral student at the University of Pennsylvania, researching nonprofit storytelling ethics and administration. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Luis is passionate about media relations and campaigns that connect organizations with their communities. He lives in Austin with his wife and three dogs, Milo, Odie, and Francine, and enjoys food, animals, live music, art, and culture.
Elizabeth Fitzgerald, Director of Corporate Relations
Elizabeth Fitzgerald is founder and owner of Austin Home Transitions, helping older adults and families navigate downsizing, moving, and life transitions with compassion. A longtime Austin resident, she spent more than a decade in the nonprofit sector and has served with the March of Dimes, Dell Children’s Trust, and Gladney Center for Adoption. Elizabeth is passionate about Demi’s Dream because its mission combines her commitment to vulnerable members of the community with her love of animals. She lives in Austin with her husband, Rob, daughter, Vivian, and rescue dogs, Nancy and Millie, and enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, volunteering, and family time.