Donations to the Texas LGD Association directly support education, outreach, and science-based management practices that improve the long-term success of LGDs across Texas and the nation. Rather than focusing on reactive rehoming, the Association emphasizes prevention through better management, consistent with principles commonly promoted by research and extension materials.

Your support helps producers make informed decisions that improve animal welfare, reduce livestock losses, and decrease the number of LGDs that ultimately require rehoming.

Why Your Donation Matters

The majority of LGDs that enter rehoming or rescue situations do so not because they lack working ability, but because of preventable management challenges. Common factors include inadequate early bonding, unrealistic expectations of young dogs, insufficient supervision, under-dogging, and mismatches between dogs and production systems.

Donations allow the Texas LGD Association to address these challenges before they become crises by supporting:

• Producer education focused on realistic expectations and best management practices
• Field days, workshops, and webinars that emphasize proper bonding, containment, and long-term management
• Research-based outreach materials that reflect real-world Texas production systems
• Collaboration with Extension professionals and experienced producers
• Proactive guidance that reduces the need for LGD rehoming

A prevention-focused approach protects livestock, dogs, and producers alike.

How Donations Are Used

Financial contributions support the Association’s core mission of education and outreach, including:

• Educational Programming
  Field days, on-ranch demonstrations, workshops, and webinars that provide practical, management-based guidance.
• Outreach Materials
  Development and distribution of research-based publications, fact sheets, and online resources.
• Producer Support and Engagement
  Communication efforts that connect producers with accurate information and experienced networks.
• Organizational Sustainability
  Supporting the administrative and operational capacity needed to deliver consistent, high-quality education statewide.

The Texas LGD Association does not operate a rescue or rehoming program; donations are directed toward reducing the need for rehoming through education and improved management.

A Management-First Approach

Consistent with Extension philosophy, the Association emphasizes that LGDs are not “set-and-forget” tools. Successful use requires informed selection, correct bonding, adequate supervision, appropriate dog numbers, and long-term commitment. Education is the most effective investment for improving outcomes and reducing preventable LGD failures.

By donating, you help advance a management-first approach that strengthens livestock operations and promotes responsible LGD use across Texas.

Ways to Give

• One-Time Donation – Support current education and outreach efforts
• Recurring Donation – Provide sustained support for long-term programming
• Event Sponsorship – Support field days, workshops, website, webinars, newsletter, and producer education events
• In-Kind Support – Contribute materials, services, or professional expertise

Thank You for Your Support

Your contribution helps ensure that producers have access to reliable, science-based information that improves LGD success and reduces unnecessary rehoming. Together, we can promote better management, stronger operations, and better outcomes for livestock guardian dogs.

If you wish to make a donation by check, please make your check out to the Texas LGD Association and mail it to:

Texas LGD Association
c/o Bill Costanzo
14425 Schwartz Rd.
Washington TX 77880

For sponsorship information, please contact our Vice President at vicepresident@texaslgdassoc.org