Dallas couple has taken 65 shelter dogs on weekly ‘daycations’ in two years — and every one ended with a life-changing surprise
It started as a small idea between a Dallas couple who wanted to spend time together while helping a dog that had been waiting too long in a crowded shelter. Their weekly plan soon became a steady routine, turning simple outings into moments that changed many lives. Each week, they chose one shelter dog, took it out for a few hours, and let it feel normal again. In 2024, their simple routine had grown into something bigger, with each outing creating a new story and showing them how much these breaks mattered. What began as a quiet act of kindness slowly became a pattern that surprised even them, especially when the 65th shelter dog joined them for another calm outing.
As reported by WFAA on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, Daniel and Andrea Wolf spent a day at Community Beer Company, where they sat with Kime, a 2-year-old Pit Bull mix who had been at Dallas Animal Services for over a month. Kime walked happily through the brewery, meeting customers who were quick to offer attention. The Wolfs have been part of DAS’ doggy daycation program since 2024, helping dogs leave the overcapacity shelter for short breaks. Andrea noted that dogs in an overcapacity shelter aren’t noticed much, “but when you bring them out of the shelter, they are,” showing how important the "daycations" can be. Staff at the brewery supported the effort as well, and co-owner Kevin Carr, who runs the brewery with his wife Andi, said, “Every time we see a dog, all we want to do is make sure they find a home. It’s an amazing program.”
The couple keeps their outings simple, taking each dog to friendly places where people are willing to stop, look, and sometimes fall in love with them. DAS depends on such volunteers because intake numbers rise faster than space can open. “Just think of the lives that could be saved if 50 people did this, or 100 people did this,” expressed Andi Carr. Kime became the 65th dog the Wolfs brought out for a short break, and like every dog before her, she soon found a home. Only a week after her "daycation," Kime was adopted, proving once again that a quiet walk and a little attention can open the door to a new life.
Just like the Wolfs, many other good Samaritans also often take the initiative to help shelter dogs find a forever home. One heartwarming example comes from DJ Soucy, a realtor who linked his work with his love for animals through a unique idea. Since 2020, he has run a program where every home sold or bought is paired with the chance to adopt a dog from Pet Pal Animal Shelter. The idea came to him when he saw a photo of his own dog waiting at home, making him think of other pets without families. The program offers flexibility to clients who can take up to six months to decide, and if they don’t adopt, Soucy donates $200 in their name. “Either way, the animals win,” he says.