From: Wolbach, Kristen Subject: COA News Release AMW Launches Graduation Adoption Event 05 19 2026
Good morning,
Please see the news release regarding the upcoming AMW Graduation Adoption Event.
AMW Launches Graduation Adoption Event to Help Long-Stay Pets Find Homes
AMARILLO – Animal Management & Welfare (AMW) is excited to announce a special Graduation Adoption Event taking place May 21-23. 10am-6pm. The event is designed to help some of the shelter’s longest-resident animals “graduate” from shelter life into loving forever homes.
During the three-day event, all animals that have been in the shelter’s care for 50 days or more will be available for adoption at 50% off standard adoption fees. Currently, 22 long-stay animals are waiting for a second chance, and this initiative aims to spotlight them and connect them with families ready to welcome a new pet.
Adding to the fun, the shelter is offering “Diploma Discounts” for students of all ages. Community members are encouraged to bring a recent report card or diploma, with additional adoption fee discounts based on academic performance. Students with straight A’s can receive up to an additional $20 off their adoption fee.
“Our long-stay animals have been waiting patiently for an opportunity to find a home,” said Kali Dennis, Outreach Manager at AMW. “We want to give them the recognition they deserve as they ‘graduate’ into the next chapter of their lives.”
With the arrival of summer, now is an ideal time to adopt. Families often have more flexibility in their schedules, allowing for a smoother transition and more time to bond with a new pet.
All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with their new families.
The community is encouraged to attend, meet these deserving animals and help give them the fresh start they’ve been waiting for.
For more information, contact Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Outreach Manager Kali Dennis at (806) 673-7821 or by email at kali.dennis@amarillo.gov.
###
Many thanks,
Kristen Wolbach
Director
Office of Engagement and Innovation
Chamber Event: Panel Discussion: A Local Conversation on Data Centers
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
AC’s Innovation Outpost – 1220 S Polk
Free Educational Event
More Information & RSVP Link Coming Soon
Ribbon Cutting: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson
4:00 p.m.
2111 East Interstate 40
New Member / Grand Opening
More Information: Vic, (806) 420-0286
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2026 Sod Poodles Schedule
Cheer on Amarillo’s hometown team, the Sod Poodles, at HODGETOWN in the heart of downtown! Enjoy high-energy Double-A baseball, fan-favorite concessions, themed game nights, and family-friendly entertainment from the first pitch to the last out.
April 3-5 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Springfield Cardinals
April 14-19 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Frisco Roughriders
May 5-10 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Wichita Wind Surge
May 19-24 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Northwest Arkansas Naturals
June 2-7 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Tulsa Drillers
June 16-21 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Midland Rockhounds
June 23-28 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Frisco Roughriders
July 7-12 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Arkansas Travelers
July 28-31 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. San Antonio Missions
August 1-2 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. San Antonio Missions
August 11-16 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Midland Rockhounds
August 25-30 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. Corpus Christi Hooks
September 8-13 – Amarillo Sod Poodles vs. San Antonio Missions
NATIONAL BUY A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT DAY
Each year on May 22, we observe National Buy a Musical Instrument Day. The day is all about playing music. If you are a musician, it might be time for a new instrument. Maybe you can learn to play a second or third one. If you have never played an instrument before, this celebration may be the motivation you need. Learn more…
NATIONAL MARITIME DAY
National Maritime Day on May 22 recognizes the launch of the maritime industry in the United States. The celebration also honors America’s Merchant Marines for their contributions and sacrifices for our country. In fact, special acknowledgment is often given to ships and seafarers that have held a prominent place in our nation’s history on this day. Read more…
NATIONAL SOLITAIRE DAY
On May 22, National Solitaire Day recognizes a card game that has been around for more than 200 years. Discover more…
The Christmas in October Holiday Market in Amarillo, TX, is scheduled for Friday, October 24, and Saturday, October 25, 2025.
The event is a gift and craft show hosted by Sharing Hope Ministry at the Amarillo Civic Center Complex in the South Exhibit Hall
- Location: South Exhibit Hall, Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., Amarillo, TX 79101.
- Dates & Times:
- Friday, Oct. 24: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
- Saturday, Oct. 25: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
- Admission: Weekend admission is typically $8.00 at the door (Cash, Credit, or Venmo); children 12 and under are usually free.
- Highlights:
- Shopping: Over 100 unique booths featuring home décor, boutique clothing, jewelry, and handmade items.
- Bake Sale: Known as the largest bake sale in the Texas Panhandle, featuring decorated cookies, cakes, pies, and specialty mixes.
- Special Events: Past years have included a “Ladies Night Out” VIP shopping event and photo opportunities with Santa.
www.christmasinoctobertx.org +5
Why Attend?Proceeds from the market directly benefit Sharing Hope Ministry, a nonprofit that provides resources and support to incarcerated women and those in recovery. - Highlights:
From: Wolbach, Kristen Subject: COA News Release AMW Launches Graduation Adoption Event 05 19 2026
Good morning,
Please see the news release regarding the upcoming AMW Graduation Adoption Event.
AMW Launches Graduation Adoption Event to Help Long-Stay Pets Find Homes
AMARILLO – Animal Management & Welfare (AMW) is excited to announce a special Graduation Adoption Event taking place May 21-23. 10am-6pm. The event is designed to help some of the shelter’s longest-resident animals “graduate” from shelter life into loving forever homes.
During the three-day event, all animals that have been in the shelter’s care for 50 days or more will be available for adoption at 50% off standard adoption fees. Currently, 22 long-stay animals are waiting for a second chance, and this initiative aims to spotlight them and connect them with families ready to welcome a new pet.
Adding to the fun, the shelter is offering “Diploma Discounts” for students of all ages. Community members are encouraged to bring a recent report card or diploma, with additional adoption fee discounts based on academic performance. Students with straight A’s can receive up to an additional $20 off their adoption fee.
“Our long-stay animals have been waiting patiently for an opportunity to find a home,” said Kali Dennis, Outreach Manager at AMW. “We want to give them the recognition they deserve as they ‘graduate’ into the next chapter of their lives.”
With the arrival of summer, now is an ideal time to adopt. Families often have more flexibility in their schedules, allowing for a smoother transition and more time to bond with a new pet.
All adopted animals will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home with their new families.
The community is encouraged to attend, meet these deserving animals and help give them the fresh start they’ve been waiting for.
For more information, contact Amarillo Animal Management and Welfare Outreach Manager Kali Dennis at (806) 673-7821 or by email at kali.dennis@amarillo.gov.
###
Many thanks,
Kristen Wolbach
Director
Office of Engagement and Innovation