Dasha Bonds With Special Needs Shelter Dog In Special Pupdate Episode Ahead Of ACM Awards Weekend

Dasha joins us for a special edition of The Pupdate, in partnership with MuttNation Foundation, to shine a light on shelter dogs who are often overlooked. On a gorgeous spring day, the country/pop breakout star visited the Williamson County Animal Center to spend some quality time with Thumper, an 11-month-old mixed breed pup who has already endured a difficult start to life.

Thumper was rescued from a landfill, and after medical evaluation, staff learned that he is both hearing and vision impaired. Despite those challenges, the team at Williamson County Animal Center quickly discovered that his heart works just fine. Sweet, affectionate, and full of joy, Thumper immediately won Dasha over during their walk together.

After greeting Thumper inside and getting him leashed up, Dasha headed out for a walk with the energetic pup, who was eager to explore the outdoors. While she admitted she grew up in more of a “cat family,” Dasha shared that she has always had a soft spot for dogs and reflected on her childhood pup, Chella, who was named after Coachella.

According to Dasha, Chella was a “tiny little yappy dog,” but her family loved her “so much.”

Although her life is currently packed with tour dates around the world, Dasha revealed that she dreams of one day owning property where she can “adopt all the dogs” though she admitted that chapter may still be a little ways off.

The California native has been riding a whirlwind few years following the massive success of her now 55x platinum single “Austin (Boots Stop Workin’),” a sold-out world tour, and appearances at some of the country’s biggest festivals. Next up, she’s heading to Las Vegas for the 61st Annual ACM Awards, where she earned a nomination for ACM New Female Artist of the Year. While Avery Anna took home the trophy ahead of the show, Dasha says the nomination alone feels surreal.

“It’s such an honor. I’m so proud of Avery Anna for winning. I’m so, so happy for her, but just being nominated is so crazy. There’s so many amazing up and coming females in this category,” she shared.

As Thumper sniffed every inch of the ground during their walk, Dasha reflected on the support she received from fellow nominees, including Avery Anna and MacKenzie Carpenter, who immediately texted her after the nominations were announced. She explained that the camaraderie between female artists is often very different from the competitive narrative fans may expect.

Dasha is also looking forward to walking the ACM Awards red carpet and seeing one of her longtime musical heroes, Shania Twain, host the show.

“The only time I’ve met her is when I won the People’s Choice Country Award for…Female Song of the Year, and she gave me the award.”

Dasha recalled hugging Twain onstage and joked, “I think I hugged her for longer than you’re supposed to hug the person giving it to you. I was just like, ‘Shania, holy sh**. This is awesome!’”

In addition to catching up with friends and fellow artists in Las Vegas, Dasha said she also hopes to squeeze in a little blackjack, although she admitted, “I will probably lose.” There’s even a chance she may check out a Magic Mike show while she’s there.

Stay tuned for more from Dasha in Part Two of The Pupdate, coming next week.

Dogs with special needs like Thumper are often among the most overlooked in shelters, despite having just as much love to give. If you’re considering adding a new member to your family, Thumper is still available for adoption.