Today, Altruistic Dog Rescue serves as a beacon of hope for dogs without families, focusing on saving them from overcrowded shelters and dire situations. Through the organization’s efforts, every pup receives medical care, rehabilitation, and ultimately a loving home.
But before there was Altruistic Dog Rescue, its founders, the Sousa family, were already working independently to fill the need for rescues in Texas. Since 2015, they’ve partnered with several groups, fostering over 100 dogs and preparing them for successful adoptions.
“Our experience with fostering truly solidified our purpose in life. Each dog we fostered taught us invaluable lessons about resilience, love, and the power of second chances,” says Ashley Sousa. “Over time, it became clear that we wanted to do more—not just for the dogs, but for the community as well. Starting our own rescue felt like the natural next step, allowing us to expand what we had learned and create a larger impact.”
By investing your time and care through fostering, you help transform more than one life—you transform a whole family.
Altruistic Dog Rescue is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership. That’s why its team compares the preferences and lifestyles of the dogs and potential adoptees alike to determine the perfect matches.
“Once we ensure a dog is physically healthy, our priority is to find them their forever home as soon as possible. The sooner they transition into a stable, loving environment, the less they have to endure additional emotional hardship,” says Ashley. “Our goal is to make that process as smooth and supportive as possible.”
One rescue that recently touched the hearts of the team involved a group of dogs who suddenly lost their owner. The night they were brought to safety, one gave birth to puppies, and despite their fear and uncertainty, they slowly began to heal. This rescue was made even more special by how quickly volunteers rallied together, stepping up for vet appointments, emergency supplies, and fostering.
“The most rewarding part is seeing the gratitude in the dogs we save,” says Ashley. “The way their eyes soften with trust, the joyful zoomies, and the endless puppy kisses—it’s in those moments that we know we’ve made a difference. Watching them go from scared and uncertain to happy and loved makes every challenge worth it.”
Join Altruistic Dog Rescue’s mission by filling out the application to foster or adopt at: altruisticrescue.org
“Every fostering experience is unique—no two rescue situations or dogs are ever the same.”