Each morning, Tina Austin reviews dogs listed on that day’s euthanasia list (aka “code red”) by area shelters, hoping a foster steps up so Cody’s Friends Rescue can save another dog.
“We usually save 12 dogs a week,” said Austin, the nonprofit’s founder. “Often, I see a dog that's about to be killed who tugs at my heart, but we don’t have a foster to care for it.”
Based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, the volunteer-run rescue has saved nearly 11,000 dogs since becoming a nonprofit in 2012. Currently, the nonprofit does not have a physical location and relies entirely on foster homes and donations from supporters.
Austin says a local boarding facility helps when fosters aren’t available. Although discounted, the nonprofit spends approximately $12,000 monthly on boarding costs—an expense that is not sustainable for much longer. Furthermore, basic vetting for each dog averages $250.
“Our adoption fee is around $300, but we don’t make money,” Austin said.
According to the ASPCA, many shelters across the country are full, and animals, especially dogs, are often staying longer in their care before being adopted. Austin’s group is one of many who are working to combat that statistic. Despite the challenges, Austin says the organization’s greatest need is fosters.
“The only thing stopping us from saving more dogs is fosters,” Austin said. “If you haven't had a dog before or you want to get involved, fostering is a good way. We pay for everything. If we had 10,000 fosters, we’d save 10,000 dogs.”
Cody’s Friends hosts adoption events throughout the metroplex and is seen frequently at The HUB in Allen.
To adopt, foster, volunteer to work an adoption event, or donate, visit codysfriendsrescue.org.
Become a Cody’s Friends Rescue Foster
Thinking about fostering? Here’s what you should know:
- No long-term commitment; many dogs are adopted in just weeks.
- The rescue provides all vetting, food, and supplies.
- You don’t need prior experience, just love and patience.
- Fostering saves lives. Area animal shelters often get overcrowded, forcing city staff to euthanize adoptable pets. By fostering, you help prevent this.
- Children and pets? No problem! Cody’s Friends matches dogs to your household.
- Travel for work? You can still help by fostering short-term or during the holidays.
Fostering is a rewarding way to help homeless pets. Many fosters say they were “only going to do it once,” then end up saving dozens. Sign up at codysfriendsrescue.org.