Austin’s animal shelters are in crisis, putting our place as the biggest no-kill dog city in the country at-risk. Full of parks, hiking trails, restaurants and outdoor patios that not only allow, but often cater to dogs, Austin is also one of the most dog-friendly places on the planet. And, there’s a rescue for nearly every breed. I can honestly say rescuing my two dogs has changed my life for the better more than I could ever articulate. Dogs often somehow know you saved their life, and their love and gratitude is infinite. These rescue parents agree.
1. Ralph Wolski: Jen and Matt Wolski rescued Ralph from SNIPSA (Spay Neuter Inject Project of San Antonio). Jen says, “Ralph is the most amazing companion; he has brought us incredible comfort in a year when our two dogs passed away. With his overbite, scruffy coat, and quirky personality, he makes us laugh every day. We couldn't imagine a world without him!”
2. Miss Priscilla Pugsley was rescued by Dani Dudek of SpilltheATX from Save an Angel New Year’s Day 2023. Dani tells us, “On Christmas in 2022 I decided I was lonely and needed to add to my fur family (I already had a 12-year-old tabby cat). On the rare occasion I would look at available rescues on Petfinder I would only search Pomeranian, Maltese and Yorkie. For some reason, I decided this time to add pug to the mix. A picture came up of a skinny little pug with one eye and I was smitten. January 1 she came for a "trial" stay and never left. She's turned my single independent life upside down and I wouldn't have it any other way!”
3. Sir Benny was rescued by Jen Birn (this author) and Doug Still January 2023 from Cocker Spaniel Rescue of San Antonio and Austin. We rescued him at one-year-old. About six months later, he got early onset glaucoma and we had to remove both of his eyeballs to alleviate the pain, but he’s still the happiest, most affectionate guy who surprises us daily with how adept he is at navigating the world.
4. Oso was adopted from Final Frontier. His owner says, “Oso is such a sweet boy! He is getting the love and attention he’s always wanted his entire life, and we have a new cuddle bug. He’s living a much happier life now, and so are we with him a part of our family.”
5. Luna: Manja Obid adopted beautiful Luna from Austin Pets Alive. She says, “She was five months old and the last of the three siblings that got adopted. She is so loved and spends most of her time belly up like this.”
6. Lando: Brian and Bryce adopted Lando from Love-a-Bull, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescue, education, and advocacy to improve the lives and image of pit bull-type dogs. His owners said, “Lando has been the perfect addition to the family! As soon as we saw him we had to give him a home. He’s so loving and cuddly, and absolutely exhausts our other dog Boba because they play nonstop!”
7. Luke: Luke was rescued from Jack Jack's Pack. We’re told this poor pupped was dumped in the streets and in a boarding facility for 7 months. Jack Jack’s Pack visited him daily for weeks to help build his confidence around humans because he wasn’t even able to be touched due to fear. He went into foster for 1 month, got adopted and is now a completely domesticated and loving dog.
8. Max: Sonal and Mark rescued senior dog Max through Classic Canines, a sub-group of volunteers at Austin Animal Shelter focused on displaced senior dogs. Max was found tied up at a park and spent 3 months at the shelter. Sonal and Mark share, “We chose Max because he was an urgent need dog at the time. After one month, we knew we couldn’t give him up and adopted him. Max is now 11.5 years old and thriving.