Life-changing day for Austin's homeless and abandoned animals

Last Thursday, March 11th, the City Council voted unanimously for a no-kill plan in Austin, which means that the Town Lake Animal Center has two years to ensure that 90 percent of the animals that arrive at the shelter will leave that location alive. Members of the animal welfare community thank Mayor Lee Leffingwell and all of the council members who supported this decision to make Austin a humane city. One of the primary forces behind this glorious move is the incredible rescue organization, Austin Pets Alive! Because of the excellent leadership of Dr. Ellen Jefferson and the dedicated volunteers who have donated time, energy and passion, approximately 3,000 dogs and cats were saved from certain death at the Town Lake Animal Center over the past 18 months. That number continues to grow. I have some footage of people who attended that meeting. It was a special day!

People Making a Difference

Buddy and I met some big-hearted members of the rescue community at the Riverside dog park recently.

We enjoyed meeting Manola, now called Manny, a Great Dane who was visiting the park for the first time. He was with P.A.W.S. of Austin Founder and Executive Director, Prima Mosi. P.A.W.S. (Protection of Animal Welfare Service) of Austin is a wonderful organization designed to protect and save homeless, abused and neglected animals. There is heartwarming information on the PAWS website describing the Katrina rescue operations members of PAWS undertook. In fact, since becoming involved with Katrina rescue operations, PAWS of Austin has made a big difference in helping animals during other national disasters.

We also had a nice visit with Lauren Dooley, who has two rescue dogs and is working on a documentary designed to help companion animals in need. She rescued little Slim from Peewee's Pet Adoption World and Sanctuary in Corpus Christi, Texas, which was established in 1995. Her little dog Farrah was saved because of an Austin Pets Alive! recommendation.

Buddy and I will be sharing more footage from our park visit in the near future, so check back with us soon!

Let's Make Austin a NO KILL City and Stop the Madness

We have an incredible opportunity to stop the killing cycle at Town Lake Animal Center, and make Austin’s shelter safe for lost and homeless animals. Thousands of sweet-natured, loving dogs and cats are killed every year, and it is unnecessary. Please support the No Kill plan by writing letters to the City Council and letting them know that the lives of Austin's homeless pets are worth saving! Austin Pets Alive! (APA) is an incredible organization that has developed a plan that will help with adoptions and result in making Austin a more humane city. APA is an action-oriented rescue organization with many devoted volunteers, fosters, adopters, and donors. The people making this organization a success saved the lives of more than 3,000 companion animals in the last 18 months.

On Thursday, March 11th, at 10am at City Hall, City Council will vote on the Implementation Plan to increase live animal outcomes at Town Lake Animal Center. APA developed a plan proposing that the organization operate a Comprehensive Adoption Program at Town Lake Animal Center, which will result in saving 3,750 lives. That number is currently dying at TLAC on a yearly basis. Please support these changes for our community's homeless pets. I hope to see some of you at the meeting!

A Day in the park with Marlie

Buddy, and his canine companion Buster, were excited to share an afternoon with their friend Marlie Frasier. Marlie graciously agreed to be the guest host for the fourth installment of Blogging with Buddy, and Buddy can't wait to work with Marlie again on a future episode. Since Buster was unable to join Marlie and Buddy on their blogging adventure, we included him in the initial introduction (which is why there are two of them).

Buster wound up losing the ability to use his back legs that night. He's an old boy and I was very concerned. Luckily we were able to visit Greg Biehle, D.V.M., at Brykerwood Veterinary Clinic the following morning. Dr. Biehle gave Buster a strong dose of steroids and made it possible for Buddy's 14-plus-year-old friend to walk again. He's doing well as of this posting. Please send positive healing vibes out to Buster, when it occurs to you.