AUSTIN, Texas — Halloween might be right around the corner, but there’s nothing spooky about this week’s “Wednesday Friendsday” feature. In fact, this furry friend is all about good vibes. Meet Dude, a lovable pup from the Austin Animal Center who’s looking for a forever home that matches his easygoing personality.
Our friend Kimberly White Erlinger stopped by to tell Trevor Scott and Sierra Waggoner more about Dude — and it’s safe to say, this guy is as cool as his name.
“Dude is a Lab–Hound mix, and he’s just such a happy, loving, energetic dog,” said Kimberly White Erlinger with the Austin Animal Center. “He’s been at the shelter for several months, but you’d never know it—he’s always full of joy. He loves to run, go for walks, and play in our yards. But he’s also done a few sleepovers and absolutely loves to just curl up in bed and watch TV.”
“He’s a really curious guy—very typical of a Lab–Hound mix. Maybe he knows it’s Halloween, because he’s been especially excited about all the sparkly pumpkins around! He’s such a good dog with great manners—he knows how to sit, he’s house-trained, and he’s incredibly friendly. Honestly, he’s met just about everyone at the station and loved on every single one of them.”
“He’s a sweet young dog who’s just kind of languishing in the kennels right now. He has a lot of energy, and sometimes people see that and think he’s too much dog. But really, once he’s out of the kennel, he can calm himself down beautifully. He even entertains himself—he’ll play on his own in the yard and have the best time.
A backyard where he can run and play for an hour or so a day would be perfect for him. He’s gone on walks around the lake and done wonderfully around other people and dogs. He’s just an all-around terrific companion.”
And while you’re considering giving Dude a home, don’t forget to check out upcoming Austin Animal Center events, including adoption specials and community pet meetups. It’s a great time to find your new best friend and learn more about fostering opportunities.
“We’re so excited for Día de las Mascotas, a free Día de los Muertos–themed community event coming up a week from this Saturday — on November 8th!” said Erlinger. “We’ll have local vendors, a fashion show featuring our adorable shelter pets, and waived adoption fees all day. It’s going to be fun, cute, and totally heartwarming.”
“Then, to wrap up the evening, we’ll be showing a family-friendly movie on the big lawn in front of the shelter. So come out, find your forever dog or kitty, enjoy some great local vibes, and have a blast with us. It’s going to be such a fun day!”
The events don’t stop there!
Thursday, November 13, 2025 – Monday, November 17, 2025 – 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM
Austin Animal Services and Greater Good Charities are offering FREE high quality, high volume spay and neuter to pets in the City of Austin and Travis County!
“We usually hit at least a thousand pets spayed or neutered during these events, so it’s a really big deal,” Erlinger said. “It’s such an important service for the community and has an incredible ripple effect. So far, we’ve done six or seven of these events — that’s about six to seven thousand dogs and cats who’ve been spayed or neutered for free. When you think about the number of litters that prevents, it’s just huge — literally thousands and thousands of animals that won’t end up homeless. It really makes a difference.”
For more information about Dude, to see other adoptable pets, or learn more about their events visit AustinAnimalCenter.org or stop by the shelter in person. Who knows — your new best friend might be waiting for you there!