Austin Pets Alive! Located at 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., is a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving pets on euthanasia lists. While the cats and designer-breed dogs tend to get adopted quickly, Nick Johnson, one of the 1,200 active volunteers at APA, described his specific soft spot for the dogs that are often overlooked by adopters. Luckily, he allowed us to have a look behind the scenes at some of these sweet animals.
Leila George / Hilltop Views
Meet Duffy, a 5-year-old terrier/American Staffordshire/Great Dane mix ready to find a new home. Duffy is good with dogs, crate trained, and potty trained. He is calm and loves a good nap and bully stick. Duffy is also a distemper survivor. Distemper is a severe disease in animals that attacks all parts of the body, and around 50% of infected dogs die from it. Thankfully, Duffy survived and is living a perfectly healthy life now. It has left him with an adorable little twitch that is not a sign of illness, but a tell of his great resilience. He is a faithful and sweet companion with a heartwarming smile. According to his pet bio, “Duffy is looking for a home with teens and up where he can be spoiled. He thrives on routine and enjoys walks to explore the neighborhood at a gentle pace. If you’re looking for a devoted, smart and loyal partner, look no further than Duffy!”
Leila George / Hilltop Views
Meet Barry, a 4-year-old cattle dog/border collie mix who, with a little love, will become your best friend. Barry is house trained, crate trained and non-destructive. Barry came from a house where he was neglected due to a pet-hoarding owner, and he sat locked away for hours a day. Because of this, he is a total velcro-dog; he loves following his person around the house and sitting around with them for hours. He knows basic commands, like “sit” and “paw,” and he has a gentle and responsive nature. Barry is a respectful boy who doesn’t fight over toys or affection, so he would fit right into a house with other dogs. According to his pet bio, “Barry is an affectionate, intelligent companion who wants to be close to his person and is truly eager to please. He’s a lovely boy ready to bring warmth and loyalty to his future home.”
Leila George / Hilltop Views
Meet Mila, a 4-year-old Labrador retriever whose personality is just as beautiful as her. Although she is currently medicated for her anxiety, Mila is very good at behaving calmly on walks and she is also house trained. She has a heart full of love and affection, and she shows it with constant kisses and requests for head pats. Mila is a very playful and energetic pup who enjoys a good game of fetch and even loves playing soccer; she would love a home with a big yard to play in. She forms deep, loyal bonds with anyone who is constant in her life, and she also thrives in the company of other dogs. According to her pet bio, “With her soft eyes and sweet nature, she has a way of melting hearts the moment you meet her. If you’re looking for a stunning, sweet, and devoted companion, Mila is ready to fill your home with love.”
Leila George / Hilltop Views
Statistically, the most common dog breed in American animal shelters are pitbulls, including at APA. Coincidentally, pitbulls are also the most populous dog breed in the United States, representing about 20% of the country’s total dog population. “Dogs that tend to be overlooked are the dogs that look like your everyday run of the mill dog,” Johnson said. Originally bred to be aggressive, pitties often gain a dangerous reputation in the dog owning community. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals noted that, “behavior develops through a complex interaction between environment and genetics.” This is important in comparison of an individual dog to its breed. Pitbulls can be the sweetest of all dogs, but a safe and loving home is what brings out their affection. That is why changing the stigma around this breed is so important, and it starts with a trip to the shelter.
Leila George / Hilltop Views
Despite the push to adopt, “you should not do anything that is going to effectively change your lifestyle. Consider what your current life can provide, and then pick that dog,” Johnson said. If that lifestyle means not having a dog at all, that is okay. Many dogs in the shelter have been returned by owners who were not aware of the responsibility they were taking on. It is important to research and visit animal shelters before deciding to adopt a furry friend. Resources are available to donate and support Austin Pets Alive! on their website without directly taking in an animal.