Anyone who loves animals knows about the plight of our animal shelters. Despite their best efforts, every day animals are surrendered or picked up by animal control, where they end up in shelters across the country. You’d think that by now, people would know (or care) enough to spay and neuter their pets, but, alas, our shelters are continually at capacity–filled with homeless pets.
If you’re in the market for a new four legged, furry family member, we’d love to see you head directly to your local animal shelter. Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier and less likely to develop an inherited disorder. Plus, you just can’t beat the heart swelling idea of saving a dog from a very literal “death row.”
But, a lot of us have our hearts set on a certain breed.
I get it: I grew up with Weimaraners and the breed has always had a special place in my heart. So, when my husband and I decided that we were ready to add a dog to our cat-only family, I longed for a Weimie but also knew that I did not want to buy a dog from a breeder, nor did I want to raise a puppy at that particular point in my life.
That’s when I learned about Weimaraner Rescue of Texas and how we first met Angie, a four year old girl, who Weimaraner Rescue pulled from the Brazoria County pound, about 30 pounds underweight, having just given birth, and very ill. Weimaraner Rescue “sprung” her from the pound, got her the veterinary care that saved her life, and put her in a foster home, where her personality came to life. It was in her foster home that her foster parents were able to learn invaluable information about her temperament, which helped place her with us (she didn’t react to her foster parent’s cat, which was important to us, since we had indoor cats).
Why Adopt?
For starters, as I’m sure you know, there is a pet overpopulation problem in our country, so any animal that you can remove from a shelter or rescue eases that burden a bit. Plus, when you adopt from a legitimate rescue group or shelter, your new pet will come to you with a clean bill of health, their first round of shots, spayed or neutered, and their basic veterinary care completed. And for those who have been in a foster home, you’ll have a clear understanding of how your new dog acts in a home. It’s the easiest way to bring a new pet into your life–I promise!
So, while you can often find full blooded breeds in shelters, if the breed you’re looking for isn’t available at the time you go to adopt, check out one of these breed-specific rescue groups, all located right here in Texas:
Helping Hands Basset Rescue
Who can resist that “hangdog” face and floppy ears?
Hound Rescue of Central Texas
Specializing in Beagles and other hounds, Hound Rescue of Central Texas helps scores of hounds in need.
Border Collie Rescue of Texas
Arguably one of the smartest breeds of dogs, Border Collies make terrific family pets.
Boston Terrier Rescue
Based in Houston, this rescue group takes in, rehabilitates, and adopts out Boston Terriers. (San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and his family are Boston Terrier lovers.)
Legacy Boxer Rescue
Boxers make great family dogs and this rescue, just a short drive north to Dallas, is a great way to save a life while adding to your family.
Cocker Spaniel Rescue
Who can resist those soulful eyes that Cocker Spaniels are known for? Not me…
Central Texas Dachshund Rescue
A big dog attitude in a pint-sized body–sign me up!
Dalmatian Rescue of North Texas
These Instagram-worthy pooches have such sweet dispositions!
Golden Retriever Rescue of North Texas
A perennially popular breed and lots of great pets awaiting you.
Greyhound Rescue of Austin
Believe it or not, these gentle giants make great house dogs!
Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue
These beauties are great family dogs.
Shih Tzu and Lhasa Apso Rescue of Texas
These adorable lap dogs will be your best friend for life!
This is merely a very small sampling of the different breed-specific rescues located in Texas. If there is a breed that you’re interested in, a quick internet search should be able to put you in contact with a rescue group who can help you find your next four-legged family member.
Every time you adopt an animal from a rescue group or shelter, you are literally saving several lives–the life of the animal you rescue, plus the lives of the animals who can now enter the rescue or shelter, due to the space opened up by your adoption. It’s truly the most beautiful gift you can give to yourself and to the world.
Read more about being a San Antonio dog parent in these posts:
Proper Public Petiquette
A Pet Owner’s Guide to Divorce: Who Gets The Dog?
Take a Hike! Tips for Hiking with Your Dog
Author: Jenny Jurica
Jenny is a married mother of two humans, one rescued Weimaraner, and four (yes, four) rescued cats. She is a native Texan who is a columnist/contributor for several publications and enjoys spending her free time curled up on the couch with a dog and a couple of cats. Much like the poet Sylvia Plath, Jenny often finds that she, “likes people too much or not at all,” but has never met an animal that she didn’t instantly adore (except for maybe the Komodo dragon at the zoo).
