Huck

ADOPTED

Hey guys, quick detour here before I get to handsome, happy, hunky Huck!


We have been taking in a LOT more labs recently and I'm trying my very best to keep the updates coming, but if you have questions or comments please e-mail or comment below and I will do my best to get the latest and greatest updates to you!

That being said, let me introduce you to this handsome boy HUCK!

Huck has a lot of fun energy, but we are working on not being so jumpy and mouthy when we want to play - he just gets very excited to be outside..sooooo right now we are learning appropriate outlets to express our excitement (and making progress!)

He really settles down inside and when he has one on one time. He seems perfectly okay with being in a crate or in the laundry room, and hasn't been a vocal guy in his foster home.

This boy is just a big ol baby, learning how to be a pet. He loves to think he's a lap dog and thoroughly enjoys being with people.

He seems to be house trained and hasn't had any accidents in the house, and has only chewed on his allowed toys (whew!). Huck has also minded his manners and hasn't been counter-surfing, even with yummy snacks within reach.

This guy just needs to freshen up some easy manners (no jumping) and is already making fast work of learning basic commands!

Huck is about 2 years old, neutered, healthy, happy and ready to go (so much alliteration!)

Kit-Kat

(5/10/16) Sweet KitKat is still looking for a family to call her own. Due to some male dog selectivity she is back with us at the Leander property and missing the lazy home life! We would love to find KitKat a foster home while she waits for her forever family. If you think you can help, please email us at volunteerforlabrescue@gmail.com

She thrives with human interactions, and has a spring in her step. She loves to play in the water and lay on her back for belly rubs!

Pupdate (1/5/15): Hey all! So I spent some time with KitKat the other evening, and learned a little more about her.

KitKat was picked up as a stray in San Antonio before joining the HOT family. She doesn't quite know her name, but responds to whistles.

She pulls on the leash (without a harness) but that's just because she loves to smell all the smells!

We tried introducing her to my dog Scout [young male], and it seems KitKat may have some male dog selectivity, and may need to be slowly introduced to new canine friends. 

We are hesitant to say she needs to be an only dog, but would lean towards the side of caution until we spend a little more time getting to know her. However, she LOVES people, and snuggles are the greatest gift you could give her! 


This chocolate cutie is about 4 years old, UTD on shots, spayed, healthy and ready to find her home sweet home!

Think she could be your kinda girl? Shoot us an e-mail, comment below, but most importantly - fill out an online application!

Poppy

ADOPTED

Pupdate (1/3/16) - Poppy brought in the New Year by showing her foster parents that a little water won't stop her from seeing what the geese at the pond are up to! We got ourselves a swimmer! After two weeks in foster, she's developed a sense of loyalty to her foster family and he sweet disposition is really shining through. 

Miss Poppy recently finished her heartworm treatment and is ready to find a forever home! 

She just joined her foster family and has been coming out of her shell and we have enjoyed seeing this girl really blossom! However, she loves her people so much that she can't stand to share the attention, so she should be the only fur-baby in the house.

Her fosters report that Poppy is such a people dog! She loves being loved on and will kindly remind you when she needs more love. She enjoys playing with a tennis ball and is a fetching machine.

She LOVES being in the backyard and playing fetch every minute she can. She is well-behaved inside and just wants to cuddle up for some love. She is very gentle with people, but does not like sharing that love with other dogs. Although Poppy needs to be the only dog in her home, she has the sweetest soul that will fill your heart with warmth. She sleeps through the night in her crate and is housebroken.

Puppies - December 2015

Twinkle and Kringle (Merry's litter)

ALL DECEMBER PUPPIES: ADOPTED

PUPDATE (12/30/15): It is RAINING puppies! We received a LOT of puppies around Christmas time, and most of the pups will be ready to go around mid-February - just in time for Valentine's Day (what Valentine wouldn't want a puppy!?!)

SO, if you are looking to add a little lab love to your family, get your applications in and let us know that you're interested in our littles (or their lovely mamas!!)

**Puppy pictures below! Also, see our Facebook and website for more pictures and video updates**

Hey there lab lovers we just welcomed Momma Joy and her TEN healthy babies to our rescue (good work momma!) We are expecting more puppies this month, and potential an expecting mama (I'll keep you posted as I get more information - I'm not sure how many babies she's incubating!)

***PICTURES TO COME ***

Joy's litter: Clarice, Rudolph, Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blizten are 3-4 weeks old and will not be available for adoption until February - but that means you need to get your applications in early! This litter has two sweet girls, and eight wiggly boys!


Momma Joy (pictured to the left) is a black lab (we are still getting to know her since she is working on her babies, but she is as sweet as they come!), but dad appears to have been another unknown breed (puppies are pictured below)



Momma Marry (litter: Kringle, Kristi and Twinkle) is joining her foster home soon, so we will have more updates on her and her little ones shortly.

I'll do my best to post updates as I get them. As always comment below if you have questions or need some help getting your application process started, we are always happy to help!

*Note: All puppies under 6 months have a $300 adoption fee*

Joy's snuggle bunch (there's TEN babies in there!)

Kristi (Merry's litter)

Rosy (part of a puppy trio)

Robby and Rosy are twinkies (Raven is in black)

Merry

[Christmas] Cookie
Jingle and Cookie are being fostered together

Jingle (aka - Buddha Belly!)
**We were feeling festive
and have TWO pups named Jingle,
our other Jingle bell is an adult
Chocolate female who is ~3yo

Orla

ADOPTED

A HUGE thank you to Orla's foster family - they have been fantastic for this sweet girl and keeping us updated on her progress! If you have any questions or comments please chime in, we would love to promote this sweet gal and find her the loving home she deserves. 

(12/30/15) Orla has settled in and we have watched her become a confident, sweet girl! She takes direction well, and is learning from her foster siblings. I am amazed at how much this girl has changed in the last few weeks. She is truly a sweetheart, just thrives on love! She loves to run and play, so she will need someone to get her energy out by walking, running or just getting her out to play! She has a fantastic nose, and keen sense for finding any tennis balls in the house or the yard.


Pupdate (12/15/15): Orla has been in her foster home for about 2 weeks now and she is adjusting so well! She is now used to her foster siblings and they all love to lay on the floor together. She is crate trained, but she has recently learned when to "kennel" and wait patiently for her treat inside. She absolutely loves to be loved. She will snuggle with you on the couch, sit in your lap or wait patiently by your feet for kisses and ear rubs. Orla is a very active dog, she loves to run and chase rabbits. She is currently living on 2 acres. She has befriended the dogs in the neighboring yard and watches the cows and sheep as they pass along the other side of the fence without a bark. She has been around children, but she will be best suited in a home without small children. She loves to chew on nyla bones and chase a tennis ball. Orla is very smart and will make a wonderful companion.


Orla recently joined her foster family and is adjusting well, so check back for more updates as we get to know her a little better!

The scoop so far is that Orla is currently living with two older labs and she is learning her place in the pack (Orla tends to be a little bossy on first meetings with other pups). She loves walks and a good game of fetch - but who doesn't!? She does need direction, but is responsive, very smart and wants to learn.

Although she is about 4, she is VERY puppylike - she will need an adopter who wants to be outside with her and is willing to put in some work with training. Her foster mom reports that Orla would be an excellent candidate for a hunting dog, she has a good soft mouth and loves to retrieve just about anything- tennis balls and squeaky toys have been her favorite so far!

Like we mentioned, Orla is working on her manners. She has a wonderful sit, and stay and she loves the one on one attention associated with training. She will sit like a statue so that you will rub her ears and just give her love. Her leash skills are improving, and she thoroughly enjoys taking walks .

Miss Orla is looking for a patient home, someone who is willing to train her to be less protective of her people- Orla has a mama dog mentality for her people, particularly younger kiddos, and can be quite protective of them.

Orla is a gorgeous girl (look at that face!) and deserves a second chance with a wonderful family she can call her own! This girl is four years young, UTD on shots, spayed, and heartworm negative! Get your application in and come meet this girl - who can resist those big brown eyes!?

Mollie

UPDATE (11/30/15) - Mollie was ADOPTED! A HUGE thank you to all of you who checked out and shared Mollie's story - our hearts are so full and we couldn't be happier for this gorgeous girl! <3

Mollie is the sweetest girl and adores meeting new people. She is easy going, doesn't jump, and knows a good sit.

Mollie walks like a dream on the leash and stays right by your side. She isn't in any kind of rush, and will walk at your pace.

She does have a pretty high prey-drive, so a house without small animals might be best OR for families looking for a hunting dog - this is your girl! Mollie doesn't know a ton of commands, and could benefit from training, but she is so adaptable and intelligent this shouldn't be a problem at all.

Mollie knows her name, and comes when called. She also has good re-direct if a smell catches her nose and tries to take her away from you. She is very alert to her surroundings, but really just wants to be near her people-friends. She does like to play fetch, and absolutely LOVES water - in fact, she thinks the water hose was invented just for her entertainment!

In full disclosure, we have had one incident where Mollie snipped at another dog over a toy, but she's never
lunged or growled at other dogs, and she doesn't pay much mind to her noisy neighbors at the property. She hasn't had a whole lot of interaction with other pups, but we think that give proper introduction she would do well with another mellow dog, maybe one who doesn't mind sharing their toys - we will still require a meet and greet with any additional pups in your household.

Mollie is a very cool dog, and she is absolutely beautiful! She is approximately 3 years old, is spayed, microchipped and UTD on shots. Check out our website for more information and updates, and Facebook is always another good source of info!

If you have any questions please leave a comment, call or e-mail us! We look forward to hearing from you.

Wilson (Johnny B)

ADOPTION PENDING! YAH JOHNNY!

Pupdate (12/3/15): Johnny B is still doing great in his foster home. He loves to play tug of war with both humans and dogs alike. He is getting a lot of exposure to new dogs and is doing well with all types and sizes! And did we mention that he is good with cats - in particular the bossy ones :) Johnny really wants to give the cats a good sniff, so if your cat is terrified of dogs he may be too much. He rides so well in the car and is a mellow, laid-back kinda guy. He is a sweet boy wanting a sweet family to love him. 

  
Wilson (previously Johnny B) has rejoined the HOT family,

Wilson was adopted, but was quickly overwhelmed in a home with four kiddos under the age of ten. NOTE: Wilson did good with the kiddos, but the activity and noises and just general chaos that young'uns bring to the table didn't suit him as well as we had all hoped. For this reason we think a smaller family or family with older kids would suit this guy better.

On a happier note, Wilson is pretty much the perfect companion. He is a very loyal, happy-go-lucky hound who is house and crate trained, knows commands such as "sit", "down", "stay", and "no," is treat and people motivated, and loves to please. Wilson's foster is working on better leash manners with him while he waits for a family to call his own.

This boy loves to play in the water, and in true lab fashion, is a strong and fearless swimmer in pools and ponds alike. He has gotten along well with other dogs given proper introductions, and loves to play tug-of-war! Wilson also loves to play fetch and is getting better at giving the ball back (without getting a game of tug-of-war in at the same time!).

For as active as Wilson can be, he also can be a real couch potato! He loves to lay by your feet, and for you to give his belly a good scratch...but most of all he loves for you to hold his paw....awhh!! <3 This curious fellow is very attentive to his people and doesn't want to miss out on any of the action - he's like a furry, golden shadow!

While Wilson didn't get his happily forever after this time around, we are confident the right family is just around the corner! We absolutely adore Wilson and are very committed to finding him his forever family. If he sounds like your kind of guy make sure to fill out an online application and we can get you to come out to meet him!

As always, please comment, e-mail and check out our website for more information about our adoptable dogs! Also check out our Facebook and Instagram (@hotlabrescue) for more Heart of Texas updates.

Farley

(12/30/15) ADOPTION PENDING!! WAHOOOOOO FARLEY <3 <3 <3

(12/2/15) Farley has found a nice comfortable foster home for the holidays! He is soaking up all the attention and loves to be near his foster mom. 

Farley will begin training shortly, which will include a course for reactive dogs so we can polish up this boys manners around other furbabies!

Farley is still available for adoption! Keep checking back for more updates and track Farley's progess.    

This boy is a big 'ol hunk of love! Farley is a very loyal companion and loves to be around people - in fact he loves people so much he thinks he's a lap dog! 

Farley also enjoys belly-rubs, walks, swimming, a good game of fetch, and giving kisses. 

Share a Coke with FARLEY

Not only is Farley a love-bug, but he has polite leash manners, responds very well to his name, and is house and crate trained. Farley does know some basic commands ('sit', 'down', 'no') but could benefit from additional training with his new family. HOWEVER, this boy is very treat motivated and a fast learner - this old(er) boy still has the ability to learn all kinds of new tricks!  

While Farley boy is very people oriented, he would really enjoy being the only furry-friend in your life...why would he ever want to share your attention!?. He is a good-lookin' boy and shows off for the ladies, so a female companion could be a good match; but Farley does not enjoy the company of other male dogs - in particular other alpha type males. Farley also thinks they cats are sketchy, and is determined to protect you from them...so #NoCatsAllowed.

Farley is one of our long-stay pups and we would really like to get him into a home (or foster-home!) soon. Despite all our wonderful volunteers, Farley isn't getting all the attention he wants (and deserves) out at the property and is getting a little bit dejected after watching so many of his companions find their forever families. 

Farley is a 5 year old yellow, neutered, male. He is UTD on shots and heartworm negative - i.e. he is ready to go home pronto! If you are interested in adopting Farley, check him out on our website (HERE), comment or e-mail us.  


    

Triple-threat Trio!

Image from BarkBox

Don't worry Mr. Bulldog, some of our long-stay pups know how you feel!

Farley, Bounce and Mollie are anxious to find their people after watching so many of their friends find their furr-ever homes.

Farley and Bounce are aged to perfection and at 5 years old are past all those puppy shenanigans, and have hearts of gold to match their beautiful golden coats!

Miss Mollie is the youngster of our long-stay pups, and at three years old she is still an puppy in a big girl body!

But wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. Let me introduce you proper (queue fog, walk-up song, and announcers voice....) INTRODUCCCINNNG....
 

FARLEY: 

Farley is a 5-6 year old yellow lab, and is one of our big 'ol boys! He had to lose quite a bit of weight to complete his heartworm treatment, but we did it, and now he is heartworm free - wahoo! Even after shedding those extra pounds, Farley is a large dog.

This fellow loooooooves people and, despite his size, still thinks he can fit in your lap! Also, did we mention how much he loves people? Really, it's true, he thinks two-leggers are just the greatest!

Four-leggers are a different story though. Farley here thinks that cats look like tasty treats..sooo no cats allowed! Despite his age, Farley is a ladies man. He has done well with meeting all the pretty female dogs, but not so well when meeting male dogs - especially other alpha-type males. So no bro-mances or dog parks for Farley.

Farley is house-trained, knows basic commands ("sit", "down", "no"), and loves to go on walks and even walks well on his leash once he gets his initial burst of excitement out (walks = so. many. smells!).   

Whoever said you can't teach old dogs new tricks clearly hasn't met this guy, because Farley is highly people and treat motivated and catches on to what you're asking of him quickly. 

Farley has been overlooked because of his age and his doggie-woes, but we keep telling him his people are getting to him as fast as they can! We would love for you to share his story and help us find the family that Farley so deserves. 

BOUNCE:

UPDATE (11/17/15): Bounce is getting nice and comfortable in her new foster home - thank you all for the support and helping us find a comfy place for Bounce to relax in away from the hustle and bustle of the rescue! We will post more updates and pictures as her foster gets to know her better. BOUNCE IS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION!

Bounce, like her name suggests, still has quite the bounce in her step! She is 6 years young, loves water, walks, and snuggles, and has gotten along with all the other furr-babies she has met. 

Bounce likes to play, but doesn't know why people keep saying she's a Labrador "Retriever"...is she supposed to bring those things you throw back??? And did you have to throw it so far? She would much prefer to hang out closer to you, so she can get all the pets she wants!

Miss Bounce is Heartworm negative, spayed, and ready to fill your home with love! 

Like Farley, she has been over looked because she isn't as athletic as some of our young'uns. Bounce has been so sweet, patient, and mellow while we search for her family, and we are *trying* to follow her lead, but when she looks at you with those sweet lab eyes...well how can we not want to give her the world!? 

And Last but not least; 

MOLLIE:

Mollie is roughly three years of age and is one of our most athletic pups!

She thinks the water hose is great fun and was invented for her entertainment! She loves to play with her toys, walks well on a leash, and is crate and house-trained.

Mollie does have a high prey-drive so no cats or small animals should be in her home...they are just too fun to chase.

People keep telling Mollie that "sharing is caring" but why would she want to share her squeaky toys with those other doggies!? So, while we work on our manners, we suggest that Mollie be the only furry friend in her house-hold, or go to a home with a mellow friend who doesn't care about toys. 

Mollie is heart-worm negative, spayed are ready to rumble! She is a very athletic, goofball of a girl who would enjoy an active house hold; and we think would make a good running buddy (but if you're not into running, Miss Mollie here does appreciate a good game of fetch!)

For more information on these terrific pups, check out our website or Instagram (@HOTLabRescue). Feel free to email us at HOTLRmedia@gmail.com or comment below with questions (about these pups or HOT in general - we're here to help!) 

Maverick

UPDATE: MAVERICK

ADOPTED - Maverick is added to our wonderful "foster failures" list :) Fosters get attached too

In an effort to keep everyone up to speed with Maverick and his adventures around town with his awesome foster mom - Mav now has his own personal blog! Check it out HERE #FindMavAGoose

(12/30/15) This holiday season we had a very successful fundraising event at Barnes and Nobles (Thank you all for joining us and supporting HOTLR!) and our pups were able to come out and enjoy a lot of free snuggles while we labored away wrapping presents ;)! Maverick here was the star of the show and loved every minute of it <3

(11/30/15) Sweet boy Maverick underwent his eye surgery FIVE whole weeks ago, and today he is doing great! No more swelling, his hair is growing back (although, he totally rocked the shave-mask - I'll try and post a picture so you can see I'm right, nothing is going to stop this boy from being adorable) and he's almost out of the "red-eye monster" phase, as his foster mom likes to call it (this is the phase before he gets fitted for his permanent prosthetic eyes).

Maverick is so adaptable, and he continues to amaze us. Maverick is ready to find a home for the holidays! If you think you can give this guy the home he deserves, give us a call, shoot us an e-mail, or leave a comment below; we would love to hear from you!

(11/17/15) For those of you who are keeping up with Maverick's Journey and have helped us achieve our
goals for this sweet pup - THANK YOU! We appreciate all the love and outpouring of support you give us to help these dogs.

Maverick had his implant surgery and everything has gone well! His foster mom says that he is in the "red monster-eye healing phase" right now (don't worry, its temporary and completely normal per our eye doc!!) but Maverick is as happy-go-lucky as ever and this procedure hasn't slowed him down a bit!

This wiggly-worm pup is still available for adoption! Oh, and did we mention he passed his Canine Good Citizen test!? So this boy is OFFICIALLY certifiable awesome! the CGC includes (among other things): accepting friendly strangers, sitting politely for attention, walking gently on a loose lead, sitting and staying on command, and greeting and accepting other dogs politely. Don't forget that the ideal adopter will learn to speak "blind dog" and treat Maverick just like you would any other pup - lots of love and boundaries! In addition HOTLR is willing to pay for THREE TDAWG classes that teach you how to better communicate with Maverick and other blind pups (Sessions can be done over Skype too!!)

Keep checking back for more updates on Mav and our other adoptable dogs!

For those of you who have read our previous post about Maverick, you know he is one of our special needs pups...for those of you just tuning in, Maverick is a young, blind chocolate male who loves to swim, snuggle, and play (see more pictures, videos, and details in our previous post!)

We don't know what happened to cause Maverick's blindness (in most cases genetics are to blame) - HOWEVER, Maverick's condition is getting worse and our best option is to have the damaged tissue surgically removed from both eyes, followed by prosthetic implants.

A VERY generous donor has offered to sponsor up to $1250 towards this surgery, but we still need an additional $850 to help cover the costs.

So here is our plea to you! If you can spare it, please consider donating to Heart of Texas. We accept checks at PO box 81821 Austin, 78707-1821 or see our site for a link to PayPal.

Thank you in advance, we truly appreciate you! We will keep you posted on Mr. Maverick as he moves forward with his treatment!

For more information see our website or check us out on FaceBook and Instagram for pictures and updates on all of our adoptable dogs, and HOTLR alumni!

Redmond

Introducing....Redmond!

UPDATE (11/17/15): This sweet boy has been ADOPTED!
Redmond's new family absolutely adores him and gushes about how well he fits in with their lifestyle. Redmond is working on better leash skills, but is doing great off-leash at the dog-park, and loves making new furry friends. Redmond loves fetch as much as ever (some things never change) and he's working on giving the ball back instead of playing tug-o-war. Redmond has put on a couple more pounds to fill out his lanky frame, and is looking more handsome than ever. Keep coming back (and checking us out on Facebook) for more #HappyTails, and updates on our adoptable dogs!




STATS:
Age: ~ 3yo
Gender: Male
Color: Yellow
Activity Level: High
Likes: Fetch, toys (especially tennis balls), FOOD, water, belly rubs, walks and wrestling with his foster brother
Dislikes: The mailman, not being allowed on the couch
Background: This boy was scooped up from HOTLR and enrolled in a drug detection program, but unfortunately the working life just wasn't working for him. The trainers said he lacked the attention span needed, and was just too easily distracted (as his foster, this isn't surprising!) So now this boy is living it up #spoiledstyle and lovin' it!

I'll keep this post short and simple since Redmond here already has his own blog (HERE) which has lots more information :) Check out his blog and leave some comments or ask some questions, we would love to hear from you!

Maverick

Meet Maverick!

Maverick is a young chocolate male who is one of our special needs pups. Meeting this boy you would never suspect that he is blind!

Despite being blind, Maverick is a very confident and capable differently-abled dog!

Maverick's incredible foster mom, Laura Lee, has been attending TDAWG classes with Maverick to teach this boy how to handle new situations, communicate, obey commands, and how to thrive in any situation! Recently, Maverick has been working on his agility skills and is learning how to walk across an A-frame, jump hurdles, maneuver through weave-poles and push a large ball around with his nose. Maverick is also getting more comfortable using the stairs.

Heart of Texas is committed to Maverick's training and will cover up to THREE TDAWG classes with Mav's adoptive family so they can better communicate with this special boy!

Since Mav is such a smarty-pants, he has progressed to learning party tricks: wave, spin, bow, & paws up.

Maverick is planning on showing off his new moves at the TDAWG demo for Puppy Mill Awareness. This event will take place on  September 27, 2015 at 10am-2pm at Scholz,s Garten. Stop by to meet Mav and Support a great cause!

Maverick is amazingly confident and is so adaptable in his surroundings. For instance, blind dogs don't always like learning to swim..but guess what this guy learned this summer!? And, in true lab fashion, he LOVES the water!

Unfortunately Maverick didn't get the happily ever after we were hoping for, and was recently re-united with his foster mom. Maverick is dog friendly and loves to play, but had some issues getting along with his older furr-brothers in his new home...those 11yr old grumpy-gills just couldn't understand this youngsters energy! For that reason, we are suggesting that Maverick go to a home with a dog closer to his own age (he is roughly a year old), or as an only pup.

As per Heart of Texas policy, a meet and greet with all family members (furry-friends included) will be required before Mav can be adopted.

The ideal adopter will learn to speak blind dog (TDAWG teaches these cues, and remember HOT will pay for THREE classes!), and will have the same expectations of Maverick as any other dog....this means giving him lots of love, boundaries, and structure.

Get the latest updates on Maverick on the Heart of Texas website and get in your application so you can come meet this handsome boy!

Check us out on INSTAGRAM (@Hotlabrescue) and FACEBOOK!!  If you have questions please feel free to comment below and I will try my best to answer them!

Strut Your Mutt (or, you know...Lab) Austin!

Hey lab lovers, here's another wonderful local opportunity show off your pup and support Austin animal rescues! Austin Animal Center is hosting Strut Your Mutt! Some info is below, but check out their website for all the details.

Who: YOU!
Note: If we get enough interest I will organize a Heart of Texas Lab team - comment below or email at HOTLRmedia@gmail.com!

What: A fundraising dog walk, followed by a dog-themed festival that includes pet contests, photos, goodies, food, refreshments and fun activities for your and your four-footed friend!

When: September 19, 2015 - 9AM - 2PM

Where: Mueller Lake Park 1829 Simond Ave, ATX

Why: To raise money for local animal welfare groups. Last year the Strut you Mutt fundraiser raised approx $180,000 with $155,000 of it staying in Austin to help local homeless pets and rescues.

Strutt your Mutt Challenge: "You don’t have to attend a Strut Your Mutt event to create positive change for homeless pets. Every day, more than 9,000 dogs and cats are killed in shelters all across America. Regardless of where you live, these animals need everyone’s help if we are to Save Them All®.

That’s why Best Friends started the virtual Strut Your Mutt Challenge — so that everyone anywhere can make a huge difference for homeless pets either in their community or around the country. Join a team and you’ll be helping to raise money and awareness, as well as create positive change in your town or around the country.

This year, Strut Your Mutt Challenge will kick off online on May 4 at 12 midnight EST. Participants can work their magic to raise as much money as they can all the way through Saturday, November 7 at 12 midnight EST."

Protect the Paws!

There's no escaping the heat during Texas summers. As the heat index is peaking, we want to make sure you are thinking about your pups paws! Here are some helpful hints to keeping your furry friends paws healthy this summer.

Walk your dog when it's cool: your dogs paws are sensitive to extreme heat (and cold!). Hot pavement can burn your dogs paws leading to painful cuts and blisters. A good rule of thumb - if you wouldn't walk on the pavement barefoot, neither should your dog.

Seek out the shade: If you do take your dog out in the heat of the day, try to stick to walking in the grass or in well shaded areas.

Moisturize! Moisturizing your dogs paws can help prevent cuts, cracks and burns. Use a pup-approved moisturizer as directed. If you have some, coconut oil is a good all-natural moisturizer. However, be careful not to over moisturize. Over moisturizing can lead to excess softening of the paws which also result in paw injuries. NEVER use a human hand moisturizer on dogs.

Dog Booties: Another paw-tecting solution would be to provide your dogs paws with an extra barrier between them and the hot asphalt. Some of these solutions are peel-and-stick pads, dog shoes, disposable dog booties, or dog socks.

Clean in between: Check your dogs paws regularly for any debris stuck in-between the toes or for any tears, cracks or burns to the pads. For serious tears, burns, or peeling seek veterinary attention! For minor cracks or tears, wash the affected area with warm soap and water, cover with Vaseline or a pup-approved antibacterial cream. Try to leave the area uncovered, or covered loosely. If the injury does not resolve in a few days, seek a veterinarian.