Blue Dog Rescue Offers Homeless Dogs A New Leash On Life

A volunteer organization devoted to the welfare of stray and homeless dogs in the Austin area, Blue Dog Rescue offers hope for hundreds of dogs every year that otherwise would face euthanization. By providing fostering and home placement services, Blue Dog Rescues team of volunteers give these beautiful dogs a second chance at life and the loving homes they deserve.

Many dogs end up in shelters because of irresponsible breeding practices. Blue Dog Rescue supports the spaying and neutering of pets to prevent these unwanted births. They have a strict policy of sterilization for all dogs over six months of age, and require prospective owners to agree to sterilize puppies under six months at the appropriate time; this policy ensures that fewer unwanted puppies will be born in the Austin area.

Blue Dog Rescue provides at least seven days of foster care and observation for every dog they accept into their program; this allows the volunteer staff to interact with the dog and assess his or her unique personality. This period of interaction allows Blue Dog to give a detailed description of the dogs temperament and physical condition. Volunteers will ascertain how he or she interacts with children, adults, and other pets, and provide this information to prospective adoptive families, allowing them a clear picture of the dogs state of health and socialization.

Individuals and families wishing to adopt a pet from Blue Dog Rescue undergo a comprehensive application process, including written forms, an in-person interview, and a visit to the home where the dog will be living. This ensures that every Blue Dog adoption has the greatest chance of success for both the dog and the adopting family. Adoption fees are moderate, and do not fully cover the cost of medical care and food; the difference is made up by donations, sponsorships and fundraisers.

One highly-anticipated annual fundraiser is Barkitecture, a benefit for area animal welfare organizations including Blue Dog Rescue. Local architects, builders, and designers compete to create doghouses reflecting their unique flair; the doghouses are then auctioned, and the proceeds donated to a variety of Austin animal shelters and rescues. Blue Dog Rescue is also a featured charity for the Austin Marathon and participates in the 26 Miles for 26 Charities program, with local runners raising money to support Blue Dogs animal rescue efforts. Blue Dog Rescues annual calendar featuring celebrities with their dogs provides additional funds to support their volunteer work. Local musicians often participate in concerts to benefit this worthy cause as well.

Blue Dog Rescue offers a variety of adoption opportunities throughout the year at local pet supply stores and other community events. These meet and greet sessions are intended to introduce the dogs and the organization to prospective owners and volunteers, raising awareness and encouraging owners to spay and neuter their own pets.

Blue Dog Rescue offers homeless dogs a second chance to find a loving home. By carefully matching dogs to owners, Blue Dog provides the best possible chance of a successful adoption and a forever home for their dogs. Blue Dog Rescue and other local animal welfare organizations demonstrate that Austin has a heart as big as Texas itself.