When your pet is in trouble or something’s just not right, BluePearl’s emergency and specialty teams know what to do. Our Spring and Katy hospitals combine nationally recognized veterinary expertise with a hometown sense of care. We collaborate with you and your family vet to provide exceptional care for your pet.
BluePearl Pet Hospital Spring 832.616.5000
1646 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring, TX 77388
info.spring@bluepearlvet.com
24/7 Emergency
Critical + urgent care
Internal medicine
Surgery
Oncology Diagnostic imaging
BluePearl Pet Hospital Katy 281.675.6000
19450 Katy Fwy. Ste. 200 Katy, TX 77094
info.katy@bluepearlvet.com
24/7 Emergency Internal medicine
Our teams honor the humananimal bond in all phases of your pet’s life and offer BluePearl Pet Hospice services through both our Spring and Katy hospitals. We deliver a range of advanced support services for senior and terminally ill pets in your home or in our hospitals.
Advanced pain management
Comfort Care (hospice + palliative support)
Environmentally friendly cremation
Euthanasia
Memorial keepsakes
Telehealth visits
Our mission is to make every pet’s end-of-life experience as meaningful as the life they’ve lived.
For information, visit PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com
Get that sparkling smile through: • Regular oral exams • Routine brushing • Dental wipes • Tasty dental chews & toys • A healthy dental diet
And if your pet needs advanced dental or oral care, rest assured that at VDS® our team of board-certified veterinary specialists in dentistry and anesthesia ensures every patient has a thorough and pleasant experience. We welcome your call if you wish to learn more about any of our services.
Houston Area VCA Animal Hospitals
CareClub* membership offers personalized healthcare designed for your pet’s unique needs.
Houston Area VCA Animal Hospitals
Access unlimited exams**, savings of up to 25% annually, exclusive member benefits and more!
VCA Mainland Animal Hospital 7232 Medical Center Drive Texas City, TX 77591 409-948-8401 vcamainland.com
You make a lot of decisions about your pet’s wellness care. Choosing between services shouldn’t be one of them. With our wellness bundle, you can save 30% on your pet’s wellness exam + blood work!
Canine and feline only. Not valid with other offers. Not redeemable for cash. For pets ages 3 and up.
Our Wellness Bundle Includes:
Nose-to-tail Exam
Early-Detection Blood Panel
Dental Assessment
$100 bonus off a dental procedure if booked within 60 days
Letter from the Editor ON THE COVER
GIVE ME SOME LOVIN'
We needed a photo, and this cute adoptable pup needed some lovin'! Kerry McKeel, Communications Manager for Best Friends Animal Society, attempts to get this cutie to pose but the price for perfomance was a big face lick! Isn't this why we all love animals? They are funny, in-the-moment, loyal and adorable. In this issue, we feature the life saving work of Best Friends in Houston, as they work to save all animals. Learn about their history, outreach and adoption programs, their mission of no-kill and much more, starting on page 26. Visit them online if you are looking to adopt! Find them at BestFriends.org.
Cover: Allison Wilkins Photography
As the summer sun blazes on, I am so excited to bring you an August issue packed with inspiration, practical tips, local news from the pet community and more. Our cover story shines a spotlight on Best Friends Animal Society, a national leader in the fight to save all homeless pets. Founded in the red rock canyons of Utah, their original sanctuary remains a haven for animals in need. Today, their mission of achieving no-kill across the country continues to drive the incredible work of their shelters, partnerships, and advocacy programs—including efforts here in Houston.
Also in this issue, you’ll find expert advice from the Houston SPCA on welcoming a new cat into your family, plus a pet-friendly shopping guide for outdoor adventurers looking to camp, hike, or explore with their pups by their side.
Summer comes with its share of challenges and our friends at VERGI 24/7 Emergency Hospital offer insight into an allergic reaction that results in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency. Learn to recognize anaphylaxis and what signs to watch for on page 42. Also, check out the Dog Days Of Summer article to find ways to keep your pets cool and safe in the Texas temps.
Next up, don’t miss our News section to discover the winner of the 25th Anniversary Video Contest sponsored by West Houston Subaru and Molly’s Mutt House. You can scan the QR code to watch the winning video and check out the finalists. And, the contests for this exciting Sliver Jubilee year just keep coming! Our contest to select a Cover pet for the November issue is in the
finals stages, so be sure to enter your furry, winged or scaly family member. Sponsored by Peace Love Dogs and VERGI, the winning entry will receive a photoshoot with Allison Wilkins Photography and grace our cover for all to see. But even if your pet is not the cover model, ALL entries will be published and you’ll be able to see your pet in print! Stay tuned for our other contests, including 25 Reasons My Pet Is Adorable, sponsored by Wright Pawn & Jewelry with entry in September as well as our annual Halloween contest and more.
As the summer starts to wane, we can all agree it’s been a rough one for Texas. The floods in the Hill Country were an unimaginable tragedy. Many people lost their lives or were displaced and Texans all joined in to help where they could. Animals were also terribly affected with loss of life and displacement. A big shoutout to the animal rescue groups and shelters that retrieved the animals and transported them to safety in Houston, Austin and beyond. Our local shelters, Houston SPCA, Houston Humane Society, Best Friends and more all contributed to help these animals in need and we want to send out a message of appreciation to them. Many of the displaced animals are in the shelters now looking for a new home so if you have space and would like a new friend, visit our local shelters!
Whether you're looking to adopt, gear up for an outdoor adventure, or just stay informed, we hope this issue brings you closer to the animals who bring so much joy to our lives.
Stay cool and give your pets some extra belly rubs for us!
Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS
PETTALK?
You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy!
Snap a picture of one of our readers and send it to info@houstonpettalk.com.
Switzerland
Koda the Canine Yoda, who is one of PetTalk's biggest fans, traveled to Switzerland to view the Alps and show the dogs of Europe how pawesome PetTalk is! Love the view!
12145 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
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1619 N Shepherd Dr Houston TX 77008 heights@k9resorts.com | 713-769-0850
5-Star Experience, Love & Fun Included!
Henrietta On:
Why I Love Texas
When the dragon lady gave me my assignment for the August issue, she said "This month, I want you to write about Texas and make it pithy." First of all, my horned leader, you should get that lisp fixed. And, if we must speak in your terms, I need a larger word count…lest it be "pith poor". I guess I should stop insulting the editor because she will likely read this.
Ahhh Texas! I feel most qualified to write about Texas because I'm not a purebred. I was born a hillbilly but found Texas in my later years. Experiencing something out of choice rather than necessity gives you an objective view. Coming from Appalachia, I feel fully qualified to comment on pick-up trucks, chewin' tobacco, Hank Williams crooning the Honky Tonk Blues, beef jerky for breakfast, competitive eating contests, oversized hair and patriotism.
to be small…taxes, government, my waistline, the line at the fire hydrant and the size at birth of any puppies I may have in the future).
Back to why I love Texas. In addition to our total land grab, I love the attitude of my compadresindependent, loyal, unsnooty (is that a word?) and believers in the first and second amendment.
big appetite and a big selection of food and beverage. And, as of last month, we have something else really BIG…Kevin Durant. That's a big hunk O' man ready to blast the Rockets off to a great next season. Only in Texas would you find a press conference themed "Legacy of Bigs". I have a few family members that are also the Legacy of Bigs but it's actually
all-time favorite sayings. Here's a few:
1. If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence, try orderin' somebody else's dog around.
2. If you're ridin' ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.
Those are the things my two resident states have in common, but I prefer to focus on what makes the Lone Star State unique and why I love being a Texan. First, I love anything ginormous. That includes steaks, male muscles, biggie fries at Wendy's, TV screens, belt buckles, bathtubs and of course, diamonds. Texas itself is ginormous and I like living in a state that can kick all of the other states' "arses". (This is a little off topic but, I feel compelled to also mention what things I like
You can't really jawbone on what's great about Texas without focusing on the gastro elements. Where to start? When one visualizes a sizzling steak, you think Texas beef. And OH the Tex Mex… carne asada, salsa so hot you can't think, super luscious cheesy queso. Which of course brings me to the best part...the beverages! Margarita is my favorite girl in a cup. Salted rim, top shelf tequila in a bucket sized glass. Because yes, everything is bigger in Texas! We have the beverage industry covered. We make tequila, wine and beer. What else is there?
So we are a big state with a
horizontal big, not vertical. Now, let's talk about the stuff we have that's "purdy". Bluebonnets, horse farms, our flag, horned lizards (that is probably a matter of opinion), the Alamo, prairies, longhorns, the Hill Country, San Antonio Riverwalk, George Strait, the Marfa Prada Installation, a big sky we can see and Matthew McConaughey. (We have a few things that are "unpurdy" too…bayous, mosquitoes, George R. Brown Convention Center, the Enron legacy, and too many pet owners that don't spay and neuter).
We also have some of my
3. When you give a lesson in meanness to a critter or a person, don't be surprised if they learn their lesson.
Now, I needed one more "pithy" Texas saying so I asked Hortense. No clue why I did this. She offered, "Here's my favorite: Got to slop the hogs, dig the well, and plow the south forty before breakfast." I just looked at her. She offered, "It means someone is busy." Clearly she did not understand my look. Sometimes I think if all her brains were ink, she couldn’t dot an i. Note to self: Do not ask Hortense anything, ever.
Finally, I would like to reiterate why I think Texas should secede from the union: It's obvious we have everything a country would need: Everyone in the world knows where it is, the odds of meeting an astronaut are high, we don't need to conceal handguns - we'd rather you know we can shoot you, we invented Dr. Pepper, we have Tex-Mex, ZZ Top and Schlitterbahn. And the best reason is what we don't have: Income Tax - duh!
by
Illustration
Jim Tweedy, Colorized by Desiree Lonsway
COMMUNITY, JOY, ADOPTION
Barks & Buns At Houston Humane Society Unleashed
The Houston Humane Society proudly hosted its second annual Barks and Buns event at their shelter, bringing together the community for a fun-filled day celebrating pets and the people who love them. Sponsored by Virbac, the event featured a vibrant Vendor Village with support from amazing partners like Epochal Paws, Pet Supplies Plus, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, the Houston SaberCats, and Houndstown Midtown. Highlights included a festive pet parade, hot dogs sold throughout the day, and
a special adoption promotion called “Name Your Own Price” for all pets 3 months and older. This unique offer led to many adoptables finding their forever homes! To close out the event, HHS handed out hot dogs to every shelter dog, giving their furry residents a delicious treat. It was a day full of smiles, wagging tails, and community spirit. HHS is thankful to Virbac, their partners, and everyone who joined the event. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year's Barks and Buns celebration. Stay tuned at HoustonHumane.org.
PAR FORE PETS
Golfers Raise $50K for Houston Humane Society Unleashed
The sun was blazing, but the spirit was hotter at the 36th Annual Par Fore Pets Golf Tournament at Wildcat Golf Course in Houston. With the heat index creeping past 105, 76 determined golfers teed off for a good cause—and they didn’t sweat the challenge. KPRC 2’s Gage Goulding not only hosted but hit the links alongside 20 teams, all swinging to support the Houston Humane Society. The goal was to raise $40K, but the leaderboard didn’t lie—they crushed it with a
whopping $50K!
While the scores may have varied, the love for animals was what really mattered at this annual event. The Houston Humane Society continues its mission, reminding the community that adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating can help make tails wag.
Want to get involved? HHS can always use more animal loving helpers and adopters. Head to HoustonHumane.org to learn more and join their pack!
GROOVY NIGHT, GREAT CAUSE
70’S Flashback Fundraiser For Barrio Dogs August 9
Barrio Dogs is excited to host a lively evening filled with music, fun, and a nostalgic nod to the sensational 70s. The community is invited to attend the 70s Flashback Fundraiser on Saturday, August 9th, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the historic Morales Radio Hall, located at 111 N. Ennis Street, Houston, TX 77003. Guests can look forward to an engaging lineup of activities, including an open mic and karaoke session where participants can belt out classic hits, as well as a Best 70s Costume Contest with fabulous
prizes for the grooviest outfits. Attendees will enjoy delicious food, refreshing beverages, exciting giveaways, and a chance to shop for unique items at the Barrio Boutique.
Admission is $25 and includes a drink ticket and lite bites. Tickets can be purchased at the door or reserved in advance via Eventbrite. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals or businesses interested in supporting the event and the organization’s mission. More information about sponsorship packages can be found at Barriodogs.
ADOPT. LEARN. CELEBRATE.
org/70s-flashback, or by contacting gloria@ barriodogs.org. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Barrio Dogs, a nonprofit committed to promoting animal welfare and community awareness in Houston’s East End.
With music, retro flair, and a great cause at heart, this event promises to be a fun-filled evening for all.
Find Your New Best Friend At Houston SPCA’s Clear The Shelters Event: August 23
Houston SPCA will host Clear the Shelters, a national pet adoption initiative, on their Campus for All Animals on Saturday, August 23, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Houston SPCA will have scores of adoptable dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, and small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. Each adoptable pet comes with a comprehensive adoption package that includes a microchip, spay or neuter, up-to-date vaccinations, a free pet adoption bag from Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and a free post-adoption exam at VCA Animal Hospital. In addition, there will be several adoption promotions available, including Double Feline Adoptions,
Golden Paws, and a Pets for the Elderly discount.
While on the Campus for All Animals, potential adopters can meet native wildlife ambassadors and hear from wildlife experts, get a front-row seat to lifesaving care in the pop-up kitten nursery, and enjoy free balloon animals and face painting for kids.
Free expert chats, activities, and giveaways will take place in the Adoption Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy custom-made balloon art animals and face painting while supplies last, receive free dog and cat adoption bags and gifts from Hill’s Pet Nutrition and VCA, attend Native Wildlife Chats in front of
the Wildlife Ambassador Windows at noon and 2 p.m., and watch kitten nursery feedings in the Adoption Center Cat Suites at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.
The Houston SPCA is located near Memorial Park at 7007 Old Katy Road, Houston, Texas 77024, and is open Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Available pets can be viewed on their website.
If you can’t attend Clear the Shelters on Saturday, August 23, but would like to help, please visit HoustonSPCA.org.
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Photo
Houston SPCA
Gardens, Grass, & Great Homes.
Let’s dig up your dream garden together—no bones about it! Let’s fetch one!
Dame Agatha here, your local real estate pup! If you’ve got a green thumb and dreams of planting petunias, roses, or even a jungle of sun flowers, I’m your gal. I may chase squirrels, but I never chase bad listings. My human and I will sniff out the perfect home with plenty of yard space for your flower power.
Celebrating Years of Pet Passion! ENTER TO WIN!
Houston PetTalk Cover Contest Sponsored by Peace Love Dogs and VERGI 24/7
Capture the Cuteness—Your Pet Could Be Houston’s Next Cover Star! Have you dreamed about seeing your pet on the cover of PetTalk? Of course you have! To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we’re going to make one lucky pet’s dream come true. Entry for this coveted contest will be June-August at HoustonPetTalk.com. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to learn details.
About Peace Love Dogs
Peace Love Dogs is a premier resort for dog training, boarding, daycare, and grooming, offering personalized services designed to
25 Reasons My Pet Is Adorable Contest Sponsored by Wright Pawn & Jewelry Co.
It’s time to throw some confetti and celebrate your favorite Pet Magazine... and we have just the contest to help you show off your pet! We're sure you know countless reasons that your fur-baby is adorable. Now it’s time to let all of Houston know 25 Reasons your furry, feathered or scaley pet is the apple of your eye! Entry for this contest will be September 1-15 on PetTalk's website.
About Wright Pawn & Jewelry
Wright Pawn & Jewelry is celebrating 33
meet each dog’s unique needs. Utilizing positive reinforcement, the training staff creates an engaging learning environment that challenges both pups and their people. Their state-of-the-art boarding facility prioritizes every detail, delivering unparalleled comfort! PeaceLoveDogsHouston.com.
About VERGI
VERGI is a 24/7 emergency and critical care facility located 8921 Katy Freeway, providing emergency and specialized veterinary care for companion animals. As an AAHA Accredited facility, they offer state-of-the-art equipment, certified doctors, in-house lab and a surgical center. Vergi247.com.
years of serving Houstonians and invites you to “Buy ours, sell yours or get a loan!®” Wondering what to do with your unwanted jewelry or rarely used sterling silver serving pieces? Pawn or sell at Wright Pawn & Jewelry for cash on the spot! As Estate Jewelry experts, we will examine your heirlooms and help you determine which to keep, pawn, sell, repair or restore. Saying “I do!” soon? We’ve got you covered with GIA certified diamonds and an on-staff Graduate Gemologist GIA. You can easily find your sparkle at 6218 Westheimer. Visit us a WrightPawn.com or Instagram: @wrightpawnjewelry.
PetTalk’s Silver Paws 25th Anniversary Video Contest Winner and Finalists
To mark our 25th anniversary, PetTalk launched our Silver Paws 25th Anniversary Video Contest Sponsored by West Houston Subaru & Molly’s Mutt House, inviting readers to submit creative tribute videos celebrating our milestone year. The contest was a creative fun way to celebrate, involve the community, and, of course, show our love for pets.
We were thrilled to receive a wide range of entries—from hilarious shenanigans and nostalgic
cover montages to heartfelt thank-you messages featuring some very talented pets. Each video reflected the joy, fun, and passion that PetTalk has shared with Houston pet lovers for the past 25 years.
After much tail-wagging deliberation, the grand prize went to Osa, a clever and camera-ready Bernedoodle and her pet parent Jennifer Murphy, whose video stole the show! Osa’s tribute was full of charm and included creative nods to both of our contest
sponsors—earning her the top spot and a well-deserved round of ap-paws!
An honorable mention was awarded to the ever-fabulous Darla and her pet parent Candice Elliot, who made a grand entrance in her hot pink convertible for her anniversary tribute. Darla’s stylish ride and diva energy won our hearts and reminded us just how fun it is to be part of Houston’s pet community.
Thank you to all who participated and shared your PetTalk pride.
Sponsored by:
And a special shout-out to West Houston Subaru and Molly’s Mutt House for helping us make this contest possible. We’re so grateful to celebrate this milestone with the people—and pets—who have supported us along the way.
You can watch some of the stand out videos by scanning the QR code on this page.
Here’s to 25 years of wagging tails, whiskers, and wonderful memories—and to many more to come!
Koda
Heidi
Krusty
Houston Humane Society Rescues 26 Dogs from FloodAffected Central Texas Shelters
In the wake of devastating floods across Central Texas and the Hill Country, the Houston Humane Society has taken swift action to support overwhelmed animal shelters in the region.
On Tuesday, July 8, a dedicated rescue team from Houston Humane Society traveled to hardhit areas to transport 26 dogs and puppies from overcrowded shelters back to Houston. The animals were relocated from the
Hill Country Humane Society, Brady Humane Society, and San Saba Animal Hospital facilities working tirelessly to make room for animals displaced by the floods.
“We know this is a difficult time for the community and animals affected by the flooding,” said Aaron Grady, shelter director at Houston Humane Society. “We’re grateful to have the resources to provide help where it’s needed most, and we’ll continue to
support these shelters and their animals as recovery efforts continue.”
By relocating these animals, Houston Humane Society is helping open up critical space so shelters in the impacted areas can respond more effectively to the ongoing crisis. All 26 dogs and puppies are now safe and receiving high-quality care in Houston as they await adoption into loving homes.
The organization is urgently
seeking foster families to temporarily care for animals in need.
Houston Humane Society provides all necessary supplies, food, medicine, bedding, and more.
Fosters only need to provide a safe, quiet space like a bathroom or laundry room.
To learn more about becoming a foster or to support Houston Humane Society’s lifesaving work, visit HoustonHumane.org.
Kent
Moose
Lulu
Yogi
#ShareWithUs!
Summer Fun in the Sun!
1. Grieftherapydood Flashbark Friyay full of fetchin' fun
2. Onecentween Penny had the best time at @thedogbarhtx yesterday!! ���������� This is seriously the cutest place – the vibes were immaculate, the drinks were fantastic, and we can’t wait to come back!! ��
3. Murphythedancingdood Dibs on the last burger!! I'll take one of those Grrrona Beers too!
Hope you all had a meaningful Memorial Day, doods! So grateful for the brave patriots who laid down their lives for our great Nation!
4. Dobby_foster_fail The pool step is my happy place, mom said I might be ready for my first beach trip soon!!
5. Maximus_the_palace_pup I bet you didn’t know I’m a beach bum��
6. ballparkdoxies Okay so maybe this isn’t a T-Bird, but it is my ride!!
7. Bentleybugthewhippet Happy Wet Dog Wednesday!��
8. Puglifemaya Living my best life ���� #dogsofinstagram#pug sofinstagram #pug
9. onecentween Just a couple of coastal cutie cousins here to wish you a wonderful Wednesday! We’re halfway to the weekend, y’all!��⚓���� #wcw #beachplease #cousins #midweekmood
IS THERE ANYTHING CUTER THAN YOUR PET? OF COURSE NOT! WE AGREE, SO WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO PROVE IT...PLAY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR THEMED CONTESTS. YOU SHARE WITH US, WE SHARE WITH OUR READERS. EVERYBODY WINS!
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Photo
Allison Wilkins Photography
Best Friends Animal Society Is On A Mission To SAVE THEM ALL
Intro by Michelle Mantor; Content By Best Friends Animal Society and contributing writers as noted. Photos by Allison Wilkins Photography as noted; Remaining photos provided by Best Friends
At Houston PetTalk, our mission has always been to celebrate the unconditional love between people and pets while spotlighting the organizations that make a real difference in the lives of animals across our city. In this issue, we are proud and honored to feature a group that is truly changing the landscape of animal welfare not only in Houston, but across the nation—Best Friends Animal Society.
Founded in 1984, Best Friends Animal Society has become a leading voice in the no-kill movement, working tirelessly to ensure that
every pet has the opportunity to find a loving home. With programs rooted in compassion, collaboration, and education, Best Friends is committed to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Their work includes everything from lifesaving adoption programs and innovative public outreach to forging critical partnerships with local shelters and rescue groups.
Here in Houston, the local operation of Best Friends Animal Society reflects the national organization’s powerful mission in full force. Their team is deeply embedded in our
community—organizing adoption events, building foster networks, supporting shelter partners in the Houston area and raising awareness about how we can all help to reduce shelter euthanasia. Their impact is measurable, visible, and inspiring.
We are thrilled to share the incredible work of Best Friends Houston in this issue, not just to inform—but to inspire. At Houston PetTalk, we share the same vision: to save them all.
And by supporting organizations like Best Friends, we take a giant step closer to making that vision a reality.
NO-KILL IN HOUSTON: A GOAL WITHIN REACH
The no-kill philosophy is a progressive approach to animal sheltering that prioritizes saving the lives of healthy and treatable animals. At its core, “no-kill” means a shelter saves at least 90% of the animals it takes in — reserving euthanasia only for those who are irreversibly ill or pose a genuine public safety risk, which typically is not more than 10% of all dogs and cats entering shelters. This model is not about warehousing animals or turning them away — it’s about solutions, compassion, and community responsibility.
Last year, about 13,000 healthy or treatable dogs and cats were killed in Houston-area shelters simply because they didn’t have safe places to call home. The no-kill philosophy aims to change that by ensuring that at least 90% of pets in shelters — those who are healthy or treatable — are saved through returning to their families, adoption, fostering, and other humane solutions.
Best Friends Animal Society is leading this transformation in Houston. In partnership with local shelters, rescue groups, community members, and businesses, Best Friends is building strong foster networks, promoting adoptions, and working side by side with shelters to strengthen lifesaving programs.
By Kerry McKeel
This collaborative, community-driven model is already creating lifesaving results, but systemic change is still urgently needed.
Despite progress over the past few years, more pets lose their lives in Texas shelters than in any other state. In 2024, new data from Best Friends revealed a 4% decline in pet lifesaving across the state. Of the approximately 3,300 additional dogs and cats killed in Texas shelters last year, more than 2,500 were from the Houston area. While 24 of the 49 shelters in the Houston area are already no-kill, and 14 more are within reach, the region’s overall save rate dropped from 80% in 2023 to 77% in 2024.
No-kill isn’t just a shelter benchmark — it takes a united community effort. Houstonians can drive change by adopting, fostering, volunteering, donating, and urging local leaders to embrace policies that prioritize transparency and lifesaving practices. Everyone has a role to play in making Houston a safe place for every pet.
With Best Friends leading the way and passionate Houstonians stepping up, Houston has the potential to become a model no-kill community. The tools exist. The urgency is real. And your action will save lives. A no-kill Houston is within reach.
No-kill myth vs. truth
Myth: No-kill means no animal is ever euthanized.
Truth: It means no healthy or treatable animal is euthanized; humane euthanasia is still used when necessary.
Myth: No-kill just means transferring animals elsewhere.
Truth: Thoughtful programs focus on local solutions like adoption, fostering, or rehoming — bringing in the community to help.
Myth: Appointment-based admissions mean shelters don’t help.
Truth: Appointments for taking in pets for non-emergencies help shelters provide better care while ensuring public safety and prioritizing support for vulnerable and medically urgent dogs and cats. Resources are offered to keep or reunite pets with families.
Myth: No-kill is only possible in wealthy areas.
Truth: No-kill communities come in all shapes and sizes. No-kill is about saving animals through creativity, collaboration, and resource allocation.
Myth: No-kill shelters overcrowd animals. Truth: No-kill communities prioritize finding placements as quickly as possible for homeless pets, preventing overcrowding.
by Allison Wilkins Photography
Photo
WORKING TOGETHER TO SAVE MORE LIVES
Best Friends believes that collaborating with local animal shelters and rescue organizations — the people who know their communities best — is key to saving the lives of dogs, cats, and other pets in America’s shelters.
The Best Friends Network is made up of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/ neuter organizations, and other animal welfare groups across all 50 states. Best Friends has 77 network partners within 25 miles of Houston. Each has one common goal: to save the lives of homeless pets.
Let’s save more lives in Houston Houston has made great progress, but there’s still work to do for pets in our community.
❖ 93,000 pets entered shelters across Greater Houston last year.
❖ Together, we need to save about 13,000 more pets this year than last to make Houston no-kill.
Looking to adopt from or volunteer with a Best Friends Network Partner in Houston? Check out the following organizations.
Best Friends Houston network partners
❖ Adopt a Rescued Friend
❖ Angels Four Paws
❖ Animal Justice League
❖ BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions
❖ Chances Dog Rescue and Relocation
❖ Copper’s Cat Commune
❖ Citizens for Animal Protections
❖ City of Baytown Animal Services and Adoption Center
❖ City of Bellaire Animal Control
❖ City of Humble Animal Shelter
❖ City of La Porte Adoption Center and Animal Shelter
❖ League City Pets Alive (aka Friends of League City Animal Shelter)
By Heidi Losleben
❖ Fur a Pawsitive Future
❖ Fuzzy Texan Animal Rescue
❖ Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue
❖ Golden Retriever Acres Senior Sanctuary
❖ Great Pyrenees Advocates of Texas
❖ Great Pyrenees Rescue Society
❖ Greenawalds Service
❖ Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue
❖ Harris County Pets
❖ Heart of the Underdog
❖ Homeless Pet Placement League
❖ Honoring Hope and Faith Rescue
❖ Houston Cares
❖ Houston Collie Rescue
❖ Houston Human Society
❖ Houston Pets Alive!
❖ Houston Sheltie Sanctuary
❖ Jacinto City Dog Pound Rescue
❖ Jen’s Neonatal Nursery
❖ Jenni’s Rescue Ranch
❖ K9Kare
❖ K-9 Angels Rescue
❖ League City Animal Care and Adoption Center
❖ Lifeline of Galveston County
❖ Lola’s Lucky Day
❖ Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue
❖ Love Me Meow Rescue
❖ Pasadena Animal Shelter
❖ Paw Pact Rescue
❖ Paw Patrol Rescue
❖ Pups of Texas Rescue
❖ Rescue Texas Resources
❖ Rescued Pets Movement
❖ Rock-A-Bully and Friends Rescue
❖ SAFE Haven (Saving Animals From Euthanasia)
❖ Save Our Strays Fort Bend
❖ Scout’s Honor Rescue
❖ Schnauzer & Friends Rescue
❖ Spay-Neuter Assistance Program
❖ Spay/Neuter Initiative Program
❖ Special Pals
❖ Spring Branch Rescue
❖ Starlight Outreach and Rescue
❖ Teamferal
❖ Texas Animal Rescue Rehab
❖ Texas Litter Control
❖ ThisIsHouston
❖ Three Little Pitties Rescue
❖ Toni TNR Tails
❖ The Underdog Connection
❖ WAGS Fund
❖ Waiting Under the Willow Foundation
❖ Wholly Kitten Club
❖ Yorkie Rescue Houston
“The biggest difference is knowing we have that additional support to push for better life outcomes for animals, especially those that our options were extremely limited. Animals with medical or behavior issues now have a better chance of making it out of the shelter because of the support from Best Friends Animal Society. The things that I am most excited for is just bringing more programs to the La Porte community that can better support pet ownership and working out problems that are leading to animals being surrendered to the shelter — or helping animals get back home before the shelter is even considered.
We really do appreciate the support and our partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, and we are excited to see where this friendship goes in the future.”
— Mitch Beasley, director of La Porte Animal Shelter & Animal Control
ALLIE’S LONG ROAD HOME
After some bumps in the road, one sweet pup finally has her happy ending in her new home.
By Brett Fowler
Sweet Allie’s journey to her new home was anything but easy, but her story is a beautiful reminder that the right match is always worth the wait. She first came to Best Friends in Houston from the City of Mont Belvieu Animal Services. Despite her affectionate nature and gentle personality, Allie was adopted and brought back several times due to no fault of her own–it just wasn’t the right fit.
But her devoted foster volunteer, Michael, stood by her side. Time and again, he welcomed her back into his home, refusing to give up on the dog he knew was truly special. His patience and love paid off at the Bring Happy Home adoption event in May, where a couple — still grieving the loss of one of their beloved dogs — met Allie while looking for a new companion for their other pup. The connection was instant. And Allie went home with them that very day.
Now, the lovable dog is finally where she belongs. Her new family reports, “So far, so good! She settled in quickly and is definitely my shadow.”
Because of dedicated locals like Michael who step up to save lives through fostering, Allie and countless other homeless pets in the Houston area can find their happy endings.
JUDY’S ROYAL DECREE
How Judy the cat held out for luxury — and landed a home fit for a queen
By Brett Fowler
Judy is an aficionado of the finer things in life. She came to the Best Friends team in Houston from a shelter in Texas, and it wasn’t long after she arrived that staff noticed she wasn’t using her litter box. They also noted that Judy spent nearly every waking moment in her happy place: sitting or lying on her favorite cardboard scratcher away from the other cats in her enclosure.
A thorough vet checkup revealed no medical reason for her accidents, and staff began to suspect that perhaps Judy just had a taste for the finer things in life — like bigger spaces fit for a queen, a royal banquet of her own, or a place where she could escape from the hustle and bustle of other feline plebians.
The mystery was finally solved when a kind Houston couple offered to foster Judy. She was the only pet in their home, and Judy’s foster family got her everything a cat could possibly dream of, including a massive cat tree, plenty of toys, and a scratching post. She showed her approval with an immediate round of zoomies throughout the house and showered her foster family with plenty of headbutts and purrs.
But the best surprise of all? No more accidents outside of the litter box. Her foster family was so tickled by Judy’s show of affection that they decided to continue Judy’s reign in their home — and quickly signed the paperwork to adopt her.
LOVE LETTER TO HOUSTON
Ilove driving through Texas — from the rolling Texas hill country to the border towns bustling with activity to the sweeping coastal plains outside of Houston. There’s just something uniquely Texas about Texas. Whether it’s the overwhelming humidity, the country music booming from nearby restaurants, getting lost in the aisles of an H-E-B, or stopping for gas at an oversized Buc-ee’s — it’s really true what they say about Texas. Everything is bigger there — including Texans’ love for animals.
When Hurricane Harvey tore through Houston nearly eight years ago, there was one thing it didn’t destroy: Texans' compassion for our best friends. I’ll never forget so many incredible people stepping up to the plate to save lives after one of the worst hurricanes in our nation’s history.
What I’ll remember most from Hurricane Harvey isn’t the destruction it left in its path but what it created: lifesaving partnerships across the city of Houston that still stand strong to this day.
Just two days after Hurricane Harvey
struck, Best Friends was on the ground in Houston, launching a massive rescue effort.
With the help of more than 2,800 volunteers from across the country and 120 animal welfare groups, nearly 3,000 cats and dogs were rescued by Best Friends and our partners. Together, we saved so many lives.
But saving lives was just the beginning. During Hurricane Harvey, we also advocated for extended shelter holds, so families had time to reunite with their pets. And we coordinated with Harris County Public Health, Austin Pets Alive!, Houston Pets Alive!, and Houston PetSet to ensure pets were given a safe place and adequate time to be reunited with their families at the NRG Arena. Today, Best Friends has expanded its partnerships with dozens of animal welfare organizations across Greater Houston as we continue to collaborate to save lives and build a brighter future for pets in shelters.
Best Friends remains deeply committed to the pets and people of Houston. Together, we’re finding homes for pets across the Greater Houston area through foundational
programs like trap-neuter-vaccinate-return, mobile and pop-up events that break down barriers to adoptions, extensive foster programs, free spay/neuter initiatives for animal welfare organizations, our pet transport system, and our collaborative network of shelter partner support to increase lifesaving. Through focusing on collaboration and extensive shelter partnerships, we’re building a community where, one day, every pet who can be saved will be saved. Together with our partners, we will continue to stay “Texas tough” and push for a future where all homeless pets are safe and loved.
I invite you to join in on this lifesaving journey. Consider volunteering, fostering, donating, or simply dropping by Best Friends in Houston to say hello to some friendly faces. Every little bit goes a long way to creating a better tomorrow for our best friends. I love this city with all my heart, and I know that together we will Save Them All.
With gratitude, Julie Castle, CEO Best Friends Animal Society
ABOUT BEST FRIENDS
It started with a group of friends and a dream.
Best Friends Animal Society began without much fanfare. There was no official board leadership, strategic plan, or outreach strategy. There was just a group of friends who had the same dream of helping animals and finding a place to do that together.
They were an unlikely mix of individuals and skills, ranging from Oxford and Cambridge
By Heidi Loseleban
grads to college dropouts and dreamers — three architects, one engineer, five art school grads, one British stage actress, an Afro-Cuban bass player, a CPA, a real estate agent, an heiress, a few writers, a couple of people who could do basically anything they put their hands to, and a bunch of really smart, dedicated folks.
They had been individually and collectively involved in animal rescue and advocacy for
SAVING LIVES IN HOUSTON: A HISTORICAL TIMELINE
Summer 2017
Best Friends increased the cat save rate from 50% to 93% by launching a pilot community cat program with the Harris County Animal Shelter, now known as Harris County Pets.
Fall 2017
Best Friends responded to Hurricane Harvey: Established a pet reunification center in NRG Arena; Rescued, treated, and housed around 1,000 displaced pets; Gave lifesaving lifts to nearly 3,000 pets to other communities for adoption.
Forged relationships with the people of Houston, the animal welfare community, and local shelters
Spring 2018
Best Friends launched a community cat program at the Harris County Animal Shelter. By the end of 2019, the save rate for cats at the shelter was up to 72%.
545 Harris County kittens and moms were fostered.
Best Friends staff embedded at Harris County Pets for 11 months, working along Harris County staff to build foundational best practices and progressive lifesaving programs.
years, rescuing dogs and cats with special needs and from shelters where they were at risk. They were all united by the desire to create a future on their own terms and to save animals while doing so. They endeavored to live by the golden rule — to treat others, including animals and the land, as they would want to be treated — and believed that most of the world’s problems stemmed from our broken relationship with the natural world and more specifically with the animals. The place to start was with our pets — those who have been our friends and companions for thousands of years.
In 1984, this group of friends, along with about 200 rescued dogs and cats, a few bunnies and birds, and a couple of burros landed in a remote canyon in Utah's high desert and took the first steps on the path of what would become the nationwide no-kill movement for homeless pets.
Financially, they had just enough money to make an acceptable offer on the more than 3,300 acres of raw land in a red-rock canyon that would become Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Then as now, the canyon and the animals provided all the inspiration and incentive needed for them to set out on their improbable journey. Beyond their acquired animal care skills, the only necessary qualification was a willingness to try their hands at whatever was needed and figure it out along the way.
The goal was to make not just a place to
Summer 2018
570 pets found homes at a coalition adoption event.
Best Friends launched pet transport programs to take homeless dogs and cats to communities where they can find homes faster while lessening the burden on local shelters.
A Facebook group for volunteers and foster caregivers launched.
More than 400 lucky pets found homes during a “clear the shelter” event done in partnership with Harris County Pets.
Fall 2018
Best Friends launched Houstonspecific social media channels and a bilingual campaign to raise awareness about homeless pets.
Winter 2018
Regular pop-up adoption events were held in a variety of venues, such as restaurants and farmers markets, to help more pets find homes.
More than 200 cats and dogs from Harris County Pets found homes through a Best Friendssupported holiday adoption promotion.
Summer 2019
Fourteen animal shelters and rescue groups took part in the first Best Friends Super Adoption in Houston, and 313 homeless pets went to new homes.
Best Friends hired a volunteer manager to rally the support of the local community and get more people involved.
house homeless pets but a place of healing — a place where every animal, regardless of any special needs, would feel welcomed and every pet would be considered unique and adoptable. It would be a place that exemplified the truth that kindness to animals makes a better world for all of us.
The philosophy of Best Friends is simple: Be kind. It’s what led to the founders starting the Sanctuary in the first place — the knowledge that there were animals out there with no one to look after them, often being killed in shelters simply because they didn’t have safe places to call home, and that if we could do even something small to help them, then we should. That philosophy informs not only how Best Friends cares for animals but also how
they engage with one another, support their members, collaborate with shelters and animal welfare organizations, and interact with the world at large.
Today, Best Friends is a leading animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in America's shelters and making the entire country no-kill. In addition to operating the nation's largest no-kill animal sanctuary — a destination that brings their mission to life for thousands of visitors each year — Best Friends also has lifesaving centers in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, New York City, Houston, and Northwest Arkansas, as well as lifesaving programs nationwide. Best Friends also maintains the most comprehensive animal sheltering data in the country and makes it
Spring 2020
Best Friends worked with Greater Houston-area shelters, hosting a virtual adoption event in partnership with KPRC.
Best Friends worked with network partners to give 1,530 pets from Texas lifesaving lifts to adoptive homes.
2021
The Best Friends center in Houston was established as the hub for lifesaving programming services and resources to Greater Houston-area shelters and network partners.
Winter 2022
Best Friends hosted a countywide Home for the Holidays campaign across shelters in the Greater Houston area, bringing holiday cheer and matching homeless pets with loving homes.
The Best Friends center in Houston performed 2,779 free spay/neuter surgeries for pets from shelters.
The clinic became the home base for Best Friends’ high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter program, which started in April 2022 to train veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants in high-volume surgical techniques and clinic flow.
Spring 2023
When Pasadena Animal Shelter was severely damaged by a tornado, Best Friends provided staff and temporary housing to assist in recovery.
Best Friends in Houston hosted a cross-county and citywide adopt-apet weekend with event activations across the Greater Houston area.
Best Friends hosted five
accessible to the public — empowering communities with critical insights into the needs of their local shelters and how they can help. You can see how your community is doing by visiting Best Friends’ pet lifesaving dashboard on bestfriends.org/2025.
As Best Friends has grown, their network of more than 5,000 animal welfare partners nationwide and their lifesaving centers have become hubs for innovation and inspiration. They are bringing tangible lifesaving tactics to shelters and rescue groups across the U.S., touching every community in the country, including right here in Houston
They believe every dog and cat deserves a home. And they believe that, together, we can Save Them All®.
collaborative adoption events with 24 participating shelter partners.
Summer 2023
The Best Friends National Conference was in downtown Houston, with nearly 2,000 attendees from across the country.
Fall 2023
Best Friends provided the cities of Baytown and Pasadena with ordinance revisions, expert testimony, and program guidance to build community cat programs.
Winter 2023
Nearly 2,000 dogs and cats were saved through local adoptions and lifesaving rides to other areas.
Best Friends invested more than $100,000 in mentorship and support to the city of Pasadena and to Galveston County to increase
adoptions.
Best Friends performed 2,242 free spay/neuter surgeries for local animal welfare organizations.
2024
Best Friends found homes locally and through transport programs for more than 4,400 pets.
Best Friends granted more than $110,000 to local animal shelters to increase lifesaving.
Best Friends performed 1,938 free spay/neuter surgeries for animal welfare organizations.
2025
So far this year, Best Friends has helped five shelters achieve their no-kill goals.
The Best Friends mobile adoption vehicle sprang into action, bringing pets to community events for adoption.
Best Friends Animal Society’s Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
Best Friends Animal Society’s founders.
SAVING LIVES, SHAPING FUTURES
In Houston, a powerful transformation for our best friends is unfolding — and it’s reshaping the future for homeless pets. At the center of it is Best Friends Animal Society, working alongside a growing network of shelters, rescue groups, and animal lovers to make Houston a no-kill city.
The approach is collaborative and deeply community driven, built on the belief that lasting change comes when people come together for a common cause. Through powerful partnerships across the city and state — and with the support of compassionate individuals like you — we’re creating lasting change and moving closer to a day when no pet in Houston is at risk just because they don’t have a safe place to call home.
Want to become a part of the momentum toward making Houston a no-kill city? Take a look at some of the key programs making an impact in the lives of homeless pets across the Houston metroplex and learn how you can get involved.
Adoption Events
Adoption is essential to saving lives and
building a no-kill community. In Houston,
Best Friends finds loving adoptive homes for animals through its facility and its innovative off-site adoption events, helping hundreds of homeless pets land loving homes each year.
In 2024, our new mobile adoption vehicle hit the road in Houston, bringing adoptable pets to underserved communities. Mobile adoptions give homeless pets in areas with limited adoption opportunities a chance to shine at community events.
Foster Program
Best Friends in Houston is a 100% fosterbased organization, taking in at-risk dogs and cats from Greater Houston shelters to give them the second chance they so readily deserve and placing them into the temporary care of a foster home. Pets also thrive better in home settings, allowing the team to get to know their true personalities and in turn find better adoptive matches to suit each animal’s unique needs. Foster families provide love, stability, and care, and Best Friends supports each foster volunteer with everything they need — from veterinary
By Brett Fowler
care to pet supplies — so that every dog and cat has the best chance to thrive until they are matched with a loving home.
Spay/neuter Programs
Spay/neuter programs are one of the most effective ways to reduce the number of pets entering shelters by preventing the birth of litters who don’t have a place to call home. By curbing pet overpopulation, these services help create a more sustainable path to a no-kill community. Best Friends also provides free or low-cost spay/neuter resources to partners across Houston that may not have the budget or resources, giving more pets the chance to live safe, healthy lives.
Pet Transports
A group of dedicated staff and volunteers give lifesaving lifts to at-risk pets from Greater Houston and across Texas to areas where adoptable pets are in higher demand, such as Utah, Idaho, and Minnesota. The Best Friends team provides all the logistics — from building crates, providing vans, and caring for the pets
by Allison Wilkins Photography
See Spanish Translation Here.
Photo
overnight with partners — so that pets can have a better chance at being adopted.
Community Cat Programs
In 2020, Harris County made a huge leap forward for cats by legalizing trap-neutervaccinate-return (TNVR). This humane, effective approach involves safely trapping community cats (aka cats who live outdoors), spaying or neutering and vaccinating them, and returning them to their outdoor homes. TNVR is widely recognized as the most effective and compassionate way to manage community cat populations, and Best Friends has been instrumental in key city ordinance changes that protect Greater Houston’s population of community cats.
Local Shelter Collaboration
It takes a village to become a no-kill city — and in Houston, community collaboration is key. By teaming up with local shelters and rescue groups to coordinate transfers, share resources, and find homes for at-risk pets, our coalition is saving thousands of lives. Today, 28 organizations proudly make up the Save Houston Pets coalition.
LET'S SAVE MORE LIVES IN HOUSTON
Houston has made great progress, but there’s still work to be done for pets in our community.
Last year, 97,000 pets entered shelters across Greater Houston. Together, we need to save about 13,000 more pets to make Houston no-kill. By expanding return-to-home programs, community cat initiatives, adoption efforts, foster networks, and more, we can give every pet the chance they deserve.
Together, let’s create a brighter future for pets in Houston.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP
There are so many ways you can make a huge impact on the lives of homeless pets in Houston. Check out the ideas below for how you can help save the lives of dogs and cats and find families for homeless pets.
1. Adopt your next best friend. When you adopt rather than purchase a pet, you’re providing a second chance to an animal in need and freeing up space for another to be rescued. Around 7 million households in America are planning to add a pet to their family this year. If just 6% more of them chose to adopt, rather than purchase their pets, the country would be no-kill.
2. Reach out to a shelter or rescue group in your community to foster a pet. Foster volunteers take in homeless pets and care for them until they are matched with loving homes of their own.
3. Promote the spaying and neutering of pets to keep them happy and healthy — and to reduce the number of pets entering shelters in the future.
4. Get involved by volunteering wherever you live and with whatever skills you have. Try reaching out to your local shelter or rescue group to support their work or go to bestfriends.org/volunteer.
5. Make wishes come true. Donate money, toys, pet food, or supplies to your local shelter or rescue group.
Whether you’re considering adopting a new family member of your own, hoping to leave a
generous gift to the animals of Best Friends, or have something else in mind to help Houston pets — we’d love to hear from you.
Email our Houston team at contacthouston@ bestfriends.org.
For more information on what you can do for the homeless pets of Houston, visit our social media pages or check out Best Friends in Houston online.
Website: BestFriends.org/houston
Instagram: @bfashouston
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/bfastx
by Allison Wilkins Photography
Photo
ON THE GROUND IN HOUSTON
By Heidi Losleben
Photo by Allison Wilkins Photography
In 2017, as Hurricane Harvey destroyed homes, separated people from their pets, and spiraled into the largest disaster since Hurricane Katrina, Best Friends mobilized to join the relief efforts. The Best Friends disaster response team deployed to Houston to assess needs on the ground, rescue stranded animals, deliver supplies to hard-hit shelters, drive displaced pets to safety, and support emergency sheltering efforts.
Before Hurricane Harvey, the mandated number of days for pets to be held in area shelters was just three, and there was no special mandate in place in case of natural disasters. So Best Friends quickly went to work, establishing a 30-day hold period for pets, allowing them the best chance possible at being reunited with their families.
But having extra time for pets to find their families meant that they needed extra space to care for them. Enter the Rescue and Reunite Center at the NRG Arena — a lifesaving effort between Best Friends, Harris County Public Health, Austin Pets Alive!, Houston Pets Alive!, and Houston PetSet.
In just a few days, NRG transformed from a huge, empty space to an efficiently run reunification and pet care center. Best Friends built hundreds of enclosures, set up an area for veterinary care, created a space for folks to be reunited with their pets, and so much more.
But then came the big part: Best Friends moved more than 500 dogs and cats from the Montgomery County Fairgrounds (where they were working when they arrived) to a new temporary home at the NRG.
Over two months, more than 2,800 volunteers and more than 240 Best Friends staff members (many of whom were deployed to the Houston area multiple times) cared for more than 800 dogs and cats (and even one bunny). Some of the animals at the NRG were reunited with their families. But many of the pets weren’t claimed or never had homes, so Best Friends was a lifeline to help them find families.
It took hundreds of emails and phone calls, the commitment of Best Friends Network Partners, help from the community, and even a bus donated by Skechers, but every displaced pet left the NRG with a safe place to go. Some of the pets needed extra medical attention to fully heal, so Best Friends opened a temporary medical facility in Katy, Texas, to care for those pets. Other pets found their home-betweenhomes at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and the Best Friends Lifesaving Centers in New York City, Los Angeles, and Salt Lake City. And others found love and safety with network partners across the country — 109 partners to be exact.
As the effects of the storm began to wane, Best Friends picked up the pace on Houston
work, building lifesaving programs and opening a facility to ease the burden on local shelters and help homeless dogs and cats throughout the city and entire state.
Their work during Harvey wasn’t the first time Best Friends worked to help save lives in Houston, however. To help advance the country toward no-kill, in 2016 Best Friends began collaborating with Harris County Pets to help them save more lives.
Best Friends first piloted their shelter embed concept in 2017 at Harris County Pets (known then as Harris County Animal Shelter) in Houston. At the time, only 72% of dogs
and cats were leaving the shelter alive. The staff needed help managing the thousands of animals coming in each year, increasing adoptions, and finding solutions for community cats (aka cats who live outdoors). Because it would take time and hands-on assistance to build this lifesaving foundation, a Best Friends expert in animal care and lifesaving programs relocated to Houston and began working full time at the shelter.
Over 11 months, Best Friends worked hand in hand with shelter staff to create paths to saving lives, so they wouldn’t have to kill animals to make room for new ones coming in.
This kind of support made an enormous difference in the way Harris County Pets operated, and the shelter ultimately achieved its first-ever 90% save rate (the no-kill benchmark) for dogs and cats in 2019. That’s 15,969 pets saved in just one year.
Continuing To Save Lives In Houston
Best Friends is still working to save lives in Houston. Alongside local animal welfare groups and shelters, Best Friends set up a facility in Houston and is working to decrease the number of pets entering shelters and increase the number who find homes throughout the Greater Houston area. And that’s more
important than ever because, still today, more pets lose their lives in Texas shelters than in any other state in the country. In fact, only 77% are making it out of shelters alive.
In 2024, of the 49 Houston-area shelters, 24 of them were no-kill and 14 had fewer than 100 additional animals to save to reach no-kill — making more than half of the animal shelters in Houston either no-kill or close to achieving it.
Ending the killing of dogs and cats in shelters is possible in Greater Houston and throughout the country. But to make it happen, it will take everyone working together. That is why Best Friends is focused on collaborating with area shelters and animal welfare organizations, community members, businesses, and
local governments.
Best Friends is creating programs to get pets adopted, connecting shelters with one another, providing training and mentoring to Houston-area shelter staff, hosting adoption events, providing veterinary services for local shelters and rescue groups, and creating programs to save community cats.
So far this year, Best Friends has found homes for more than 800 dogs and cats from more than 20 local animal shelters in need.
You can be part of that lifesaving by adopting, fostering, volunteering, and advocating for homeless pets in Texas.
In 2024, Best Friends, working with the people of Houston, made a big impact on saving the lives of homeless pets in
Houston.
❖ Last year, the Best Friends team in Houston partnered with 14 shelters to increase lifesaving efforts through mentorship, hands-on support, medical care, and transfers.
❖ 870 dogs and cats were moved from overcrowded shelters into Best Friends’ local adoption program.
❖ 1,100 pets were adopted in a single weekend during the Petco Love Mega Adoption event, supported by Best Friends.
❖ Best Friends awarded over $110,000 in grants to local groups to help save more lives and keep more pets with their families.
❖ 3,600 pets were adopted or transferred to areas where they'd be more likely to be adopted.
❖ Best Friends provided 1,938 free spay/neuter surgeries for rescue groups and shelter partners.
❖ With Best Friends’ support, Bayou Animal Services achieved no-kill for the first time, and Mont Belvieu and La Porte collectively saved an additional 100 dogs and cats, increasing their save rates to more than 85%.
Best Friends’ Houston & South Central Regional staff.
Camp Snacks For Canine Explorers
The rugged outdoors is nature’s call to camping with your sidekick! Whether you head out for a Texas adventure or just want to host a themed party, The Doggie Express has yummy treats for your 4-legged ruffhouser. Campfire cookies, RV treats and even delicious camping-themed cakes are available at Houston’s top dog bakery! Visit the bakery at 1402 W. 34th St. with your pup to check out all of the goodies or schedule a themed party. Find out more at: TheDoggieExpress.com.
S’more Treats, Please!
Before you hit the trail with your pup, stop by your local PetSuites to pick up two essentials - treats and toys! No dog should leave home without them! Find one of many Houston PetSuites locations at PetSuitesOfAmerica.com.
Pack Leader Ready
Introducing the Camo Rio Bag On Wheels, that allows your pet to travel in style with this amazing 3-in-1 pet carrier. The camouflage fabric with brown faux leather trim is perfect for the outdoorsy type. Get yours at PUCCI Cafe in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch or visit them online at PUCCIcafe.com.
Camp Cozy
The Basecamp Dome Tent by Tiny Tents is an essential addition to any tiny mountaineering kit. This tent offers unmatched protection from harsh conditions and two mesh windows offer cross-ventilation. This newest addition to the Tiny Tents family holds the title of the absolute lightest weight 4-season tent to ever hit the market. Get yours from The Kitty Bodega at one of their two Houston locations: 2017 Yale St. in Houston Heights or at 106 Westheimer in Montrose/ Midtown. Learn more about The Kitty Bodega’s huge variety of feline products at TheKittyBodega.com.
Leave Only Paw Prints Behind!
The Messy Mutts Holder is perfect for camping or hiking with its cute bone shape and ability to hold up to 20 bags. It clips easily to a leash or backpack, keeping bags handy for clean-ups on the trail. Durable, fun, and functional—it's the paw-fect outdoor companion for adventurous pups! Find the holder as well as EcoEarth waste bags at your local Hollywood Feed. Find a Houston location or shop online at: HollywoodFeed.com.
Anaphylaxis in Pets When Allergies Turn Life-Threatening
By: Laura Noaker DVM, DACVIM | VERGI247.com
Most pet parents are familiar with the occasional itch or sneeze — just like us, dogs and cats can experience mild allergic reactions. But sometimes, the immune system overreacts in a dangerous way, triggering a rapid and severe response known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. It’s the result of an extreme allergic reaction in which the body goes into overdrive trying to fight off what it mistakenly sees as a threat. This overactive immune response can lead
to swelling, difficulty breathing, vomiting or diarrhea, a sudden drop in blood pressure, collapse, and sometimes organ damage. Anaphylactic shock can occur in a matter of minutes.
What causes anaphylaxis?
Common triggers include insect stings (especially bee stings), certain medications, vaccines, foods, or environmental substances like mold spores or cleaning agents. While identifying the cause can be helpful later, do not waste time trying to figure it out if your
mildly itchy after a bee sting might still be at risk for progressing to full-blown anaphylaxis — which is why even mild symptoms should not be ignored.
Why immediate veterinary care matters
Anaphylaxis can worsen extremely fast, and there’s no way to predict which reactions will stay mild and which will escalate. At VERGI 24/7, we’re equipped to respond immediately with injectable antihistamines, epinephrine, bronchodilators, steroids, antinausea medications, IV fluids, and oxygen therapy — everything needed to stabilize your pet and help them feel better as quickly as possible.
Our team is also prepared to perform CPR if your pet’s heart stops. Every second counts, and rapid treatment can truly mean the difference between life and death.
Even pets who seem to improve at home can relapse hours later, so veterinary evaluation is always recommended after an allergic reaction, no matter how small it seems. And if your pet has been re-exposed to a known trigger, seek emergency care immediately — even if they’re not showing signs of anaphylaxis.
Your action plan
If your pet shows signs of an allergic reaction:
1. Keep calm and move your pet to a safe, quiet area.
pet is showing signs of distress — prompt medical care is the priority.
Early signs to watch for:
❖ Sudden facial swelling, especially around the eyes or muzzle
❖ Hives or widespread itching
❖ Omiting or diarrhea, sometimes severe
❖ Drooling or pawing at the face
❖ Collapse or lethargy
❖ Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or open-mouth breathing (especially in cats)
Not every reaction starts dramatically. A pet who only seems
2. Remove their collar, even if breathing appears normal — airway swelling can worsen quickly.
3. Call your vet or bring your pet to an emergency hospital like VERGI immediately.
4. If possible, note the potential trigger to help guide treatment later.
Anaphylaxis is frightening, but fast action saves lives. Even if your pet only has symptoms of a mild allergic reaction, it is always better to be safe — and our critical care team at VERGI is here to help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For The Love of Snakes
Interviewee: Tori Pundt, Client Care Coordinator, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Spring
Interviewer: Valerie Bisby, Assistant Practice Manager, BluePearl Pet Hospital, Spring
Tori’s love for snakes began in 2019 and she branched into breeding snakes in 2021. Her knowledge, passion, and dedication to snakes changed my perspective on these amazing creatures. Maybe after reading this interview your perspective will be changed too!
What sparked your interest in snakes?
I met a guy! He not only stole my heart, but his snakes did too! I was raised hearing “the only good snake is a dead snake” so I was terrified of snakes! I’m talking sweat dripping, bones rattling terrified. The more I learned and studied their behavior, the more I realized they were misunderstood! My love for them continued to grow, and I wanted more people to love them, so the fun began! It was my mission to research different genes to see the characteristics we could mesh through breeding. There were endless days and nights involved to understand the science behind it...from the vibrant colors and patterns to personalities and demeanors. So much goes into creating a beautiful and healthy snake.
What makes you passionate about snakes?
Teaching others ignites a fire in me! It makes my heart swell with pride and joy to witness a person almost crying from fear change into being comfortable enough to hold a snake! I’ve had several people come back a year later wanting their own! I’ve used hatchlings to teach others about them since the little ones are a little less scary for people.
What is your favorite part about breeding snakes?
Watching the process from beginning to end is incredible. Incubating the eggs, watching the babies hatch, teaching them how to eat, and finally seeing them go to their new families. It’s extremely rewarding!
How do you decide which snakes to breed?
It’s all science! There are different genes to play with that make different colors and patterns. It’s crucial to understand your recessive and dominant genes! I want the offspring to thrive. So certain genes, like the Jaguar gene, I stay away from because if bred to another snake with the same gene, it could shorten life expectancy and/or cause neurological issues in the offspring.
When you breed two snakes, are you looking to get certain markings? Personality traits?
I love a certain look to my snakes (I favor albinos). Their vibrant yellows are always a visual reward! Their personalities develop over time so although genetics play a role in each personality, it comes down to how often the snake has been handled since being born. The more they’re held, the calmer they’ll grow to be!
What is the mother’s typical behavior when babies hatch?
Once the mother lays the eggs, she’ll keep them together and wrap around them for protection. I don’t allow her to stay on them for more than a few hours. The longer she is on them, the more protective she becomes. It’s also vital for her to get off the eggs so
she eats. Mothers won’t eat from the time they are carrying them to the moment they hatch. Once the babies hatch, the mother has nothing to do with them. Snakes don’t have maternal instincts that make them have any attachment to their offspring.
What is one of the biggest misconceptions you’ve noticed about snakes?
The biggest misconception is that they’re all mean and out to attack. Snakes who aren’t familiar with human touch tend to have a “panic button” when messed with if they aren’t used to human interaction. Since they don’t have arms or legs, their only defense is to slither away or bite. I’ve learned that mutual respect and trust go a long way. Just like most relationships. If left alone in the
wild, snakes will go on their way eventually. They’re also extremely important to have as part of the ecosystem.
What is a fascinating fact you enjoy about snakes? Their jaws! Not only can they open their mouths wide to swallow their meals whole, but they use their jaw bones to detect vibrations! Snakes do not have ears, so they depend on their jaws to “hear”!
with
Rori
52 of her eggs. The largest clutch Tori has had!
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• In-house labwork
VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast
10331 Gulf Freeway
Houston, TX 77034
P 713-941-8460
vcaemergencyse.com
VCA Animal Emergency Hospital
Southeast Calder Road
1108 Gulf Freeway South, Suite 280
League City, TX 77573
P 281-332-1678
vcacalderroad.com
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• Pulse oximetry
• Digital radiography
• Ultrasound, Endoscopy
Tail End
What to Do When You Find Kittens
Helping Kittens Starts with Patience and Careful Observation
By: Angela Ily, Owner Of The Kitty Bodega, TheKittyBodega.com
If you stumble upon a litter of kittens your first instinct might be to help, but knowing when and how to take action can be the difference between life and death.
First and foremost, don’t assume that every kitten or group
of kittens you find has “been abandoned”.
If you find a group of kittens, stay calm, don’t touch them, and observe from a distance. Young kittens don’t wander off in pairs, so if you find 2 or more together it’s because momma put them
contractions close by. Your presence could have even scared her mid-labor. She could be moving other kittens (to or from the spot you’re at). After the kittens are a couple days old momma will often have to leave them to go hunting for food and water. It’s not like she can hire a babysitter for her errand runs.
Touching young kittens can leave behind unfamiliar smells that cause the momma cat to abandon them, which is why it’s imperative to not get handson with them until absolutely necessary. Hovering too close can scare the momma cat off permanently, so wait and watch from afar—ideally for several hours. Instead, use that time to run to your closest pet store for supplies in the event that you end up having to help. You may need kitten formula, nursing bottles, kitten food, litter, etc. Take some time to review how to care for kittens while you wait, to be on the safe side. They aren’t like human babies at all and they can perish within hours or days if not properly cared for.
If the kittens are covered in soot or dirt or mud, thin, crying nonstop, cold to the touch, or in a hazardous area (like a road or construction site), intervene immediately. These are signs the mother is gone or might be unable to care for them.
And if you see a mother cat actively caring for her litter, the best outcome is keeping them together until the kittens are old enough (around 8 weeks) to be weaned and socialized. Contact a local rescue for guidance or assistance trapping the whole family. And don’t leave the mother behind—if she’s not spayed, you’ll likely see her with a new litter in just 9 weeks.
there. Do they appear clean and quietly resting? That’s a sign that momma cat is nearby and still caring for them. If they look wet and have the umbilical cord still on them, momma is definitely near, as she just gave birth to them. She could even be having
Unsure what to do? Reach out to a cat rescue, shelter, or TNR (trap-neuter-return) group in your area. They can help evaluate the situation and provide resources, especially if you’re dealing with feral kittens or need help fostering.
Tail End
Too Hot To Trot!
Summer Heat Precautions
By: Michelle Mantor, Illustration by Desiree Lonsway
Oh, the dog days of summer. Hot temperatures make for hot dogs…so know what do, what not to do, and what telltale signs to look for in understanding if your pet is ready for a meltdown!
1. Exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening hours. The intense summer heat from 10am to 6pm is too hot for any activity that increases the heart rate.
2. Pets can get sunburned too, and your pet may require sunscreen on his or her nose and ear tips. Pets with light-colored noses or lightcolored fur on their ears are particularly vulnerable to sunburn and skin cancer.
3. Never leave your pet in a parked car. Even cracked windows won’t protect your pet from overheating or suffering from heat stroke during hot summer days.
4. If your dog or cat is out during the day, remember that asphalt and concrete can get very hot and burn the pads of their feet. Always have shelter available to protect them from extreme temperatures and inclement weather. Be aware that older and overweight pets, as well as flat-faced breeds such as Persian cats, Pugs and Bulldogs, are more likely to overheat in hot weather.
5. Provide your pet with fresh, cool water every day in a tip-proof bowl.
6. Keep your pet well groomed, but resist the temptation to shave off all of his hair in an effort to keep him cool. Your pet’s coat will protect him from getting sunburned.
A matted coat traps in the heat, attracts parasites and can cause skin sores.
7. Don’t let your dog ride in the back of an open vehicle, such as a pick-up truck (other than the heat factor and the bed of the truck being hot on their pads, safety is also a concern).
Signs of Heat Stroke:
❖ Heavy panting, hyperventilation (deep breathing)
❖ Increased salivation early then dry gums as the heat prostration progresses
❖ Weakness, confusion or inattention, vomiting or diarrhea and sometimes bleeding As the condition progresses towards heat stroke, there may be obvious paleness or gray-
and diarrhea that may be bloody and finally seizures or coma.
What To Do:
If your pet experiences these serious signs of heat stroke:
neck.
3. As soon as you see signs of regaining some comfort, go to your veterinarian. Dogs who suffer from heat stroke can develop delayed complications including death if they are not properly monitored.
For The Birds:
If you have a bird living outdoors in an aviary, hot weather can play a factor in their well being also. Food left outdoors can spoil and water can grow bacteria. Feed early in the morning then remove the food after a few hours and change water twice a day.
ing to the gums, shallowing of the breathing efforts and eventually slowed or absent breathing efforts, vomiting
1. Cool them with cool or tepid water rather than really cold water. 2. If ice packs are
available, they can be applied to areas where circulation is very good, such as the "armpits" or
Curious About Cats?
Cats are a unique domesticated animal. They can “climb” their way out of fenced areas, find shade and water, etc. We contacted a veterinarian that said he had never seen one case of heat stroke in a cat in 30 years of practice. Felines are great survivalists…but this doesn’t mean they should be neglected or made to find fresh water!
For The
Curious: What exactly is “dog days of summer”?
The phrase “dog days of summer” actually comes from “heavens”. The brightest of stars in Canis Major (the big dog) is Sirius, which also happens to be the brightest star in the night sky. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. During late July Sirius is in conjunction with the sun, and the ancients believed that its heat added to the heat of the sun, creating a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They named this period of time “dog days” after the dog star.
Jay Morris with his shelties: Rhapsody (in lap) and Presto.
Tail End
Adding A Cat To The Family
By Houston SPCA, HoustonSPCA.org
If you are making plans to bring a cat or kitten into your family, Houston SPCA’s Chief Veterinarian Dr. Roberta Westbrook shares some things to consider as you prepare for his or her homecoming.
Long Term Relationship A healthy feline can live an average of 15 years, so first be sure you can dedicate at least that much time to caring for them.
The Essentials Have an array of enrichment toys, kitty litter and tray, as well as a collar with ID
tag. Shop for a veterinarian in advance and be sure to have your new cat or kitten microchipped and spayed or neutered.
Clawing to the Top Be sure to get a scratching post so your new kitty can file down their claws and not wreak havoc on your furniture. Also, have a cat tree so there is a high place to perch. This will help them feel more comfortable and provide a bird’s eye-view of their new world. Remove any fragile items located on top of cabinets or dressers so
they don’t knock anything over during their climbing adventures.
A Place to Call Their Own A new environment can be very stressful for a feline because he or she has no sense of territory established. Be prepared to create a safe space for them, such as a laundry room or bathroom, where they can go to destress if he or she starts to feel overwhelmed.
Plant Check There may be some plants around your home that could be harmful to felines if
ingested, so be sure to get rid of those before your feline arrives. They include begonias, aloe vera and birds of paradise.
Twice As Nice If you plan on adding another feline to your family, a proper 3-step introduction can help establish acceptance and they may even become lifelong pals. Keep them separated at first, then slowly let them see one another before doing a faceto-face introduction.
Tail End
Puppy Grooming
Start Early To Create A Relationship With Your Pup And Stylist
By Judi Cantu, Owner of Posh Paws Mobile Spa, PoshPawsMobile.com
Getting a new puppy is an exciting time in a pet owner's life. There's potty training, new bowls, a comfortable bed, and the ever-important: puppy toys! But what about grooming? How much grooming will your new puppy need? Where should you take them and, even more importantly, when is the right time to start?
Puppies are ready to have their first visit with a pet stylist as early as 3 months old, or soon after their last series of puppy shots. Why so young? It is part of their puppy training. Grooming does not always mean a haircut. In fact, their first groom should be basic. A puppy groom includes cleaning ears, cutting, and filing nails, clearing up hair around the eyes
and sanitary areas. Of course, we cannot forget the bath, blow dry and brush out. Introducing your puppy to the salon in the preliminary stages of life will help them become accustomed to the tools, sounds and scents.
This is the time for your pup to build a relationship with your pet stylist. Trust is built during the puppy stage. It is good to give your stylist the time they need to spend with your puppy so that they can give them comfort and proper training. They might need a break or two, so do your diligence not to rush the groomer.
By the 2nd or 3rd grooming, your pup will be ready for their first haircut. Dogs like Poodles and Doodles have a variety of styles to choose from. Pick
something easy to reduce the stress on your pet. As they get more comfortable with the process, you can change the style to suit your lifestyle. Longer styles require more grooming. Keeping a 6-week or less schedule is ideal. Routine is key to keeping your dog happy, fresh, and healthy.
Other breeds like terriers, drop coats such as Shih-tzu, Maltese, or sporting breeds like Cocker Spaniels or Springer Spaniels have a breed standard haircut. However, these trims can be modified to better suit their lifestyles yet keep the integrity of the breed.
Double coated dogs also need grooming. Although a Husky or Golden Retriever only grows to a certain length, they still benefit
from proper maintenance grooming. These breeds must have undercoat removed to maintain healthy skin and coat and reduce matting.
I highly recommend finding the right groomer before you bring home your new puppy. Some groomers schedule in advance, and you will need to book your first appointment a few weeks ahead of time. Ask your vet, friends, and family for referrals. Do your research and find the right pet stylist to take care of your four-legged family member. Grooming is an important part of your pet’s health. A healthy puppy is a happy puppy.
Conservation Corner
Remembering Beloved Jaguar, Tesoro
As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo. This issue, we highlight the medical journey of Tesoro the jaguar. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.
By: Jessica Reyes
Houston Zoo is mourning the loss of beloved jaguar, Tesoro. The 11-year-old male jaguar struggled
to recover from a serious leg injury. Six weeks after surgery, Tesoro’s condition took a turn for the worse to the point where
medical intervention would no longer improve his quality of life. With Tesoro’s wellbeing as the top priority the Zoo’s veterinary and animal care teams made the difficult decision to humanely euthanize the beloved jaguar.
Tesoro’s injury was discovered in early May when his animal care team noticed him limping, and radiographs indicated he fractured his elbow, and had arthritis and elbow dysplasia. After performing surgery Tesoro’s team remained cautiously optimistic, however his recovery was never guaranteed.
Houston Zoo’s five incredible veterinarians, along with its veterinary technicians, clinic staff and animal keepers worked together every day to ensure Tesoro received world-class care. The team conducted routine checkups and monitored his condition,
Photos provided by Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo
ensuring his comfort. In late June, his care team saw that he needed emergency medical attention. While under anesthesia, the team discovered that he had re-broken his leg and was in renal failure—a condition that occurs when one or both kidneys stop working properly.
Born in 2014, Tesoro arrived at the Houston Zoo as a young cub in 2015 and quickly captured the hearts of guests, staff, and volunteers with his striking beauty, energetic confidence, and remarkable strength. Over the years, he became a guest favorite and an ambassador for jaguar conservation, inspiring countless visitors.
Tesoro's legacy lives on through his offspring, including Tesoro’s seven-month-old cub, Rojo. Through them, Tesoro’s story will continue to inspire future
generations of animal lovers and conservationists.
The Houston Zoo remains committed to honoring Tesoro's life by continuing its efforts in jaguar conservation through Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) Jaguar, a program focused on saving jaguars in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary in Belize. The Zoo provides support to help fund local rangers to patrol remote areas, maintain facilities, support visitors, and help to prevent illegal activities like poaching.
Beyond Belize, SAFE Jaguar is expanding its efforts by supporting national conservation plans, building partnerships with veterinarians and researchers, and increasing public awareness about jaguar protection—both in the wild and through educational programs at AZA institutions.
"Although my "story" is about the anxieties of responsibly and safely taking care of large animals, it's really a story that we share in the fabric of humanity...the fear of the unknown, the fear of change."
By: Michelle Mantor
WHY I LOVE ANIMALS
What I love about animals is how they instill WONDER in me. I can’t really explain the reason why and I’m satisfied not to–I’m ok with embracing the fact that God gave me a passion and I’m fortunate to have found it.
Some of my earliest childhood memories were of my dogs and cats and the feeling that I needed to help them and protect them from the many harms that could (and did) come their way. For instance, I felt such anger when the old man next door would kick my dog for daring to come into his yard; I felt such sorrow when my kittens died of everything from being hit by a car to being killed by the neighbor’s dog. I wanted nothing more than to protect my pets but, at a young age, there was only so much I could do.
I lived in a world where i felt misunderstood. Didn’t anyone see that animals have emotions? Didn’t
anyone feel their pain? Didn’t anyone see their value like I did? Obviously, I still carry that pain or I wouldn’t be talking about it decades later! The pain still resonates because my love of animals is innate and heartfelt.
Fast forward many years later and I find myself immersed in an animal world with my work. Plus, I've had many dogs and cats as pets over the years as well as fun experiences meeting lots of different species (as you can see from the photos). But what I wanted to share is my anxieties and fears as it relates to animals. With so many "curated" images of perfection that pervade people's social media, I think it's important to share what is REAL as well...not just our knowledge and successes but our doubts and failures too, in order to help one another.
As some of you know, I took a very big, scary step in 2017 and rescued an abused and neglected stallion
Photo: photographybyprudence.com
that was valiantly saved by Houston Humane Society. It was scary because I knew nothing about horses and I actually have a healthy fear of them...they are beautiful and BIG! I've shared my journey with my rescue horse, named Freedom, in several issues of PetTalk. He has been a beautiful soul in my life and I feel certain he was hand-picked for me by God. He has taught me quite a lot and I smile inside thinking of our connection. And, I am also abundantly thankful that I didn't let fear stop me from taking the first step on that journey.
For several years, Freedom was at a boarding facility. When I eventually moved to acreage where he could come live with me, he needed a buddy horse, which came with a lot of anxiety as well. I wanted to rescue a horse, but rescues come with baggage. What if I got a horse I couldn't handle because I'm a novice? What if I couldn't find a rescue horse that met my requirements–a gelding, similar in age to Freedom? Eventually, I found the cutest, sweetest little horse who was also saved by Houston Humane Society, and I named him Apache. Even though I was full of fear, I marched on, believing God would guide me. I truly could not have asked for two better horses for a person with no experience. They are great buddies and they make me laugh. But, like I do in so many cases, I didn't quit while I was ahead. No, I had to get two llamas to add to the mix (Warrior and PowWow). Once I made the commitment to get llamas, and I went through training, picked them out and arranged to get them from Abilene, the fear set in again. What if they are mean? What if they try to run over me or kick me? How do I train them to have good manners? And so it went in my brain. Now mind you, I realize my anxiety over these animals is all self-inflicted. I did not "need" to get them. In my heart, I wanted to save Freedom but the rest just unfolded as part of my living situation. I mean, if you have a barn, you might as well fill it up LOL!
It's been said that many writers write to learn for themselves and share the learning with others, not necessarily to educate. I think this rings very true. I continually battle anxiety over the animal choices/lifestyle I've made and because of the anxiety, I question myself and the decision. Perhaps there are others out there like me that love animals and wish for a scenario where they could have multiple species but something is stopping them from taking the step. I figured why not share my thoughts about the good and the bad and hopefully inspire others to walk in uncomfortable shoes, which in the end, is better than a life of standing still.
I've now had the llamas for 3 years and it's all worked out fine. I've taught them a few things but if I'm being honest, taking care of large animals is a TON of work and I'm often exhausted from it all. There are beautiful moments of connection with the animals as well as funny and endearing ones too. But, there are plenty of times I'm worried about their health, their pasture quality, their mental health, etc. For example, I find myself waking up in the middle of the night (which is when everything is monumentally scary!), thinking, "If I'm so worried about this, why am I doing it?" There is a part of me that wants to share my life with different species because I find them so fascinating and valuable to our planet, but yet I don't have confidence in my ability to not screw it up. What if I leave a gate open? What if I get in the way of food aggression between two horses and get hurt inadvertently? At times, I feel insecurity when I should be feeling elated that a long-standing dream has come true. Mostly, I do feel gratitude but occasionally I have regrets about the sacrifices of time, travel and money that it takes to live this lifestyle of large animal stewardship and all that comes with it.
In addition to being cathartic for me to share my experience, I think it's important to share our doubts and fears because it's what makes life REAL. We all have fears but the goal is to not let them stop us from pursuing
a passion and conversely, not giving up once you've gone "all in".
So, for me, I truly bask in the beautiful moments with the animals and march onward through the challenges, because at the end of my time, I want to be able to say that I got to LIVE the life I dreamed of and I got to LOVE these four awesome animals that share my life..
Freedom crushing it on his Patriotic cover photoshoot.
Apache getting ready for his magazine debut December 2021.
Apache & Freedom standing in fear of the newly arrived llamas.
Teaching PowWow how to give mom a kiss.
Warrior's first photoshoot for the December issue 2022.
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
At PetTalk, we value our sponsors who make our publication possible. Without them, PetTalk would not exist as a FREE resource to our pet community. We want to give our readers an opportunity to know them a bit better. Each issue, we highlight a Q&A with a sponsor and in this issue, we introduce you to: Hounds Town Houston Midtown: HoundsTownUsa.com/locations/houston-midtown/ | 832-695-5032 4102 Fannin Street, Suite B, Houston 77011
What inspired you to open Hounds Town Midtown, and what sets it apart from other pet daycare and boarding facilities?
We both grew up with pets and we knew we wanted to work with them someday. More than that, we knew we wanted to help them have better lives. Fast forward to adulthood and we had a special dog, a Doberman named Penny. She was finicky - had lots of opinions and was misunderstood because of this and not accepted at traditional daycares. We realized we could offer the dogs of Houston a safe, nurturing, and enriching environment through Hounds Town – giving dogs like Penny (and the millions of other dogs out there) the best chance at having a great life.
What sets us apart is that we have five distinct playrooms where we separate dogs into curated packs. They are grouped based on their size, but also on their age, energy level, temperament, and play style – so dogs who are wild and crazy get to be with dogs like them, while quieter, introverted dogs get to be safe in their own natural pack.
Describe a typical day at Hounds Town?
For our Townies (that’s what we call our dogs), they can arrive anytime between 6:30am and 12pm. Once they arrive, they are grouped into their pack for all day play! We don’t believe in forcing human standards onto our dogs, so we let them self-regulate. When they need to sleep, they sleep. When they want to play, they play. They always
have access to water and bathroom areas. Our lobby is closed to human pawrents (aka parents) from 12-2pm so everyone can get some quiet time. Next, we begin our spa services. Some dogs will just get a quick Townie Bath, and others may get their teeth brushed or nails trimmed. Once the townies who are receiving spa services are cleaned up, they will be ready for pickup. All dogs can get picked up anytime between 2-7:30pm.
Townies who are spending the night get breakfast around 6:30am every morning and dinner around 5pm every evening. Then, they get to sleep in one of our townhomes after a tiring day of play! Hounds Town focuses on pack play by size and energy level instead of just small vs. large dogs. Why is that important for the dogs’ wellbeing?
Dogs are pack animals, but they can also overwhelm and accidentally hurt one another when they aren’t with other dogs like themselves. When you separate by energy level and play style in addition to size, you can curate packs that build the confidence of the dogs – in addition to tiring them out – which leads to an overall happier dog. This can lead to a reduction in destructive behavior, separation anxiety, guarding, and much more!
What has surprised you most about being in the pet industry?
The amount of love and care everyone has for the dogs. From the people we’ve met in the few months we’ve been open, it’s been so clear how much people in Houston love dogs. There are far more animal welfare groups working to provide better lives for dogs than we had imagined. Houston clearly loves dogs. What’s the most rewarding part of working with dogs every day—and what’s the messiest?
The most rewarding is seeing them come out of their shells and grow in confidence. We had a dog come into our facility who wouldn’t make eye contact with any humans. She
tucked her tail and would cower at the sight of a human. After a few days at daycare, she was wagging her tail and coming up to the staff. After a few weeks, she was barking and bouncing like she owned the place! It was beautiful.
The messiest is the obvious…dogs are animals and we have amazing staff in place that help our dogs look & smell their best…even when they decide to take a roll in something they shouldn’t.
What advice would you give to a pet parent looking for their dog’s first daycare experience?
Get ready for a tired dog! But in all seriousness, it can take a couple of visits to daycare before your dog really gets comfortable. It’s like school for your kids – they might be nervous at first, and they are going to behave differently for you than they do for us. They will be more tired after the first couple of days, but they will build up a tolerance and they might even start asking you to take them! Just like school, minor things like colds or cuts can happen – especially because dogs use their mouths to communicate and play – but rest assured that we are always watching your dogs and can give them breaks if they need it. And our promise to you is we will always communicate with you immediately when it comes to your furbaby.
How does Hounds Town give back to the local pet community?
One of the most important things for us when it came to opening our store was making sure we gave back to the dogs of Houston. We immediately started fostering dogs from local rescues in our store – we’ve successfully adopted 2 of the 3 we fostered, so far – and have plans to bring in three more once our girl gets adopted. We also partner with local dogcentric small businesses to promote the strong community of business owners we have here in Houston.
And just for fun: If the dogs at Hounds Town could give you a nickname, what do you think it would be—and why?
Uncle Chris & Aunt Liz – because we aren’t their pawrents, but we love them like our own!
