Love dogs? Yeah, so do we–but you knew that already. In a perfect world, every single pup would have a home (and every home would have a pup), but in reality, rescue organizations around the country are working tirelessly every day to give homeless pets a second chance at forever. It’s this dedication that has earned Austin Pets Alive! a spot as our Animal Rescue Group of the Month. We chatted with APA’s Katera Berent to hear more about why they do what they do, how you can choose the perfect pupper for your home, and the myth these dog lovers would love to dispel for good.
Lulus: Tell us about Austin Pets Alive! and its mission.
Katera Berent: Austin Pets Alive! was started as an advocacy group in the late ’90s, but was reborn in 2008 as it is today: a rescue organization and animal shelter that focuses its efforts on the most vulnerable lives in Central Texas. We believe that every pet deserves a chance at life, so we created seven lifesaving programs to make that a reality. The animals in our care have been pulled from other shelters, where they would have been euthanized for space, medical history, behavior, or other reasons.
Lulus: What are the biggest challenges your rescue faces?
KB: Because we take in the animals who don’t have a chance elsewhere, our animals often have very distinct personalities and traits! To rise to that challenge, we have matchmaker teams for our dogs and cats that help match our adopters to their new pet. Another major challenge is funding as we are a non-profit animal shelter that runs entirely on donations–every single thing we do here is because of donations.
Lulus: Amazing! What is the best part of rescue, in your opinion?
KB: Our favorite thing about rescue is seeing these dogs and cats get a second chance at life. Bringing them to a safe place like Austin Pets Alive! where they have an actual chance, and then seeing those dogs and cats get adopted–that’s the best!
Lulus: On average, how many dogs do you place in their forever homes annually? How many to date?
KB: In the last 10 years that we have existed, Austin Pets Alive! has saved over 60,000 animals. In 2018 alone, 9,416 animals were adopted out to their forever homes.
Lulus: That’s incredible. If you could pick one thing you want people to know about rescue, what would it be? One myth you’d love to dispel?
KB: Hmmm…just one thing? That’s a tough one! We’d love for people to know is that rescue work should be life-saving work. Austin Pets Alive! has pioneered the No Kill movement because we believe in ending the unnecessary killing of companion animals–[and that] every animal has the right to a chance at life.
A myth we’d love to dispel is the myth that some breeds are more aggressive than others. We work with animals every single day, day in and day out. We believe in treating dogs as individuals over boxing them into breeds and judging them based on that. As We Rate Dogs would say, “They’re all good dogs, Brent.”
Lulus: Any tips for how to choose the right dog for the right family? What should potential adopters be thinking about?
KB: Adopters should be thinking about their home environment, lifestyle, and the interactions their dog would have in its daily life (whether with adults, children, dogs, cats, etc.). All of these little things add up to selecting the perfect dog for their home–and help the dog find its perfect home!
Lulus: What’s something a lot of people get wrong when it comes to their dogs?
KB: It’s not necessarily something that people get wrong, rather it’s more like advice. Dogs are complex, and can get overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed–just like people! It’s so important to understand when your dog is communicating that it’s feeling that way so that you can get it into a more comfortable situation.
Lulus: How would you advise someone to go about helping animals in their own neighborhood- where should they start?
KB: Start by volunteering at your local shelter and understand what resources and limitations that they have. Then, work to make a difference by spreading the No Kill movement to your community! Every animal deserves a chance at life.
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