HOTLR Star of the Week: Meet Maple

The best part of volunteering for a rescue group is to watch the transformation of a lonely, sick and heartbroken dog to a happy, healthy and self confident pup.  The excitement (and yes, chaos) of a meet ‘n greet as dogs and families come together is also very rewarding.  But probably the best part of it all is to watch a new family take into their arms for the very first time their new dog....Adoption day is the day that each of our dogs patiently waits for.

Some dogs are in and out of the program before we really get to know them.  They are healthy and young and need no additional vet care.  They warm up to the first family they meet and it’s love at first sight.

But some dogs come to us more broken than others.  It takes times to heal their wounds, nurse them back to health from illnesses, and mend their broken hearts so they know they are worthy of the love each dog deserves from his/her owner.

Sometimes they are a little older, sometimes it takes more time for them to recover, sometimes they quite simply just "fly under the radar".  New dogs come in and take their place at the top of our dog listing and the dogs that have been in the program for awhile drift toward the bottom.

These dogs are no less worthy or desirable than the newer dogs....sometimes they just need an update to their bio and some renewed face time.  We’ve got some wonderful dogs right now that have been with us for some time.  We know they will make perfect dogs for a special family and they are more than ready to move into their forever homes right now.

One of these special “sweet peas” is Maple.  She is our HOTLR Dog of the Week!!  Check out why Maple is such a "catch" by visiting her bio on the HOTLR website.

Other reasons to consider Maple:

Consider Maple if you want a quiet, easy-going companion that does not demand attention or require intense exercise! I'll be the first to admit that adopting a senior dog of any breed isn't for everybody but I will tell you that there's nothing like a senior dog, especially a Lab, to make you realize just how wonderful life is!! Seniors are relaxed and have a quiet dignity that a rowdy puppy will need some years to acquire.  Puppies are always cute and cuddly but there is something special about a senior that you will never ever forget. Maple is looking for her forever home. Do you know a family that would be perfect for Maple? Could it be with you?

Be sure to follow us on Facebook where we will continue to spotlight a HOTLR dog of the week and check the HOTLR website often for updates on existing dogs as well as info on new dogs!!

Heart of Texas Lab Rescue Needs You to Shop for a Cause

 


Calling all shopaholics.....this one’s for you AND it’ll help Heart of Texas Rescue Labradors too!!

On Saturday, August 25, Macy’s will host is 7th Annual Shop for A Cause benefitting charities nationwide including our very own Heart of Texas Lab Rescue....

How does it work?  Simple.  

• Purchase a $5 savings pass from Heart of Texas Lab Rescue

• Show up at any Macy’s on Saturday August 25th with your savings pass

• Shop until your heart’s content enjoying 25% savings on regular, sale and clearance merchandise, as well as 10% off furniture, mattresses and area rugs.

The good news?  You save lots of money while helping HOTLR at the same time!

HOTLR receives 100% of the proceeds on the sale of $5 Savings Passes!!!

You know and your kids know that back to school is just around the corner.  What a great time to enjoy extra savings on name brand quality Macy’s merchandise while doing your back to school shopping!!  Heck, you might even get crazy and get your Christmas shopping done too!! So get your Macy’s Shop for a Cause Savings Pass today!!

Contact HOTLR's fundraising coordinator Julie Ellison jellison@w-g.com to purchase your Savings Pass!

Just a Click for Just For Pets = Dollars for HOTLR Dogs

Hey Lab Fans - check out the easiest way ever to earn donations for your favorite Labrador charity, Heart of Texas Lab Rescue.  The wonderful folks at Just For Pets, an Austin luxury pet supply store located in northwest Austin have dedicated the month of July to the dogs of HOTLR. They offer a variety of pet related products including food, toys and bedding.  They also provide holistic dietary consultations and a full range of grooming services. Just for Pets has been a wonderful supporter to HOTLR in the past via silent auction donations and other support. Now, it's HOTLR's turn to give back plus we get dollars for dogs in the process!!  

All you have to do to earn a little extra dough for HOTLR's rescue pups is simply go to the Just for Pets Facebook page and click "Like".  Nothing could be simpler.  In return for your Like, you'll be informed of all the latest news at Just for Pets, including on-line specials and the latest blog posts.  And most importantly, HOTLR earns $2 for each new "Like" through the month of July.

You know you're a Facebook addict already, so go ahead and "Like" the Just for Pets page for a good cause.  Spread the word, tell you family, neighbors and of course, your Facebook Friends.  Giving to HOTLR has never been so easy and all it costs you is a click of your mouse.  Be sure to check out Just for Pets website and visit their store in person: 3742 Far West Blvd, Suite 104, Austin, TX.

WagN’ into Pet Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

"A person who plans for disaster is going to be far more able to safeguard themselves and their animals,” Stacy Moore- Guajardo assistant Emergency Manager, Austin Travis County.

By this point most of us know the hazards that face us in our communities; preparing for the specific hazards is essential. For example if you live on the coast it is important to have an evacuation plan for yourself and your pets.  

“Remember if you are asked to evacuate your home, do not leave your pets behind.  Pets left behind have very low chances of surviving on their own.   Unfortunately they can be isolated for days or weeks, your home may suddenly be in the path of the disaster, and there is no guarantee that a responder or rescue group can rescue your pet.   If you release your pet, the chances of survival are still slim and they are more vulnerable to disease and death.   Always plan to take your pet with you to a safe location,” Jennifer Hawes District Coordinator, Houston, Texas Division of Emergency Management.

For example the wildfires that occurred this time last year, numerous pets were lost in the fires. A young couple entered a local evacuation shelter for fire victims. Both Veterans who recently returned from Iraq, the couple was distraught. They had left their home to get supplies in case they had to evacuate, by the time they returned home the fire had jumped and their home was on fire.  They watched helpless as their home with all of their pets in it burned to the ground. The young lady tears streaming down her face said, “I could hear my babies (pets) crying as they burned.” This heartbreaking story serves as a grim reminder that preparedness can save lives.

After Katarina the PETS Act was created to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to ensure that State and local emergency preparedness operational plans address the needs of individuals with household pets and service animals following a major disaster or emergency.  This act ensures that pets are included in Federal, State, and Local Emergency Management plans.  It also provides another layer of protection for individuals and their pets allowing for the evacuation of pets with their owners.

“It is important to check with your local jurisdiction about their plans to help evacuate pets,” Ruben Alonzo, Director of State Operations, Texas Military Forces

You may not be able to prevent a disaster from occurring but you can reduce its impact. A little planning can help reduce injuries, loss, and suffering. This applies to your household pet(s), service animal(s), and yourself. You are ultimately responsible for the survival and well-being of your household pets and service animals. You should have an emergency response plan and readily accessible kits with provisions for family members, household pet(s), and service animal(s).

One of the most important disaster preparedness steps is to assemble a disaster kit (or Go-Kit) containing basic necessities and important information. The kit should include information and items you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate. Remember to:

• Store your disaster kit in an area where it can easily be retrieved.
• Check the contents of the disaster kit twice a year when the clocks change for daylight savings.
• Rotate all foods into use and replace with fresh food every 2 months.

Your go kit should include:

• Food, water, and bowls for each pet. (Keep a 3-day supply for evacuations, and a 2-week supply for sheltering-in-place at home.)
• Paper towels, plastic bags, and spray disinfectant for animal waste cleanup.
• Extra collars and tags, harnesses, and leashes for all pets (including cats).
•  A 2-week supply of medication, along with a copy of the current prescription.
• A recent photo of you with your pet.
• A crate or traveling carrier large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around. Label the crate with your pet’s name, your name, and where you can be reached.
• First Aid Kit
• Manual can opener (P-38)
• Pet comfort items such as blankets and toys
•  A list of hotels and boarding kennels that accept pets
• A list of veterinary offices
•  Detailed instructions for someone else in case you cannot care for your pet
• Copies of your pet’s medical and vaccination records. Boarding facilities may not accept your pets without proof of health.

“It is important for your pet to be up-to-date on vaccinations. During an evacuation your pet will come in contact with humans as well as other animals. It is crucial for the safety of all involved for immunizations to be current,” Ruben Alonzo, Director of State Operation, Texas Military Forces.

Remember by including your pets in your personal and professional emergency management plans you are Wag’n in the right direction!!