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Diamonds in the Ruff
Over the years, HLCR’s mission has honed in on a primary goal– rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs with special medical and behavioral needs.
Sadly, few organizations within Central Texas possess the resources necessary to share this charter, and we have found there is a significant gap to fill within our local community.
The lives of these “Diamonds in the Ruff” are greatly at risk. At HLCR we are committed to finding the unpolished gems and devoting the additional time and funding necessary to make them adoptable again.
Meet Our Diamonds
Each dog has a story that we are happy to share. Our Diamonds In The Ruff are in varying stages of their recovery. After careful assessment by our staff and veterinarians, they will graduate as Diamond Alumni and be ready for adoption.
Anakin
When Anakin arrived, he was trembling, covered in scabs, that we can't identify his mix. His story begins in a stray pack, where life was harsh. Thanks to the intervention of Maddie's Dog Rescue and Bandera Animal Control, Anakin is at the right place! Like our alum Farley, Anakin is fighting demodex mange, a non-contagious but painful condition that needs time and dedicated care. Now a part of our Diamonds in the Ruff program, Anakin will receive our proven mange treatment and all the love he needs to heal, with hopes of finding his forever family and a healthy, happy future.
Diamond Girls
When a homeowner returned to find these flea-infested puppies abandoned on their property, they had no idea how to care for them and reached out for help. Originally four, one had unfortunately passed away shortly after arriving. She will be buried on rescue property. Her surviving sisters Blanche, Rose and Dorothy are about two months old. They have tested positive for coccidia, an intestinal disease likely passed from their mother. They will be staying in our Carol Anne Kieffer Care Facility for treatment and monitoring. Once they receive a clean bill of health, we have no doubt they will find homes quickly!
Hopper
Hopper is a resilient pup with three steady paws and a sweet, gentle spirit. One of his front legs, likely a birth defect, he doesn’t have any control over. But that hasn’t dimmed his endearing cuteness and calm personality. After losing his stray mama to a passing car, Hopper and his siblings were rescued by Bandera Animal Control. While his siblings found foster homes, Hopper needed extra care. Through our Diamonds in the Ruff program, he’ll receive treatment for coccidia, x-rays and surgery to help him move around comfortably. A lover of cats, soft toys and naps, Hopper is on his way to a bright, happy future!
Roxy
When we first met Roxy, her wagging tail couldn’t hide the story her paws were telling. This sweet girl had an untreated leg injury—a dislocation that was never set—causing strain on her shoulder and increasing her risk of arthritis and future pain. Thanks to our Diamonds in the Ruff program and our partners, we’re exploring proactive care, including a procedure to realign her leg and long-term support. On top of that, Roxy tested positive for Heartworm Disease, but after just one treatment, she’s already tested negative! Through it all, her love for cuddles seems to supersede everything, but we’re committed to setting her up for a happy future so she can cuddle all she wants pain-free!
Adoptable Alumni
These dogs have completed their rehabilitation and are ready to trust again and put their hearts out there. Can you resist these polished gems?
Sarabi
Meet Sarabi, a true gem whose story tugs at the heartstrings. Abandoned by her previous owner, she was heartbreakingly caught on camera chasing their car, desperate not to be left behind. Fortunately, she was rescued by Lakeway Animal Control and found her way to us. Sarabi's journey took an unexpected twist when we discovered she was pregnant. Her puppies arrived earlier than anticipated, but all were healthy. Sarabi proved to be a wonderful mom, and they thrived at our Carole Ann Kieffer facility. Now, with her puppies ready for adoption, Sarabi is also looking for her forever home.
Autumn
We just can’t wrap our heads around neglectful care! Someone placed a collar on Autumn when she was a pup, and never resized it or removed it as she grew. This caused her body to grow around the collar, which created a large necrotic wound that spanned the entire circumference of her neck. When animal control found her, they immediately reached out to a local veterinarian and begged for help. Once the removal surgery was completed, good Samaritans from around the community called in and paid much of the medical tab. Once she found her way to us, we were tasked to complete the final throes of recovery including many bandage changes and months of detailed wound care. Now that she has reclaimed the last months of her puppyhood, we can see her through to finding a home that deserves her winning smile and boundless positivity.
Fran
Fran, a resilient dog who is ready to embrace a life filled with love and care. Fran’s journey started as an exclusively backyard dog, left to fend for herself in poor conditions until animal control came to her rescue.
Due to her previous hands-off owners, Fran never received the socialization she needed, but we’re committed to helping her overcome these challenges and make up for lost time! She has at last been successfully paired with a dog friend, and we will continue to expand her social circle.
Fran’s time outdoors without proper medical care led to her contracting heartworm disease, but she has completed treatment at HLCR and is now heartworm negative. Fran may appear a little rough around the edges, but underneath that exterior lies a true diamond.
She has a heart full of love to give and is eager to form a deep bond with her forever family.
Ruby
A hidden gem, Ruby holds the title as the longest-standing resident at the shelter. She joined us during a space crisis at a partnering shelter in Waco.
Upon her arrival to HLCR, Ruby tested positive for heartworms. However, over the course of her 12 months with us, we guided her through the necessary treatment process. Just days shy of her third birthday, Ruby received the incredible news that she had tested negative for heartworms.
This victory means she can now fully embrace a life of running, romping, wrestling, and playing fetch to her heart’s content.
She has spent enough time in the shelter system and we can’t wait to see her embark on a new chapter with a family of her own!
Luna
Luna eagerly awaits her forever family! Before finding her way into the shelter system, her family of many years made the difficult decision to surrender her to one of our partners.
She had several masses growing on her back and legs, raising concerns about the possibility of cancer. To increase Luna’s chances of finding a forever home, removing and testing the lumps were paramount, making her a perfect fit as an HLCR Diamond.
With the help of our partners at Spicewood Vet Clinic, Luna underwent surgery to remove the masses. Fortunately, the lumps were not cancerous. Luna also had a recurring flareup of skin irritation around her eyes, now relieved by a grain-free diet.
We are delighted to present Luna worry free and more adoptable than ever!
Why Support Highland Lakes Canine Rescue?
No-Kill and Privately Funded
Stress less about the dog you pick or the pup you pass over. Our dogs receive nourishing diets, in-house medical care, spacious over-night kennels, large yards for all-day play, and daily enrichment. All by loving staff and volunteers. They have all the time in the world to find the only thing we can't give them...
...Their forever homes.