HLCR Newsletter February 2025

Butter Roxy Delgato Swiper Fauna Pepper Happy

Real Dogs, Real Stories: Support HLCR Rescues Through Amplify Austin

Amplify Austin is a two-month-long campaign that culminates into a 24-hour giving marathon on Amplify Day March 5-6 for Central Texas charities. For HLCR, Amplify is not just another fundraiser, it's the fundraiser that makes up the majority of our budget. As a private canine rescue with no municipal funding, our Amplify supporters pave the way for dramatic medical and behavioral transformations through our Diamonds in The Ruff program.

Transformations like Echo’s! It is common for German Shepherds to have hip dysplasia, but Echo was just several months old when it was clear she had it based on her gait. She was already overlooked by potential adopters, who could not take the financial burden.

Thanks to our Amplify Austin supporters of 2024, Echo received total hip replacement surgery and post-op care that unlocked a real chance.

Echo’s Life as a Family Dog:

We have an update from Echo's adoptive family! “Echo has been a great addition to our family. We live in the country and she has plenty of room to run…She loves running. Ms. Echo is a very intelligent, loyal dog…excellent watch dog and protector. When we have visitors, she lets them know that we are hers. But, after introductions, she is willing to share us with our friends. Echo really does make human friends easily after first encounters. She takes her job as protector seriously," they report.

They also shared that she is on supplements, to further support her joints, so she can continue running, jumping and asking for hugs. “She is an exceptional dog and a perfect fit to our pack…Echo is the best.” Yay Echo!

But we know there are more at-risk dogs out there that need us to come together once again to support them, such as Hopper:

His journey is only beginning! Hopper was born with a leg he can’t control but had adapted to getting around all by himself. But “getting by” isn’t enough. To give him the chance to thrive, Hopper needs amputation surgery—a procedure that will allow greater mobility for play, running or getting here and there. We are currently in talks with our veterinary partners at Violet Crown and Hope Animal Clinic.

All Amplify Austin proceeds go towards food, vet care, supplies and necessary staffing to provide quality, full-time care for our rescues. Be a part of real change for homeless dogs caught in circumstance -- we can’t wait for all the amazing things we can accomplish together!

Diamond Update: Anakin

Shelter dog out on a walk at a dog rescue.

When Anakin arrived, he was totally covered in scabs and hair-loss. Initially shy and mellow, his story began in a stray pack, where life was harsh. Thanks to the intervention of Maddie's Dog Rescue and Bandera Animal Control, Anakin came to the right place as a Diamond in The Ruff. Anakin was fighting demodex mange, a non-contagious but painful condition that needs time and dedicated care. He received our proven mange treatment that includes medicated baths, topical and oral treatments with a balanced, nutrient-filled diet that supports healthy skin and hair growth. Through it all, he remained sweet-natured and has blossomed into a vibrant, happy boy! Now fully recovered, Anakin is ready for adoption, waiting for someone to discover how truly special he is.

Click here to learn more

about the Diamonds in the Ruff program!

January 2025 Adoptions

Adoption Count: 4

Who: Happy, Pepper, Atlas, Boone

Welcome New Volunteers

Anne Poole

Johanna Schorck

Darlene Brown

Maddie West

Nile West

Volunteer Update

Double Horn Brewing's Giving Night Event is coming up on Feb 12th. They will be donating 20% of the night's sales to HLCR dogs. There is a SignUpGenius for volunteers planning to attend with the info. It's not required for you to sign up, but we hope to catch you there!

Stay tuned for more fun events coming this spring!

Saturday, February 8th: Tomlinson's in Lakeway 10 am - 12 pm

Saturday, March 1st: MF Spring Market on Main -- We'll be there all day long and need plenty of volunteers. There are multiple time slots available on SignUpGenius.

We deeply appreciate every volunteer that helps us get our rescues seen by being their advocate at our adoption events. Some friendly reminders --

If you notice a combination of these stress signals:

Yawning or lip-licking
Shaking off when not wet
"Whale eyes"
Pacing or turning away
Lethargy
Ears pinned back

Or these signs of agitation:

Tail high and stiff
Intense staring
Rigid focus on someone/dog
Wide stance
Raised hackles
Alert, forward ears

It's time to move the dog to a quieter area if possible, redirect interaction, or stop interaction entirely if agitated. If you noticed a combination of these signs, reporting your observations to staff is encouraged.

Shelter visit reminder! Outside certain pens, there may be a red sign on the gate. Please radio staff to assist you before entering. The dogs inside may not be aggressive, but some of these pups might be known escape artists or enthusiastic jumpers. Letting the staff assist you also helps the dogs, since these dogs especially need gate/door manner reinforcement. Thank you for being an advocate for our precious rescues, so that they can put their best paw forward!