As a Texan, there are many things we are proud of. Whataburger. Tex-Mex. H-E-B. Big Red. Blue Bell. Matthew McConaughey. But what makes our great state even more special is how it came together during a time of crisis.
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When Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast, everyone stepped up to offer a helping hand. The San Antonio community is no exception. San Antonio businesses donated millions toward relief efforts, the city provided shelter for more than 1,000 evacuees and the community filled donation sites to the brim with water and food.
But what some are unaware of is how San Antonio Pets Alive! repeatedly braved the severe weather and saved more than 300 homeless animals from Harvey’s aftermath.
“Our mission is to save those animals most vulnerable to the possibility of euthanasia,” Marketing & Events Manager Erika Mullins shared. “So in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, San Antonio Pets Alive! knew that we must come to the aid of our neighbors in need.”
San Antonio Pets Alive! is a nonprofit animal rescue with the goal of making our city a No Kill Community. Their lifesaving programs target the animals that end up on the euthanasia list at our city shelter. Because the heart of the organization is to help those whose life is at stake, there was no hesitation to care for the 300 Harvey rescues on top of the 6,000 animals they take in each year.
“These cats and dogs rescued from Harvey affected areas were indeed at-risk and needed the help of our organization and our resources,” Erika said.
And those animals still need help. The San Antonio community can lend a helping hand by doing the following:
Adopt a New Best Friend
Adopting is just a fancy way of saying you’re a hero. You may not get the cool tights or flowing cape, but you get to add a furry companion to your family. That’s better than any superpower.
When you take your new pet home, you empty a kennel. That empty kennel means there is space for another dog or cat to be rescued. You’re saving two lives. Look out, Captain America. To check out the adoptable animals, go here.
Become a Foster Parent
Being a foster parent is like being the cool, fun aunt or uncle. You get to reap all the rewards of having a pet without making a lifetime commitment. Think about it. Dog kisses. Cat purrs. Couch cuddles. Unconditional love. Temporary stay. By opening your doors to a rescue, you help give that animal a second chance.
Currently, San Antonio Pets Alive! is in need of short-term dog fosters and long-term cat fosters. To apply to become a foster, go here.
Make a Donation
Don’t get me wrong, breakfast tacos are worth every penny. But what if, once a month, you slide that $5 for your chorizo and eggs tacos toward a good cause.
A monthly donation through the Guardian Monthly Giving program means providing food, supplies, and even medical treatment for a rescued animal. It can be the difference from an animal staying in a shelter to finding a forever home. To join the monthly giving program or make a one-time donation, go here.
Saving lives is not easy. It takes a village. A SAPA! Village, in fact—the nickname used to describe San Antonio Pets Alive!’s supporters. And even though Hurricane Harvey has passed, the storm’s impact has not.
“We know that the recovery period of this storm could take months,” Erika explained. “But with the help of the community, fosters, volunteers, and donors, we are confident that we can meet the set of challenges that recovery presents along with our consistent work at the San Antonio city shelter.”
Members of the community that would like to get involved can visit their website at www.sanantoniopetsalive.org and sign up to foster, volunteer, or make a donation.
Editor’s Note: This is a sponsored post paid for by San Antonio Pets Alive!
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