HLCR Newsletter April 2025

Dopey Sleepy Grumpy Florian Bashful Snow Doc

Real Pawsitive Progress Ahead

This past month has been a time of transition at Highland Lakes Canine Rescue. Now fully staffed, we are happy to introduce and welcome Jordan Howard as HLCR's Shelter Operations Manager! As well as Kennel Technicians Nate and Kiersten, who will be joining Katie, Rachel, Alex and Stewart. A lot of fresh-faces—so don't be afraid to say hello if you come out for a morning walk with the pups!

Behind the scenes, this team has been refining our procedures, updating intake processes and developing more efficient systems to enhance the care we already provide. They are currently preparing to welcome new rescues, improve our facilities and continue our mission of finding loving homes for dogs in need.

A big thank you to volunteers that stepped up during this month with extraordinary generosity. They took time out of their day to help our techs complete those everyday tasks that ensured continued smooth and uninterrupted care. We are deeply grateful for everyone's support during this time of change!

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

Last but not least, a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated and fundraised in Amplify Austin this year! Your support provides the critical resources that fuel our work of rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming dogs caught in circumstance. As a small non-profit with no municipal funding, it's you guys that truly keep the wheels of our establishment turning so that we can reach even more dogs in need.

From Rescue To Reunion

A notable HLCR resident that you may recognize has now become alumni! Autumn's journey from unimaginable neglect to adoption exemplifies the power of community compassion. Discovered with a collar so deeply embedded in her neck that surgery was required for removal, she was rescued by Brady Animal Control Officer Jessica Morrissette who immediately recognized the severity of her condition.

Thanks to a social media plea, strangers covered the emergency veterinary costs at Menard Animal Clinic. Multiple rescue organizations then coordinated to provide and cover the extensive care she needed, included transport to HLCR. Under our Diamonds in The Ruff program, she needed weeks of daily bandage changes, antibiotics and pain management to recover completely.

Despite her previous neglect, Autumn excelled in basic training, revealing the brilliant mind beneath it all. The culmination of Autumn's recovery couldn't be more perfect. Now she has found her forever home with Sarah, a former staff member who recognized Autumn's intellectual needs and loving personality. Sarah went through a lot of coordination in order to make space for Autumn in her life. Such dedication shows that she could not be with a better family! Autumn's transformation from a severely neglected dog to a beloved family member stands as a testament to what can happen when an entire community rallies around an animal in need.

Diamond Update: Mirror, Mirror Munchkins

Shelter dog out on a walk at a dog rescue.

These nine puppies needed rescue from less-than-magical circumstances. Born as a surprise litter in unsuitable conditions, these little "dwarves" found sanctuary through our partnership with Llano Animal Rescue. They arrived in rough shape—swollen bellies, irritated skin and patchy fur. But a little time and TLC have worked wonders. Now four months old and almost completely dermatitis-free, these pups are ready to find their happily-ever-afters! Sweet, playful and full of puppy love (with a side of teething), they’re eager to start their next chapter with families who will cherish them. No prince’s kiss required—just a home filled with love.

Click here to learn more

about the Diamonds in the Ruff program!

January 2025 Adoptions

Adoption Count: 4

Who: Lola, Liam, Moby, Autumn

Welcome New Volunteers

Elaine Berger

Michael Berger

Judy Polanovsky

Vicki Palmer

Bryan Jette

Volunteer Update

March was a super busy month for our volunteers. We want to thank all of you for helping to fill in at the kennel while we were experiencing some staff shortages. It was great to see how you all pitched in to keep the dogs so well cared for.

And a big thank you to the group from Bee Creek Methodist Church for, once again, coming out to help out with some our larger projects on our rescue's to-do this month. They did such a wonderful job helping us clear out and organize the garage, trim branches and other large tasks that are now complete thanks to their help! Every visit these guys make leaves such a big impact on the everyday operations for the facility.

We are working on some amazing new events for us to participate in so fingers crossed we'll be adding some new things to our April calendar. If any of you know of a great restaurant, brewery etc. that we could partner with for events to show off our pups please let me know.

Saturday, April 5th: We will join Waggers & Swaggers at Bear King Brewing in Marble Falls from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 24th at Brixton in Horseshoe Bay: Need one more volunteer from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26th: Balcones Supply in MF Olde Oak Square from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Monday, May 12th Putts 4 Pups at Barton Creek Lakeside: We will need volunteers on the course and handling dogs!

Friday, April 18th Arbor House in Horseshoe Bay: We need one more volunteer! Event will be from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 24th Mah Jongg Tournament at Quail Point Lodge in Horseshoe Bay: We will need volunteers to help serve breakfast, lunch, timekeepers etc.

Saturday, September 6th Market Day on Main Street in Marble Falls: We will need volunteers to handle dogs and chat to the public about HLCR