| A volunteer organization devoted to the welfare of | | | | both the dog and the adopting family. Adoption fees |
| stray and homeless dogs in the Austin area, Blue Dog | | | | are moderate, and do not fully cover the cost of |
| Rescue offers hope for hundreds of dogs every | | | | medical care and food; the difference is made up by |
| year that otherwise would face euthanization. By | | | | donations, sponsorships and fundraisers. |
| providing fostering and home placement services, | | | | One highly-anticipated annual fundraiser is |
| Blue Dog Rescue's team of volunteers give these | | | | Barkitecture, a benefit for area animal welfare |
| beautiful dogs a second chance at life and the loving | | | | organizations including Blue Dog Rescue. Local |
| homes they deserve. | | | | architects, builders, and designers compete to create |
| Many dogs end up in shelters because of irresponsible | | | | doghouses reflecting their unique flair; the doghouses |
| breeding practices. Dogs Rescue supports the spaying | | | | are then auctioned, and the proceeds donated to a |
| and neutering of pets to prevent these unwanted | | | | variety of Austin animal shelters and rescues. |
| births. They have a strict policy of sterilization for all | | | | BlueDogs Rescue is also a featured charity for the |
| dogs over six months of age, and require | | | | Austin Marathon and participates in the 26 Miles for |
| prospective owners to agree to sterilize puppies | | | | 26 Charities program, with local runners raising money |
| under six months at the appropriate time; this policy | | | | to support BlueDog animal rescue efforts. Blue Dogs |
| ensures that fewer unwanted puppies will be born in | | | | Rescue's annual calendar featuring celebrities with |
| the Austin area. | | | | their dogs provides additional funds to support their |
| Blue Dog Rescue provides at least seven days of | | | | volunteer work. Local musicians often participate in |
| foster care and observation for every dog they | | | | concerts to benefit this worthy cause as well. |
| accept into their program; this allows the volunteer | | | | Blue Dog Rescue offers a variety of adoption |
| staff to interact with the dog and assess his or her | | | | opportunities throughout the year at local pet supply |
| unique personality. This period of interaction allows | | | | stores and other community events. These "meet |
| Dog to give a detailed description of the dog's | | | | and greet" sessions are intended to introduce the |
| temperament and physical condition. Volunteers will | | | | dogs and the organization to prospective owners and |
| ascertain how he or she interacts with children, | | | | volunteers, raising awareness and encouraging |
| adults, and other pets, and provide this information to | | | | owners to spay and neuter their own pets. |
| prospective adoptive families, allowing them a clear | | | | Blue Dog Rescue offers homeless dogs a second |
| picture of the dog's state of health and socialization. | | | | chance to find a loving home. By carefully matching |
| Individuals and families wishing to adopt a pet from | | | | dogs to owners, Blue Dog provides the best possible |
| Blue Dog Rescues undergo a comprehensive | | | | chance of a successful adoption and a forever home |
| application process, including written forms, an | | | | for their dogs. Blue Dog Rescue and other local animal |
| in-person interview, and a visit to the home where | | | | welfare organizations demonstrate that Austin has a |
| the dog will be living. This ensures that every Blue | | | | heart as big as Texas itself. |
| adoption has the greatest chance of success for | | | | Don't buy, ADOPT! |