I'm so sorry for what they went through; that just must have made a bad situation hellish. And also my sympathy to you: a lot of people don't get the decision to rehome a dog is never easy and very rarely one someone does if they have any realistic options. I had to find homes for my baby rabbits (long story) and while yes, I wanted to, I was prepared, I knew this would happen from the moment I came home to find them in cage and realized no, Charlemagne did not somehow adopt a tiny colony of baby mice somehow, but--it was easy in the sense that I knew they were going to a home that really really wanted them, but that's about it. For you, it must have been that times about fifty and I am so sorry.
And totally with you on Austin options (as I live here). I got our German Shepherd (now honorably deceased but remembered with love) fourteen years ago at the Austin Municipal Shelter when it was still down south and Mom just got her new dog from the Austin Humane Society on Anderson; both were great experiences. I always recommend them first if someone isn't looking for a specific type and to check their websites regularly because they're good at updating quickly. Also, the staff was incredibly helpful and kind.
I have to admit, I was surprised to realize that Austin has a lot of options when it comes to pets or even just help with pets and way more than most cities its size. Austin Animal Trustees (I think they're Emancipet now?) were the ones to help me finally find a good vet to get my male rabbit fixed (ironically, my female rabbit gave birth one week before the appointment and proved 1.) that it really does only take like five seconds for a female rabbit to get knocked up and 2.) never buy that type of crappy zip ties again because he managed to chew through at least five--FIVE--in less than an hour to get that panel open. This is why I now own six rabbits and not two).
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And totally with you on Austin options (as I live here). I got our German Shepherd (now honorably deceased but remembered with love) fourteen years ago at the Austin Municipal Shelter when it was still down south and Mom just got her new dog from the Austin Humane Society on Anderson; both were great experiences. I always recommend them first if someone isn't looking for a specific type and to check their websites regularly because they're good at updating quickly. Also, the staff was incredibly helpful and kind.
I have to admit, I was surprised to realize that Austin has a lot of options when it comes to pets or even just help with pets and way more than most cities its size. Austin Animal Trustees (I think they're Emancipet now?) were the ones to help me finally find a good vet to get my male rabbit fixed (ironically, my female rabbit gave birth one week before the appointment and proved 1.) that it really does only take like five seconds for a female rabbit to get knocked up and 2.) never buy that type of crappy zip ties again because he managed to chew through at least five--FIVE--in less than an hour to get that panel open. This is why I now own six rabbits and not two).