Family Honors Beloved Pet with Free Adoptions
The saying “dogs are a man’s (or woman’s) best friend” is what inspired a family to give the gift of friendship to others. After losing their dog, Django, her owners—former County residents—donated funds to cover the adoption fees for all Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter pets who found their forever homes January 22-24.
Django’s family adopted her in 2011 from WCRAS and wanted to give back to honor their beloved pet after her recent passing. Thanks to their generosity, and Django’s memory, the shelter adopted out 33 animals.
Django’s time with her family was an adventure, full of hikes, camping, and beach trips. “When we adopted Django, she had been adopted once before and returned to the shelter for being overly active, so we knew what we were getting ourselves into,” says Django’s owner, who wishes to remain anonymous.
Django’s veterinarian said she had so much energy she looked like she could run to Dallas and back. She lived up to that expectation and spent her days running, hiking, and playing. She loved running miles around Lady Bird Lake in the Texas heat and hiking off-leash on the Turkey Creek Trail and in Onion Creek Park. Django is described by her forever family as a sweet, affectionate, and smart dog. She aced every obedience class she took but was always spunky and determined to do her own thing.
“When we moved to Oregon, she learned to love the forest and waterfalls. She dipped her feet into the Pacific Ocean and made sand angels on the beach,” her loving owner shares. Her family remembers a special camping trip they took last summer. She was 11 years old and had recovered from cancer surgery, but had the drive to hike seven miles to discover a new waterfall. Django remained active until the end of her life.
“She gave us so much joy. We are so glad that we gave a dog her second chance (in Django’s case a third) because we had so much fun with her. We miss her, and we hope others can discover the love and happiness a rescued dog can bring to their family,” Django’s adopter says.
The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter hopes Django’s story inspires more people to give shelter animals a forever home.
While her campaign was unique, and successful on a large scale, anyone who wishes to help families adopt without cost can become an Adoption Angel for one or more dogs or cats needing a home. A one-time $75 donation covers the adoption fee and special marketing for one animal. Adoption Angels not only help animals in need, they also allow donors to promote a business, honor a friend or family member, or just give a meaningful gift to a person looking for a new best friend. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Residents interested in adopting a new furry family member can view all available pets at pets.wilco.org, then send an email to [email protected] to schedule an appointment.