South of Congress, but not South of HopeSamantha Reichstein

Walking along the streets of South Congress on a Saturday afternoon, Mary and

Brian stop with their toddler, Ryan, to admire a 4-month-old pit bull mix.

Beside them, a little girl named Kim begs until her mother allows a white-and-gray

terrier pup into her arms.

“Is he friendly around other dogs?” the couple asked.

“Can we please get him?” Kim asked, looking up at her mom.

From there, instant connections form under a small black tent reading Austin Pets

Alive!

Since 2008, Austin Pets Alive! has strived to decrease numbers of euthanized

animals in the Austin area, maintaining a 99% live-release rate from each shelter

location.

The positive impact of APA! South Congress adoptions are not only benefitting the

animals, but potential adopters are gaining education about the no-kill, non-profit

organization.

“(On South Congress), animals that are not always a families first choice receive

more opportunities to meet potential owners,” said Rebecca Reid manager of

marketing for APA!

South Congress adoptions are a great way to showcase animals that are “harder to

adopt,” such as dogs with medical conditions, or puppies that require more of a time

commitment to families.

“While other adoption outlets require strict specifics for animals, South Congress

provides a flexible, inclusive atmosphere,” Reid said.

“Most of our animals come from shelters that do not have space for (them),”

Adoption Counselor Jordan Stubbs said.

“Many are faced with the consequence of becoming euthanized.”

As a main worker at the South Congress location, Stubbs said the weekend adoption

process significantly improves APA!

“This is the number one hub for adoptions,” Stubbs said. “Half of the adoptions we

do our walk-by; even people coming up and playing with the dogs gets our name out

there.”

Reid began working at Austin Pets Alive! in February of 2011, initially in the puppy

intensive-care unit.

Since then, Reid worked her way up to become a marketing manager while loving

every moment of her job.

“I get to wake up each morning, stare my APA! pups in the eye, and say, ‘I’m gonna

go do what I can to save more animals like you,’” she said.

The non-profit also provides educational aspects to its customers.

Both Reid and Stubbs elaborated on APA!’s Positive Alternatives to Shelter

Surrender; a program which brings financial help and educational lessons to owners

who feel forced to give up their pet.

Though South Congress provides visibility, more of APA’s work occurs behind the

scenes.

Lindsey Alhadef, a recent University of Texas graduate, began volunteering with

APA! this January.

“I’ve always wanted to adopt, but a college environment is not always suitable for

pets,” Alhadef said.

Whether it’s walking dogs along Town Lake’s trails, partaking in outings and

sleepovers through the “big sister” program, or even donating toys and treats,

volunteering has allowed Alhadef to not only give, but also gain.

“For people that are unaware of APA!, it easily shows them an amazing organization,

allowing them to start thinking about adoption, or even the volunteer process,”

Alhadef said.

WC: 502