Maddie’s Dog Rescue saves 4 dogs from City Animal Control Shelter as local volunteers work to enhance hope for stray population

There is no doubt that a healthy and effective animal control system in a city is crucial for public safety, animal welfare and overall community well-being. However, managing stray populations sometimes equates to euthanizing stray animals, as rescue and adoption efforts take time, money, dedication and resources that sometimes local governments in rural communities simply don’t have or don’t know how to obtain. In recent months, however, Brackettville animals have benefited greatly from the generosity and passion of some local and regional volunteers and nonprofit organizations. 

With the help of local and area Facebook groups and other outreach efforts, Cindy Hayter from KCAA has been spreading the word about the needs of our local animal population in Kinney County. Hayter is spearheading conversations about animal welfare ordinances and options, and is currently working on a proposal to present to the City of Brackettville that would allow more volunteer assistance and a greater path to adoption for dogs that have been picked up by Animal Control. In a draft of a the proposal, Ms. Hayter notes that if the City of Brackettville commits to a Low- or No- Kill program, there would be additional resources available such as free food, grants for vaccines, and funding for animal rescue and placement efforts. She adds that such efforts would help market the city and help make it a great place to live and raise children. 

Recently, the City of Brackettville Animal Control posted 5 dogs that had been picked up and placed in the shelter with a 5 business day window for rescue and survival. Diana Olvedo-Karau with Maddie’s Dog Rescue in Uvalde, saw the post and “knew they had to help.” A post on Facebook by Olvedo-Karau says, “We reached out to local rescue advocates, Brackettville city staff & Mayor Erik Gomez from Sabinal.  Through these efforts we were able to come to an agreement with the City of Brackettville to waive all fees and allow us to pull all 5 dogs.  Unfortunately through some miscommunication, one of the dogs was euthanized, but on Wednesday we were able to save Addie, Abbie, Annie & Atley!

It was through our amazing network that we were able to find foster placement for all the dogs.  It was a true team effort and we want to acknowledge everyone that helped make this happen.” She goes on to recognize Cindy Hayter, Brackettville; Rebecca Melton Campo, Brackettville; Araceli Newman, Del Rio; Amanda Sicilia, Del Rio; Michelle Fagan, Del Rio; Albert Ortiz, Del Rio; Debbie’s Grooming, Del Rio. We still need to secure rescue placement, but the dogs are safe, being vetted and being loved.” 

Thanks to Maddie’s Dog Rescue and others, Addie, Abbie, Annie & Atley, will have a chance at survival. 

Atley was tagged by Austin Pets Alive within 4 days of being rescued from the shelter and they take care of all his vetting.

The remaining 3 dogs will be spayed on March 26 with the help of AARC in Del Rio. Three dogs could still use a foster home placement so that they can continue to learn socialization with a family home which will make them much easier to place in a permanent home. 

Hopefully, more Brackettville animals will have a greater chance at adoption, as locals and area volunteers continue to advocate for a stronger animal welfare program within the animal control system. 

Maddie’s Dog Rescue was founded in late 2020 and is based in Uvalde.  They help rescue dogs & other animals across the region.  Working with a strong network of rescue advocates, rescue partners and financial supporters they help rescue an average of 600-700 dogs a year.  They began working with Cindy Hayter and KCAA about a year ago.  People can find both groups on Facebook to learn more about their work.

Update after time of printing: Annie has been adopted by her foster family in Del Rio; long time volunteers with AARC, a Del Rio based dog rescue! 

Photos by: Diana Olvedo-Karau