Man Waits Hours to Adopt Shelter Dog at “Clean the Shelters” Event

Dog News
By Angela Park

They say dogs are a man’s best friend, but why are there many dogs surrendered to shelters? These dogs are only given a few months or years (if they are lucky) for adoption before they euthanize them. As heartbreaking as this sounds, this is a reality for many dogs in shelters, which is why some animal support organizations and shelters arrange a dog adoption day in malls or parks, hoping for love at first sight between onlookers and the dogs. Some of these dogs are lucky enough to find new owners, like Julius, a 2-year-old Sheperd mix.

An event called “Clean the Shelters” was arranged by the animal shelter Austin Pets Alive! in Texas which pioneers life-saving programs for animals at risk for euthanasia. One man arrived hours early so he could adopt Julius, a dog that he had bonded with days prior to the event.

In a video footage shared by Austin Pets Alive! on TikTok, Drew, the man who waited hours to get Julius, is seen completing the adoption process together with his partner. He said that days before, he and his partner got the chance to hang out with Julius for half an hour to get to know him better. It was then that they decided to adopt Julius during the event as they fell in love with him. 

@austinpetsalive

We’re not crying you’re crying 😭 Bumi, FKA Julius, is just one of many pets that found loving homes during ClearTheShelters. Thank you for showing up for Central Texas animals and making pets like Bumi’s dreams come true! 🧡 #austinpetsalive #happytails #happilyeverafter #adoptionstory #austintx

♬ original sound – Austin Pets Alive!

After the process was complete, it was seen on the video that Julius was running excitedly towards his new PAWrents. He was captured wagging his tail as Drew and his partner reciprocated the excitement by patting him. Since the adoption was deemed official, Julius snapped a photo with his new PAWrents. The end footage shows them leaving the event grounds together. 

The couple decided to give Julius a new name, which is Bumi as seen on the TikTok video’s caption. The organization then thanked them for giving Bumi a second chance at life. 

We do wish Bumi and his new PAWrents a joyous life!

About Austin Pets Alive!

Austin Pets Alive! may be every animal in the shelter’s hope, but they actually started out because of Austin’s high k*ll rate of 87%. Throughout the years, they strived to change this percentage since the organization found inspiration in saving animals. 

Drew picking up Julius after his adoption process (📸: Austin Pets Alive!)

The organization started out with pet lovers, local attorney James Collins, and his then-wife Judy Ford as an advocacy group for animal life-saving. Through this, they were able to pull other animal welfare groups around the city to draft a “No K*ll Millenium Plan” to put the city shelter to No Kill status. Through this successful plan, the No Kill goal has been met as the city moves towards spay/neutering instead to control the homelessness of animals in the area. 

In June 2008, the Austin Pets Alive! was reborn as a rescue organization where off-site adoptions and medical care missions began. Now, they already have a save rate of 97% through the years, where different city resolutions and adoptions took place. Austin Pets Alive! is happy to announce that Austin is now the largest No Kill city in the country. 

RELATED: Navigating Life with a Touch: A Dog’s Tale of Triumph Over Disability

How To Adopt at Austin Pets Alive!

To adopt a pet, simply head over to Austin Pets Alive’s! official website and select ‘Available Dogs’ depending on the animal that you’re looking for, as they also have cats. You will find different dogs along with their name, age, and extra information. If a dog catches your eye then you can click the ‘Adoption Inquiry’ button and add in your personal information. Someone from the organization will contact you as soon as you fill out the form. 

Dogs up for adoption at Austin Pets Alive! (📸: Austin Pets Alive!)

You can also attend these events where you can adopt a dog. Just head over to their official social media pages to stay updated on the next adoption event that they will be attending. 

RELATED: 3-Time Dog Shelter Escapee Found a Home at a Care Facility

From The Club

Ever since the world became open on the homelessness of animals, I’ve been choosing to adopt rather than buy them since I want every shelter dog to have a second chance at life. I may not be able to create a home for each and every dog, but at least I get to save the lives of many dogs as I would create space for more dogs to be taken to shelters. I deeply appreciate organizations such as Austin Pets Alive! since, for many years, they have been championing the lives of pets, and they have turned Austin into the biggest No K*ll city. I hope other organizations from other cities will be inspired by Austin Pets Alive’s! hard work.