Deep in the Heart of Texas: Goliad Pet Adoption Saves Lives

Goliad Pet Adoption (http://GoliadPetAdoption.net.) is a small but mighty group located in the southern Texas ranching town of Giliad, not far from Corpus Christi.  This Hale Rescue Rewards partner was founded in October 2001 by a group of dedicated volunteers who wanted to help pets at the local shelter, which had an extremely high kill rate.

As Goliad’s website explains: “We all love pets and although we often struggle in caring for the animals, trying to find good forever homes and making ends, when we find that great home for one of our rescues we remember why we struggle and it all seems worthwhile.  We believe that there is hope for no more homeless pets and that we must educate - especially the younger generations. We have dreams of having our own shelter - a no-kill facility.  We hope that some day we all have to find another volunteer cause - because there will be no more homeless pets to rescue.”

The group’s director, Dawn Blackmon, said that her group takes several avenues to help the pets in their care.  They adopt out cats at a PetsMart in nearby Victoria, and also have a booth at Goliad Market Days, held the second Saturday of each month March through December.  Smaller dogs are often accepted into no-kill rescues in larger Texas towns. A wonderful opportunity for selected dogs are their acceptance into the Paws in Prison training program at the women’s facility in Lockhart, Texas.

Blackmon said that a huge stride was made to help pets in Goliad County in October 2005 when the group instituted a free spay/neuter program.  The program is funded by grants, city and county budget allocations and private donations.   

All dogs and cats are spayed/neutered and up to date on their shots before adoption. The adoption fee for dogs is $75 and for cats is $60. The dogs are heartworm free; they are treated if they come into the rescue heartworm positive. Cats are tested for FIV and feline leukemia.

Featured Pet: Urban Cowboy

Urban Cowboy is the sweetest of dogs.  Some time in his life he met the business end of a shotgun. The wounds are completely healed but x-rays show at least a dozen pellets still in his left rear leg and abdomen. He has somewhat limited mobility in his leg, either due to the pellets or possibly a hit by car.  Urban is not looking for an active life although he runs better than he walks. Being a couch potato most of the time would suit him just fine. Please consider giving this lovable dog a happy rest of his life. For more information, contact Goliad Pet Rescue at 361-645-1503 or email Dawn Blackmon at trooperdawn@aol.com.