

Mail: P.O. Box 1688, Seguin, Texas 78155
Email:
etosharescue@gmail.com
Location: 3645 IH-10, Seguin, Texas 78155
Phone: 830-401-0150
Call for directions
Etosha is in need of foster homes. If you can help please contact us. We also need volunteers to help care for the dogs on weekends.
ETOSHA is one of the oldest and largest, all-breed, no-kill shelters in Texas. We began in 1988 as a rescue for purebred Great Danes, Rhodesian Ridgebacks and many different breeds of hounds who were abandoned by their owners because they lacked hunting skills. Our founders realized an immediate need to also provide sanctuary for a variety of large breed dogs, including Mastiffs and St. Bernards, that were in danger of being euthanized (because of their size) by animal controls in Bexas and surrounding counties. Etosha rescued these dogs, rehabilitated them and found them good homes.
In December, 1990, Etosha was formally organized with only two board members and a handful of volunteers. The facility (then located in Castroville, Tx) was expanded that same year to accommodate an increasing number of homeless dogs and a few domestic cats. Injured wildlife such as deer and raccoons were also taken in, nursed back to health and later set free in their natural habitat.
Our mission at Etosha is to rescue, rehabilitate, and find permanent, loving homes for our animals. We participate in community awareness programs geared towards responsible pet ownership and the importance of neutering all companion animals. We are an all-breed, no-kill shelter, with 501(c)(3) status, and are now located on five acres of land in Seguin, Tx. We primarily serve Guadalupe, Bexar, Comal, Wilson and Travis counties, but we are not limited to those counties. Etosha also rescues dogs from other counties, and occassionally from out of state as well. Since 1996, Etosha has saved more than two thousand companion animals from Guadalupe and neighboring county animal controls. We are one of the very few organizations in south-central Texas that offers immediate assistance for animals displaced by natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes.
OFFICERS & VOLUNTEERS
Bonney Williams, Director
830-401-0150
etosharescue@gmail.com
Julie Mitchell, Assistant Director
julie@texridge.net
Julia Kerr, Administrator
droghedadanes@hotmail.com
Chris Kerr, Treasurer
kerr_ce@hotmail.com
Laura Gonzales
Secretary/fund-raising assistant
iwork4dogs@aol.com
Tina Rodriguez
Foster home coordinator
flyballjunkie@aol.com
Stacey Nevares
Fundraising assistant
mszoiebear@yahoo.com
Debbie Aldy,
Holistic Consultant
dlaldy@tx.rr.com
Barbara Sawyer Brown
Chicago area coordinator
Prospective owner's name: ___________________________________________
Address:_________________________________________________________
Home telephone:______________ work:________other:____________________
Driver's license state & number:________________________________________
Your occupation:___________________________________________________
Do you rent or own your home:__________________
Type:_______________
How long at this address:_________
Are you planning to move within a year? ___________
When? ______________
Do you have an in-ground swimming pool?__________ Describe:______________
Do you have a fenced yard?____________
Type & height:___________________
What outdoor shelter suitable for a dog do you have? _______________________________________________________________
Have you owned a dog? ____________
What happened to it? ________________
Do you own other dogs now? ______Cats? _________
Are they neutered?______
CURRENT PETS:
Please list dogs' breeds, age & sex:
KIND BREED SPAY/NEUTER KEPT WHERE TIME OWNED AGE
Dog____________ | Yes___No___ | In____Out___ |________|______|
Dog____________ | Yes___No___ | In____Out___ |________|______|
Dog____________ | Yes___No___ | In____Out___ |________|______|
Please list cats' breed, age & sex:
KIND BREED SPAY/NEUTER KEPT WHERE TIME OWNED AGE
Cat____________ | Yes___No___ | In____Out___ |________|_______|
Cat____________ | Yes___No___ | In____Out___ |________|_______|
List other animals you own:
_________________________________________________________
Your veterinarian's name, address & telephone number:
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
What form of training will you provide your dog?
__Obedience class
__Follow training books
__Professional training
__Home training
How many adults in your household?_______
How many children?________
Age & sex of children: __________________________________________
If you have young children, they need to be educated on how to interact with
the dog in order to prevent dog bites, are you able/willing to do that?
___Yes ___No
Please explain why you want to adopt a dog/this specific breed:
__________________________________________________________
What do you feel makes you a good pet owner?
__________________________________________________________
What types of pet behavior do you find difficult to deal with?
__________________________________________________________
What would you do if your pet developed a physical disability?
__________________________________________________________
What will you do when your pet becomes elderly?
__________________________________________________________
What would you do if your present pets do not get along with your adopted dog?
__________________________________________________________
Do you have any limitations in caring for this particular dog/breed?
__________________________________________________________
Where will you keep this dog when you TRAVEL?
__________________________________________________________
What plans have you made for your pets if you are physically unable
to care for them?
___________________________________________________________
What type of balanced nutrition do you intend to provide for your dog?
Dog Food Brand:
_________________
Dry or Wet Food:_________________
Other type food: ___________________
Are you financially able to provide veterinary care for a dog? _______________
Are you aware of the importance of heartworm preventative? _______________
Would you allow your dog to ride in the back of a pickup truck? ____________
If adopted, where will your dog sleep at night? __________________________
Where will the dog stay during the day? _______________________________
How many hours per day will your dog spend alone? _____________________
Who will provide the necessary care for the dog? ________________________
How will this dog fit in with your hobbies/lifestyle, etc.? ___________________
Explain:_______________________________________________________
Will your dog be crated at home? __________________________________
What breed/s of dog/s are you interested in? __________________________
Would you be interested in a mix breed? YES NO
Do you wish to adopt: _____Male _____Female
Age preferred: _________
(*Puppy-12 weeks-6 months *Adolescent-6 months to 1 year *
Young Adult-1 to 2 years *Adult 2 or more years *
Senior-7 or more years)
If dissatisfied with your dog, would you return him/her to Etosha Rescue & Adoption Center?
____________________________________________________________________
Reference #1:
_____________________________________________________
Address:
_____________________________________________________
Phone (Day):
_____________________________________________________
Reference #2:
_____________________________________________________
Address:
_____________________________________________________
Phone (Day):
_____________________________________________________
Reference #3:
_____________________________________________________
Address:
_____________________________________________________
Phone (Day):
_____________________________________________________
Etosha is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that receives very little support from foundations. The majority of our funding comes from past adopters and animal lovers all over the country. To these people, we are eternally grateful.
There are many ways that you can help and it doesn't take much time or expense. We greatly appreciate volunteers 7 days a week. If you have a digital camera, we always need someone to to take new pictures. Give us call, tell us in what way you could volunteer--give us a chance to put your skills to work.
The ways to help are endless and only limited by your imagination. Tax-deductable donations of cash, food and building materials are always needed and greatly appreciated.
YES, You really can Help!






HOW COULD YOU?
When I was a puppy, I entertained you with my antics and made you laugh.
You called me your child, and despite a number of chewed shoes and a
couple of murdered throw pillows, I became your best friend. Whenever
I was "bad," you'd shake your finger at me and ask How could you?" --
but then you'd relent and roll me over for a bellyrub.
My housebreaking took a little longer than expected, because you were
terribly busy, but we worked on that together. I remember those nights
of nuzzling you in bed and listening to your confidences and secret
dreams, and I believed that life could not be any more perfect.
We went for long walks and runs in the park, car rides, stops for ice
cream (I only got the cone because "ice cream is bad for dogs" you
said), and I took long naps in the sun waiting for you to come home at
the end of the day.
Gradually, you began spending more time at work and on your career,
and more time searching for a human mate. I waited for you patiently,
comforted you through heartbreaks and disappointments, never chided
you about bad decisions, and romped with glee at your homecomings, and
when you fell in love.
She, now your wife, is not a "dog person" -- still I welcomed her into
our home, tried to show her affection, and obeyed her. I was happy
because you were happy. Then the human babies came along and I shared
your excitement.
I was fascinated by their pinkness, how they smelled, and I wanted to
mother them, too. Only she and you worried that I might hurt them, and
I spent most of my time banished to another room, or to a dog crate.
Oh, how I wanted to love them, but I became a prisoner of love." As
they began to grow, I became their friend. They clung to my fur and
pulled themselves up on wobbly legs, poked fingers in my eyes,
investigated my ears and gave me kisses on my nose. I loved everything
about them and their touch -- because your touch was now so infrequent
-- and I would've defended them with my life if need be. I would sneak
into their beds and listen to their worries and secret dreams, and
together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There
had been a time, when others asked you if you had a dog, that you
produced a photo of me from your wallet and told them stories about
me. These past few years, you just answered "yes" and changed the
subject.
I had gone from being "your dog" to "just a dog," and you resented
every expenditure on my behalf. Now, you have a new career opportunity
in another city, and you and they will be moving to an apartment that
does not allow pets. You've made the right decision for your "family,"
but there was a time when I was your only family. I was excited about
the car ride until we arrived at the animal shelter. It smelled of
dogs and cats, of fear, of hopelessness.
You filled out the paperwork and said "I know you will find a good
home for her." They shrugged and gave you a pained look. They
understand the realities facing a middle-aged dog, even one with
"papers." You had to pry your son's fingers loose from my collar as he
screamed "No, Daddy! Please don't let them take my dog!"
And I worried for him, and what lessons you had just taught him about
friendship and loyalty, about love and responsibility, and about
respect for all life.
You gave me a good-bye pat on the head, avoided my eyes, and politely
refused to take my collar and leash with you. You had a deadline to
meet and now I have one, too. After you left, the two nice ladies said
you probably knew about your upcoming move months ago and made no
attempt to find me another good home. They shook their heads and
asked, "How could you?"
They are as attentive to us here in the shelter as their busy
schedules allow. They feed us, of course, but I lost my appetite days
ago. At first, whenever anyone passed my pen, I rushed to the front,
hoping it was you that you had changed your mind -- that this was all
a bad dream... or I hoped it would at least be someone who cared, anyone
who might save me.
When I realized I could not compete with the frolicking for attention
of happy puppies, oblivious to their own fate, I retreated to a far
corner and waited. I heard her footsteps as she came for me at the end
of the day, and I padded along the aisle after her to a separate room.
A blissfully quiet room. She placed me on the table and rubbed my
ears, and told me not to worry. My heart pounded in anticipation of
what was to come, but there was also a sense of relief. The prisoner
of love had run out of days.
As is my nature, I was more concerned about her. The burden which she
bears weighs heavily on her, and I know that, the same way I knew your
every mood. She gently placed a tourniquet around my foreleg as a tear
ran down her cheek. I licked her hand in the same way I used to
comfort you so many years ago. She expertly slid the hypodermic needle
into my vein. As I felt the sting and the cool liquid coursing through
my body, I lay down sleepily, looked into her kind eyes and murmured
"How could you?"
Perhaps because she understood my dogspeak, she said "I'm so sorry."
She hugged me, and hurriedly explained it was her job to make sure I
went to a better place, where I wouldn't be ignored or abused or
abandoned, or have to fend for myself -- a place of love and light so
very different from this earthly place. And with my last bit of
energy, I tried to convey to her with a thump of my tail that my "How
could you?" was not directed at her.
It was directed at you, My Beloved Master, I was thinking of you. I
will think of you and wait for you forever. May everyone in your life
continue to show you so much loyalty.
By Jim Willis, 2001



| TRAINING FACILITIES AND TRAINERS IN THE CENTRAL TEXAS AREA. Etosha does not support or endorse any particular training facility or trainer, but provides this list only as a reference. THERE'S NO EXCUSE FOR AN UNTRAINED, ILL BEHAVED OR BAD MANNERED DOG!!! YOU CAN BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER. IT TAKES MORE THAN LOVE. BE YOUR DOG'S BEST FRIEND FOR LIFE. |
||
| Joyce Morgan's Dog Training Center (512) 834-1139 10710 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78753 www.joycemorgans.com |
Waggin' Tails Dog Training (512) 990-2016 2016 Rowe Loop Pflugerville, TX 78660 www.waggin-tails.com |
Dogboy's Dog Ranch (512) 251-7600 2701 Crystal Bend Dr Pflugerville, TX 78660 www.dogboys.com |
| The Humaner Trainer (512) 301-6886 8618 McMeans Trl Austin, TX 78737 www.texasorangepages.org |
Sublime Canines Briana Stringer Georgetown, TX 78737 http://www.sublimecanines.com/ |
Hearts and Paws (512) 249-7255 13033 Fm 2769 Austin, TX 78726 www.heartsandpaws.com |
| Stay N Play Pet Ranch (512) 894-7387 2500 E Highway 290 Dripping Springs, TX 78620 www.staynplaypetranch.com |
Good Dog Austin
181 Kaatz Lane Hutto, TX 78634 512-251-1901 www.austindogtraining.com |
Canine Academy 13420 Cedar Lime Road Leander, Texas 78641 (512)-267-2275 Phone www.k9-academy.com |
Canine Headquarters Dave and Karen Kroyer Hutto, Texas http://www.canineheadquarters.com/ |
Taurus Dog Training William McLeroy Austin, Texas http://www.taurusdogtraining.com/ |
Urban Dawgy Natalie McMahon, CPDT Leander, Texas 512.577.0562 http://www.urbandawgy.com/ |
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About Puppymills
We receive more than one hundred calls each year from people needing help with a dog they purchased from a pet shop or puppy mill. Some times the only thing required is a referral to a good trainer, behaviorist or holistic veterinarian. Unfortunately, for many callers, there is very little we can say or do to help. The majority have already spent more than they could afford to purchase the dog, which seemed healthy at eight or ten weeks old. Only later, as the puppy matured, is it discovered to have inherited hip dysplasia, Demodectic mange, epilepsy, or a variety of other crippling or life threatening conditions.
Our best advice is use common sense. Buying a puppy advertised on the Internet is extremely risky because you have no idea who you're dealing with, and there aren't any consumer laws to protect you. You also haven't a clue about the temperament or health of the puppy's sire and dam or what sort of conditions the dogs are kept. Pedigrees and OFA certificates can be altered, scanned and sent with the click of a mouse by mill operators who know exactly how to deceive the public. After all, their livelihood depends on the sale of puppies, so deception is an important part of their trade. Beware of high pressure sales gimmicks such as "not sure he'll be here tomorrow" or "two for one" sales and religious babble that has nothing to do with the business of breeding animals for profit. Breeders who advertise dogs "free to good home" should be avoided. Common sense begs the question: why is the dog free? Did his value depreciate because he's no longer a cute puppy, especially if he bears the scars of pack life in a large-breed mill? Or because the flaws he inherited are now more evident? Or is the dog at an age where he or she is no longer useful to the mill operator? These are just a few of the warning signs you should be aware of while searching for a healthy, well-bred puppy. Every dog should be worth something, even if it's only reimbursement for spay or neuter and a microchip.
Research should be your first step toward the purchase of a purebred dog. Visit your local library, a national club's website, and an AKC dog show to learn everything you can about your breed of choice. Find out where (what country) the breed originated, what it was bred for, its expected lifespan, and most importantly, every genetic ailment it is known to have. Rhodesian Ridgebacks, for instance, have a variety of health concerns for the average pet owner, including hip or elbow dysplasia, hypothyroidism, dermoid sinus, cardiomyopathy, entropian, epilepsy, bloat and degenerative myelopathy ("DM"). DM has been a problem in Ridgebacks (and other breeds) for a long time, but only recently has a DNA test become available which allows reputable breeders to eliminate affected dogs from their breeding program. To learn more about DM, please go to http://www.offa.org. Most ethical breeders are taking advantage of the new DNA test and now include the results for sires and dams in the health guarantees for their puppies.
Whether you are looking for a pet, performance, or show dog, do your homework. Check pedigrees and the OFA site to get an idea of how long a breeder has been "in" a certain breed. Find out if he or she did the appropriate health screenings prior to breeding a litter. An AKC championship is not generally easy to attain, and thus, it does indicate a degree of quality in the sire and dam of a puppy. Before contacting a breeder, find out everything you can about them, and then compare what is advertised on their website to what can actually be documented as fact. Also, it never hurts to "shop around", compare prices, pedigrees, health guarantees and club affiliations. Try to visit as many breeders as possible before making a final decision. A "backyard" breeder may offer you what seems like a reasonable price for a puppy, but don't expect a health guarantee or breeder/buyer contract to be included. Backyard breeders usually have one or two females, which are bred on every heat cycle to produce two or three litters per year. Their primary reason for breeding dogs is to supplement another income -- most often from a menial job, social security or similar source.
Buying a puppy from a pet shop is never wise because most of them come from puppy mills. The same applies to buying from the mill itself, where many people don't realize they've been swindled until it's too late. Others tell us they bought a puppy from a mill to "save" it, which is understandable, but it is exactly what the millers expect you to do. In your mind, you really are saving the pup -- probably saving its life -- but to the mill operator you are just another customer and more incentive to continue breeding for profit. Again, use common sense. If it looks like, smells like, and sounds like a mill, it probably is.
Pictures below are of a puppy mill located in Sabinal, Texas, where hundreds of AKC registered Basset Hounds are bred and sold every year. Imagine the hell these dogs go through during the scorching summer heat, and frigid nights of winter, with little or no shelter to protect them. Since there are no laws to stop this kind of abuse, the only way to stop it is DON'T BUY PUPPIES FROM PUPPY MILLS.
For more information on puppy mills, contact any one of the people listed below.
Roy Hughes 817-454-6023
Cheryl Wilson 817-898-1422
Christy O'Keefe 972-234-4455
Nick & Angel Smith 830-708-8580