The idea of animal euthanasia is heartbreaking for any dog owner, but it remains a harsh reality for many shelter animals.
A report from the Best Friends Network revealed that Texas had the highest number of shelter animals euthanized for the second consecutive year.
Shelter intake rates have increased while adoption rates have declined, leading to overcrowding.
Sadly, sick dogs and those deemed less desirable often end up on euthanasia lists to make space for new arrivals.
Darla was one of those dogs, facing a heartbreaking fate—until a last-minute rescue changed everything. Let’s see how her story unfolded.
Frightened Darla
Source: Austin Pets Alive!
Darla, a sweet and timid Golden Retriever, lived at Laredo Animal Care Services in Laredo, Texas. Shelter staff described her as a shy pup who struggled to adjust to life in the shelter.
As overcrowding worsened, the shelter faced the heartbreaking decision to euthanize some animals. Dogs with lower adoption chances were placed on the list—Darla was among them.
In July 2023, when staff attempted to lead her to the euthanasia room, fear took over. Realizing what was happening, Darla’s legs gave out, and she couldn’t walk.
The shelter staff gently lifted Darla and placed her in a wheelbarrow to transport her.
That same day, members of Austin Pets Alive!, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing animals from euthanasia, were visiting the shelter to save as many dogs as possible.
Clare Callison, the organization’s director of national operations, was among them.
“I knew it was around the time of day when the shelter does routine euthanasia for opening up kennel space,” she recalled.
As they walked down the hallway, they spotted a terrified Golden Retriever curled up in a blue wheelbarrow. When they asked about her, they learned she was on her way to be put down.
Rescued At The Last Moment
Source: Austin Pets Alive!
The moment they saw Darla, they knew they had to save her.
“We had to pull her, we had to save her,” said Jordana Moerbe, Austin Pets Alive!‘s national shelter support director. “We hope she can come out of her shell and become the happy puppy she deserves to be. Every shelter pet deserves that chance, and that’s what we’re working so hard for.”
After speaking with shelter staff, Callison learned that Darla’s only “fault” was her shyness—that was the reason she had been scheduled for euthanasia.
Gently stroking Darla’s head, Callison noticed that despite her timid nature, the pup was receptive to love and enjoyed the affection.
The Austin Pets Alive! team took Darla to a vet for a full medical checkup, where they discovered she was just an eight-month-old puppy.
Wanting to give her the best chance at a new life, APA! reached out to their partners at Mile High Lab Mission in Denver, Colorado. Before long, they secured a foster family eager to welcome Darla into their home.
Finding Love
Source: @milehighlabmission
The moment Darla met her foster family, she wagged her tail—something she had never done at the shelter. At last, she felt safe enough to let go of her fears and embrace the love around her.
“She was a completely different dog now,” Callison said.
On August 9, 2023, Mile High Lab Mission shared the joyful news: Darla had been adopted! She now lives with a loving family who cherishes her completely.
Wishing Darla a lifetime of love and happiness in her forever home.