To open up discussion of the triumphs and tribulations with Austin's ongoing transition to becoming the nation's largest No Kill city, we've started a new blog page. See AUSTINBLOG at the left side of our page and join the discussion!

Austin has been averaging 90% live outcome rates since the beginning of the year, but with kitten season in full swing and sweltering summer heat, the expectation was for those numbers to contract. To the surprise of the naysayers, July was Austin's best month ever: a true 94% live outcome rate, one of the best in the country!

A large contingent of rescue groups (90+) have a part to play in this, and several are quite large and are carrying a lot of the water for Austin's Town Lake Animal Center (TLAC).

The new shelter director, Abigail Smith, is that crucial "11th part of the No Kill Equation" -- a creative, compassionate director dedicated to saving lives. While her first months have not been problem-free, on balance more good, constructive things have been happening on her watch. Considering how many naysayers wish her to fail in her mission, her commitment to the animals is something we should all support wholeheartedly.