As I shared a short time ago, our family’s teacup poodle, Prancer, passed away. He was 15 years old, and had lived a life full of love and care. When his time came to go, his humans cried their eyes out. 

Prancer with his jacket

That’s why I was moved to see this tribute from my colleagues at TCEA.org. They were kind enough to celebrate Prancer’s life by saving other lives in animal shelters.

In Loving Memory

To respond to the grief of losing such a loyal companion and beloved friend who eased our stresses with a wag of his tail, and incessant licks, my colleagues at work were kind enough to make a donation to Austin animal shelters. 

A gift in memory of Prancer Guhlin has been made to Austin Pets Alive!

This donation is made in honor of the best poochito ever– Prancito, Prancito Bear, boobooshita– Prancer Guhlin.

We are proud to represent your loved one’s legacy by providing lifesaving services that serve as a safety net for pets vulnerable to needless euthanasia. Gifts just like this one allow us to act as a hub for innovation in animal welfare across the nation, while saving over 10,000 lives right here in Austin each year. 

You can learn more about our story here.

Thank you for being a part of our APA! family.

Dr. Ellen Jefferson

President & CEO

Reflection: The Starfish Thrower

After seeing the state of dogs and cats in animal shelters, my wife and I suggested that was the best way to celebrate Prancer’s life. Adopting one pet seems like such an ineffective step, but I console myself with our upcoming adoption of a pet by recalling an old story. It is the story of the starfish thrower.

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!”

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,

    “Well, I made a difference for that one!”

The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved.(Source)

Make a difference for one. You won’t regret it. Here’s a great way to find one.

And, stay tuned for updates on the arrival of Chica, who joins our family on Friday.