October 2026 Newsletter

Special A-MEOW-ncements

Get ready for a spooktacular day of family-friendly fun at our annual Halloween Wooftacular, presented in partnership with North Park Subaru!


Thanks to North Park Subaru, all adoption fees will be waived during the event, making it the perfect time to welcome a new furry family member home. Plus, every adopter will receive a

Subaru Adoption Kit packed with pet goodies to help their new companion settle in.


You'll also find Subaru swag, a pet costume contest (from 12-1pm), local vendors, and more throughout the day. Whether you're hoping to adopt, shop, or simply enjoy a fun community event with fellow animal lovers, there's something for everyone.


Saturday, October 17th

10 A.M to 2 P.M.

North Park Subaru

9635 San Pedro Ave.

San Antonio, TX 78216

Dogtober Pet Adoption Festival 2026 is back!


Join us for San Antonio’s largest fall pet adoption celebration, featuring a full day of family-friendly fun and 300+ adoptable pets looking for their forever homes. Enjoy fall-themed activities, food, vendors, music, and plenty of opportunities to meet your new best friend.


After last year’s incredible success, we’re setting our sights even higher, with a goal of helping 300+ pets find loving, forever homes. Come celebrate the season, make memories with your family, and maybe leave with a new family member!

Diamond of the Month

Meet Candace!

If you've ever wished for a dog who thinks every day is a pool party, meet Candace.


At 7 years old, this adorable American Staffordshire Terrier mix knows exactly what she likes: snacks, belly rubs, cozy beds, and most importantly... water.


Sprinkler?


She's in.


Kiddie pool?


She's in.


Water hose?


She's already halfway through the stream.


If there's water nearby, Candace is ready to make a splash. In fact, staff agree she'd probably be a star in hydrotherapy because she can't get enough of it. Water isn't just something she enjoys; it's her whole personality.


She first came to ADL in 2021 and was adopted quickly, but after finding her way back to us in May, she's still searching for a family to call her own. She may seem a little nervous in her kennel, but don't let that fool you. The moment she heads out for a walk, a completely different dog emerges. Her playful, affectionate side shines through, and she's more than happy

to soak up attention from her favorite people.


A self-proclaimed princess, Candace currently enjoys the biggest bed in her building and believes all snacks should be shared in her honor. When she's not splashing around, she's accepting belly rubs, cuddling up with staff, or hanging out with her best friend on campus,

fellow shelter pup Diego.


She might love snacks, but she's also been taking her health seriously. Since returning to ADL, she's shed more than 19 pounds and is looking fabulous. Between her walks, water adventures, and active lifestyle, this princess is proving that wellness and treats can absolutely coexist.


After more than four months in our care, Candace is more than ready to trade shelter life for a forever home. Preferably one with a water hose, a comfy bed, and plenty of room for a princess.

Ready to make a splash?

Happy Tails: ADL Alumni

Arya and Tyrion: A Royal Friendship Fit for a Kingdom

When Arya (formerly Nobara) joined Kimberly's family in March, she wasted no time settling in.


"Arya acclimated very quickly and soon became queen of the house! It feels like she has always lived here," Kimberly said.


After losing Grayson, their beloved ADL alum of 16 years, the family decided it was time to add another feline friend for Arya. In September, Tyrion (formerly Dr. Webber) joined the family.

Safe to say, the adjustment wasn't immediate. In fact, their first meetings were far from friendly.


"In the beginning, Tyrion was very timid and afraid of Arya. He would cower and hiss at her.

We did a very slow introduction over time, and now they love to play together and sleep next to each other."


These days, the pair are rarely far apart. Arya spends her afternoons relaxing in her catio and watching the family's chickens, while Tyrion enjoys chasing toys, playing tag with Arya,

and curling up in Kimberly's lap while she works.


Watching their friendship grow has been one of the family's favorite experiences, proving that a little patience can go a long way.

Ready to add to your family?

 Come in and meet your new best friend today!

 

Fostering Love


Become an ADL Foster Hero


We offer two flexible foster programs designed to fit your lifestyle while giving our furry friends the opportunity to socialize, learn, heal, and grow in a loving home environment.


Both programs provide a heartwarming experience of caring for a pet in need, all while creating space to save even more pets.


ADL supplies, EVERYTHING, you need to welcome fosters into your home—plus expert support every step of the way! Become a source of hope and help transform the lives of pets waiting for their second chance.

EmBARK Foster Program

Give shelter pets a much-needed break and help them get ready for their forever homes.


Perfect for: Medium to large-sized dogs (over one year old and over 40 lbs) and our Diamond cats.


Commitment: Short-term (starting at two weeks) with flexible duration.

General Foster Program

Support pets as they heal, grow, and thrive, while creating space for more rescues in need.


Perfect for: Pets too young for adoption or recovering from health issues.


Commitment: Varies based on the pet's needs.

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Foster Diaries

By Sapphire Faucett


When Fuzzy (now named Scrump) and her brother, Lint, arrived as fosters, I fully expected their stay to be temporary. In fact, they were only supposed to be with me for about a week. Fostering has always been about helping animals on their journey to a forever home, and while every foster leaves a pawprint on my heart, most continue that journey with another family. Fuzzy was different. What started as a short-term foster arrangement quickly turned into something much more. The more time we spent together, the more I realized she already felt like home.

As I like to say, she simply squeezed her way into my heart.


Like any puppy, she's playful, spunky, and full of energy, but what stole my heart was her sweetness. She seems to know exactly when I need a little extra love. If I'm not feeling well or having a hard day, she'll curl up beside me, cuddle close, and help me rest. She's my little angel.

I absolutely adore her, and I think the feeling is mutual. She's always thrilled to see me, whether it's first thing in the morning or when I get home from work. Sometimes she's so excited she even lets out a little happy tinkle!


Today, Scrump is thriving. She's settled right into our routine, sleeps great overnight, and gets along wonderfully with everyone in the house. She's even winning over our senior Chihuahua. Scrump loves to snuggle up in his bed with him, and while he may pretend to be annoyed, he lets her stay. That's a big win in our book.


Fostering may have brought Scrump into my life, but she ended up becoming a permanent part of my family. While not every foster stays, every foster changes you, and Scrump is proof of just how special that journey can be.

EmPAWering Education

October often puts black cats in the spotlight, but unfortunately, not always for the right reasons. For centuries, black cats have been surrounded by myths and superstitions that simply aren't true. In reality, black cats are just as loving, playful, and unique as cats of any other color.


From being loyal lap cats to adventurous explorers, a cat's personality has nothing to do with the color of their fur. This month, we're celebrating black cats and encouraging our community to look beyond appearances and discover the wonderful companions waiting for a second chance. If you're considering adopting, don't overlook these sleek, beautiful felines.


Your perfect match might just be wearing black!

Fur-tastic Friends

Volunteer Spotlight: Rachael Zolinas

This month, we're proud to recognize Rachael Zolinas for her incredible dedication to the pets in our Nacogdoches cattery. Since becoming a volunteer a year ago, Rachael has contributed an impressive 240 hours caring for our cats and kittens.


Her commitment makes a tremendous impact on our daily operations, providing invaluable support that lightens our cattery staff's workload and ensures our feline residents receive the care and attention they deserve. We are so grateful for Rachael's compassion, reliability, and the countless hours she has devoted to making a difference.


Thank you, Rachael, for being such an important part of the ADL family!

Ready to make a difference?

Sign up to volunteer today!

Community PAW-tner Roundup

A new Jersey Mike's Subs has opened, and a donation to ADL can earn you a FREE sub!!*


Stop by either ADL campus to visit our pets and pick up your special coupon card.


Thank you, Jersey Mike's, for including the pets of ADL in your grand opening!


*This offer is only valid at Jersey Mike's location 7038 N Loop E, San Antonio, TX, 78266. You must have the coupon card provided by ADL to redeem the offer. Offer ends 10/11/2026.

RVK's Annual Pancakes for Paws

For the second year in a row, RVK's annual Pancakes for Paws event brought the community together in support of the pets at ADL. Along with collecting much-needed supplies for pets in our care, attendees could donate for a chance to win Spurs tickets generously donated by Nunnelly.


Recently, we had the pleasure of stopping by with ADL adoptable pup Clinique for a special check presentation, where we learned that this year's event raised more than $1,000 to help provide care, shelter, and second chances for the pets who need us most.


We are incredibly grateful to RVK, Nunnelly, and everyone who participated, donated, and supported Pancakes for Paws. Your generosity and commitment to our mission make a meaningful difference for the pets in our care!

Upcoming Events

Stay in the loop with all of our events!

Whether it's adoption days, fundraisers, low-cost feline spay/neuter clinics, bi-weekly FREE vaccination and microchip events, or community gatherings, you won't want to miss a thing!

Open Every Day 12pm to 7pm

Main Campus

11300 Nacogdoches Rd.

San Antonio, TX 78217

Paul Jolly Campus

210 Tuleta Dr.

San Antonio, TX 78212

 

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