Austin FC and Austin Pets Alive! have announced the adoption of the 75th Austin FC Honorary Mascot from Austin Pets Alive!. This marks the fourth season that the MLS club and the nonprofit animal shelter have collaborated to introduce Austin FC fans to dogs in need of homes. The partnership this year is sponsored by the Texas Lottery.
Austin FC has showcased dogs from Austin Pets Alive! who have survived parvovirus and distemper, dogs with injuries using custom wheelchairs, and puppies born at the shelter. Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!, stated, “This unique partnership has increased visibility of the dogs in our shelter who need the love and care that can only be provided in a home.” She added, “Our hope is that soccer fans throughout the United States will look to Austin FC’s leadership and adopt animals from their local shelters.”
The 75th Honorary Mascot adopted is a six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix named Vin Diesel. This dog required medical and behavioral support and had been fostered for over two years by a family dedicated to shelter animal lifesaving. Vin Diesel was officially adopted by his foster family: Austin FC President Andy Loughnane and Austin Pets Alive! Volunteer Jenn Loughnane.
Austin FC staff and team members have not only featured shelter dogs at Q2 Stadium and online but have also fostered and adopted dogs from Austin Pets Alive! since the club’s inaugural season. Andy Loughnane commented, “Creating the Honorary Mascot program with Austin Pets Alive! increased awareness of the abundant shelter dog population in the Austin community.” He noted, “The overwhelming support of the Austin FC fans and team for the Honorary Mascots has surpassed our expectations, and we look forward to more dogs leaving the shelter for their forever homes.”
During today’s press conference, new Honorary Mascots were introduced: seven-week-old pit bull mix puppies named Breakfast Taco, Butter Tortilla, Fresh Salsa, and Tito. These puppies will appear at the Austin FC home match on September 21st and will be available for adoption from Austin Pets Alive! on September 22nd.
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