Austin FC and Austin Pets Alive! today announced the adoption of the 75th Austin FC Honorary Mascot from Austin Pets Alive!. This is the fourth season that the MLS club and the nonprofit animal shelter have partnered to introduce Austin FC fans to the dogs in the animal shelter, and help those dogs find homes. This year the partnership is sponsored by the Texas Lottery.
Austin FC has featured dogs from Austin Pets Alive! who have survived parvovirus and distemper, dogs who have been injured and use custom wheelchairs and puppies who were born in the care of the shelter. “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,” said Dr. Ellen Jefferson, President and CEO of Austin Pets Alive!. “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 Austin FC Honorary Mascot to be adopted is a six-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix named Vin Diesel. This very special dog was in need of medical and behavioral support and has been fostered for more than two years by a family that truly understands the importance of shelter animal lifesaving. This month 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 provided a platform for shelter dogs to be featured at the Q2 Stadium and online, they have also fostered and adopted dogs from Austin Pets Alive! since the MLS club’s inaugural season. “Creating the Honorary Mascot program with Austin Pets Alive! increased awareness of the abundant shelter dog population in the Austin community,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “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, the next Austin FC Honorary Mascots were introduced: seven week old pit bull mix puppies named Breakfast Taco, Butter Tortilla, Fresh Salsa, and Tito. The puppies will be at the Austin FC home match on September 21st and will be available for adoption from Austin Pets Alive! on September 22nd.
