Lone Star Transport dogs rescue
About Our Rescue
Lone Star Transport Dogs is committed to saving the homeless, abused, and unwanted dogs in East Texas. LSTD rescues, rehabilitates, loves, and cares for Texas dogs until they are ready for adoption. Our dogs then make the journey to our partner-rescue in New Jersey where they are adopted into loving forever homes. We are a non-profit dog rescue.
We are able to provide our financials upon request. You can send a message by email using the link below. Thank you.
Lone Star Transport Dogs
Our Mission Statement
We Save Lives
Lone Star Transport Dogs is committed to saving the homeless, abused, and unwanted dogs in East and South Texas. LSTD rescues, rehabilitates, loves, and cares for Texas dogs until they are ready for adoption. Our dogs then make the journey to our partner-rescue in New Jersey where they are adopted into loving forever homes. By not depending on local adoptions in our already over-populated town, we are able to make a major impact in the lives of so many dogs in need right here in our local community! Our organization has no breed, size, health, or cuteness requirements. We believe that the "complicated" or "difficult" dog deserves our help just as much as the "easy" dog. All of our Lonestar dogs live in amazing foster homes during their time here with us (not stuck in a kennel or in boarding) where they are shown lots of love and are treated as part of the family. We are funded 100% through donations and operate 100% by volunteers.
FAQ: Why do we send dogs to New Jersey? Strict spay/neuter and pet registration requirements prevent pet overpopulation and unwanted litters in the North, so the demand for dogs is much greater. With the overwhelming pet overpopulation in the South, transport programs like ours save the lives of hundreds of homeless dogs annually by sending them to reputable rescues in the North to be adopted.
One of many sweet rescue stories
The Story of Henrietta Hippo & Peter Potamus
Here is the story of two very special dogs rescued in 2020, Henrietta Hippo and Peter Potamus, as told below by their Foster families.
"Hippo" Happiness
In July of 2020, there was a facebook plea regarding two 8 week old blind puppies that were being given away for free, and Lone Star Transport Dogs stepped in to help.
I became their first foster mom. I had no idea how to help them with their disability..... so I just treated them like any other foster pup.
They played with my 5 dogs, chased my cats, and loved visiting my goats. They walked in the woods at least three times a day playing chase and digging in the dirt..... always listening to our "pack" to get their bearings.
I was absolutely astonished at their ability to function without fear or inhibitions.
Upon their arrival, we laughed at their slick, black, chunky bodies and thought they looked just like baby hippos....Thus Henrietta Hippo & Peter Potamus.
Shortly after going into their foster home, we took them to the vet to be evaluated and determine treatment for their eyes. It was then that we were horrified to learn that the puppies had been intentionally blinded by having their eyes punctured at about 6 weeks of age.
We absolutely could not believe such cruelty, so our entire rescue became totally committed to giving them the best life possible.
In spite of several surgeries to remove the eyes, the pups flourished.... adorable personalities, hilarious antics, endless energy.... typical puppies. During their recoveries, the puppies had to be separated and other fosters stepped up to help. It was amazing to watch them easily adapt to each new environment.
After three months, it was time to prepare them for transport to New Jersey and a new family.
We filtered through many applications, interviewed prospective adopters, talked to vets, and researched the long-term needs of blind dogs.
We "struck gold" with both families.
Peter's family moved to the US from Ireland and his "dad" is visually impaired.
So, they hung bells to teach Peter (now named Tux) where the doors were, lowered cushions on the couch, and made other adjustments to help with the transition. Tux lives with two Airedale terrier siblings, a human sister, and his mom and dad. He is adored by all and has an amazing life ahead of him.
Henrietta lives with her "stay at home mom", her dad, and her best friends Zoe (beautiful big canine sister) & Cleo (a tolerant tabby cat). Now named Daphne, her entire family vacations on Martha's Vineyard, hikes the mountains of the northeast (with Daphne leading the way), and enjoys visits to the coast. Daphne's mom has taught her "step up, step down, big step, & go" like a "trail map" so Daphne can "read the trail." Daphne is fearless! Like any Princess, Daphne has a beautiful wardrobe, comfy couches & laps to snuggle in, and a family that tells me every week how much they love her.
And all agree.... if you watched these pups play, run up and down stairs, hike trails....you would NEVER believe they were blind.
Our volunteers know this was an exceptional rescue. We can barely talk about our hippo puppies without tears. They were such a joy and now both have such charmed lives.
If only we could do the same for every unwanted, abused, neglected puppy in East Texas.
