Today we’d like to introduce you to Caysha Toepfer.
Hi Caysha, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am grateful for the chance to share my story and how I found my way into rescue work. Animals have been a source of comfort, purpose, and connection for me for as long as I can remember, and that love is what brought me to this mission. When I learned that Chihuahuas are the second most euthanized breed in the US., it broke my heart. It also lit a fire in me. I knew I could not look away from something so preventable, and I felt called to be part of the solution.
I grew up in Kansas surrounded by family who lived close to the land. Farm life shaped my earliest memories. I learned how to care for animals, how to respect the natural world, and how much responsibility and tenderness go hand in hand. Those lessons stayed with me. They shaped the way I see animals and the way I show up for them. Today, my husband and I share our home with two wonderful dogs and one mischievous cat, all rescues from Central Texas. They remind me every day why this work matters.
As I grew older, I realized that my strengths and passions were leading me toward a life of service. I earned my degree in Elementary Education and have spent more than eleven years teaching. I am currently a special education teacher, and my work in the classroom has taught me so much about patience, advocacy, and meeting individuals where they are. These skills translate naturally into rescue work. Whether I am writing grants, supporting a dog with trauma, or building trust with a new foster family, I draw on the same compassion and commitment that guide me as a teacher.
Stepping into this rescue work feels like the most natural extension of who I am. It brings together my upbringing, my career, my love for animals, and my belief that small acts of care can change the world for someone who needs it. I am honored to be part of this mission and deeply hopeful about the lives we can continue to transform.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges we face is the rising cost of veterinary care. So many of the dogs who come to us need far more than basic treatment, and the price of everything from exams to dental work has increased dramatically. It can feel overwhelming at times, especially when you know a dog’s entire future depends on getting that care.
Even with the financial strain, I try to stay focused on why we do this. These dogs cannot advocate for themselves, and they deserve a real chance at healing. The challenge pushes us to be more resourceful, to build stronger community partnerships, and to educate people about the realities of rescue. Every time a dog receives the care they need and finds a loving home, it reminds me that the effort is worth it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
In my professional life, I am an educator through and through. I currently serve as a kindergarten, first, and second grade resource inclusion teacher, in Pflugerville ISD, supporting students with a wide range of learning needs. Over the years I have taught essential academics, also known as life skills, as well as third grade, second grade, and kindergarten. Each role has shaped me in a different way and strengthened my belief that every child deserves to feel capable, confident, and seen.
What sets me apart is the combination of patience, adaptability, and deep commitment I bring to my students. I specialize in meeting children exactly where they are and helping them build the skills and confidence they need to move forward. Whether I am supporting a child with significant learning differences or helping a young reader find their footing, I approach every student with empathy, high expectations, and a belief in their potential.
Teaching is not just my career. It is the way I serve my community, and it is the foundation of the compassion and advocacy I bring into my rescue work as well.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Austin is the sense of community. People here genuinely care about one another, and that spirit shows up in our schools, our neighborhoods, and even in the rescue world. There is a kindness and creativity in this city that makes it feel like home.
What I like least is the driving. I grew up in western Kansas, and even after thirteen years in Austin, I still cannot get used to the interstates. I love this city, but I will always prefer wide‑open roads to bumper‑to‑bumper traffic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aychihuahuarescue.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aychihuahuaaustin/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D5zkASunY/
