Today we’d like to introduce you to Dave Norris.
Hi Dave, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I had rescued a pug from a different city before making a 2012 move to Austin, Texas. In Austin, I was looking for a buddy for my pug. I stumbled upon a Pug Rescue of Austin event. Instantly, I noticed how many pugs there needed help, of which there were about 10 at this particular event. So many were seniors or had a severe disability. And these were not what you would call “traditional” pugs. A few were, but by far, most were not. And my heart melted for these dogs. I knew I had to get more involved with this rescue, looking out for these little, fragile creatures. From there, I became a photographer for Pug Rescue of Austin for a few years and took on website and marketing duties. As I got more involved in events and began meeting more people at the rescue, I was eventually invited to be a member of the board of directors. After that, about 5 years ago, our former president, who was on her way out, asked me to apply to become president, which I did and was honored to do. Though we are always looking for great new leaders, keeping in mind that we are entirely volunteer-run at the Pug Rescue of Austin, to this day, I am still president and board chair.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
There have been good and bad times. 2020, surprisingly, was a solid year for us in that there were many people at home who were able to foster way more than any other year on record. Then, like so many other rescues, we are seeing a leveling out heading into 2024, which is extremely tough because the result is that we have to say no to a dog if we’re full, which is always the hardest thing to do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As president of the Pug Rescue of Austin, I work hand-in-hand with the board of directors to help ensure our month-to-month and big-picture annual strategy makes sense with our current and expected resources. A large part of being on the board of directors is ensuring that the right people are put in the right places so we can keep saving pugs and pug mixes every week.
Do you have any advice for those just starting?
Animal Welfare as a life calling can be incredibly heartbreaking. It is crucial always to remember you are saving lives. And that “life-saving” work can sometimes be very bland, other times thrilling. Depending on your role, you may be picking up a dog in need from a code-red shelter or filling out very long paperwork to get a grant approved. Both are needed, and it’s important to remember your role in both or either is making a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://austinpugrescue.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pug_rescue_austin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PugRescueofAustin/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PugRescueAustin
Image Credits
Maurice Hicks (profile image of Dave Norris) Meg Mulloy (all other pug images)
