Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Wrona.
Hi Elizabeth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Inspired by the relationship built between one abandoned German Shepherd named Helmutt and our president, Austin German Shepherd Rescue was founded in 1999. Mutt’s legacy continues through AGSDR and with every German Shepherd rescued and adopted, we are reminded of the bond between our Founder and her Mutt.
Many German Shepherds in shelters are deemed non adoptable because they are heartworm positive or have a traumatic injury or disease which all require extensive medical care. In almost 25 years, Austin German Shepherd Rescue has saved over 2500 German Shepherds many of which had medical issues such as parvo, mange, heartworms, or orthopedic issues. Bringing these dogs back to health so they become adoptable requires significant veterinary expense and our biggest challenge is continuous funding for our Welfare Intervention for Neglected German Shepherds “WINGS” Program.
I, Elizabeth Wrona, joined AGSDR in 2017 after I purchased my very first German Shepherd, Lily. As a German Shepherd owner, I began to realize how many German Shepherds filled our Texas Shelters and vowed to volunteer with a GSD rescue to advocate for the breed I love so dearly. Since 2017, I have volunteered as AGSDR’s Fundraising Coordinator. In 2019, in addition to fundraising, I volunteered to Chair AGSDR Events Committee, which I still actively chair. In 2020, AGSDR invited me to become a Board Member, which I continue to serve on.
The German Shepherd Breed is one like no other, they’re intelligent, loyal, smart, and determined. Since my time with AGSDR, I have permanently (from rescue to adoption) fostered 5 German Shepherds and temporarily (1 day to 2 weeks) fostered over 7 German Shepherds. We always have a critical need for loving homes to rescue more Shepherds. On average, our intake coordinator receives 30 intake requests a month. We are able to service, on average, about 1-4 of these requests monthly. To say there is a need is a huge understatement.
I dedicate about 20+ hours a week to AGSDR activities which including fundraising, event planning, social media management, and fostering.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Rescue work is tough, and you oftentimes find yourself crying. Crying because we cannot intake a German Shepherd in critical condition due to limited funds and foster homes. Crying because of the animal abuse you see and hear about. Crying because you have fallen in love with your foster and now it is time for them to go home to their forever families.
Even though all the tears, volunteering for AGSDR is the most rewarding experience I have in my life. I serve in volunteer leadership capacities for the Junior League of Austin (treasurer), Association of Fundraising Professionals (finance committee), and Chariot (Board member), but AGSDR is the nonprofit my heart and soul belongs too.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before AGSDR, I was a business owner and real estate agent. Now, because of my fundraising effort for our rescue, I have made a complete career transition and work for a local nonprofit as a Development Director. If you would have asked me six years ago if I saw myself fundraising, I would’ve said no. But now, fundraising for AGSDR, I have found my passion and have transitioned it into a career. I feel so thankful and lucky that my volunteer endeavors and passions have aligned with my career. Everyday I go to work, I know I making a difference for our Central Texas Community, and for that, my heart is full.
Since 2017, I have helped Central Texas nonprofits raise over $4 million through corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and donor stewardship.
I am most proud of establishing AGSDR’s Welfare Intervention for Neglected German Shepherds “WINGS” Program which supports all our rescued German Shepherds medical and surgical vetting. Additionally, I am so proud that I adopted a Retired Military Working Dog (B339) who has been the best addition to our family.
What are your plans for the future?
One day I hope to open a German Shepherd Sanctuary for the German Shepherds throughout Texas deemed non adoptable due to mild behavior issues and old age, which increases their likelihood of being euthanized.
Maybe even one day, I’ll be an inductee into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame for my work serving our community, both humans and canines.
Pricing:
- $45 Covers a Heartworm for 1 GSD
- $100 Covers Vaccinations for 1 GSD
- $250 Covers a Spay or Neuter
- $800 Covers Heartworm Treatment for 1 GSD
Contact Info:
- Email: events@austingsrescue.org
- Website: www.AGSDR.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxgsdrescue/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atxgsdrescue/?ref=page_internal
