Wags & Licks Dog Rescue

I grew up on a farm the majority of my life, into my 20’s. In my teens I started to volunteer and work for non-​profit, no-​kill animal rescues (specifically horses and dogs). We always had dogs on the farm, adopted from the local pound, or, as happens to so many farms, the animals would be dropped off on the property. We re-​homed a lot of animals on our own, which gave us a great frame of reference for getting to know different dogs, temperaments, breeds, training challenges, etc. We know a lot about the differences between pups with a great childhood, a mystery one, or, worst of all, a rough home life. We’ve always let the dogs choose us, too.
Wags and Licks Dog Rescue found my dog, Ripley, a sweet little collie/​red heeler/​bull breed mix, when he was all of 5 – 6 weeks old. He was wandering on the side of the road somewhere, truly the «middle of nowhere,» lost and all alone. I was volunteering, at the time, and so I came to know a lot of the dogs there. When this little guy came in, he just seemed to keep catching my eye with the most intense little eyes, filled with eagerness, and so earnest! I agreed to foster him, I knew I had the space, my dog could use a friend at the time… I couldn’t say «no» to helping this little guy find a home of his own.
Had I wanted to, I absolutely could have limited myself to fostering this dog until he had a new home. Fostering is a wonderful option. It was also a great avenue for letting me, as an apprehensive would-​be two-​dog parent, feel the situation out without any commitment. Wags and Licks never, ever pressured me to do ANYTHING with this dog that I wasn’t completely comfortable with, and they were totally supportive of every option I explored.
Wags and Licks gave this puppy a wonderful, loving, full-​time caring temporary home while he was very young and needed the most attention. Then, I was allowed the privilege of fostering my new friend. Despite never having done this before, Deborah in particular had been a great teacher and leader by example at the rescue. Everything went so smoothly! The puppy was accepted into my home with my own dog (a service dog hound/​bull breed mix), and my mother’s chihuahua mix. Ripley integrated with no problem, had no fear, was, and is, possibly the happiest dog I have ever met in my life. Anyone who meets him agrees.
I decided to adopt Ripley after fostering him for a good while. It was extremely gratifying! Nothing you do goes unnoticed by your new four legged friend… Wags and Licks was supportive, on call with any major issue, had great advice whenever needed, and put us in the direction of great wellness clinic options and veterinarians. They are truly an all-​around phenomenal dog rescue and rehabilitation center. I say this with confidence from my experience in the past, and my current profession that still deals intimately with animals in a variety of situations. I have adopted a truly happy, well rounded, great guy. They’re a matchmaking service with ALL the tools in the tool kit — behind the scenes AND up front!
Lucia W., C.E.M.T.
Owner, Leading by Touch Equine Services

Went through Wags & Licks to adopt a dog and I couldn’t be happier with their help finding my new best friend. All their dogs are very well looked after. They all seem so happy!
Deborah helped set me up with the right dog and ran me through the dog’s history, peculiarities, and habits. She definitely knows her stuff and helped me understand how best to take care of my dog. After the fostering period, she made sure everything was running smoothly and that Sadie was the right fit for me. She was! Thanks again Wags & Licks!

I can’t say enough to express my gratitude to Deborah Schagen of Wags & Licks for sparing and letting us adopt our new incredible dog Onyx.
Only after adopting him did I learn from his medical records that before they took him on, Onyx was considered a «problem dog». I guess that’s what they do. Hard to imagine, he is the most adorable, cuddly, happy and playful dog we’ve ever seen. That speaks to the way they gave him love and trained /​taught him to interact with others. My husband, who was initially nervous about getting a dog, is now completely besotted with Onyx.
I’m especially grateful to Deborah for her thoroughness in working with us to make sure there was a fit. They start off by letting potential owners spend a couple of days with a dog — they don’t want to want you to take a dog who isn’t right for you or the dogs. Since adopting him, Deborah has been extremely helpful in helping us figure out how to properly care for Onyx. If I was wealthy, I’d give them a million bucks.
This is followup, several months later. Words can’t express how much we appreciate them. Can you believe it, they keep Onyx when we’re away. They are always glad to see Onyx again and it’s such a relief for us to have him staying at a place of joy and love. The dogs are all so happy to see each other again!

My fav dog rescue in Austin. Loving and dedicated staff, friendly, well trained and compassionate. Local and awesome. Highly recommended.

Everyone deserves a last minute appeal, right? Dogs are people too, and these guys are the ones that come, rain or shine, day r night, whenever they can help. Austin, San Antonio; Wags and Licks are the angels in the night providing second chances for some of the world’s less fortunate. Support them, because if you needed it, they would support you!