Why Texas?

Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog from Houston, TX

Serving the Houston Community

In Houston, no dog is safe from euthanasia. It is not unusual that a pregnant dog is euthanized in an effort to prevent more unwanted dogs; or even more often, the mother is spayed during a pregnancy, resulting in the puppies being aborted.

Newborn and underage puppies are also euthanized because they do not have the resources to raise the dog up to an adoptable age. It is a reality that most people in our community cannot comprehend, but it is happening everyday. In addition to the overcrowded shelters, there are an estimated one million stray dogs on the streets that are breeding unchecked.

We believe that any dog conceived should have the chance to live their lives. It is not their fault that they are here because of a culture that does not value spay and neuter. Our mission is to save these moms and puppies from euthanasia, bring them to a community that is ready and willing to take them in and stop the cycle by spaying and neutering every dog before they have a chance to reproduce.

Houston needs help. This is where our heart is. We are not creating these lives, we are just trying to save the ones that are already here. It comes down to a difference in mission from our local Rescues and we think that is okay.

We all have the same goal of saving lives. We at Path of Hope are just focusing on a different way of achieving that. We provide a path of hope to a life that is valued, where every dog is wanted.

Serving the Pacific Northwest

Our region leads the nation in responsible pet ownership. Thanks to strong spay/neuter initiatives, our shelters maintain minimal populations, adoptions happen within days, and no dog faces a three-day euthanasia deadline. Strays are rare, and hard-to-place cases receive specialized care from dedicated rescue organizations.

A Focus on Medical & Behavioral Needs
With basic needs met, local rescues can devote resources to dogs with complex medical or behavioral challenges. These “hard cases” receive the treatment and training they deserve, and our community stands behind them every step of the way.

Filling the Puppy Adoption Gap
Demand for puppies in the PNW often outstrips supply. Prospective families frequently resort to mills, backyard breeders, or resale markets—not because they want to, but because suitable rescue puppies are scarce. We’re changing that by offering a truly rescue-only option for puppies:

Ethical sourcing from vetted intake channels
Health screening, vaccinations, and spay/neuter included
Behavioral support to ensure a smooth transition

Join us in keeping the Pacific Northwest a leader in compassionate, lifesaving rescue work. Whether you’re ready to adopt an adult dog or give a puppy a second chance, you’ll find transparent, community-driven support every step of the way.

What Makes Path of Hope Different?

Path of Hope is different from other Inland Northwest Rescues in many ways. We are the only Rescue that transport dogs from out of state as their main business model. We are the only Rescue that specializes and works exclusively with mommas and puppies. And we are in the small minority of Rescues that operate like a business.

Many Rescues run as a side hobby or something that is done in addition to a ‘real job.’ Caitlin, our director, is committed to running this 501c3, Washington-registered Non Profit as a legitimate business. It is her only job and she treats it like that, working a full 40 hour week. We invest time and money in policies, insurance, taxes, accounting, and legal counsel, like any other business would.

Treating this Rescue with the same respect as any other professional entity ensures the financial stability of the Rescue and allows us to fully invest ourselves in the future of the organization.

Caitlin founded Path of Hope Rescue, because there are communities whose reality is very different than ours. One of those communities is Houston, Texas. She did not truly understand what they were facing until she saw it in person. What she saw was a completely different world. It felt like an alternate reality.

There are approximately 35 shelters in the Houston area and they are all desperate for help. Hundreds of dogs are euthanized every week because of overpopulation. In Caitlin’s many travels to the Houston area, she saw crates of dogs lining hallways and stacked three high, rooms full of days old puppies that were on the euthanasia list, kennels built for one, but crammed with six dogs.

There were shelters that did not have electricity or running water, and shelters that do not even attempt to adopt out animals and kill every dog that comes in, shelters that have lines wrapped around the building on ‘owner surrender’ day.

It was not just eye opening; it was life changing. This became her mission: to help these dogs facing euthanasia only because of their existence. The overpopulation is extreme, ugly and desperate. We will make a small difference in a community that is pleading for help.

The sad reality in this kind of work is that you will never be able to save them all. Our mission at Path of Hope is saving pregnant dogs and puppies. This allows us to fill a need in our community while also helping to fill a very specific need in Houston.

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What does the future hold?

Here is our Vision for the Spokane Chapter of PHR by 2026

Our Spokane facility will set a new standard for dog rescue and adoption in the Pacific Northwest. Built on a spacious, park-like lot, the dog-friendly center will blend modern architecture with warm, welcoming amenities:

State-of-the-art Adoption Gallery: Floor-to-ceiling art and digital displays showcasing rescue stories, staff interviews, and there is a large piece of art with the words “Our Heart is in Texas”.
Open-Concept Office: Every desk features a fenced play nook with beds, toys, and treats; gates can open for supervised play or close for quiet time. All team members are certified in canine behavior.
Dedicated Puppy & Foster Spaces
- Home-Style Litters Rooms: Safe, easy-to-clean suites with viewing windows, decontamination zones, and live-stream cams.
- Foster Family Program: Approved caregivers can apply for exclusive access to litter rooms and visitors can book time in our puppy play lounge.
Best-in-Class Adoption Experience
- Rigorous, Yet Compassionate: Streamlined applications with background checks ensure perfect matches.
- Lifelong “Pack” Support: Birthday parties, play groups, training refreshers, and 24/7 post-adoption helpline keep adopters and their dogs thriving.

Community Gathering Hub

Cafe & Coffee Bar: Locally roasted brews, live music, and partnerships with Spokane businesses.
Flexible Spaces: Breakout rooms for quiet breaks, dog socialization sessions, and private events.
Education & Wellness: Free training seminars, low-cost spay/neuter clinic staffed by our in-house Talaga veterinarian, and public playgroups every weekend.

By 2026, PHR Spokane will be the go-to destination for dog lovers, adopters, and community members, where every wagging tail and human smile fuels our mission.