Beloved Texas nonprofit dog rescue marks a major milestone with a beautiful girl named Stella.
Houston, Texas – June 10, 2025, South Texas Aussie Rescue (STAR) is proud to announce a heartwarming milestone: the intake of its 2,000th dog since the organization’s founding 25 years ago in April of 2000! Say hello to Stella, a stunning 5-year-old Blue Merle Australian Shepherd whose big, soulful eyes and playful spirit represent everything we love about this remarkable breed.
Stella came to STAR when her owner was no longer able to care for her. Now in a dedicated foster home, she’s getting the attention and evaluation she needs before finding the perfect adoptive family. “She’s settling in, and very attached to her humans,” says foster mom, Lisa Butler. “She is tentative around men but can be won over by treats. She’s just super cute and I look forward to helping STAR find her furever family.”
Known for their agility, brains, and boundless enthusiasm, Australian Shepherds are especially beloved in Texas for their family-friendly hearts. While some make for great ranch dogs given their built-in herding instincts, STAR focuses on placing each dog into a loving family where they can enjoy the comfort of indoor life, in addition to plenty of outdoor activity. The organization rescues dogs from across the state of Texas then places them with approved foster families until a match is found in a loving home —usually in Houston, Austin, or San Antonio.
“Aussies are more than just beautiful dogs—they’re intelligent, loyal, and thrive on connection,” said Patti Hitt of STAR. “Reaching 2,000 dogs saved is a testament to our community of fosters, volunteers, and adopters. We bring in as many dogs as we can from shelters and owner releases and evaluate them in Aussie-savvy foster homes. We are a small, but mighty rescue, and Stella is the perfect ambassador for this milestone.”
South Texas Aussie Rescue invites dog lovers across Texas to celebrate this milestone by supporting its ongoing mission: rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming Aussies across Central and South Texas. Whether by donating, fostering, or adopting, every effort brings dogs like Stella one step closer to the life they deserve.
