Original Video and Article shared at CultureMap.com (Why Houston lifestyle blogger can’t resist donating to a pile of puppies)

Recently I got an opportunity to spread the word about a charity that is very close to my heart and has had a huge impact on my life called PupSquad. This is where we adopted my first son or my fur baby “Rio” eight years back. He was only 6 weeks when we brought him home and honestly, life truly changed for us. Our little pup brought so much happiness and selfless love! Over the past eight years we have made countless memories with him. I have always recommend Pup Squad to all my friends who want to adopt a pet, since I was very impressed with their good work of rescuing animals from the streets and working hard to get each one of them a loving home.

I was contacted by Culture Map Houston to be one of their community partners for the Frost’s new campaign, Opt For Optimism, which encourages small acts of kindness that lead to a big impact in our community. I loved the idea and was immediately on board to foster generosity, building community and changing perspectives. Thanks! Culture Map for having me on board and letting me use my social media influence to spread everything good.

Through this initiative I was able to thank Pup Squad for their good work by presenting them with a $100 cash card from Frost Bank, which will help defray some expenses and help keep puppies off the streets and shelters. Pup Squad rescues orphaned puppies and nursing litters from the streets, shelters, and other life-threatening situations and matches them with permanent adoptive homes. It also provides support and education to these adopters and the community at large, working with other community rescue efforts to promote spay/neuter, adoption, and humane animal care to ultimately reduce the number of animals euthanized in Houston and surrounding areas. You can learn more about donating, volunteering or apply for fostering some puppies here.

On the day of the shoot I got an opportunity to meet Linda Passarelli who is one of the Board Members of Pup Squad. She shared with us that Pup Squad is entirely foster-based, meaning that the puppies are kept in loving homes until they are adopted. There is a fee of $200 that one pays while adopting a puppy. However, note that out of that $150 goes in medical bills right away . I remember when I adopted Rio from his foster home we were screened by the family fostering Rio and were asked several questions about our previous experiences as pet owners. Honestly, I was very impressed by the thought and dedication of that family to ensure that the pets are handed over to responsible people only.

If you are thinking of getting a pet for yourself or  your children I  highly recommend you adopt one ! And if you are in greater Houston you know where to go 🙂