Bolt + ME
The Story Behind Happy Tails Ball
I spent more than two decades building trust in the Austin community—first as the founder of Blue Bolt Home Services, and more recently as the organizing heart behind Happy Tails Ball. But ask me where it really began, and I’ll point to a dog named Bolt.
He was four months old when I brought him home for the first time. I knew then, that someday when we had to say goodbye to each other, it was going to break my heart into a million pieces. Fourteen years later, that is exactly what happened.
What a wonderful, magical journey we had together, though! Bolt was my best friend. He had a big toothy smile that he would flash at me, and only me, when I walked in the room. We had fourteen years of walks and play and travel and constant unwavering devotion.
He invented his own “ball” game at Barton Springs pool. A video of him playing this game went viral a few years back. I would take him there, give him the ball and let him entertain himself for hours. As pool patrons would stop, watch in awe and frequently record his little “act”, they would strike up a conversation with me about him. I met people from all over the world.
Bolt enriched my life immensely. He was amazing! Even after his passing, I frequently ponder the question:
Who Rescued Who?
Adopting / fostering a dog or cat is a gesture of higher purpose for all of us.
I had a discussion recently with Kelley Rice, founder of New Hope Animal Rescue. She reminded me that in her line of work, she deals with the aftermath of people who are the opposite of someone like you and me. These precious animals are mistreated, abused and abandoned daily in Central Texas.
Her organization finds them, transports them to safety and provides rehabilitation so they can find good homes. They are not a shelter. She relies on fosters and volunteers to help care for animals as well as much needed financial support from all of us. That is why I’m organizing The Happy Tails Spring Fling. Let’s raise money for New Hope and have a lot of boot scootin’ fun at the same time!
Join us! Buy tickets, donate, consider fostering, volunteering, adopting. They deserve our help.
Help Us Honor Bolt’s Legacy
The best way to celebrate a great dog is to give another one a shot at a great life. Whether you give your time or your support, you’re helping New Hope Animal Rescue keep tails wagging across Central Texas.
