Ready, Set, Adopt

Meet your new best friend at Houston SPCA's Clear the Shelters event

If you've been waiting for a sign that now is the right time to adopt a furry friend, this is it.

On Saturday, August 26, the Houston SPCA is hosting its Clear the Shelters adoption event, happening at the Campus for All Animals from 11 am-6 pm.

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

A lifetime of love.

Felines and canines of all sizes will be available at Houston SPCA, plus other animals you might be interested in such as birds and rabbits.

The day-long event offers extra incentives for adopters — in case those adorable faces aren't enough. The Big Dog Days of Summer event is still happening, where all large dogs, at least 35 pounds, are only $10 to adopt.

Their adoption package includes spay or neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, a microchip, free sample bag of Hill’s Science Diet, and free post-exam from any VCA Animal hospital

In addition to adoptable pets and time in the large dog play yards, the campus will host free activities and giveaways throughout the day.

Expect expert chats and live demonstrations about horses in the Equine Rescue Arena and wildlife talks inside the Carruth Education Center every hour between noon and 3 pm.

Bring the kids for some fun, free goodies beginning at noon, until supplies last, including custom-made balloon art animals, face painting, and snow cones.

For the adults, Eureka Heights Brewery will be handing out samples of its brews.

During the Clear the Shelters adoption event, every canine and feline adopter will receive a free Hill’s Pet Nutrition gift bag (while supplies last, one per family/person).

You can browse the available pets before you go by checking online at houstonspca.org.

If you aren't able to make it to the Clear the Shelters event, don't sweat it. You can stop by the Houston SPCA, located near Memorial Park at 7007 Old Katy Rd., to adopt any time Monday-Sunday, 11 am-6 pm.

animals promoted

no more trips to Colorado

Bill to legalize marijuana in Texas filed by Dallas Democrat

Photo courtesy of Texas Original

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Texas Rep. Jessica González (D-Dallas) has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana