09/30/2026
Last week we were invited to PetSetās 2026 State of Animal Welfare event, but weāre pretty sure everyone was actually there to see our boy, Zoran ā¤ļø
Zoran joined as the rescue dog mascot for the morning, and apparently no one explained to him that his role did NOT include being on stage for the entire program š He made himself right at home alongside the presenters and was perfectly content soaking up the attention. Considering everything this sweet boy has survived, we were more than happy to let him have his moment!
Not long ago, Zoran was living on the streets of Houston in horrific condition. Independent rescuer Danna Fullen found him severely emaciated and suffering from mange, intestinal parasites, fleas, heartworms, and a broken leg. Danna got him to BARC, where he was ultimately saved by Rescued Pets Movement.
Today, Zoran is safe in an RPM foster home with our Director of Clinic Operations, Megan, getting the medical care, good food, rest, and love he needs to heal. This former street dog found himself hanging out on stage with some of Houston and Harris Countyās leaders, then posing for photos with the Mayor and longtime RPM supporter, Don Sanders. We think he handled his newfound celebrity status exceptionally well.
More than 200 leaders from across our community came together for Houston PetSetās State of Animal Welfare to talk about Houstonās animal homelessness crisis and the reality that it affects far more than the animals themselves. It intersects with our neighborhoods, public health, public safety, shelter capacity, and quality of life. City officials also highlighted the gathering of elected leaders, nonprofits, and advocates around these issues.
For RPM, Zoran is a pretty powerful example of why those conversations matter. Every day, animals just like him are entering Houstonās shelter system needing someone to step up. Addressing the scale of this crisis takes shelters, rescue organizations, independent rescuers, nonprofits, donors, fosters, volunteers, and our local leaders all working together.
We are grateful to PetSet for bringing so many people to the same table, and for giving one very deserving rescue dog a chance to steal the show. Although, to be fair, Zoran seemed to think it was his event all along. ā¤ļøš¶
Mayor John Whitmire , City of Houston
Tom Ramsey Harris Co. Commissioner PCT 3, Tom S Ramsey, PE, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner's Office
Sean Teare, Harris County District Attorney's Office
Dr. Leah Barton, Harris County Public Health
Michael Heckman, Houston First Corporation
Dr. Roberta Westbrook, PetSet
BARC Animal Shelter & Adoptions
Harris County Pets
