Courageous Dog 'Champ' To Be Honored In Williamson County

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — The community is invited to the upcoming "Champs Day" next week to celebrate the canine courage of a former shelter dog who beat the odds in recovering from heinous abuse.

After months of recovery, Champ — the bull terrier who stole the hearts of people everywhere with his heroic story of beating the odds and healing from one of the worst incidents Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter workers have ever seen — will be officially adopted by his foster, Officer John Schultz, officials said.

Champ has lived up to his name, officials said, and wants to share the celebration with his shelter friends.

Animal rescue workers believe Champ was dragged when he fell from the back of a pickup truck he was tethered to last August, resulting in injuries that included burns, a broken pelvis and lacerations. The dog underwent multiple surgeries as a result, along with a series of treatments to heal burns and grow back skin, officials described.

Hearing of his harrowing tale of survival, members of the community stepped up by donating to Jane's Fund, the shelter's medical resource specifically catering to animals needing emergency care. Despite the nature of his extensive injuries, Champ is said to now be living a full life. The plucky animal even joined his foster on a recent holiday trip to New York City, shelter officials noted.

The shelter will host a celebration of Champ's survival on Monday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m.

“Champs Day is not only a day to celebrate Champ,” Cheryl Schneider, the county shelter director, said in a prepared statement. "It also celebrates all of the animals who need a little extra help to find their families and all the individuals who help make that happen.”

In honor of Champs Day, the community is encouraged to support Jane’s Fund, the shelter’s medical fund. Donations are graciously accepted in person at the shelter and online by clicking the donate button at the top right corner of wilcopets.org.

The celebration will begin with an adoption ceremony in the Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace courtroom, 100 Wilco Way, in Georgetown, Texas. The ceremony is scheduled to be led by Judge Evelyn McLean. Afterwards, those attending are invited to the Champs Day reception in the regional shelter's lobby across the street. WCRAS will be providing refreshments and free adoptions for anyone wearing a superhero-themed outfit.

For more information and to view adoptable pets, visit http://pets.wilco.org/.

About Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter

The Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter is a collaborative effort between Williamson County and the cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Hutto. It provides a safe environment for the lost, abandoned, and homeless animals of these jurisdictions. Our vision is to save every healthy and behaviorally sound companion animal and to place each animal in a loving home.

The shelter is located at 1855 SE Inner Loop Georgetown, Texas 78626, and the telephone number is (512) 943-3322. Operating hours are Monday - Friday from noon to 6 p.m., and Saturday – Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Justice of the Peace, Pct. 3 Courtroom, is housed in the Williamson County Georgetown Annex, 100 Wilco Way, in Georgetown.