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BY KATLYNN FOX
Safe in Austin is home to over a dozen pigs, among many other species.
Jamie Wallace-Griner, founder and president of Safe in Austin, houses around 240 rescue animals at the Leander property.
PHOTOS BY KATLYNN FOX COMMUNITY IMPACT
Safe in Austin helps children and animals in Leander Jamie Wallace-Griner’s journey of uniting pets and children to inspire healing began with one boy and one dog. Nearly 12 years ago, Wallace-Griner welcomed Angel, a great Pyrenees dog, into her Safe in Austin with its own unique backstory and challenges. Some animals are blind or deaf, have neurological disorders, missing limbs or use a
Jamie Wallace-Griner was inspired by her son’s autism service dog, Angel, to start rescuing animals.
wheelchair. Who it’s for
home as her son’s autism service dog. Angel changed their entire lives, Wallace-Griner said, instantly showing her what could happen when animals and children connect with each other. The catalyst Safe in Austin, based in Leander, started with one Angel, and over the last decade it has amassed around 240 rescue animals across 19 species. Permanent residents include pigs, dogs, horses, rabbits, goats, birds, tortoises, chickens, a one- eyed hedgehog and a llama. Each animal came to
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Along with caring for animals full time, Safe in Austin hosts tours for families and schools. The rescue o ers summer camps, public events and programs for middle and high school students for free. “The animals ... can feel that they have a purpose, that they’re changing someone’s life, that they’re doing something good for people, and it is also healing them just as much as it’s healing others,” Wallace-Griner said.
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14601 Honeycomb Drive, Leander www.safeinaustin.org
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