This Heeler and Shepherd mix would make an awesome companion for someone who loves to go for hikes and spend time outdoors.
NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas — Our “Forgotten Friends” series showcases a dog or cat each week that has spent time at an area shelter, just waiting for someone to notice them and bring them home to love.
This week’s Forgotten Friend is Tamara, a six-month-old Heeler and German Shepherd mix that was found as a stray back in March and brought to the Humane Society in New Braunfels (HSNBA) by a good Samaritan.
“After 30 days in the shelter environment, she is starting to show signs of stress,” said Sarah Hammond, Executive Director of HSNBA. “The shelter can be an overwhelming place to be for over a month, especially for a young rambunctious puppy.”
Tamara is a mix of two working breeds that need an above average amount of exercise and enrichment, so will need an active family so she can live her best life.
The Heeler mix in her would probably not do well in a home with small kids, because of her tendency to try and “herd” them by nipping at their heels.
Tamara gets along really well with other dogs, but cats are another story.
“She is a rock star in our weekly play groups with other dogs and would undoubtedly thrive in a home with another dog,” said Sarah. “She may be a little too much for a home with cats, unless those cats can really put her in her place.”
If you’re willing to put some work and consistent training into teaching her how she should behave around her feline friends, it might work out. Make sure there are some safe spaces around your home for the cat to get a break from interacting with her.
Once Tamara is worn out, she’s cuddly and affectionate and appears house-trained.
She loves to go for rides in the car, and play in the water.
“She would make an amazing companion for a very active family who loves taking their dog out and about for hikes and adventures,” said Sarah.
She’s about 35 pounds and still has some growing to do, so will probably be 50-60 pounds when she’s full grown.
Tamara has already been spayed, is current on her vaccinations, heartworm negative and overall, really healthy.
Do you have what it takes to give Tamara her best life?
You can submit your application for Tamara right here: https://www.hsnba.org/adopt/adopt-a-dog/.
Since Tamara has been at HSNBA for over 30 days, her adoption fee is waived for the right adopter. Fill out your adoption application now!
Or visit the Humane Society of the New Braunfels Area located at 3353 Morningside Drive in New Braunfels, call them at (830) 629-5287 or email them at GeneralInfo@HSNBA.org.
The fees to adopt are $120 for large dogs, $200 for small dogs and puppies, $100 for kittens, $50 for adult cats.
They are open:
- Monday – Friday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sundays and Holidays: Closed to the public – HSNBA will closed on the 4th of July
For whoever adopts Tamara, Lucy’s Doggy Daycare & Spa will be lending a paw by offering them a free “Glow Up” Day at the Spa, which includes a massage therapy bath and Pawdicure. One of Lucy’s most cherished core values is to continue Lucy’s legacy of giving back to pups in need, as Lucy herself was a rescue!
MORE PHOTOS OF TAMARA
Tamara seeks active family to take her on adventures | Forgotten Friends
Are you ready to adopt an animal but you’re not sure what you are looking for? Visit their website to see all of their available cats and dogs CLICK HERE. They also always need more fosters. Did you know they pay for all the costs including food, medical and just about everything else? You just supply the home and the love! CLICK HERE to learn more.
HSNBA is in the smack dab in the middle of Kitten Season and any donations off of their Kitten Wishlist would be much appreciated! The other animals at the shelter need some items as well. Visit the Amazon Wish List here.
Here are some of the items that they need the most right now. CLICK HERE for the list.
Felines
- Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR, Breeder’s Edge, GNC)
- Kitten Bottles
- Miracle Nipples
- Kitten Canned Food
- Disc Warmers
- Cat Toys
Canines
- Dog and Puppy Food
- Treats
- Leashes
- Kong Toys
- Slow Feeders
- Interactive Feeding Toys/Bowls
HSNBA always needs more folks to help out with the animals. Do you want to get involved? CLICK HERE for more information.
HSNBA launched their Summer FUN-draiser on July 1. This effort encourages donors to take the $10 Challenge, where you are asked to commit to making a monthly donation of only $10 a month, and make a difference in the life of an HSNBA animal. Each donation counts as a vote for TEAM DOG or TEAM CAT, in an epic battle where EVERYONE wins! Cast your vote here: https://givebutter.com/P1edqN
HSNBA is also actively recruiting supporters and vendors for next year’s inaugural PET PAWLOOZA, a showcase of local vendors who support pets and the people who love them. The event is sponsored by Creek View Veterinary Clinic and will take place on June 13, 2026. More information can be found on their website.
As with all shelters, cash is always appreciated, since money comes in handy to pay the veterinary bills associated with saving all the animals in need. CLICK HERE to donate to the shelter.
Remember when you adopt a shelter pet, you save two lives… the one you bring home with you and the one that now will be saved because the shelter has more room.
You can go to KENS5.com/ForgottenFriends to check out more stories, photos and videos of adoptable pets, plus updates on pets we’ve featured who have found a new “forever” home.
If you know of a Forgotten Friend that has been overlooked and is still looking for a “furr-ever” home, contact Andrea at acarden@kens5.com.