Midland Times launches Pet of the Week program with Whiskers and Tails
Midland Times partnered with Whiskers and Tails to feature adoptable animals in a new weekly “Pet of the Week” program focused on increasing adoption awareness across West Texas shelters and rescue organizations.
According to Lori VanHoozer, the first featured pet is a small white terrier mix named Wesley. The pure white terrier mix, Wesley recently entered rescue care and is known for greeting visitors while wearing a bright colored bandanna.
Rescue volunteers described Wesley as calm, social and affectionate. Organizers said the goal of the Pet of the Week program is to help animals like Wesley connect with permanent homes while also increasing awareness about overcrowding issues facing shelters and rescues across West Texas.
Whiskers and Tails marked one year of operations in April after rescuing and transferring hundreds of animals from shelters across West Texas since launching in April 2025.
According to the organization, Whiskers and Tails took in 779 animals during its first 365 days of operation. Rescue leaders said 596 of those animals were adopted, while the remaining animals were placed in foster care or alternative shelter placements.
The organization also partnered with Don’t Litter Affordable Spay & Neuter Clinic in Big Spring to help address pet overpopulation and reduce the number of animals entering shelters.
Rescue leaders said the effort relied on foster families, volunteers, donors and community supporters across the Permian Basin.
“The truth is, this was never just our work,” the organization stated in its anniversary announcement. “Every single life saved is because of our incredible village.”
Animal adoption and rescue efforts continued to play a major role in West Texas as shelters worked to reduce euthanasia rates tied to overcrowding, medical concerns and behavioral issues.
According to Midland Animal Services, 1,250 animals were euthanized in 2025, including 568 due to space limitations. Shelter officials reported a total intake of 5,069 animals during the year.
Midland Animal Services reported rescue partnerships increased by more than 61% in 2025, helping the shelter raise its live release rate to 72%, according to city data. Whiskers and Tails was among the rescue organizations assisting with animal transfers from the shelter system.
Shelter officials and rescue groups continued encouraging adoption, fostering and spay and neuter programs as a way to reduce overpopulation and lower euthanasia numbers across the region.