“A dog is a man’s best friend,” or in this case, a woman’s, and Summer Pavliska has a lot of best friends. 

Since she was a young child, Summer has been bringing home stray animals in need of care. It’s become her life’s passion to be a cheerleader for dogs across Texas, particularly in Round Rock, with her organization PAWliska Rescue and Reunite. PAWliska Rescue and Reunite’s mission is to give a voice to pets who can’t and don’t have one. One of Summer’s first dog rescues and rehabilitations inspired it. 

Right out of high school, she rescued two dogs, Bucky and Rascal, from a neglected home where they didn’t receive the necessary loving care and attention. She rehabilitated them to become adoptable. “Bucky and Rascal are my babies because I was their first person to truly love them,” Summer said. “That’s just a different type of bond.”

From then on, Summer decided that “dogs who had been thrown away like trash would be treated like royalty” under her roof.

Rescuing Abandoned Dogs

Summer, who has a real estate background, has connected with many of her colleagues by rescuing dogs found on vacant properties. Recently, a colleague told Summer about a dog mom, Ellie Mae, and her litter of six puppies living under the shed of a foreclosed property. She worked with the realtor and set up a rescue plan. The realtor would visit the dogs every day with food and water with Summer on a video call to build a trusting bond and not induce more trauma. They are now living with her until they are ready to be adopted.

“If I don’t have a foster set up, they come home with me,” she said. 

Summer comes from a line of community leaders and desires to be one. She hosts education and adoption events and has become a resource for dog rescues in Round Rock. “It’s a true [community] partnership, which sets me apart from other rescues and shelters,” Summer said. 

When she reaches out to a potential foster, Summer does more than just take care of the medical care. She “stepped it up, so all they need to do is love the dog.” The foster family receives a “foster kit” filled with everything they need, including treats, blankets, cleaning supplies and a kennel. 

Summer has created a community of like-minded individuals who serve as dog advocates and are available to walk dogs, love them, and much more. PAWliska is run by volunteers, who share their passion and financial support. 

Lost and Found

When a dog owner contacts Summer because their dog has escaped, it immediately becomes a “boots on the ground” operation. She begins profiling the dog’s family, environment, and behavior with a focus on the first 48 to 72 hours. The plan to reunite the dog is not always black and white because “sometimes, the dog doesn’t do the plan,” Summer said. “But I am fully committed to getting these babies home.”

Texas Lifestyle Magazine’s very own Marika and Doug Flatt first learned of Summer and her organization when their newly-adopted dog, Florence, dug out of their backyard. They contacted Summer and within 30 minutes, she was able to put together a plan and mobilize a search party. Florence was quickly found. While it’s not always this easy, Summer commits to never giving up and has reunited 192 dogs this year.

Rehabilitation to Rehomed

Another part of PAWliska’s Rescue and Reunite is rehabilitation for dogs found on the street. Summer has a network and relationship with the animal control officers in Round Rock who notify her of a dog in need. From there, the dog goes to the vet, and then to a loving foster family. If there is not a foster family available, Summer steps in as the foster parent. “When you rescue and foster these street animals who have been alone, it’s the best feeling ever,” she said. 

Summer shares her top tips to prevent your family dog from escaping. It starts with a Martingale collar and positive reinforcement. She also emphasizes the importance of trackers because “every dog has a moment where they are spooked” and a microchip. The biggest recommendation from Summer is to verify that your fences are secure so that you are in a position where no harm will be done.

Summer believes dogs should be treated as members of the family, and owners should be willing to do whatever it takes to protect their family members. “If you truly love your pet like you say you love your family, you protect them,” she said. 

What to do if your dog escapes

If your dog does escape, Summer stresses the importance of fliers with one full body picture and red, bolded text to catch pedestrians’ attention. Owners should make a note of the time their dog escaped because that time will be important in their rescue mission. Most dogs tend to return around the time that they escaped. Just as Summer has become a community resource in Round Rock and the surrounding area, she wants owners to know there are resources available in every community to help reunite dogs with their families. 

PAWliska Rescue and Reunite has been a childhood dream of Summer’s. This has become an adult reality through her community connections and passion for animal advocacy. She has given stray dogs a voice and a new life through her organization. 

“If I don’t do anything, then I’m just one of those people who sits back,” Summer said. 

PAWliska Rescue and Reunite is always looking for volunteers to become foster parents, to walk or feed a dog, or to simply partner with Summer in cheerleading for the dogs who need it the most. If you are interested in volunteering or want more information, please contact Summer Pavliska at https://pawliskarescuereunite.org/.

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Cover photo courtesy PAWLiska Rescue & Reunite

Natalie French is an intern with Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a journalism major at Baylor University. In her free time, she loves to hang out with her friends and family, read new books, and try new food.