Matilda Day: City of Austin Resolution

Resolution 2025-XX: Support for Declaring January 17 "Matilda Day" in Honor of Senior Dogs in Austin Shelters

 

WHEREAS the City of Austin and its citizens support saving the lives of homeless animals and ensuring their long-term shelter and care; and

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WHEREAS senior dogs in shelters require extra care and tend to be overlooked by potential adopters; and

 

WHEREAS Matilda was a homeless cattle dog who was hiding under a house in Iola, Texas, shortly before she found her forever home and moved to Austin, where she lived for 18 years; and

 

WHEREAS Matilda was an adventurous pup who traveled across deserts, forests, and mountains in the U.S. and Africa, sharing her adventures on social media with more than 50,000 followers, and attracting the love of many more thousands of people around the world; and

 

WHEREAS Matilda leveraged her international fame to raise awareness and funds to save homeless dogs in her home city of Austin; and

 

WHEREAS when Matilda died on January 17, 2023, her followers around the world donated $21,692 in her memory for senior dogs at Austin Pets Alive!; and

 

WHEREAS on the first anniversary of her death, January 17, 2024, Matilda's fans donated an additional $20,397; and

 

WHEREAS every January 17, Matilda's fans are committed to donating funds in her honor to support senior dogs in Austin's animal shelters

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Austin that January 17 is declared "Matilda Day," a day to honor and support senior dogs in Austin animal shelters.