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Shadow Cats provides a haven for cats in need while working to reduce future suffering

For nearly 30 years, Shadow Cats has provided a sanctuary for Central Texas cats that have nowhere else to go, including those with serious medical conditions, disabilities and feline leukemia virus.

The background: Founded by registered nurse Sheila Smith and her late husband, a veterinarian, the nonprofit grew out of a trap, neuter and return effort after Smith realized that many cats she encountered could not be safely returned outdoors.

Today, dozens of cats live cage-free in a converted home designed to provide comfort, enrichment and specialized care.

Diving in deeper: Cat residents such as Greta, Snarky, Suzy, Stitch and Violet each have unique stories of survival, illustrating the organization's commitment to giving difficult-to-place cats happy, fulfilling lives.

Learn more: While sanctuary work is at the heart of its mission, Shadow Cats continues to prioritize TNR as the most effective long-term method for reducing homeless cat populations.

Staff said more than 80% of cats entering area shelters come from community cat populations, making prevention critical as veterinary costs rise.
 
Coming Soon
Enrollment opens at Round Rock’s upcoming Goddard School location

An early childhood education facility is opening later this year in Round Rock.

The overview: The Goddard School announced that enrollment opened on July 31 for the new location, which is off University Boulevard near the Round Round and Georgetown border.

The Goddard School provides childcare and early education for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years old. The new campus will include a multipurpose room and multiple playgrounds.

About the owner: The location is owned by Swetal Soni, Pinak Gohel, Vaishali Gohel and Rohan Munshi, who together also own a Georgetown location of the franchise.

  • 3250 University Blvd., Round Rock
 
Williamson County Coverage
WilCo health district focuses on disease prevention, care access in Georgetown

The Williamson County and Cities Health District, which provides public health resources and clinics throughout the county, presented updates on disease monitoring, service expansions and regulatory changes at a June 28 Georgetown City Council workshop.

What’s happening: The health district is monitoring both West Nile virus detections and active cases of cyclospora, Executive Director Amber Erickson said at the meeting.

The WCCHD operates 12 mosquito traps in Georgetown, eight of which tested positive for West Nile in the past month. The most recent positive detections were located in Edwards Park and in the Sun City community, Erickson said.

Health officials are also monitoring active cases of cyclospora, a parasitic stomach illness caused by contaminated food or water. Although some cases are associated with a national outbreak, no local point source has been identified, Erickson said.

What else? The WCCHD will purchase a new mobile clinical unit to increase healthcare access within the next six months, Erickson said. The mobile unit will address the current lack of a permanent clinic in Georgetown, she said.

 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Float and Flick

Cedar Park Rodeo

Aug. 7, 7:15-10 p.m.
Dripping Springs

Aug. 7-8, 7:30 p.m.
Cedar Park

More info

More info

 

Buda Summer Concert Series

New Moon Sound Bath

Aug. 8, 8-9:30 p.m.
Buda

Aug. 9, 6-8 p.m.
Georgetown

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

In Your Area
$90M multifamily project planned for Northwest Austin

Multifamily developer JPI is planning to break ground on 342 new apartments in Northwest Austin this month.

The overview: JPI closed on 9.3 acres at the northwest corner of Pearson Market Circle and Spectrum Drive in June, making way for a $90 million multifamily housing project known as Jefferson Pearson Ranch, according to a news release. The housing will go into the larger, 156-acre Pearson Ranch.

The 342 apartments will be built across three four-story buildings, with a two-level parking deck. The complex will feature a mix of 25 studio, 211 one-bedroom, 90 two-bedroom and 16 three-bedroom homes. The site will also include a standalone fitness center, resort-style pool, resident lounge, private conference rooms, dog park and more.

JPI is expected to break ground on the project this month, with completion anticipated in 2028.

 

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Darcy Sprague
Managing Editor

Amy Leonard Bryant
General Manager

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