Lytle Animal Allies: A Lifeline for Our Furry Neighbors
We're celebrating the stories that matter and the good things happening in Medina County, just in a new way at least for now.
Though we hit pause on printing the second issue of Medina Magazine, the stories we created are too good not to share.
So instead of shelving them, we’re bringing them directly to you — as a digital series powered by Marken Media Co.
Over the coming days, we’ll highlight the local organizations, people, and places that make Medina County special — the same way we always planned, but now with even more ways to connect, comment, and share.
This is our way of honoring the incredible work our local writers and contributors poured into these stories and continuing to spotlight the good happening right here in our community.
✍️ Written by Denise Unger
📸 Select Photography by Marcus Buckner
Lytle Animal Allies (LAA) is making Medina and Atascosa counties safer and healthier for our furry friends. It all began when three animal lovers decided they wanted to do more to help the dogs and cats housed at the Lytle Animal Care and Control facility.
Since obtaining their 501(c)(3) status in March 2017, they’ve worked tirelessly to support animals in need. Today, they collaborate with Lytle Animal Care and Control, Petunia’s Rescued Friends, Atascosa Animal Allies, Atascosa Animal Care and Control, the San Antonio Humane Society, All Tails and Whiskers (Devine), and local veterinarians. Together, they assist with adoptions, grooming, spay/neuter services, and pet health care. They also provide pet food through their own monthly program, Bella’s Pantry.
Bella’s Pantry is a pet food assistance program named in honor of Bella the Boxer, the lovable dog-in-residence for years at Lytle Animal Care and Control. Volunteers distribute food and litter to pet parents on the fourth Saturday of every month from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the facility.
In 2024 alone, more than 1,160 people from Lytle, Natalia, Devine, Castroville, Atascosa, Somerset, Hondo, Pearsall, Moore, and Von Ormy have relied on this much-needed resource. “I’ve seen people start to line up as early as 2 or 3 in the morning,” says Betty Kroeger, secretary/treasurer of LAA.
“People aren’t using this service to save a little money. This is helping people with a real need.”
Kroeger shared the story of one recipient who was making oatmeal to feed his dog until the next distribution day. “People aren’t using this service to save a little money,” she explains. “This is helping people with a real need.”
Many of those who come to Bella’s Pantry are rural residents who have taken in abandoned dogs and cats. The program runs entirely on donations and grants.
Kroeger recalls her surprise at learning that pet food and cat litter were included in the San Antonio Food Bank’s list of available commodities. “I got to work and arranged for them to bring a semi-truck full of pet food and cat litter for distribution day,” she says. Kroeger hopes to organize this on a quarterly basis in 2025.
Making an Impact Through Spay and Neuter Services
In addition to food, Bella’s Pantry volunteers share information about reduced-cost spay and neuter services to help prevent future litters of puppies and kittens. Since June 2022, LAA has partnered with Dr. Courtney Bridgeman of Dragonfly Veterinary Clinic in Boerne to provide spay/neuter services on one Saturday each month at Lytle Animal Care and Control.
Dr. Bridgeman and her team arrive with a fifth-wheel trailer outfitted as a surgical suite, ready to treat the pre-registered pets. To date, more than 1,200 dogs and cats have benefitted from this partnership. Pet owners pay $60 for cats and $100 for dogs, while LAA covers the remaining costs.
Relying on Community Support
Of course, all of this work requires funding. The biggest challenge is the sheer number of animals that need help, the group explains. LAA has secured grants from Walmart, H-E-B, and the San Antonio Humane Society. A generous benefactor from Houston provides monthly support, and a grant from the Jason Heigl Foundation (named for the late brother of actress Katherine Heigl) covered the cost of an entire spay/neuter event. Local animal lovers also play a crucial role by donating food, money, and supplies.
Some donations stand out for their heartwarming creativity. Last fall, Melinda Flores of Lytle Animal Care and Control used donated Thanksgiving dinners to give the shelter animals a holiday celebration. And who could forget the Facebook video of the animals picking their favorite toys from a pile of Christmas gifts?
Though small in size, Lytle Animal Allies is having an outsized impact. The organization has no physical location of its own, but their dedication to the animal care community is unmistakable. Kroeger, who retired as director of Lytle Animal Care and Control in 2018, remains passionate and determined. “I’m living my dream,” she says. “It’s worth all of the work to see how an animal’s health can turn around.”
DENISE UNGER is a lifelong Devine resident and piano teacher who enjoys gardening and spending time with her sweet German Shepherd Millie.
Ways to Help
Volunteer to help at monthly events by visiting lytleanimals.org and clicking "Connect with Us."
Follow and share their Facebook page: facebook.com/lytleanimalallies.
Donate by credit card or PayPal at lytleanimals.org. Mail a check to Lytle Animal Allies, PO Box 874, Lytle, TX 78052. Drop off monetary donations, pet food, or cat litter at: Lytle Animal Care and Control 17971 West FM 2790 South.
This blog is dedicated to our beloved rescue, Reba (2011-2023).
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