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🌱 Patch AM: Could your dog-free home help contain Austin’s new shelter virus?

Be sure to catch A Live Conversation with Chevy Chase on the Austin Patch calendar

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Monday December 15th Patch AM
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Greetings Austin! Your go-to source for what's happening in town is here. Stay in the loop and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Could your dog-free home help contain Austin’s new shelter virus?
  • Could Austin’s favorite THC seltzers quietly disappear next year?
  • Think you’ve spotted Austin’s oldest graffiti? Here’s how to weigh in

Also on today's calendar: Erica Rhodes - Live! and 6 more events.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the stop sign say to the yield sign? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Monday: Partly sunny, with a high of 56 and low of 42 degrees.
  • Tuesday: Low clouds, temps: high: 59, low: 55.
  • Wednesday: A morning thunderstorm or two, with a high of 74 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Austin Pets Alive! looking for urgent fosters to curb dog virus spread (kvue.com) — Austin animal shelters are battling a highly contagious but non-fatal dog respiratory virus and urgently need residents without other pets to foster or adopt. Austin Animal Services, already over capacity, has moved about 20 dogs to Austin Pets Alive! and hopes to place 25 to 35 more in homes for at least three weeks to slow the spread.
   

2. Uncertainty looms as Texas THC beverage brands await new hemp rules (statesman.com) — Austin’s fast-growing THC drink scene, including brands like Tejas Tonic and Delta Vine, is bracing for strict new federal hemp rules that could effectively outlaw many popular beverages. Local shop owners and producers describe feeling whiplash after beating a Texas ban, only to face fresh uncertainty over THC limits and extraction methods that could upend jobs, investments, and weekend patio favorites across the city.
   

3. Austin is packed with creative graffiti, but which tags are the oldest? (statesman.com) — If you’ve ever wondered which graffiti in Austin is truly the oldest, a local columnist is on the hunt and wants your help. From Hope Outdoor Gallery’s new East Austin home to Mount Bonnell and railroad bridges, the search runs through familiar landmarks and the Austin History Center’s archives.
   

4. West Austin community look to the menorah's light in a dark start to Hanukkah (kvue.com) — Austin’s Jewish community gathered in West Austin for a Hanukkah menorah lighting, supported by an increased Austin Police presence after a deadly shooting at a similar event in Sydney. Local leaders, including a West Austin city council member, emphasized resilience, solidarity, and keeping the celebration going despite heightened fear and grief.
   

5. New Years Eve in Texas: Best cities to party, according to national study (fox4news.com) — Austin ranks third among Texas cities and 37th nationwide in a new WalletHub study of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve, scoring especially well for entertainment and food. The ranking suggests locals can find a strong mix of nightlife, dining, and activities without leaving the capital city, even if costs and safety scores trail some other Texas spots.
   

📸 Around Austin

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Austin

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📣 Austin Shout Outs!

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🗓 Events Nearby

    Monday December 15
  • Boy's Basketball vs. Lake Travis @LTMS
    Hill Country Middle Austin, TX 78746
    5:15 pm
  • Girl's Basketball vs. Lake Travis @HCMS
    Hill Country Middle Austin, TX 78746
    5:15 pm
  • WHS Band - Holiday Concert
    Westlake Community Performing Arts Center , 4100 Westbank Dr , Austin
    7:00 pm
    • Tuesday December 16
  • Jingle & Mingle Holiday Mixer
    Hotel Viata , 320 S Capital of Texas Hwy , Austin
    6:00 pm

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Austin PatchAM possible:

  • The Steam Team — (512) 451-8326
    Austin’s trusted experts in water, fire and mold restoration
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    Carpet Cleaning in Austin, Texas

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

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🪧 Patch Classifieds

  • Seasoned firewood for sale.
    Seasoned Oak FirewoodStandard Cord 4'x4'x8'$5751/2 Standard Cord 4'x4'x4'$300Face Cord 8'x4'x16"-18"$2251/2 Face Cord 4'x4'x16"-18"$125They are... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • As the year winds down, I'm wishing my neighbors a peaceful holiday season.
    This time of year can be meaningful, exhausting, and quietly reflective all at once. I hope there is warmth where it's needed, laughter where it… (Nextdoor Bouldin Creek East)
  • Santa is in the Arboretum today!
    Come on out to the Arboretum Food and Artisan Market today and bring the kiddos for free Santa pics. Market hours are 11 to 3 and Santa comes from 12… (Nextdoor The Arboretum)
  • The Walt Disney Company posted a job opening for Youth Activities Counselor in Austin. Apply here.
  • Hersha Hospitality Management, LP posted a job opening for Room Attendant - Housekeeper in Austin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Austin here.

Ok Austin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know either. They were speaking in sign language.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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