At The Law Offices of Colby Lewis, our commitment to the community is built on a foundation of dedicated advocacy. For over 20 years, we have fought for the rights of individuals in Houston and across Texas, providing a strong voice for those navigating their most difficult moments.
On December 28, 2024, our firm provided a $10,000 donation to ThisIsHouston, a local dog rescue specializing in critical medical care and emergency intervention for the city’s most vulnerable animals.
A Shared Philosophy of Support
The partnership between our firm and the rescue is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a dedicated advocate. While our legal team focuses on recovery and protection for our clients, ThisIsHouston focuses on the welfare of animals that have been left without a safety net. During our conversation with members of ThisIsHouston, we emphasized that our support is intended to ensure the organization has the financial stability to maintain its high standards of care and continue serving the Houston area for years to come.
“What you guys do really resonates with me, and I really want to make sure that you’re able to continue. I wanted to give you guys some money… give you guys a donation because […] I wanted to make sure you’re able to continue,” says Colby Lewis.
Vanquishing the Void for the Most Vulnerable
The rescue operates with a specific focus on cases that require the most compassion and financial resources. Many animals find themselves in positions where their needs exceed the capacity of traditional municipal systems. Co-founder Tom Heller explained the origins of ThisIsHouston, noting that the organization was established specifically to ensure that animals with the greatest needs are never overlooked, while also sharing that the rescue’s primary purpose is to step in when the path to recovery seems most difficult, providing the opportunity to heal and, eventually, to find a permanent home.
“A lot of the dogs that we take on are severely sick, severely injured… they cost anywhere from $1,000 up to $20,000 to get them healthy. We wanted to fill that void… save the dogs that wouldn’t make it,” said ThisIsHouston co-founder Tom Heller.
ThisIsHouston maintains a deep connection with the local community and works closely with municipal facilities that often find themselves overwhelmed with cases. Co-founder Laura Forma described the collaborative nature of this work and explained that because local shelters often face staffing and resource constraints, they frequently rely on specialized partners to provide the individual attention and medical monitoring that many animals require before they are ready for adoption.
“Besides social media, local shelters also reach out to us. They often have injured dogs but no overnight staff to monitor them. If we don’t help, those dogs are often euthanized,” says ThisIsHouston co-founder Laura Forma.
A Commitment to the “Underdog”
The work of a rescue requires a constant willingness to step up when a situation seems most daunting. This often involves responding to complex situations found through community alerts or local networking. Team member Doug Hall spoke about the rescue’s heart for the “underdog,” explaining that they intentionally choose to help the animals that have the longest road to recovery, even when the financial burden is significant and the outcome is uncertain.
“Every post that makes you laugh, there’s ten that just make you want to cry… usually if it’s a severe medical case and nobody else steps up, then ThisIsHouston will do it,” says ThisIsHouston team member Doug Hall.
The mission of the rescue is as much about awareness as it is about direct action. Many Houstonians may not be aware of the daily challenges facing the local animal population. ThisIsHouston board member Tara Hall reflected on how her experience with the rescue has emphasized the importance of community awareness, noting that while many people may live in a “bubble,” the mission of the rescue is to shed light on these issues and to provide a proactive, compassionate path forward for the community.
“Fostering opened my eyes to the number of dogs being euthanized in shelters simply because people don’t want to adopt them. Helping educate people on these problems—like backyard breeding and puppy mill situations—is very close to my heart,” says ThisIsHouston board member Tara Hall.
A Personal Connection: Josie
Our community focus is often inspired by the firm’s own unofficial “team mascot,” Josie. A rescue dog herself, Josie’s presence at the office is a daily reminder of the impact of care and the power of a second chance. On that day, Josie was personally on hand to represent the success stories that ThisIsHouston works toward every day.
“Our commitment to making Texas a better place drives everything we do. […] Josie’s journey to a better life reminded me of something important: care and support shouldn’t just stop at people,” says Colby Lewis.
How You Can Help
ThisIsHouston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies entirely on donations and a global network of supporters. Whether it’s through fostering, donating to a specific medical campaign, or spreading the word, every bit helps.
The Law Offices of Colby Lewis is proud to support ThisIsHouston in their mission to create a brighter, kinder future for our community.
