AUSTIN, Texas — Tail wags and belly rubs are welcome additions to match day atmosphere thanks to a partnership between Austin FC and Austin Pets Alive! "Mascot of the Match” is not a new program. It has proven to be a helpful initiative in the club’s first two seasons. Mascots are a fixture at each match. The hope is that one day, each rescue will be adopted.

Volunteers at APA! feel a rescue’s time with fans is essential for this process.

“I think Austin FC fans are the best fans out there, and instead of getting our dogs out to a few people, we get them out to 50,000 fans,” says Jess Borda, Austin Pets Alive! volunteer. “They get to meet them, touch them and fall in love with them.”

More than 30 rescues have been adopted since the program’s induction.

Sadie is one of the recent mascots to make the rounds at Q2. The basset hound-mix was a hit with the Verde faithful on match day. She, like many mascots, has recovered from an unfortunate situation before arriving at APA!

The nonprofit gave her a fighting chance against canine parvovirus, which kills more than 90% of unvaccinated dogs. Austin Pets Alive's Puppy Parvo ICU is the first of its kind. It helped Sadie get back on her paws and ready for the big day. Fans greeted her with lots of pets and cuddles.

Mike and Steph Curgnola interview all the mascots as a part of their soccer podcast, and the short-lived tradition is a favorite aspect of each match.

“They’re just so fun and so cute and so sweet,” Mike Curgnola said. “And so much insight to soccer, like wow!”

"The idea of interviewing a dog that’s not going to answer questions, so they’re as ready to go as you need them to be,” Steph Curgnola joked. “By far the smartest dog we’ve interviewed.”

Sadie is now in a relatively new home with her foster family.

Austin FC prepares for the MLS Cup Western Conference Semifinals match against FC Dallas Sunday, Oct. 23, at 7 p.m.