This is from Amanda Lopez, Program Associate-Community Initiatives with the San Antonio Area Foundation and Bark in the Park — Perrito Grito Coordinator, writing about the difference her one event made in a day here in the Alamo City.
Who let the dogs out? Talk About It! did, and in a BIG way! March 24th marked the first ever BARK in the Park – PERRITO Grito event, and it was a HUGE SUCCESS! If you missed it, we promoted Care. Adopt. Neuter. (CAN) in a fun and friendly way that got the whole Woodlawn Lake neighborhood talking.
Raulito Navaira MC’d the event, and he did a PAWESOME job of highlighting that San Antonio cares and CAN. Raulito and Councilman Cris Medina welcomed everyone and made sure people knew about the different pawpurtunities that day.
We knew people wanted the right tools for being a good pet parent, so we partnered with non-profit organizations and businesses to bring animal resources to one place. If your pet needed a rabies shot or a new dog tag, BARK in the Park was the place to be. Every four legged baby got free nail clippings and a little pet education for their moms and dads at our pet stations. The stations had things like information about pet landscaping, carpet cleaning services and great fences for pets.
Two other popular areas were our Adoption and Neuter stations. The adoption area was full of potential parents looking for their newest furry baby! We Talked About It! with people who had lots of love to give, and were looking for that perfect little one to share it with. Our Neuter station was also a hit! Lots of lucky families walked away with fixed and happy fur babies that were ready to take their stand on No Kill.
The show stopping moments happened during our dog shows judged by local celebrities. Pet contests included Look Alike, Best Trick, Best Dress, and Mutt Strut. Children of all ages and grown-ups alike participated and loved every minute. My favorite was the Mutt Strut. Music was playing in the background and those pups were working their tails off!
Talking about music…we couldn’t have asked for more! The Jefferson Mariachi group kicked off the event, then The Long Lost Notes shut down the park with a live performance that got the whole neighborhood on the right paw!
With over 4,500 people in attendance, 374 dog tags made, 275 vaccinations provided, 155 volunteers lending a paw, 35 adoptions, and 27 spay/neuter surgeries, we know that BARK in the Park – PERRITO Grito is officially here to stay!
Be sure to join us next year because it’s going to be bigger and better.
See our full photo gallery on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/TAISanAntonio
