By CJ Vetter
HAYS COUNTY - Kitties and puppies were aplenty at the Hays County Courthouse on July 2nd, as County Judge Ruben Becerra hosted his birthday and July 4 celebration.
As a way to raise awareness for animals and bring the community together, Becerra also dedicated the party to all the pets of Hays County.
With a dedication to all of Hays County’s furred friends, the celebration offered numerous ways to put your pet in the spotlight, or alternatively, adopt a new member into your family. The PAWS Shelter was onsite, offering animals for adapotion, while the Hays County Animal Shelter was offering microchipping for pets.
“What’s really lucky for me is that I see the things around me and draw them in to create harmony, because we need every opportunity to heal and come together as a community,” said Becerra. “And so, I say I dedicate my birthday and America’s birthday to all things pets, and it’s coming together as a community on the courthouse lawn.”
For those with a competitive spirit, or who just wanted to let their pet be the center of attention, the birthday bash also featured a best dressed pooch contest. From chihuahuas to poodles, 12 pets went down the runway, but in the end, it was the 18-year-old chihuahua Lola who took home the grand prize of $100.
“This is her first ever pageant, and she did super-duper well for 18 years old,” said Arlee Ingle, Lola’s owner.
The Hays County Animal Shelter acts as not only the primary shelter for animals from San Marcos, but all cities within Hays County, including Buda, Kyle and Dripping Springs. Pets captured in any of these cities are typically brought to the shelter, which might be half an hour or more away from where they were originally found.
“This event is to help raise awareness for spay, neuter, microchipping and responsible pet care, and the judge is working very hard to bring another shelter to Hays County,” said Sharri Boyett, Animal Advocacy Advisor and Community Liaison of Hays County.
The shelter, which is currently acting at max capacity, advocates that chipping an animal is the most effective way to ensure pets are identified, as collars may be lost.
Boyett also warned that the Fourth of July, and other holidays featuring fireworks, are the days animals are most likely to feel frightened and run away, as they are more likely to be in a foreign area and be startled by loud noises.
“We have more than 140 pets in our municipal animal shelter here in San Marcos, and it is overworked, the people are overworked, and the pets don’t have the support,” Becerra said. “So, of the myriad things that can be done for prevention of ending up in the shelter, is neutering and spaying, adoption, volunteering and the chip program.”
Those in attendance at the party had a variety of food vendors to support. Numerous booths run by local businesses were selling products while a band performed.
“I’m glad that whoever put it on put it on because there’s a lot of animals that need adoption and microchips, and all of that stuff, and animals are good for people,” attendee Ethen Pena said.
