Mandie Garcia

San Marcos residents bring their pets to a day of fun, games, and live music promoting a good cause. Mandie Garcia has the story.

PALS hosted its 8th annual charity event Pet Fest at San Marcos Plaza Park Saturday. PALS stands for Prevent A Litter, and the group works to keep animal shelters from over-crowding. PALS members emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering pets. The 5-K Run kicked off the all-day event and was just one of the many ways PALS accepted donations for the cause. The rest of the day was filled with live music, games, races, concession stands, contests, silent auctions, and informing people on what's best for their pets. PALS executive director Sharri Boyett says welcomed the larger turn-out each year.
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Boyett also takes time during the event to promote Hays County Spay Days, when free spay and neuter treatment is provided for lower income pet owners. Spay Day pamphlets were distributed because Boyett says many people overlook the wide range of benefits spaying and neutering their animals provides.
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Face painting, dog shows, and goody bags were given to children at Pet Fest. Also at the event were dog and owner look-alike contests and dog races. A chihuahua named Taco Bell won two rounds of races, marking her 5th year attending the festival. Taco Bell's owner always looks forward to Pet Fest and appreciates PALS' efforts.
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PALS now celebrates another successful year of giving homes to more than a dozen animals available for adoption at Pet Fest. Spay Days are set for late February and volunteers are always welcome to donate or help with events and pet food drives. For Bobcat Update, I'm Mandie Garcia.