A SNAP benefit on March 13
by Donalevan Maines
Pups and their handlers will come out to play for “Mosh!” at the Ripcord on March 13, with the night’s silent auction and raffle benefitting the Animal Aid Program of SNAP (Spay-Neuter Assistance Program), explains Snap director of administration Gil Lizalde.
Last year, Bayou City Pups of Houston’s leather community collected about 100 collars and leashes and donated them to APP, which provides free spay-neuter surgery, free wellness exams, and at-cost wellness services and products for the animals of low-income persons with HIV/AIDS, says Lizalde.
“We have been distributing these items to our mobile clinic clients who either don’t have collars and leashes or have been using makeshift items pressed into service, such as rope or electrical cords,” he adds.
“Mosh!” is also a send-off for “Pup Rok” Chip Ware, who will represent Houston at the first-ever Southern Most Puppy Contest March 28 in New Orleans.
It’s sponsored by NOLA PAH (Pups and Handlers), a group that’s devoted to the human-pup, those who love them, and people curious as cat about “pup play.”
Get back, Scruffy! Didn’t Baha Men sing, “A doggy is nuttin’ if he don’t have a bone”?
Houstonians can learn more about the phenomenon in Puppy History and Pup/Handler 101 classes March 15 at the Montrose Center. The free classes will focus on the “History of Puppy” from around the world, the history of the human pet, the roles of human-pup and handler roles, puppy play, and upcoming events within the PAH community. Food and refreshments provided. Register at www.bayoucitypups.com/class.
At the “Mosh!” event at the Ripcord event on Friday, March 13, members of Bayou City Pups will bartend, serving $1 jello shots and $1 “Mama’s cherry bombs.” The party’s special guest is Sandy “Mama” Reinhardt, who says, “Ask yourself, ‘What can I do to make a difference?’ Then, do it from your heart!”
“We love meeting new pups,” explains president Alpha Sparky. “This is our second puppy mosh, and Pup Rok is running for Southern Most Pup in just a few weeks, so we are hosting this celebration to send him off the best way we know how, by raising money for an amazing cause.”
SNAP’s mission is to prevent the suffering and death of cats and dogs due to overpopulation and preventable diseases, especially in low-income areas.
Its vision is “a world where there are no homeless dogs and cats,” says Lizalde.
AAP is a program of SNAP, which Lizalde explains works behind the front lines helping those in need keep their four-legged family members healthy, safe, secure, and in compliance with city regulations by providing free spay and neutering, free check-ups, and 40 percent off vaccinations and other services.
The goal is for AAP clients to keep their companion animal as a vital part of their lives for as long as they live.
“There have been numerous studies done that have actually shown that animal companions help people living with illness, whether it be HIV/AIDS or any other kind of chronic illness,” Lizalde says. “It helps them live healthier, happier lives.”
SNAP has treated as many as 60,000 animals per year in Harris County, Pasadena, and San Antonio.
Recently, the Houston Mobile Clinic began visiting sites in Fort Bend County once or twice each month, thanks to funding from Fort Bend County Commissioners Court and the Henderson-Wessendorff Foundation. The clinic is stationed at different locations in the community.
If you need assistance with your companion animal, check out snapus.org. You can also help to eliminate animal euthanasia by clicking on the donate button on the site, or sign up to donate to SNAP with your Kroger card.
SNAP AAP
P.O. Box 70286
713.862.3863
www.snapus.org
- “Mosh!” 10 p.m.–2 a.m. Friday, March 13, Ripcord, 715 Fairview, Houston
- Puppy History and Pup/Hander 101, 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Sunday, March 15, Montrose Center, 401 Branard, 2nd Floor
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