News
PAWS Chicago Marches in the Cinco de Mayo Parade
May 06, 2008, 9:44AM MT
By Yvette Pina
Celebrating Cinco De Mayo while spreading the word about Spay/Neuter.
Celebrating Cinco De Mayo while spreading the word about Spay/Neuter.
by Yvette Pina, Best Friends Network volunteer
For the 5th annual year PAWS Chicago participated in the annual tradition (10 years) of the Cinco De Mayo parade that begins in Pilsen and ends in Little Village. These two Chicago neighborhoods have very high stray animal populations and low spay/neuter demographics. The parade includes a colorful, lively, and entertaining mix of diverse family oriented floats and caravans.
In 2007, over 150 floats and organizations participated. The participants marched along a route beginning at Damen Avenue and Cermak Road. The parade traveled west along Cermak to Marshall Blvd. The Cinco de Mayo parade is a popular event with both spectators and participants, mostly from the neighborhood. PAWS Chicago is located in the Little Village community so it was especially important for them to participate in one of the largest community events of the year.
Five years ago when PAWS Chicago first walked in the parade, they pulled along a little red wagon, had a handful of volunteers, one of which was dressed as Clifford the Big Red Dog. In 2008, PAWS Chicago had two vehicles decorated with balloons and stuffed animal cats and dogs, 17 volunteers that passed out 7,500 spay/neuter flyers, along with 6 dogs, and one volunteer dressed as Pointdexter.
If you want to spay/neuter your pet you can call PAWS Chicago too!
Paws Chicago Lurie Family Spay and Neuter Clinic
3516 W. 26th St., Chicago, IL 60623
(773)521-7729 (SPAY)
What you can do:
Encourage your friends, family and strangers to neuter their pets.
Tell them the benefits of neutering: improved behavior, lessen cancer risks, and reduces aggression.
In addition to PAWS Chicago, here are two more low cost spay/neuter clinics:
Anti-Cruelty Society
157 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 644-8338 ext.347
Tree House Animal Foundation (cats only)
1212 W. Carmen Ave., Chicago, IL 60640-2999
(773) 784-5488
Photos courtesy of Yvette Pina