Canine prince is medically trained to help elderly and disabled persons

Courtesy of esd&associates

No bones about it, the first-ever La Fiesta del Perro Loco was a dog-gone good time. On Sunday, April 20th, thousands of supporters—and their faithful pooches—packed the outdoor arena outside of Fifi & Fido’s Pet Boutique on E. Basse. This animal “pawty” sponsored by WellMed Medical Group had a serious message behind it: raising funds for local animal shelters while benefiting the senior community at the same time.

“The economy has hit the smaller shelters and pet food banks really hard. That is why we came up with the idea for La Fiesta del Perro Loco,” said Diana Farrar, owner of Fifi & Fido’s Pet Boutique.

At the event, the top dog of Fiesta was named as the first “El Perro Loco.” The winning dog was chosen by the amount of funds collected from each of the five four-legged participants. Mr. Dude, a seizure-alert fox terrier, raised over $600 to become the title champ. According to his owner, Leon “Ozzy” Masson, the 10-year-old hero’s win came at the perfect time as Mr. Dude is set to retire soon. Pet Pals of Texas sponsored Mr. Dude.

Kym Rapier and Dr. George Rapier, III, founder and board chairman of WellMed, were the masterminds behind this family- and pet-friendly event. Their generosity doesn’t stop there – the Blake, Kymberly and George Rapier Trust along with WellMed donated $40,000 to four shelters in need. Pet Pals of Texas, SNIPSA, Helotes Humane Society and Homes for Pets in Schertz were each presented a check for $10,000 at the day’s event.

This isn’t the first time WellMed has stepped up to support local animal shelters, as well as the greater San Antonio senior community. Last July, the medical group created a genuine “win-win” scenario for animals and the community alike by implementing a free pet adoption program for seniors.

“As healthcare providers to 77,000 patients here in San Antonio – 40,000 of which are senior citizens – we’ve seen firsthand the medical benefits of having a pet,” said Dr. Rapier. “We encourage pet ownership, particularly among seniors.”

Aside from the emotional advantages, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Drs. Foster and Smith of PetEducation.com and a study covered by ABC News, pets have been proven to provide a range of benefits to their owners, including:

• Seniors with dogs go to the doctor less, as dogs offer preventive and therapeutic advantages against everyday stress.
• For people 65-78, dogs are a major source of conversations with passersby, as companion pets readily elicit friendly responses.
• Pet owners have lower blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• Pet owners have fewer minor health problems, lower medical costs and better psychological well-being.
• Pets increase a person’s chances of survival following heart attack by nearly six percent.
• Pets promote social interaction, decreasing feelings of loneliness and isolation and increasing morale and optimism.
• Pets encourage playfulness and exercise and promote laughter.
• Pets satisfy the need to touch and to be touched, offering nonjudgmental warmth and affection.

Knowing all the benefits pets provide, next year’s La Fiesta del Perro Loco is expected to be an even bigger success. Look for other upcoming pet adoption events around town in the events calendar of the San Antonio Express-News.

For more about how you can help the animals of the San Antonio area, please see the OwnUp SA website.

Photos courtesy of esd&associates, lead photo of the 2009 El Perro Loco, Mr. Dude. He's a 10-year-old fox terrier and he's a seizure alert dog. In this photo is Mr. Dude; his owner, Leon "Ozzy" Masson; in the middle is Diana Farrar, owner of Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique; and, next to her is Vicki Jurney-Taylor, founder and president of Pet Pals of Texas
Second photo of the $10,000 presentation to Homes for Pets in Schertz
Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff