Starlight Ranch will go to dogs noon until 5 p.m. Sunday as it hosts its second Mission Muttfest, a free, family-friendly event for dogs and their owners for the Amarillo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
This year’s event will be the 28th year of Muttfest, the largest annual fundraiser held by Amarillo SPCA in support of its mission as a no-kill shelter for cats and dogs. The non-profit organization in Amarillo has been working for more than 34 years in animal welfare. Currently, the Amarillo SPCA takes care of about 100 dogs and about 40 cats in its shelter.
There will be dog contests, activities for kids, shop vendors, silent auctions and food vendors available at Starlight Ranch, with music from 100.9 The Eagle on site. Lone Star Veterinary will offer low-cost dog vaccinations at the event, and dog owners can set up low-cost spaying and neutering of their animals.
Lynn May, Board Member and President of Amarillo SPCA, spoke about the importance of Mission Muttfest to her organization.
“This event is a huge deal to help us take care of the animals in our shelter,” May said. “Being the largest fundraiser of the year, it is important to promote what we do for animals in the area as a non-profit organization. We really try to encourage owners to spay and neuter their pets because we have a large number of dogs and cats in the area.”
May has stated the importance of people spaying and neutering their animals to keep the population down, while maintaining a facility’s capacity.
“This is a fun event for the community to go out with their pets and gain awareness about what they can do to keep the animals under control,” May added. Some rescues have to send the animals to other areas of the state. We all have to get involved to help, even with community cats and dogs.”
Marie Ramirez, Amarillo SPCA Board Member and Muttfest Coordinator, emphasized that her organization’s mission of caring for cats and dogs depends on community involvement.
“We really depend on the generosity of donors to help us provide the care for the animals they need in a no-kill environment,” Ramirez said.
Proceeds from this event will go toward sheltering and caring for animals at the Amarillo SPCA, with donations to animal welfare welcome.
The refuge is actively involved in trying to find the ideal homes for the animals they shelter and encourages potential adopters to contact the Amarillo SPCA at 806-622-0555 or online at https://www.amarillospcashelter.com/.