They’re small. They yap. Some of them shake uncontrollably.
But they’re so. Darn. Cute.
Chihuahuas easily wriggle their way into locals’ hearts, and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is recognizing that fact with May’s celebration of “Chihuahuas de Mayo.” County Chihuahua (and Chihuahua mix) owners can get their animals spayed or neutered for free throughout the month. And major shelters throughout the county are offering discounted adoption fees—half off!—to families who want to take one of the little canines home.
The complimentary surgeries are available to the first 300 dogs that make the list. (Call 934-6968 for the Santa Maria Animal Center, 349-3435 for the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society, 688-8224 for the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, or 968-2273 for Care4Paws.)
“The fact that all of our shelters have chosen to collaborate on this promotion is an indication of how serious we feel the problem is,” Jan Glick, the county’s director of animal services, said in a press release. “We want to help pet owners who might not have the money to get their dogs fixed, as well as encouraging prospective dog owners to bring a fun, affectionate dog into their lives.”
The adoption event is part of the Whole Enchihuahua program, proving that the dogs are as good at spawning groan-inducing puns as they are at staring up at their owners with big, liquid brown eyes.
Executive Editor Ryan Miller compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or items for consideration to rmiller@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Apr 19-26, 2012.