By Omar Zapata
Brownsville Animal Defense will host its second annual Pump for Pups, a community workout fundraiser at Hardknox Strength & Performance at 9 a.m. Saturday.
Located at 3260 Galeno Crossing in Brownsville, Hardknox Strength & Performance will conduct a one-hour workout at an entry fee of $10 to benefit BAD. The workout will consist of various different things with a mix of cardio and weightlifting.
The event will also feature vendors and adoptable dogs.
BAD is a non-profit volunteer dog rescue organization serving the lower Rio Grande Valley with a mission to make the Rio Grande Valley a no-kill community through adoptions, working with local animal shelters and educating the public about humane dog care, according to the organization’s website.
“The goal of this event is to bring the community together to do something that is fun and positive and hopefully raise money so that we can continue saving more dogs,” Ashley Benavidez, a BAD board member said.
Benavidez said the fundraiser could not come at a better time as BAD is struggling financially and has a lack of fosters and adoptions.
“We have a lot of very high vet bills, and we don’t have a lot of funds coming in,” she said. “And we are also struggling just in general to be able to afford to save more dogs. The biggest things are finding fosters and getting donations.”
The adoptable dogs at the event come with all of their vaccines, microchips and will include spay or neuters. Puppy adoption fees are $165 and adult dogs are $150.
The event will also be collecting dog food donations, such as Pedigree for puppies and adults; Purina Puppy Chow Complete; Purina One Healthy Puppy; and H-E-B Heritage Ranch Adult.
Vendors that are featured from 9 a.m. to noon will include Texican BBQ, Warbler Coffee Co., Texas Mini Griddles, and Apex Predator Apparel.
The event will also feature a bouncy house donated by SML Party Rentals—and kiddie pools for dogs to cool off in.
“We’re very grateful for the community for always supporting our fundraising events and supporting the rescue, and we hope that everybody can make it,” Benavidez said.
To volunteer, foster, adopt or get more information on BAD, visit its website at www.brwonsvilleanimaldefense.org.
