HARLINGEN — Whether you’re interested in having an exciting outing with your pet or are interested in helping a local humane society, this may be the event you’ve been looking for.
Sunshine RV Resort will host its second annual Pet Fun Match Dog Show Tuesday, Feb. 11 from noon to 2:30 p.m. in the resort’s Friendship Hall.
The interactive dog show will have demonstrations by trainers — Jenisa Myers, Marty Vielma and Brittany Vielma.
Additionally, there will be demonstrations by the RGV Training Center, K-9 Patrol consultant Jaime Benitez and PetSmart consultant Caz Richard.
The event is open and free to the public.
Event organizers said donations are encouraged.
All proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Harlingen (HSH).
According to a press release from HSH, the shelter relies primarily on donations from the public to fund their life saving efforts for community pets.
Residents of Sunshine Resort and attendees are encouraged to take part in the show’s competitions, which also includes a look-alike contest for pets and their owners.
The event will have a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, samples from local vendors and a food truck.
HSH personnel will showcase adoptable pets in a pet parade and will offer waived adoption fees with a donation.
Additionally, they will provide low-cost microchipping for $20 and nail trimming for $5.
According to organizers, the goal of the event is to show animal lovers that through obedience and agility training, they can find a solution for many behavioral problems and develop an unbreakable bond along the way.
Where it all began
Pet Fun Match organizer and Sunshine RV Resort resident Sharon Battocletti said she has adopted animals from the HSH and felt inspired to try to continue helping animals through the event.
Battocletti organized the first Pet Fun Match in January 2019.
More than 200 people attended the event last year and close to $600 was collected for the HSH.
“For the event’s first time, I think that was very good,” Battocletti said. “We hope we’ll have a really huge turnout this year.”
Battocletti said she was happy to receive help this year from several local businesses such as Bass Pro Shop, The Paw Pantry and Quips N Quotes.
“It’s been very humbling to see the local stores be so generous to donate stuff to us,” she said. “These people have gone out of their way to help the show be a success and I’m humbled by it.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT — Second annual Pet Fun Match Dog Show
WHEN — Tuesday, Feb. 11 from noon to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE — Sunshine RV Resort Friendship Hall, 1900 Grace Ave., Harlingen
For more information, email Sharon Battocletti at [email protected]
