4th Annual Peppers for Paws Chili Cook-Off, Adoption Event and Mutt Strut

This event in Boerne, Texas acts as a fundraiser for an animal rescue called Hill County

Animal League, and also allows several other local rescues the chance to adopt out dogs and

cats. I spent the day taking photographs, walking adoptable dogs, and organizing the student

volunteers. Volunteers and participants loved getting to see and play with all of the dogs.

Overall the day was very successful. Volunteers, including myself, spent most of the day

walking dogs from the different rescues around the square. People could come up to them freely

and ask questions about age, breed, and temperament. Several of the dogs got adopted, and each

of the rescues gained positive name recognition. The rescues did a good job monitoring all of

their animals and making sure none got loose. The chili cook-off part of the day did not have

enough participants or judges to justify having it as a part of the event at all. The bounce houses

were enjoyed by dozens of kids throughout the day, and there was at least one student-volunteer

monitoring them at all times. The make-shift agility course set up wasnt used often and impeded

the flow of traffic more than anything. The four vintage Pontiac cars brought out were definitely

an eye-catcher and a great distraction for the adult males who were less intrigued by the dogs

than their female counterparts. However, the cars did not show up early enough in the day for the

vote for the coolest car contest to be a big hit. The Mutt Strut was the biggest success of the

day. People dressed their dogs up in creative costumes and walked them down Main Steer, which

also attracted more visitors. After the Strut the dogs each got a chance to show off for the

judges, and a winner was chosen.

Next year I would suggest more water and food vendors, every attraction or participant

be on time, no chili cook-off unless there are more participants, and maybe some live music to

entertain the event-goers and attract more people.