Helen Woodward Animal Center Throws a Big Festival to Bring Attention to Little Dogs
Rancho Santa Fe, CA (Apr. 14, 2015) – Earlier this week, Helen Woodward Animal Center announced its latest campaign to promote the bittiest canine breeds. The overabundance of Chihuahuas in shelters across the U.S. can be attributed to a combination of over-zealous backyard breeders and negative misconceptions about tiny pups, lowering their adoption rates. With the celebrity support of Emmy Award winner and Golden Globe nominated actress Katherine Heigl (a small rescue dog lover and owner of three Chihuahuas) the campaign has ignited on Twitter with small dog-lovers around the world sharing photos of their Chihuahua-blends and all their lovable qualities using the hashtag #MySmallDogIs___. To continue the small dog celebration, Helen Woodward Animal Center is throwing its 2nd Annual CHICHELLA Festival this Saturday, April 16th from 10:00am to noon.
After pit bulls and American Staffordshire terriers, Chihuahuas are one of the most commonly surrendered dog breeds in the country. Orphan Chihuahuas can now be found in California and Arizona shelters by the thousands. The most common reason small dogs are ignored by potential adopters is said to be due to unfavorable stereotypes surrounding the Chihuahua breed in general. Chihuahuas, however, are normally a blend of small breed canines and their temperaments vary widely.
“Chihuahuas each have their own distinct personality,” said Adoptions Animal Care Supervisor Mollee Sullivan. “We love the CHIChella Festival because it gives potential adopters a real chance to see that small dogs have unique qualities that fit into a wide variety of homes. There are just as many couch potatoes as there are spunky athletic types. ”
In conjunction with Southern California’s popular Coachella Music Festival, dog-lovers are invited to the Center’s 2ndAnnual CHICHELLA Festival. Attendees will enjoy music, a meet and greet with available pups, fun in the sun at an outdoor X-Pen Pavilion, and available one-sheets to promote all of the outstanding qualities possessed by Chihuahua-blends including: longer lifespans; easy portability; a wide variety of beautiful coats; adaptability to small apartments; a loving and personable nature; and impressive success as service dogs.
Though expected to draw Chihuahua celebrity A-listers like ‘CHIyonce’ and musical headliners like ‘AChi/DChi’ the party is far from small-breed exclusive. People attending the event can expect to hob-nob with adoptable Terriers, Pugs, Shepherds, and Cattle Dogs too.
To check out Helen Woodward Animal Center’s hugely loveable small dogs, to make a donation, or for more information, please contact Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoption Department at: 858-756-4117 ext. 313, or stop by at 6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe.
MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Saturday, April 16th from 10:00am – noon!
CHIHUAHUAS AVAILABLE ALL WEEKEND!
Weekend Adoption Hours:
Friday – 12:00 NOON to 7:00 PM
Saturday – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Sunday – 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
WHERE: Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions Department – 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
WHAT: Come meet and greet a wild and wonderful variety of one of America’s favorite little dogs (Lots and lots of CHIHUAHUAS ready to party!!!)
· Enjoy great music while the Chi’s romp and party in the X-Pen Pavilion.
· Chihuahua adopters will receive a $10 Amazon ITunes Gift Card or Festival Swag* (*while supplies last).