We put on our last shot fair of the year yesterday in Vallejo. We didn’t quite know how many dogs to expect as we had never done a shot fair in Vallejo before and this was our first (of many!) shot fair that we’d organized on our own, so we called it a “Celebrate Your Pit Bull” shot fair event. Because it was our first fair in Vallejo, our goal was mainly to start building a relationship with the community and support Vallejo’s pit bull owners.
How did it go, you ask?
PHEWF! Although the 2-hour fair officially started at noon, when I got there just after 10 a.m., there was already a line forming, and people were overheard mentioning that they wanted to be one of the first 50 people because we advertised the first 50 microchips were free. While people were waiting in line for their dogs to be vaccinated, Tim talked to everyone about training and offered support and answers to their questions. A number of people were very appreciative and interested in signing up for BAD RAP’s new pit ed classes in Vallejo, taught by Linda.
In the end, 75 pit bulls and pit bull mixes were vaccinated, at least 60 were microchipped, and we gave away just over 50 vouchers for a free spay/neuter surgery. Most people were more than willing to get their pit bulls spayed and neutered – the biggest obstacle was the expense. And what an expense it is, too! When I called around to find general spay/neuter prices in Vallejo, a city that recently filed for bankruptcy, it ranged from $250 to $550!
The event was truly an example of what can happen when people and groups come work together for a common goal. We couldn’t have done it without the help of the Greater Vallejo Recreation Department, the Benicia-Vallejo Humane Society, Vallejo Animal Control, Ms. Diana Lang, and of course, our BAD RAP volunteers who make things look so easy! Even Vallejo City Council members Stephanie Gomes (who personally helped hang doorhangers in and around town!) and Michael Wilson came to support the event and offer their help.
What a great day for the both the Vallejo community and pit bull owners! We’re so looking forward to next year’s fairs!
