In Santa Barbara County, 40 percent of dogs living in shelters are Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes. The Santa Barbara County Responsible Pet Ownership Alliance (RPO) holds an annual adoption event, Chihuahuas de Mayo, designed to reduce the growing population of these animals in the shelters of Santa Barbara County. Last year, the RPO tapped Blast to help support and promote this campaign, and as a result of our mutual hard work, 55 loving dogs found forever homes. This year, we are hoping to surpass that number by getting the community involved. To celebrate this event, the Santa Barbara Animal Shelter offers a ‘Whole Enchihuahua’ promotion- half off adoption fees for Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes, and free spray or neuter surgeries for the first 300 dogs signed up.
This year, RPO hosted the first ever Chihuahua Power Parade and Rally. Over 30 dogs (Chihuahuas and other breeds) and their owners participated to help raise awareness about Chihuahua overpopulation. Helene Schneider, the mayor of Santa Barbara, led the parade as Chihuahuas and their owners marched down State Street- the heart of downtown Santa Barbara. The owners paraded along with signs that read, “We Love Chihuahuas” and “Chihuahua Power” as the crowd chanted “Viva las Chihuahuas!” in support of their wonderful breed. Mayor Schneider then rallied the parade back to the center of the mall where she discussed the plight of Chihuahuas and the need to be responsible pet owners.
Former Blast intern and dog lover Kristen Cool, together with Katie Daniel, PR Coordinator at Blast, led the creative direction for a promotional video to run throughout the month of May, highlighting the Chihuahuas de Mayo campaign.
Santa Barbara Mayor Helene Schneider alongside some of the parade attendees and their dogs:
Local/National press coverage of our event:
Supporting the plight of animals is a natural extension for Blast. The company itself is named after a beloved family pet, so it’s only fitting that we continue to work with worthy animal non-profits and local shelters.
