Local Affiliate

Puppy Love 5K
By:  Shannon Steel White

On February 11, 2017, the Corpus Christi Young Lawyers Association (CCYLA) hosted the Puppy Love 5K run and one-mile walk. A portion of the proceeds from the race benefitted People Assisting Animal Control (PAAC). PAAC is a nonprofit organization with a mission to promote responsible pet ownership, improve the lives of pets in the Corpus Christi community, and reduce the number of unwanted stray animals entering the shelters. PAAC also provides wellness clinics for cats and dogs as well as low-cost vaccinations, flea and tick medication, and heartworm testing and medication.

Runners were encouraged to bring their dogs to run or walk the race with them. Corpus Christi Animal Control also brought some dogs to the race to hopefully find a forever home, and at least one dog was adopted! After the race we provided refreshments to the runners as well as the dogs. There was a DJ, prizes, and wiener dog races. We had participation by approximately 460 runners and were able to donate over $3,000 to PAAC. 

I have seen firsthand the impact that PAAC has made in the community as well as to me personally. Four years ago we adopted our Yorkshire Terrier, Smokey Bear, from the animal shelter. He was picked up and set to be euthanized. Without the efforts of PAAC to get animals adopted before they are euthanized, we wouldn’t have even known about our sweet Smokey Bear. He definitely rescued us and we will be forever thankful to PAAC for helping save our baby.

As part of the 5K, CCYLA also created a pamphlet called “Paws and Laws” to include in each runner’s race packet. The pamphlet includes local laws and ordinances regarding pet ownership in our community. Some of the information includes: what to do when you first get a pet; how a pet can become impounded; laws regarding humane treatment of animals; and the fines associated with violations of the law.  CCYLA donated brochures to the Corpus Christi Animal Control Shelter, where they will be placed into adoption packets to go home with new pet owners. CCYLA also is distributing these pamphlets to other local animal shelters to hand out to new pet owners in the community. The cost of the pamphlet was funded by a grant from the Texas Young Lawyers Association. To learn more about the pamphlet or get a copy to be replicated in your area, please contact the Corpus Christi Bar Association at (361) 883-4022.

Shannon Steel White is an attorney with Wood, Boykin & Wolter, P.C. in Corpus Christi, where her practice focuses on real estate, probate, and business law.