Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Best friends can share a wonderful early afternoon at the 7th Annual Pet Picnic hosted by Daiquiri Dick's restaurant in Puerto Vallarta.

No bones about it, everyone will have a dog gone good time at this popular event which includes a costume contest, a raffle, and all sorts of tail wagging surprises. The small admission fee includes a boxed lunch with a choice of sandwich and a doggie bag for your buddy - beverages are extra.

This event has grown over the years, so get your tickets early. Last year there were around 40 dogs and about twice as many humans. The Pet Picnic was the first event in Banderas Bay that included our four-legged friends. It's worth seeing even if you do not have a dog. This event is a great way to meet other animal lovers.

All monies raised are donated to PEACE/Ayuda a los Animales. They have high volume, mobile, spay and neuter clinics in Jalisco and Nayarit. This program is grass roots and reaches out to those that cannot afford to go to the vet and the service is free.

They typically set up the clinic in colonias - at homes, businesses, or government buildings. The clinics run three to four days and the vets can sterilize up to 25 dogs and/or cats per day. The two vets have performed over 4000 operations so far.

The mobile spay and neuter clinics prevent unwanted births, and reduce the number of dogs and cats on the streets, hit by cars, poisoned, diseased, or starving. Spaying and neutering also reduces or can eliminate many health problems and injuries that are difficult and/or expensive to treat. Additionally, the amount of male dog and cat fights are radically reduced. Humans are less likely to be injured by cats and dogs and communities are cleaner and safer.

Many animal shelters in Mexico are not operating due to a lack of government funds, even though shelters are required by law.

Join us on Daiquiri Dick's beachside patio on Saturday, December 8th, from 11 am to 2 pm for this outrageous and worthwhile event. Tickets are $275 in advance and $300 at the door. They can be bought at the restaurant, which is located on Los Muertos beach, Olas Altas 314, (322) 222-0566. The costume contest starts at noon, so be prompt.

If you are interested in donating directly to PEACE or want more info, here's the link to their website, peacemexico.org/index.