Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The dogs were let out at the 7th Annual Pet Picnic at Daiquiri Dick's restaurant in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There were about 30 dogs and more than twice as many humans on the patio and in the main dining room. This is the first year that the entire restaurant was reserved for the event.

The DogFather Salon and Pets Gone Wild provided a fashion show with hand made jackets, rain coats, LED collars, and hats. They also held a training demonstration. There was a costume contest and best trained competition. A "singing" pup won first place, a first for the picnic.

Raffle prizes included many dog related items from local vets, but there were people prizes too! Some of the prizes included: gift certificates from Curvas Peligrosas, Buen Flex Clothing, Cafe Bohemio, and a paddle surfing lesson.

Just under $11,000 pesos were raised for PEACE/Ayuda Los Animales. They provide mobile, high volume, free spay and neuter clinics to residents in Jalisco, Nayarit, and Oaxaca. This helps to curb the domestic animal population greatly. Since its beginning in the Bay of Banderas they have sterilized over 20,000 dogs and cats. This is for the benefit of the animal as well as the human population.

This grass roots approach is accepted with joy throughout the area. The mobile spay and neuter clinics prevent unwanted births, as well as reducing the number of dogs and cats on the streets hit by cars, poisoned, diseased, and/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.

The staff at Daiquiri Dick's wants to thank everyone for coming to this howling good event and congratulate their staff on providing a great picnic lunch and doggie bags for all of the four-legged friends. The restaurant is pet friendly for beach and patio dining. Walk your dogs along the beach and then stop for a treat.