In unity there's strength to save pets

The question of responsibility keeps surfacing but is constantly deflected and diverted toward easy targets.

The spay/neuter issue is a community problem, not just an Animal Care Services problem, a city problem or even a neighborhood problem.

It's a problem that is equally shared by the dog community, animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, the media, city leaders and every dog lover. Sixty-eight percent of San Antonio homeowners have a pet, so it is every citizen's problem.

From July 8-12, the River City Cluster of Dog Shows (RCCDS) will host five days of dog shows at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, with 3,000 purebred dogs competing daily.

Now in our 23rd year, our shows bring in more than $10 million to the city. Our knowledge and commitment to dogs put us in a unique position to understand the spay/neuter problem and to work toward a solution.

In response to the need for citizen action, the RCCDS has joined forces with Animal Care Services and city government to host the city's first Dog Awareness Week July 5-12.

The objective is to support the city's goal to become a “no-kill community” by 2012.

We need to give back to our residents and help them care for their dogs during tough economic times.

Each day of Dog Awareness Week is dedicated toward achieving responsible pet ownership by offering discounted vaccinations, adoption events, free spay/neuter opportunities and special programs.