A local vet who is a leading expert on the deadly Chagas Disease, a parasitic infection carried by “kissing bugs” that can prove fatal in pets, will speak at Animal Rescue Connections’ (ARC) annual fundraiser, There’s a Cat for That, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17 at Bulverde Spring Branch Activity Center, 30280 Cougar Bend, Bulverde.
Admission is free. Donations of cat food — either dry kibble or canned — will be “gratefully accepted” at the door.
Nonprofit ARC works as a compassionate advocate for community cats by promoting trap, neuter and return (TNR) of ferals and the adoption of homeless felines.
Volunteers work tirelessly in all weather conditions to trap cats, transport them to vets and return them to the location where they were found. ARC collaborates with the Bulverde Area Humane Society to find homes for “friendlies.”
“Like the animals that come our way, ARC may be small but we make a big difference in people’s and animals’ lives,” ARC says on its website.
Speakers
Dr. Roy Madigan, a veterinarian with the Animal Hospital of Smithson Valley, founder of Vida Pharmacal and principal scientist in the Canine Chagas Treatment Study at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, said the deadly disease is on the rise.
Chagas Disease poses a serious risk, especially to dogs. Dogs living outdoors are especially vulnerable to the bugs. The disease can cause heart disease, sudden death and chronic illness.
“We’re very, very worried about this disease as it’s starting to spread throughout the United States and it’s devastating,” Madigan said in a June interview posted on YouTube. “I’m here to give you hope, though. Chagas Disease is a treatable condition if we can catch it early enough, and we can save your dog’s life.”
Madigan’s 1 p.m. talk follows a noon presentation by former San Antonio Express-News columnist Cathy Rosenthal, whose mission is teaching children compassion for pets.
The award-winning author, speaker and animal welfare expert was a hit at last year’s fundraiser, ARC founder Jenny Burgess said.
The day of family-friendly feline fun also includes hands-on demos and information by ARC volunteers about:
- How to help with “community” or feral cats
- Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR)
- Low-cost spay/neuter options
- Importance of ear tipping
Crafts, homemade cat-and-dog treats, DIY cat toys, cat-themed T-shirts, baked goods, and a barbecue food truck also are featured at the eent.