TPR GOES TO THE DOGS AT FIESTA EVENT
Live broadcast offers opportunity to showcase animal issues in S.A.

On Saturday, April 28, Texas Public Radio embarked on a bold project combining a live broadcast with studio reports highlighting the many ways Fiesta San Antonio impacts our community.  The program was heard on TPR stations KSTX 89.1 FM in San Antonio and KTXI 90.1 FM in the Hill Country.

David Martin Davies and Kathy Couser hosted the live broadcast of the Fiesta Pooch Parade from the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, where hundreds of San Antonio residents gathered to show off their canine buddies. Davies and Couser interviewed parade participants and members of the San Antonio Delta Society, sponsor of the Fiesta Pooch Parade. Proceeds from the Pooch Parade fund the programs of the SA Delta Society. Elizabeth Castro anchored the in-studio portion of the broadcast.

News stories that aired within the hour-long broadcast included reporter Ernie Villarreal's examination of Fiesta's impact on San Antonio's economy, and a lighthearted look at Cornyation. Diane Berlanga reported on what's happening at San Antonio's Animal Care Services as they continue their efforts to become a "no kill" facility. Abra Schnur profiled "El Rey Fido," and host David Martin Davies took a look at the Delta Society of San Antonio, whose mission is "bringing people and animals together for healing."

Delta’s mission statement is to educate and raise awareness of the psychological, medical, emotional and socially enriching aspects of the human/animal bond. It is practiced in health care related facilities world wide. Humans benefit because service, therapy and companion animals share their lives. When individuals reach a higher level in understanding this relationship, the animal issues that plague this city will have a hope of changing.