Animal lovers with big hearts gathered June 14 for a Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) event, which raised funds for the volunteer-driven organization that helps low income elderly, chronically ill and / or disabled keep their beloved companion animals.

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Shawn Miles with Mr. Bentley at the Fiesta del PAWS event June 14

The theme of the event was Fiesta del PAWS and it drew hundreds of two legged and four legged supporters to the fabulous 1920’s estate of Jim Urbina, Jeff Johnston and Robert Hunt.

The estate houses a beautiful Spanish mansion, and a sprawling lawn with a reflecting pool, which was the perfect setting for hundreds of event supporters.

From Great Danes to Chihuahuas, all were on hand for a good cause.

Connie and Ed Basterasche were there with their terrier. Ed masterfully surprised Connie by getting the winning bid for a custom Jordan designed dog scarf.

Also in attendance were Lori and Bill Walton (yes, the basketball great), Jolie and Mike Castalucci, Chris and Dr. Mark Goldstein of the San Diego Humane Society, Dave Scott, Deb Hofler VMD, PAWS President Bill Nanninga, Francesca Filanc (who hosted the pre-event VIP party), Patrick Anderson and Les Olson, and PAWS Executive Director Lisa Saneda.

Saneda remarked, “Our clients have an average monthly income of $900. Many of them would have to give up their pets to shelters if it were not for PAWS. That is a very scary thought especially with the current over crowding of shelters.”

And so guests came to party and support fiesta style.

There was a best dressed pooch contest, pet psychic readings, a silent and live auction, live entertainment including the fabulous tunes of The Rememberance Group, and even “Hot Lips” Houlihan aka Loretta Swit of TV’s “M*A*S*H*.”

Swit is not just an Emmy Award-winning, Golden Globe nominated actress, she is also a dedicated animal lover and advocate. As such, PAWS was thrilled to present Swit with the Lifetime Pet Advocacy Award.

The Matthew’s Pal Award named after PAWS supporter Matthew Midget went to a dog named Mr. Bentley. Mr. Bentley has an interesting history. Hours away from being euthanized, Mr. Bentley was rescued by Shawn Miles. He then rescued Shawn. Mr. Bentley, a Shih Tzu, may be small in size, but he is huge in the love and comfort department. “Mr. Bentley changed my life. He was so sick that I had to overcome my pain to take care of him,” Miles said. Now the two are inseperable.

“It is proven that pets help reduce stress, chronic pain and provide companionship to those that are alone,” said veterinarian Deb Hofler.

PAWS has helped people since 1993 keep their best friend. Currently, PAWS serves more than 550 individuals throughout San Diego County. There is a wait list of more than 90 people who need help for their paw friends. Volunteer duties include dog walking to food deliveries.

To learn more about PAWS, visit www.pawssdc.org ^[3]

To view more photos and coverage of this event, visit www.thesocialdiary.com ^[4]

Margo Schwab is the editor of TheSocialDiary.com and the society writer for San Diego News Network. To notify her about your upcoming event, e-mail mschwab@san.rr.com ^[5].