Get to know your El Rey Fido and Royal Court! Check out the biographies of our newest royal family!
Lucy, El Rey Fido IX 
Nowadays Lucy is being given the lavish royal treatment, but like many of the pups on her court, she had a rough start. Lucy’s owner, Max, adopted her from a local Animal Hospital where she had been living for over a year after being found roaming the streets. Today, Lucy serves as inspiration for both him and his business which he fittingly named, Lucy’s. “The team members at Lucy’s encouraged us to put Lucy up for the crown,” Max said when asked why he wanted Lucy to be El Rey Fido. “I felt we could make a significant impact” and so far Max and Lucy already have with the donations and awareness they have brought to the San Antonio Humane Society.
Though her reign has just begun, Max said he and Lucy have already loved meeting the court and “so many great people with a passion for making a difference concerning San Antonio’s homeless pet issue.” In the months to come, Lucy is most excited to be a part of the Battle of Flowers Parade and being a daily ambassador for the San Antonio Humane Society. Congratulations Lucy, El Rey Fido IX, we can’t wait to spend the year working together!
Cooper Gilbert, Prince of the Perpetual Food Bowl 
Cooper began his life as a stray puppy living on his own in a San Antonio park, but now he is a kept pet and the current Prince of the Perpetual Food Bowl on the El Rey Fido Royal Court. Cooper’s owner, Cathie, adopted him in October 2008 as a companion for her other Labrador and fell in love with his handsome good looks and winning personality. When asked why she wanted Cooper to be a part of El Rey Fido, she said, “Cooper is a mix-breed rescue dog that we are very proud to have in our family. We hope his ‘Cinder-Fella’ story will be an inspiration to others. Any previously homeless, abused, or neglected dog or cat can become royalty with the San Antonio Humane Society!” Cathie also said that while Cooper serves on the El Rey Fido Royal Court, they hope to spread awareness of the San Antonio Humane Society and the work they do for the community. “We must help the San Antonio Humane Society continue their mission of providing shelter to homeless and injured animals until they find loving homes,” she said.
Though Cooper is new to his prince-hood, Cathie said she and Cooper have already had a blast, especially fundraising for the event. “Even though the fundraising was challenging, I knew all the hard work was worth it,” Cathie said. “We were driven by the fact that we were raising money for our favorite cause, animals rescue.” In the days ahead on the Royal Court, Cooper is mostly looking forward to meeting new people, spreading the mission of El Rey Fido, and being a humble and honored representative of the San Antonio Humane Society.
Chrissy, Duchess of the In-Destructible Chew Toy 
Chrissy had an unusual start to her life; even though she had an owner and a home, she was raised in a less than ideal environment. Chrissy’s current owner, Jenn, gave her a loving and caring home, and watched as she grew to be a dog full of life. Jenn decided to enter Chrissy to be part of El Rey Fido to give her the opportunity to meet other loving pets and their owners and to experience the excitement of the event. Jenn also knew that between her and Chrissy, they could successfully fundraise for the San Antonio Humane Society for the orphaned pets of their community. “I knew Chrissy and I could make a difference,” Jenn said.
Chrissy may be new to being a part of a Royal Court, but she is no stranger to making friends and meeting new people. So far, Jenn and Chrissy have most enjoyed fundraising for the San Antonio Humane Society and the opportunity to be involved in the different media events associated with El Rey Fido. In regards to her future reign, Jenn said, “Chrissy is most looking forward to serving as an ambassador for the San Antonio Humane Society and bringing awareness to the community, that includes letting the community know about the SAHS spay and neuter programs and need for volunteers, funding, and adoptions.”
Lilo, Duchess of the Ever Present Fire Hydrant 
It is always brings us joy to see our adopted pets go on to live long and healthy lives, but it makes us even happier when they come back to share their success stories and help other shelter animals find homes. Lilo is one of our special adopted pets that have returned, this time as a member of the El Rey Fido Royal Court! Lilo was adopted as a puppy from the SAHS in 2010 by her owner Anita. While adopting Lilo, Anita saw the photos of prior El Rey Fido courts decorating the walls of the shelter and became interested in joining the court that day! “I instantly knew I wanted to raise money for the San Antonio Humane Society,” Anita said. “And I knew Lilo would make a great SAHS ambassador.”
So far Lilo and Anita have loved fundraising, meeting other animal lovers, and getting to know Lilo’s fellow court members. While serving on the El Rey Fido court, Lilo is most looking forward to working with the public and spreading the word about the importance of spaying and neutering pets. It is her hope that one day every dog and cat in San Antonio has a forever loving home just like she does!
Duke, Knight of the Royal Court 
There is no denying that Duke, Knight of the Royal Court, is a lucky dog. Given as a birthday present to his current owner, David, Duke has been a member of a loving and caring home his whole life. In return, Duke is one of the most lovable dogs you’ll ever meet. “We felt he has the perfect attitude to be an ambassador for the San Antonio Humane Society,” said his other owner, Alyssa. “Duke would love to see others having a loving home like his and by being part of El Rey Fido, he had the opportunity to raise money to help dogs and cats find forever homes.” Alyssa said it was also important for her, David and Duke to be a part of El Rey Fido to give back to the city and to use every opportunity to make a difference for the stray pet population in San Antonio.
Duke may be new to being a knight, but he is jumping quickly into his role. And in true knight fashion, Duke has already rescued a duchess, from loneliness at least. Alyssa said that while Duke loved attending the Fiesta, Fidos and Fashion event, Duke’s favorite moment of El Rey Fido has been meeting Lilo, Duchess of the Ever Present Fire Hydrant. “It was love at first sight,” she said. Aside from a budding royal romance, Duke, Alyssa, and David are most looking forward to working with the San Antonio Humane Society while they serve on the Royal Court. “We are looking forward to helping as many dogs and cats at the shelter find forever loving homes.”
Addison Doc, Keeper of the Catnip 
The first cat to ever hold a place on the El Rey Fido Royal Court has been named, the lovely Addison Doc, Keeper of the Cat Nip. Addison Doc, nicknamed Addy, has been a very impressionable feline even since when she was a kitty. In September 2008, Addy was brought to the San Antonio Humane Society after being rescued from the coast during Hurricane Ike.
In the three years she’s been a kept cat, Addy has matured into a vocal entertainer and now holds the coveted title of Keeper of the Cat Nip on the San Antonio Humane Society’s El Rey Fido Royal Count. In addition to her charming personality, Sandi said she wanted to Addy to be a part of El Rey Fido to give back to the organization that saved her. “(The San Antonio Humane Society) gave us a wonderful addition to our family,” Sandi said. “We have always donated to the San Antonio Humane Society and we decided this would be a fun way to include the family in an event with our favorite pet!”
While the events and duties of El Rey Fido and the Royal Court have just begun, Sandi said her and Addy have already had a blast meeting all of the new people and their pooches. When asked what they were most looking forward to while serving on the El Rey Fido Royal Court Sandi said, “I’m looking forward to a year of fun during her reign and letting others know about our favorite organization! Plus, I think Addy is looking forward to all the extra treats she gets while on official appearances!”
