I swore off owning pets for years.  Then we rescued a lost dog in our neighborhood and we found ourselves pet owners when our girls begged us with their own puppy dog eyes to get a dog.

For weeks, I hunted rescue sites, called the local animal shelters and then searched through Craigslist until we found our Lucy, a black Pomeranian.  When we adopted Lucy, she was a fluffy disaster with dandruff, knotted fur and a scruffy coat.  We changed her diet and within a week, she had sheen to her coat and a spring in her step.  Of course, being responsible pet owners, we had her chipped, spayed and groomed.

These days, our filthy Craigslist outcast looks like a completely different dog.  All due in part to the quality care and love she received.

My belief about feeding our pet the best quality food and providing her with best possible care is no secret. I only feed my family the best foods and give them the best care therefore, our pet ( an extension of our family) should only receive the same treatment.

In fact, my strong opinions on the matter are what prompted Stiletto Media to contact me to participate in their first Twitter Party.

Latina on a Mission in part with VCA Animal Hospital will be hosting a Twitter Party on Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

As stated on the VCA homepage, their mission is the same as mine with regards to my pet: “Where your pet’s health is our top priority and excellent service is our goal.”  More about VCA Animal Hospitals:

VCA operates more than 540 animal hospitals in 41 states across the nation. These hospitals are staffed by more than 1,800 fully qualified, dedicated and compassionate veterinarians to give your pet the very best in medical care. Over 200 are board-certified specialists. Our hospitals provide a full range of general medical and surgical services as well as specialized treatments.

Visit VCA Animal Hospital to learn more about their services and to find a location near you.

As for the VCA Pawfect Twitter Party, pounce on Latina on a Mission  to RSVP and enter to win some pawfect prizes.  Then, be sure to follow yours truly, @denisermt , our party panelist, @VCApethealth and…

• Migdalia Rivera – @MsLatina
• Carolyn Gonzalez – @carogonza
• Lisa – @NewYorkChica
• Kristin Ruiz – @OurOrdinaryLife

Also, “like” VCA Animal Hospitals on Facebook.

Need the VCA Pawfect Twitter Party details again?

VCA Pawfect Twitter Party
Date: Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Time: 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. EST

Required Hashtag:  #VCApets
Language:  ENGLISH and SPANISH
Follow via TweetGrid:  http://bit.ly/VCApets

VCA Pawfect Twitter Party Prizes include:

Capturing Summer Fun with Your Pet (Grand Prize)
• $100 Amex gift card
• Digital Picture Frame
• VCA branded gifts for your pet

Beach Safety Kit
• $50 Amex gift card
• Beach cooler and towel
• VCA branded gifts for your pet

Pet Travel Pack
• $50 gas card
• Pet traveler’s seat for your vehicle
• VCA branded gifts for your pet

Cat Wellness Kit
• $50 Amex gift card
• Cat shampoo, vitamins, and feline dental chews
• VCA branded gifts for your cat

Dog Wellness Kit
• $50 Amex gift card
• dog shampoo, vitamins, and doggie dental chews
• VCA branded gifts for your dog

Winners will be chosen with random.org from those who RSVP and are answering Twitter Party questions, while using the #VCApets hashtag. 

*Disclosure: This is a paid campaign created in collaboration with Stiletto Media and VCA Animal Hospitals.*