The mayors of Cedar Hill and DeSoto made a bet on last month's football game between their two high schools: the loser would donate $250 to Tri-City Animal Shelter and Adoption Center. DeSoto won 45-0.
"We just feel like this rivalry is bigger than just within our boundaries for the simple fact the road to state typically comes through our region," says Cedar Hill Mayor Stephen Mason.
Mason presented a check to the shelter Thursday. He took off his jacket to reveal he was wearing a DeSoto jersey.
"This is a great way to show support, and I think we're blessed we have the support of the three cities: Cedar Hill, Duncanville and DeSoto," says Tammy Miller, animal services manager at the shelter. "I think your help bridges that gap to help make us a premier shelter."
Miller says the money will go toward medical care for the animals and to spay and neuter the dogs. Friends of Tri-City Animal Shelter's Mary White says she hopes the attention will prompt more people to choose to adopt or foster an animal instead of buying one at a pet store.
"Help us out. We are overflowing with dogs and cats and kittens and puppies," she says. "Come and adopt. Come and foster, even if it's just like a little staycation away at your house."
While DeSoto Mayor Rachel Proctor won the bet, she also donated $250 Thursday.
"No matter what happens on the field, it is all love," she says. "We love each other. We try to do what is best not only for our individual cities but do what is best for the region."
Among the animals available for adoption is a six month old puppy named, "DeSoto."
Mason says the two cities making donations shows how they can have rivalries on the field while working well together on things like social services, economic development and education.
"Cedar Hill and DeSoto are a destination, not only for commercial, not only for retail but also a destination for our school institutions," he says, saying Cedar Hill and DeSoto ISD have worked to add STEM classes and specialized campuses to teach different trades. "I'd just like for us to be recognized for some of the good our scholars are doing off the court, off the field."
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