'Dog Whisperer' is ready to speak out

So naturally, when it comes to notoriously high animal and euthanasia numbers in San Antonio, the so-called Dog Whisperer believes the solution lies within.

“World transformation begins with self-transformation, so one person can make a difference,” Millan said recently by phone.

He added, “It's just awareness and working together. ... We all join in to the benefit of a cause. Well, the cause here is to control the animal population.”

City officials are scheduled to announce today that Millan is slated to speak and answer questions at the Lila Cockrell Theatre on July 11.

His appearance is billed as the highlight of “Dog Awareness Week,” a public awareness initiative that coincides with five days of dog shows at the convention center beginning July 8.

The River City Cluster of Dog Shows partnered with the city this year to reinforce a message of responsible pet ownership — a state of mind that officials say is essential in stopping the killing of healthy, adoptable animals by 2012.

More than 5,600 dogs and cats have been euthanized here this year. In a mostly Hispanic city with more than 700,000 animals and a lackluster sterilization rate, officials are hoping Millan, a Mexican immigrant, will prove an inspiring presence.

This week, he filmed a bilingual public service announcement for San Antonio that officials plan to air soon.

“We're hoping that the community will really listen to him,” said Shirley Wills, spokeswoman for the dog shows.