The event, which will be held from noon-4 p.m. Sept. 8 is cohosted by the Athens County Humane Society and Friends of the Shelter Dogs.
This fundraiser’s purpose is to bring the community together to learn about and support our counties’ pets with and without a home.
With multiple speakers, demonstrations, vendors, food trucks, music, and fun activities for families, there is something for everyone to enjoy while supporting a good cause.
Jenny Lance, volunteer board member of Friends of the Shelter Dogs, says there will be much to see at the pet fair.
“The 2nd Annual Pet Palooza is free to attend and will offer live music from BackWords, a kitty cuddling lounge, Athens Police mounted patrol horses, merchandise vendors, and on-sight adoptions of Athens County Dog Shelter pooches and local rescues,” said Lance. “There will also be children’s activities, contests for your pets, the opportunity to try a dog agility course provided by a local trainer (Connecting Spirits), Athens Veterinary Clinic, and demonstrations/talks by an Animal Communicator, Puppy Mill Expert, Southern Ohio Canine Search and Rescue, Local 4-H Dog Club, and the Hocking College Canine Program.”
Along with the entertainment aspects of the event, there will also be various food vendors such as Rhythm & Food gourmet grilled cheese food truck, Texas Steele BBQ and Court Street Coffee.
Although there will be much to do and see, there are several goals that both nonprofits aim to accomplish at the fair.
“Our goals are to educate the community on animal care & opportunities for enrichment, animal rescue, provide a fun and safe environment for the community and their pets to enjoy a fun-filled day, and to find shelter dogs and cats homes,” said Lance. “Shelter dogs can also be adopted on-sight versus them going back to the shelter.”
While a lot of work and planning goes into an event like this, both organizations behind the pet fair work year-round to help the county’s homeless pets find their forever families.
Andrea R. Lewis of the Pet Palooza committee explains how both groups work to fulfill their purposes.
“The Humane Society has a variety of programs,” said Lewis. “Low-cost spay/neuter services, employs the county Humane Agent, and strives to ensure the best possible treatment, care and placement of animals in need. The Friends of the Shelter Dogs provides veterinary support for sick and injured dogs, funds for spaying and neutering, and rescue operations to promote finding homes for adoptable dogs in the Athens County Dog Shelter.”
Those wanting to enjoy the local entertainment and vendors while being surrounded by the local pet community, while learning and making a difference should come out to the Pet Palooza Pet Fair.
“It’s going to be a great day to take your pet on an outing, learn more about the local lost and abandoned pets, meet new friends, buy gifts for your friends and their pets, and see how your local fairgrounds has been improving over the years so events like this can be hosted there,” added Lance.
