Pet Expo is Feb. 11
Pet enthusiasts are invited to attend the fifth annual Pet Expo at Nelson True Value on Saturday, Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Co-sponsored by Nelson True Value, Rivers and Bluffs Animal Shelter, Tender Care Animal Hospital and Howe Printing, this event benefits the local effort to build an animal shelter.
The Pet Expo will include a bake sale featuring home-made treats—just in time for Valentine’s Day—and a food stand.
An entire slate of pet-related activities will be featured. At 9:30 a.m., watch a dog obedience demonstration by local residents and their dogs that have been in training for several months.
A best pet trick contest will take place at 10 a.m. The first 10 pets registered will compete for prizes donated by True Value and Prairie Cinema. To register for the contest, call Bev Pozega at 326-2914. Come to the expo to vote for your favorite trick.
From 10 a.m. to noon, visit with Kristen Lynch, of Anasazi Racing Huskies, of Blanchardville, and two of her sled dogs. Lynch will have along her dog sled and equipment used in the sport.
At 10:30 a.m. and noon, meet Crawford County’s K-9 Law Enforcement Team (pending any emergencies). Deputy Joe Breeser and K-9 Breck will demonstrate the different aspects of their work and training.
A parade of rescued dogs will take place at 11 a.m. At 11:30 a.m., join the fun with your well-behaved and socialized dogs in the dog olympics. Try their paws at musical chairs, an 11-legged race and “dress your dog.”
Throughout the event, Tender Care Animal Hospital staff will offer nail trims for a donation to RABAS and staff will be available to answer animal health care questions. Crawford County Animal Control Officer Crisse Reynolds will micro-chip dogs for a reasonable fee, with all proceeds benefitting the county’s feral cat spay/neuter rehome program. Reynolds will also answer questions about her duties and share stories of her success in reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Meet Callie, the Golden Doodle therapy dog. Chance, Rivers and Bluffs’ mascot, will be on hand throughout the day for photo opportunities. RABAS volunteers will have a design of the new building there and offer updates on the animal shelter. A make-and-take craft table, featuring “tie your own dog tug” and “love a pup” valentines, will be offered throughout the day.
Area school children in grades 4K through fourth are invited to enter the coloring contest. Coloring sheets have been distributed to these children through their schools. Entry deadline is Friday, Feb. 3, at True Value. The store’s employees will judge the contest. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at the Pet Expo at 12:30 p.m.
RABAS volunteers will also have T-shirts and Kwik Trip gift cards available for sale. The group makes 5 percent from the sale of each gift card.
All dogs in attendance must be current on vaccinations and be well-behaved and socialized. Dogs must be leashed at all times. For more information on the animal shelter effort or the Pet Expo, contact Bev Pozega at 326-2914 or visit www.riversandbluffsanimalshelter.org.
