Pet lovers will want to check out the second annual Pet Expo in Ferndale Aug. 25-26. The event, which will be held at Martin Road Park and the Ferndale Activities Center, will feature pet adoptions, vendors, pet contests, the crowning of a pet king and queen and more.
New this year is the PETCO Foundation's "Tails on Trails" fundraising walk. The walk will kick off the Ferndale Pet Expo on Aug. 25. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. It will be a leisurely stroll through Martin Road Park, 2100 Woodward Heights in Ferndale.
Participation in the walk is free, but proceeds from the walk will benefit Guardians for Animals, Inc., a Michigan organization that helps animal rescue organizations in need with fundraising, education, animal placement and networking support and the PETCO Foundation, whose mission is to support community organizations and efforts that enhance the lives of companion animals while strengthening the bond between people and pets.
Walkers donating $25 or more can pre-register at by going to www.ferndalemi.com, clicking on the Pet Expo link and then clicking on the Tails on Trails site link. Those who pre-register will receive a free event t-shirt, pet bandana, goody bag, water, doggy walk bag and one raffle entry ticket. Pre-registration ends Aug. 20.
Leading the walk will be Hero, a dog currently in rehabilitation after being hit by a car, said Alexandria Whitney, founder and president of Guardians for Animals. Hero was hours away from death when an animal control officer called Guardians for Animals seeking help for the injured animal, she said. Through the cooperative efforts of Guardians for Animals and the PETCO Foundation, Hero received the help he needed and brought the organizations together to establish a relationship that will further benefit other animals in emergency situations, said Whitney.
"He's our hero," said Whitney. "He brought us together to help other animals just like him."
In addition to the walk on Aug. 25, participants and their canine pals can visit the Ferndale Activities Center at Martin Road Park where there will be a Vendor Village, animals for adoption and petrelated contests, including a Best Dressed Pet Contest, the winners of which will be crowned King and Queen. Vendor Village will feature information booths by local veterinarians and pet and non-pet related supplies and services.
Events for pets include a treat hunt and tennis ball bobbing contest. Pets can also have their photos taken and create an original piece of artwork using their paws.
Rock-N-Roll K 9's will thrill pet expo audiences with performances scheduled throughout the day Aug. 25 by demonstrating a variety of pet tricks.
"The crowds just love them. They put on a great show," said Whitney.
The Vendor Village and adoption pavilions will also be open during the Pet Expo from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 26.
For more information, visit www.ferndale-mi.com or www.guardiansforanimals.org.
