Pet Expo Adopt-A-Thon

Times Reporter 

 

Strathmore’s annual Pet Expo is steadily approaching, as is the deadline for vendors wishing to have an exhibit at the show. Applications are being accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and the deadline is March 31. The expo this year will be held on May 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This year’s expo is being presented by the Quality Canine Center and its new owner Janice Eaton.

“I wanted to do it mainly because of the rescue (side of) things. I can’t imagine anyone else is going to step up to the plate so I thought ‘why not?’ if I can help out rescues at the same time, that’s huge to me,” said Eaton.

“I want to do this so that whatever money is left over is divided up between the rescue groups that are there, and I would like it to be an Adopt-A-Thon as well, which it hadn’t been in the past.” 

The Adopt-A-Thon side of things is because Eaton would love to see some deserving pets find their way into a new home thanks to the expo. 

Animal rescue is something that is important to Eaton, and one organization that is especially close to her heart is the Prairie Pit Bull Rescue, a place she has rescued a dog from. She is hoping they will have a booth at the expo and be able to help clear some of the misconceptions people have about pit bulls. 

“I am looking for demos, I have contacted the Calgary Humane Society. I would like somebody to do something like a children’s safety with dogs demo,” said Eaton. 

She would like the demonstrations and booths to be animal related. She doesn’t want the demos to be about people promoting their business; instead she wants them to provide helpful advice and tips to pet owners. 

Once again dog owners are allowed to bring their pets to the expo.  

“Well-behaved dogs that are up-to-date on their vaccinations are welcome on leash,” said Eaton. 

Tables are renting for $50 each, and $30 for each additional table. 

There is no charge for a rescue organization, but there is a limit of two tables. There is also no cost for anyone wishing to attend the show, but there will be a voluntary donation box set up at the main entrance where pet food items and monetary donations can be made. 

Eaton plans to split any funds, after paying for the hall rental and expenses, between the rescue groups who attend the event. 

She is expecting over 40 vendors, the demonstrations, face painting and possibly a concession. Anyone interested in lending a hand to help with the event’s success, or if you’re looking to book a table, contact Janice Eaton at 403-389-8236 or by e-mail at j_eaton@shaw.ca.