February 26, 2003

County pet fair goes to the dogs and a few cats

Proceeds from sixth annual event earmarked for AC Paws program

By
Herald staff writer

      The Grand Traverse County Civic Center was going to the dogs - and cats on Saturday, during the sixth annual pet fair. The fair is sponsored by Grand Traverse County Animal Control, the Grand Traverse County Treasurer's office and AC Paws Pet Rescue.
      The event featured a rabies vaccination clinic and dog license sale. AC Paws was also on hand with information on pets waiting for new homes.
      Janice and Charles Weller of Indian River, drove to the Traverse City fair in hopes of providing a home for one such pup.
      "We've been looking for a while. We wanted to get just the right dog. I think we found one here," Janice said.
      The couple chose a 12-week-old German shepherd/Labrador retriever mix who is yet to be named.
      "We had four miniature schnauzers and we lost the last one two weeks ago. We wanted to go home with a dog today," Charles noted.
      Jim Brown drove in from Newago with his English bulldogs, Bonnie and Clyde for the low cost vaccination opportunity. Brown heard about the event on the news and thought it was a great idea.
      "I was shocked to see how many dogs are here," Brown said.
      Kristin Laurent, who moved to Traverse City from Washington DC just two weeks ago, brought in black Labrador/chow mix, Java for her shots and license.
      "I heard about this and thought it was a good way to get it all done at once. My arm is so tired from holding the leash tight, but at least she will sleep the rest of the day," Laurent said.
      Penny Brief was in the minority of pet owners with her cats Alice and Henry. While Alice took her shot from Dr. Albert Lynch without notice, Henry was more than a bit leery of the hundred or so dogs in the small conference room.
      "It's a nice deal and a great way to support AC Paws," said Brief as she got Henry safely back in his carrying case.
      When the four hour fair concluded, Grand Traverse County had sold just under 300 licenses while Animal Control vaccinated 296 animals including 288 dogs, six cats and two ferrets. Proceeds from the event benefit AC Paws in their efforts to rescue dogs in need of a home.