This is the league’s biggest fundraiser of the year with the proceeds going to a spay/neuter rebate program to help individuals offset the cost of surgery, and for the development of educational programs on animal care and responsible pet ownership. Admission is a $2 donation.
This year there will be several newcomers with two big headliners — the American Humane Association and the Chattanooga Zoo.
The AHA will bring its 82-foot-long rescue rig which is used all over the U.S. to assist animals trapped or lost due to natural disasters, protection and relocation of animals found in hording situations or puppy mills, animals affected by shelter closings, and any other problem of significant need. The “Big Rig” is capable of sustaining 15 volunteers for 10 days. It has radio and satellite communications as well as a computer center and can set up kenneling when needed. The rig has veterinarian supplies and a surgery center for injuries.
AHA staff will answer questions about the rig and the organization. The Chattanooga Zoo will be on hand with its traveling exhibit, which includes several animals. Information about the Zoo and the animals will be available.
Other newcomers this year include the Chattanooga Kennel Club with a meet-the-breed presentation, a dog trainer from Pet Smart to talk about dog and puppy classes, exotic animals such as snakes and lizards, and a session by Champ Horse Supply. Some old favorites include Susan Darling’s alpacas, Boyd’s Mini Acres with their miniature horses and donkeys, a demonstration from Wrights Farrier, and the Obedience Club of Chattanooga with shows on agility, fly ball and freestyle dance. Once again the fair will offer pet photography and Cornerstone Veterinarian Services low-cost shots.
Also on hand will be the Woodmen of the World to do free child identification packets for interested parents. The packets include information on the child, the child’s fingerprints and DNA samples, and a place for pictures. The packets will go home with the parents to keep in case the child becomes lost. The Woodmen are also working on their doghouse project to build several doghouses to be given away to families adopting from the Walker County Animal Shelter.
The fair will also have a beautiful quilt made by Karen Sperry to be raffled off and items donated by local businesses for auction. Animals will be available for adoption from local shelters along with information on good health habits for your new friend. Gilbert Elementary School will have drawings available for a “Be Kind to Animals Week” poster contest. Also there will be surveys available for interested individuals to put in your thoughts and feelings on animal issues in our area.
“We are working hard this year to expand our fair and have more exhibits, shows and activities,” said chairman Steve Romines. “We would like to thank our sponsor J103 Christian radio station for helping us with this event. We are going to have more animal/owner activities such as stupid pet tricks, owner/pet look-a-like contest, find-the-bone-in-the-ball pit, and an obstacle course for pets to try.
“We have more food vendors scheduled and are inviting any craft vendors who wish to have a booth whether their wares are animal-oriented or not. We would love to see local 4-H and scout groups come through and be able to set up future projects with both. We want the fair to evolve into a true community fair with something for everyone. It would be great for people to go to Down Home Days one Saturday and come see us to continue the fun the next weekend.”
More information about the North Georgia Animal League and its projects, animal news and information, animals available for adoption from the local shelter, the lost/found/free-to-a-good-home bulletin board, and the pet fair can be found at www.ngalonline.org.
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