OXFORD – Pet owners and anyone considering becoming one are invited to attend Pet Fest New England at the Oxford County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 21.
The event, hosted by Second Chance Boxer Rescue and the Oxford Hills Dog Club, will feature 22 area shelters and rescue groups. Presentations will include an agility demonstration by the Oxford Hills Dog Club, information about service dogs, and a talk by herbalist Mary Mondello.
The event aims to promote and increase awareness of shelters and rescue organizations, according to the event’s Web site, www.petfestnewengland.com.
Judy Dill, of Second Chance Boxer Rescue, said the group hopes that people thinking of getting a pet will “look at rescue and shelters before they go to a pet store.”
Dill said that Second Chance has 20 to 30 dogs in foster homes throughout New England awaiting adoption. The dogs often come from homes that could not keep them because of divorce, allergies or new babies in the family. Second Chance places almost 300 boxers with adoptive families each year.
Prospective pet adopters will learn about boxers and many other breeds of dog at Pet Fest, as well as other popular pets. Among the organizations involved in the event are rescuers of huskies, greyhounds, Rottweilers, cats, and even ferrets.
People are invited to bring their pets, and a prize will be awarded to the pet in the best costume. Owners may participate in a photo contest. Photos of pets may be submitted either through the Web site or in person before 10 a.m. the day of Pet Fest. Top prizes include a digital camera, a $25 gift certificate to Petco, and a pet gift basket.
Pet Fest will be held rain or shine from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. An admission fee of $5 will benefit Second Chance for Boxers. Volunteers are needed to help with the event. Anyone interested in helping or donating items for a raffle is asked to contact Julie Goodell.
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