Pet Expo 2004 A ‘Howling’ Success
(Savannah, GA) - October 27, 2004
Coastal Pet Rescue’s second annual Pet Expo, held at Gordonston Park Oct. 16, was a howling success for pets, their guardians, and local animal rescue efforts.
“The attendance was overwhelming,” said Lisa Scarbrough, founder and president of the organization. “The event raised $450 towards our rescue efforts.”
Several area pet rescue and support organizations had booths at the Expo, including Lowcountry Rottweiler Rescue, the Georgia Safe K9 Project, and The American Red Cross, which offers a Pet First Aid and CPR course, also had an information booth set up for the event. Handicapped Pets was also on hand and even entered two of their handicapped animals in the pet tricks competition. Alex, a blind dog, awed the crowd with her ability to perform through touch commands given by her person, Karen. Alex placed second in the pet tricks competition, which was won by Corey, a Corgi who also works as a therapy dog.
The 2004 Pet Expo was more than twice as large as last year’s, and the shady, pleasant venue, Gordonston Park, helped attract dozens of pet owners and their four-legged companions as well as petless visitors hoping to find the perfect friend.
Vendors ran the gamut from Winston’s Barkery, an Oglethorpe Mall shop offering gourmet dog treats, to At Home Pet Sitters, which specializes in caring for pets in their own familiar surroundings. “Savannah Adventures, who sell coupon books and donate a portion of the proceeds to us, gave away over 50 books to get interest in the new books coming out in November, which will benefit Coastal Pet Rescue for the next year,” Scarbrough said.
In addition to the pet tricks competition, Pet Expo featured a low-cost microchipping clinic, spay/neuter awareness, pet costume contest, adoption booths, food and prizes. Ben Bennett of WBMQ radio served as Master of Ceremonies.
The pet costume contest offered the perfect opportunity to ad lib as he introduced the contestants. “Sampson is sporting the latest in the Sesame Street line of clothing and casual accessories,” Bennett quipped as a tiny Yorkshire terrier with green fur and a trash can outfit, pranced around. “Sampson joins us today from Mr. Hooper’s grocery store, and he says he loves trash.” Sampson was accompanied by his person, Uria.
Late in the afternoon, the Pet Expo parade of adoptable animals drew the attention of the crowd, as the four-footed hopefuls strutted their stuff for the crowd. Bennett announced each pet by name and gave information about each dog’s personality and temperament. Each pet wore a “Please Adopt Me” bandana, hand made by Sarah Osborn and donated to Coastal Pet Rescue.
Another Sampson, “dressed in the latest in the puppy royalty line of fashions,” came as a princess, led by his person, Tyler Loomis. Sampson is a male golden retriever, but he didn’t seem to mind being a girly man for the contest—it was all for a good cause.
A low-cost microchipping clinic was staffed by Dr. Charra Sweeney-Reeves and Ann Savage of All About Pets Mobile Vet, who donated their time and expertise. About 60 pets received the tiny microchip implant which can identify the owner if the pet is lost. Most animal control departments, veterinarians’ offices, and many rescue groups have microchip readers compatible with the chips implanted at Pet Expo.
The event was sponsored by All About Pets Mobile Vet, Winston’s Barkery, J-B Wholesale Pet Supplies, Inc., The Tiny Paws Company, WBMQ 630 AM, Capt. Mike’s Dolphin Tours, Olde Harbour Inn, At Home Pet Sitters, Dinner Over Easy, Ranco Tent Rentals, Low Country Event Rentals, The Crab Shack, Sweet Treats, Huc A Poos, Sting Ray’s, Beef O’Brady’s, Shell Art Gift Shop, Office Depot, Sweet Treats, Plantation Carriage Tours, Tybee Vacation Rentals, Southern Casting Services, Sea Kayak Georgia, Upchurch Therapy & Wellness, Beachside Colony, The Grill Beachside, Ocean Plaza Beach Resort, The Lighthouse Inn, New Shapes, Greenbriar Spa, Whispers Salon, Cafe Loco, Kanpai, Driftaway Cafe, Fannie’s on the Beach, Elegant Gifts, The Windows Restaurant, Old Town Trolly Tours, Savannah Adventures and Island Miniature Golf and Games.
“The sponsorships we received this year go to show that people in our community care about pets and we hope to get the same support and more in the years to come,” Scarbrough said.
Coastal Pet Rescue is still selling raffle tickets and taking bids for its silent auction online (http://www.coastalpetrescue.org). The raffles are for a day of pampering, treats for pet and owner, dinners out, and mini-vacations around the Savannah and Tybee area.
The silent auction is for a six-person mini-vacation on Tybee which includes two nights in a condo/cottage by Tybee Vacation Rentals, six-person dolphin cruise aboard Capt. Mike’s Dolphin Tours, entree and side dish catered on site by Dinner Over Easy, one large pizza at Huc A Poo’s, a half-day group kayak tour by Sea Kayak Georgia, and six passes for one round of golf at Island Miniature Golf. The package is valued at $800. Raffles and auction end October 31st; winners will be notified November 1st. All proceeds go directly to Coastal Pet Rescue.
Coastal Pet Rescue will appear at two more events in October—the Georgia Safe K-9 Project’s “Vest Fest” on River Street Oct. 29-31, and the Landings Doggy Carnival on October 30.
Coastal Pet Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, abused and neglected dogs and cats in Savannah and surrounding areas. Founded in February 2003, Coastal Pet Rescue changes the lives of homeless pets in Chatham, Bryan and Effingham Counties through its foster home program and small capacity shelter, Camp Pawsawhile Retreat.
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