Posted On: 05-15-2012
We hosted our 1st Reptile Show and Sale at this year at America’s Family Pet Expo in Orange County, and it was a success! Numerous organizations came to display or sell various types of reptiles – from lizards and snakes to tarantulas of all colors, shapes and sizes. Plus, twenty percent of all reptile booth sales benefited The United States Association of Reptile Keepers (USARK), an education and advocacy group promoting awareness and responsible care of reptiles.
Attendees of this family-friendly event had the opportunity to interact with the reptiles through hands-on demonstrations, touching, and holding. Here are a few pictures of the reptile fun!
Did you attend America’s Family Pet Expo’s Reptile Show and Sale? Did you interact with the reptiles? Did you take one home with you as your new pet? We’d love to hear your feedback on the America’s Family Pet Expo Facebook Page!
Posted On: 05-08-2012
Did you stop by the Adoption Dog Makeover area at America’s Family Pet Expo? Dozens of rescued pups got pampered and primed by groomers in an effort to help these pups find forever homes!
The Adoption Dog Makeover team was made up of professional groomers that volunteered their time to groom dogs that were up for adoption at America’s Family Pet Expo. These volunteers included award-winning groomers, and some of the groomers even closed down their own businesses to help out! Thank you to all our groomers who volunteered their time!
The doggy-makeovers were fun, but also served a purpose. Many of the pups were in desperate need of a cut, nail trim, and brushing after spending time on the street or wherever they were rescued from. And through the doggy makeovers, numerous pups were adopted during America’s Family Pet Expo!
Posted On: 04-26-2012
Education and Community Enrichment Go Hand in Hand for Girl Scout Troup 513 as Their Participation in America’s Family Pet Expo Resulted in a Learning Opportunity for the Girls and a New Pet for a Local Classroom.
Girl Scout Troop 513, a Brownie troop located in Rancho Santa Margarita, have once again put their love for animals into action by getting involved in the America’s Family Pet Expo as well as the Pets in the Classroom grant program. The Troop’s involvement provided them with a hands-on learning opportunity and a chance to pass on their love for animals.
The Brownie Troop, which consists of 12 girls ages 8-9, has a history of doing activities that involve learning about and caring for animals. Past projects include:
- Making pet beds and bringing them along with toys and treats to the Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County.
- Going to Wags and Wiggles in Rancho Santa Margarita and learning to train dogs using different kinds of commands.
- Adopting a rescued Sea Lion from the Pacific Marine Mammal Institute, visiting him during his rehabilitation, and watching four sea lions be released into the ocean.
- Donating food and supplies to the Tucker Wildlife Sanctuary of CSUF Arboretum.
- Visiting Dana Point Harbor to the Ocean Institute and learning about, viewing and touching animals from the local ocean.
Past projects have provided the opportunity for the troop to learn more about animals, their habitats, and our environment as a whole. This recent project with America’s Family Pet Expo and Pets in the Classroom was no exception.
At America’s Family Pet Expo, a pet and pet product expo consisting of pet shows & demonstrations, animal experts, pet adoptions, hands-on petting and learning opportunities, each of the troop members registered to be a part of the Kid’s Aquarium Contest, a learning program designed to teach children about the habitat of fish and the rewards of pet care. Each troop member was given an aquarium to design an environment for. In preparation for the field trip to the Expo, the troop visited a pet store to learn more about fish and fish aquariums. Then, at the Expo, an expert explained the basic care guidelines and helped teach them how to be responsible pet owners.
“America’s Family Pet Expo is sort of like Disneyland for those who love animals,” said Dee Ann Lazatin, Co-Leader of the Troop. “And our girls love animals! They were all so excited.”
In addition to learning more about animals and animal care, the Troop wanted to give the proceeds of their Girl Scout Cookie sales to an animal- related charity. The Troop chose to donate the funds to the Pets in the Classroom Grant Program, which provides teachers with funding to purchase and maintain a classroom pet.
“Our Troop chose to participate in the Aquarium Contest at America’s Family Pet Expo as well as donate to Pets in the Classroom,” said Lazatin. “All of our girls love animals and always talk about the teachers at school who have animals in their classroom. Their eyes light up when we see, speak, touch and learn about animals. When we asked them which teacher would they love to see have animals in their classroom, they said every one of their teachers!”
The World Pet Association, host of America’s Family Pet Expo, has agreed to match the Troop’s donation to Pets in the Classroom. A local teacher will be selected to receive the grant so that the troop can visit it.
“Our troop is very special,” said Lazatin, “and is always finding ways to give back.”
