Above: Pet photos with Santa at West Chester’s PetSmart in 2011
The Liberty Veterinary Hospital, 6823 Yankee Road, will host a unique holiday event this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring a pet adoption drive, a Humane Society fundraiser and a holiday craft and bake sale.
The pets available through the adoption drive are provided by the Animal Friends Humane Society of Butler County. The pet shelter group is also providing pet photos with Santa for $5 per photo and microchipping for $10 per pet. Money will also be raised through raffle baskets for $2 per ticket and $10 for six tickets.
The event will also feature a holiday craft and bake sale that will include items from local artists and crafters. Items include pottery, jewelry, handmade pet accessories and holiday decor.
Local pet owners took their pets to meet Santa Claus at the West Chester PetSmart, 7574 Voice of America Centre Drive, this past weekend.
Proceeds benefited Pampered Pets Animal Rescue, a nonprofit organization that rescues and finds new homes for endangered and unwanted dogs, cats and rabbits.
“We are receiving more requests for intake due to people losing their jobs and homes,” said Tracy Heinrichs, the rescue’s president. “Our average monthly vet bill is around $860 and that’s with a discount. Fundraisers like this are crucial in enabling us to rescue animals in need.”
This year featured new attractions such as demonstrations by the Ohio State Patrol K-9 Unit and vendors providing guests with dog-related items from collars and treats to artists and a professional photographer.
Adoption/Rescue organizations were also able to share dogs available for adoption at the event and even a few found some new homes.
“This second year went really well. We were glad to have the vendors join us this year and the K-9 demonstrations were big crowd pleasers,” said Tanya Zerkle, event chair and volunteer. “People outdid themselves with the costumes so it made it really tough to be a judge. We are hoping to have even more awards next year so everyone gets the recognition they deserve for their hard work.”
Below is a list of some the event’s winners:
Best Costume Small Dog:
1st-Maria Yancey of Middletown with Treasure
2nd-Miranda Ogden of Liberty Township with Minka
3rd-Amy Peters of West Chester Township and Proto Pup
Best Costume Large Dog
1st-David Lake of Deerfield Township and Wilbur
2nd-Kim Steckler of Liberty Township with Duke
3rd-Chris Herzog of Liberty Township with Dixie
Best Costumes Dog and Owner/Handler
1st- Carolyn Coley of Liberty Township with Lucy and Ethel
2nd-Katie McKearin of Liberty Township with Toby
3rd-Eric Steinriede and Erica Giannoccaro of Harrison with Kaiser
Best Costumes/Theme Multiple Dogs
1st-Karen Palm of Covington, Ky., with Lucy and Ivy
2nd-Anthony Schaeffer of Mason with Piston and Judy
3rd-Tina Stroud of Springdale with Charlie, Caitey and Bailey
All proceeds benefited the Wiggly Dog Park Fund at the Community Foundation of West Chester/Liberty.
