Pet Expo a chance for Furry Fun

There are lots of issues impacting the people of Pennsylvania, many of which are centered in the heart of my legislative district. As challenging and rewarding as it is to represent an area with so much going on, it can be equally frustrating to have ideas you care about sit on the back burner because there are only so many hours in the day.

But we’re making time this Sunday, September 22, for the my 2nd Annual Pet Expo from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Fairview Park at Greenwood Drive in South Fayette Township. I have partnered with PetSearch, a local non-profit rescue group which has found homes for over 6,000 local animals since 1987, in sponsoring a day for pets and their owners, anyone looking to adopt a pet or anyone who just cares about animals and wants to come out for a day of fun.

Parking and admission are free, and attendees are encouraged to bring their vaccinated pets to the event. The free event will allow area residents to speak with professionals about pet health, obedience training and adoption opportunities, as well as participate in a Pet Parade and Costume Contest; there is no charge to enter the contest and pets of all kinds are encouraged to enter.

Pet Search offers low-cost microchipping and inoculations for rabies, canine DHLPP booster, feline FVRCP booster, feline leukemia, kennel cough and Lyme disease. The Expo also will feature an ask-a-vet seminar, vendor booths, food and music. I will be there with my dogs, Abigail and Delano, who are always excited to make new friends; they even got haircuts for the occasion.

During my time in the legislature, I have taken a strong interest in animal-rights legislation, supporting reforms to the Dog Law, which tackle the problem of puppy mills, and proposing America’s first-ever Animal Adoption Tax Credit, which came within one vote of passing in the State House of Representatives last year.

One of the reasons I really enjoy working on animal-related issues is the non-partisan aspect which helps bring people together; pet ownership transcends political parties, which is a rarity in the highly-charged political atmosphere of Harrisburg. Based upon my work on these issues, I was proud to be recognized earlier this year as the 2013 PA Humane Legislator of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States.

A few people have criticized my advocacy for animal issues, admonishing me to ‘worry about people, not pets’. But as the owner of a rescue dog and cat myself, I know pets are a huge part of peoples’ lives, and in some cases, the only family some people have. Of course the main focus of my work is on improving the quality of life for the people in my district, it would be naïve to say pets don’t play at least a small role in the quality of life of many people. So if I can help people be more responsible pet owners, help reduce overcrowding in shelters by encouraging adoptions or just bring a smile to the face of someone who wants some attention from a furry friend, why not?

So come out and join us this Sunday, September 22 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Fairview Park in South Fayette Township for this free event. The Pet Expo is a way for animal lovers to come together, discuss and learn more about the topics that are important to our furry friends – and have some fun in the process. And don’t worry about missing the football game- the Steelers don’t play until Sunday night!

For more information, contact my Cecil Township office at 724-746-3677. Hope to see you at the Pet Expo!