One of the highlights of the “Fill a Fire Truck Pet Expo” will be baked goods for sale in the dog “barkery.”
After the success of last year’s inaugural event, “Fill the Fire Engine Pet Expo: Unleashing Hope for Washington County Pet Rescue” will be held again.
The event will be held on February 11th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department Social Hall, 908 Main Street.
The Pet Expo is hosted by Discover Pet Health Poochtique and Spaw and Bentleyville VFD.
Sharee Kalchthaler, owner of Discover Pet Health Poochtique and Spaw, said, “We invite you to join us in our Washington County pet rescue efforts.” “They can bring in animals that can be put up for adoption. They can provide information about their work and try to attract more volunteers. They can sell items. We can raise funds.”
Pet rescues that will be participating include Angel Ridge Animal Rescue, Pet Search, Bridge to Home Animal Rescue, and Marie Exotic Reptile Rescue.
Kalchthaler said the rescue group has posted on social media a list of needed items that will be donated to fill the truck, including dog food, paper towels, liquid bleach, dog shampoo, dish detergent, Blankets, towels, bed sheets, dog beds, heat and UV light bulbs, reptile bark, snake bedding, fresh fruit and vegetables, dog-safe rock salt, and bags to collect dog waste. Cash donations are also welcome.
“People bring items that pet rescue teams are looking for and we load those items into the fire truck,” she said.
Kalchthaler said a fire truck full of supplies was donated for the 2023 event.
“It was amazing,” she said. “This year, we hope to spread the word a little more and get more funds and needed supplies. All rescue and response teams will receive half of the salvaged items and more than $300 each from the Chinese auction. These rescue teams and first responders have put so much heart and soul and donated their time. These animals need all the support they can get. We really need that.”
Various activities are scheduled throughout the day.
Canine First Aid/CPR classes will be held by Tall Oaks Canine Safety from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost is $60 per person.
Marodi Media will be offering Valentine's Day pet photography in two digital images for $15. You can also get a free portrait drawn from noon to 2 p.m.
There will also be free dog training tips, animal safety and rescue demonstrations by the Bentleyville VFD, various presentations by the Washington County Animal Response Team, and pet O2 mask demonstrations by ambulance and paramedics.
Some of the participating vendors include Scoop Dog Canine Creamery, Follow Our Lead, Color My World Milk + Honey, and more. KJ's Rollin Kitchen will serve food in the parking lot. Discover Pet Health offers samples of “Barkery” and “Barkcuterie” spreads for dogs, as well as foamy doggy beers made with a variety of vitamins for dogs.
“We have beer kegs ready for them,” Kalchthaler said.
Pets are welcome but must be restrained on a non-retractable leash or carrier bag.
