HHH Community Library Hosts 2nd Annual Pet Education and Information Fair

Saturday afternoon, the Dix Hills Branch of the hosted its 2nd annual Pet Education and Information Fair. There were many local organizations in attendance offering a multitude of pet-related information and resources. 

One of the organizations at the fair was the Grateful Greyhounds, an organization that places ex-racing greyhounds into loving homes. The Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind was also present with some of their dogs used to assist blind people to gain independence. There were also numerous organizations that are dedicated to rescuing and placing stray and abandoned pets.

Also there were The Long Island Cat Fanciers, giving out advice on feline health and well-being; and The Long Island Parrot Society of NY, dedicated to educating and preventing the endangerment and extinction of birds. They were there with some of their bird friends. One such friend was an endangered Blue Hyacinth McCaw named Bentley who greeted visitors as he sat perched on his owner's arm.

During this fair, four pet therapy dogs and their owners, frequent guests to the Dix Hills Library, were on hand for the children to sit and read with. Four-year-old Luna, a small yellow Lab, is a regular at the library. With his owners, Roni and David Cohen, Luna loves reading with the children at the library as well as visiting nursing homes and The Northport Veterans Hospital. Gigi, another regular guest of the library was rescued from a shelter in Georgia, sent to the North Shore Animal League, the only non-kill shelter, and adopted by his current owner who got her certified by Therapy Dogs International, Inc. as a therapy dog. Also in attendance were the library's other two therapy dogs, Bella and Winston.

This event was designed to be family friendly. The kids were entertained, not only by the adorable dogs to hold, pet and play with, but with face painting, balloon creations and a reptile show. Tricky Business delighted the kids with their original balloon designs such as Cinderella, Little Mermaid, Curious George, Bugs Bunny and Elmo while Erik's Reptile Edventures amused all with their live reptile show.