Purrrfect Pet Expo Residents - both two- and four-legged - fill the Carbondale Civic Center
The dogs far outnumbered the cats at the 2018 Purrrfect Pet Expo Saturday, but no one was really keeping track. They were too busy checking out each other's pets or the many services and products on display at the Carbondale Civic Center.
The expo was held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and included a Best Dressed Pet presentation, plenty of puppy snuggling, and several demonstrations by service dogs and their handlers. Admission was only $3 (or a donation of any pet supply). It was free for kids ages 12 or younger.
There were lots of lovely doggies looking for forever homes, and several local rescues and shelters represented by some very friendly employees and volunteers who were eager to answer questions about the adoption process.
Gerald Hofbauer of Carbondale brought his companion, Ruth, to the expo.
"I named her after my mother," he said, "because she's sweet and gentle, just like her."
Ruth sat when she was told to and waited patiently for her treat.
"The expo is great," he said, pointing out proudly that his daughter, Carissa, had a booth around the corner. "She owns Golden Standard; she trains dogs."
Victoria and Bernie Barth, mother and son, both of Carbondale, brought their buddy, Doc, an 8-year-old dachshund, to the expo.
"This is a great idea," Victoria said. "I think Doc enjoyed it, too."
"Yes, but I think he's had enough excitement for one day," Bernie said as he scooped his friend up and scratched behind his ears. "We're ready to go home and snuggle into the easy chair, aren't we, buddy?"
Doc yipped in apparent agreement.
The expo was sponsored by River Radio of Southern Illinois and Auffenberg of Carbondale. All proceeds raised go to benefit participating rescues and shelters.<object id="Extra Pictures" type="x-im/image" uuid="13E23A65-8E42-4374-9AC4-037D73C57A56"><links><link rel="self" type="x-im/image" uri="im://image/13E23A65-8E42-4374-9AC4-037D73C57A56.jpg" uuid="13E23A65-8E42-4374-9AC4-037D73C57A56"><data><title><![CDATA[