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PIT BULL IS CELEBRITY CANINE
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10/11/2008 : AT ORANGE COUNTY MARKET PLACE’ PET DAYS
Costa Mesa, CA-- A Pit bull service dog kicked out of a Wal-Mart store last year will be a welcome guest at the upcoming Pet Days slated for Saturday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet at the O. C. Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa.
Chloe the Pit, a certified therapy dog and ambassador for the Pit bull breed, and her owner Gina Pettrow of Fountain Valley, were asked to leave a Wal-Mart store in February 2007 because of the breed and management’s concern there were children in the store.
“Pit bulls are getting a bum deal and they deserve better. Pit bull overpopulation and the awful treatment these dogs are often subjected to is outrageous. Public education is essential. Without the support of the community and the insistence that Pit bulls are cared for the same way we expect people to care for other breeds, these dogs will never have a chance at a better life, “said Kathy Thorsell, Marketing Coordinator for the Animal Assistance League of Orange County and producer of Pet Days.
Wal-Mart eventually apologized in a letter to Pettrow after considerable media attention about the flap and included a box full of dog goodies for Chloe. As a result of the incident it became apparent more education is needed about the positive image and qualities of the Pit bull breed. Chloe’s appearance during Pet Days will be all about that objective.
Chloe, now officially a certified service and therapy dog after completing the stringent training through the Orange County HUGS Service and Therapy Dog Group, and Pettrow will be at the swap meet event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
The two day event, which runs 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days, will also include the Soccer Collies with shows from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday; Brutus, a Bull Mastiff therapy dog in Elvis jumpsuit from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days; cats and dogs available for adoption along with several nonprofit specialty rescue centers; training tips; ask the veterinarian booth; animal welfare and other subjects via guest speakers and demonstrations and pet related vendors.
With the exception of seeing eye, therapy and other service dogs, no personal pets are allowed. For more information on Pet Days contact the Animal Assistance League of Orange County by calling 714-893-4393 or visit www.aaloc.com or www.ocmarketplace.com
Pet Days and all related activities are included in swap meet admission, which is $2 for ages 13 and over and free for kids 12 and under. More information on the swap meet is available by calling 949-723-6616 or visiting the above listed website.
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