Chicagoland Pet Expo to delight pet lovers, families

Posted March 15, 2012 8:00 am

Submitted by the Chicagoland Pet Expo

Johnny, a fawn pug, was watching the action at the Making Our Pugs Safe booth at last year's Chicagoland Family Pet Expo at Arlington Park. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com

The 20th annual Chicagoland Family Pet Expo opens Friday, March 16, at the Arlington Park Racecourse.

Produced by Tower Show Productions, the expo is America's largest and best attended pet expo, with more than 300 exhibits and the latest pet products and services.

Among the many products and services for pet owners and enthusiasts: Pet-themed artwork, jewelry, clothing; cleaning supplies; pet clothing; beds and furniture; treats and toys; veterinary services; breed clubs; and animal rescue organizations.

Performance highlights include the world-renowned performing dog, Swee' Pea; Johnny Peers & the Muttville Comix — shelter dogs who perform; the Rock-n-Roll K9s; Samantha and the Amazing Acro-Cats and hundreds of animal rescue groups taking adoption applications.

New to this year's expo will be 8-year-old German shepherd, Thor, with his handler, Lake County sheriff Deputy Tony Fanella. They will demonstrate finding illegal drugs hidden in strange locations. Thor retires this year, but he and Fanella will work to raise money for a special memorial honoring police dogs that will be built in northern Illinois.

Swee' Pea, a 14-year-old border collie and Australian shepherd mix, will make her final appearance this weekend. She has become a world phenomenon in the dog training world, holding seven world records and performing with her trainer, Alex Rothacker, in Europe and around the U.S.

A Zoo to You and the Chicago Herpetological Society will both provide hands-on and educational presentations of many exotic species.

Making another appearance this year is the Household Cat Competition. Cats will be judged based on grooming, personality, expression and overall appearance.

The competition will be held both Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Annie, a golden Labrador with the Rock-N-Roll K-9s jumps a 4-foot barricade at last years Chicagoland Family Pet Expo at Arlington Park. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com

Casey Brock, 2, of Wood Dale, plants a smooch on Zhu Zhu, a 16-year-old Boston terrier at last years Expo. Midwest Boston Terrier Rescue set up the kissing booth to raise funds for their rescue operation. Bill Zars/bzars@dailyherald.com

If you go

Chicagoland Pet Expo, March 16-18 at Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights

When: 1-9 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Cost: $10; children 3-12 $5; under 3, free. Get $1 off at petchicago.com. Friday only: Buy one adult ticket 5-9 p.m. and get one free; parking: $6

Info: Schedule of events is at <a href="http://www.azty.net/">petchicago.com</a>.

Ÿ Except for Household Cat Contest, pets cannot come into show.