New Naperville event brings wellness fair to the dogs
Think of a wellness fair, and the dead of winter comes to mind, along with cold and flu season and people making New Year's resolutions to get healthier.
But it's almost June, and a Naperville business owner thinks her outdoor wellness fare might be the talk of the town.
It's for pets.
Two Bostons Pet Boutique & Gourmet Bakery is hosting the first Pet Wellness Fair from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6 at its Springbrook Prairie Pavilion store at 2523 W. 75th St. in Naperville.
Owner AdreAnne Tesene says anyone can stop by the outdoor event to learn nutrition, digestion, exercise, social health and training tips for their dogs and cats.
"We commit every day to wellness for pets and empowering pet parents to know how to take care of their pets appropriately," Tesene said. "This is a huge focus on taking time and allowing our customers to be comfortable learning about different wellness aspects and seeing how we can help them."
Pet owners can stop by 16 stations staffed by vendors who will teach about topics such as appropriate feeding for cats and dogs, digestion issues, joint health, natural flea and tick prevention and how to address pet anxiety.
Tesene said attendees can get a "wellness passport" stamped at each station they visit, and those with 10 or more stamps will be entered in a drawing for a prize basket with pet wellness products and service coupons from businesses such as chiropractors for dogs and humans and pet waste removal companies.
Dr. Erin O'Connor, owner of Vitality Animal Chiropractic Center in Aurora, will give demonstrations at 1 and 2 p.m., and The Puppy Mill Project will give child-appropriate presentations about the hazards of puppy mills at 12:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Tesene said the Pet Wellness Fair can be a helpful learning opportunity for new dog or cat owners or anyone with a pet who wants to ensure its well-being.
"We want to be looked at as the resource for people to come and ask questions," Tesene said. "We're not veterinarians, but we do care really strongly about how your pet is doing and we want to make sure that they live the longest and healthiest life that they possibly can."
During the event, Two Bostons will kick off its Lose Pounds with Your Hounds weight loss contest for people and dogs. The human-canine team that has the highest percentage of weight loss during the six-week contest will win a prize package of active goods and services for both team members.
"One of our main reasons for being in business is to make sure that we are improving the lives of people and pets on a daily basis," Tesene said. "This just seemed like the logical next step for us."
What: Pet Wellness FairWhen: Noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6Where: Two Bostons Pet Boutique & Gourmet Bakery, 2523 W. 75th St., NapervilleWho: Hosted by Two Bostons with more than 15 vendorsCost: Free with pet products for saleInfo: twobostons.c
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