Pet Expo: Something for everyone

This weekend -- Friday through Sunday -- the 19th annual America's Family Pet Expo will be presented at the Orange County Fair Grounds at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Several South Bay groups take part in this three-day extravaganza that features more than 1,000 animals in stage shows, competitions and demonstrations. And it's not just dogs and cats. The expo features birds, fish, reptiles, llamas, pot bellied pigs, goats, rats, rabbits and miniature horses. There are animal experts to answer all your questions and hundreds of vendor booths with the latest in pet gear.

Ready to adopt a cat or dog? Dozens of rescue groups will be on hand to help you select just the right new pet.

"It's a wonderful family event," said Stephanie Crawford of Creative Pets in San Pedro. The dog rescue component of that business, Animals Rule , typically finds homes for between seven and nine dogs during the Pet Expo, she said. This is the fourth year Animals Rule has participated.

"It brings in thousands and thousands of people and there is everything there, from rescue groups to breeders to breed clubs," she said. "If you're an animal person, it's a great day."

Also participating with a booth will be i Love Dogs  of Torrance, an online business that helps sponsor Operation Baghdad Pups through the SPCA, a project set up to bring to the U.S. the stray dogs that our service men and women in Iraq have "adopted."

Dog breed rescue groups at the expo span the spectrum, from Basenjis to Welsh terriers. There are special presentations on how to hand feed baby birds, dog grooming for kids, "urban mushing" (as in how to convince your dog to pull a cart), rattlesnake "avoidance" for dogs, and special dog and cat show events. Other demonstrations feature police dogs, "Scaly Tales -- All About Reptiles" (ewww, a guaranteed kids' favorite), and diving "splash" dogs.

Expo hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 ($10 for seniors 60 and older and $6 for children 6-12; free for kids 5 and under). You can find $2 discount coupons at local veterinarian offices and also online at the Pet Expo  web site.