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Festival Aims To Make Pets, People Healthier

BY SUZANNE M. SCHMIDT

IN THE LOOP

Published: March 4, 2009

Organizers of an upcoming fair say they'll have something for everyone, including man's best friend.

The 2009 Spring Health Fair for Pets and People will be March 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cypress Creek Animal Hospital, 25227 Wesley Chapel Blvd., in Lutz. The free event is intended to help area residents with their health and the health of their pets.

"We are going to have a Dalmatian bouncy house and free popcorn and cotton candy for the kids," Libby McKenna of Fetching Communications said. "We will have a dog trainer, a groomer and there will be other free goodies for the pets."

Debra Draper, medical director for the hospital, will be at the event giving free dental checkups for dogs and cats. She said dogs and cats need to keep their teeth clean.

"Dogs and cats can get dental diseases just like we can," Draper said. "It can affect everything from their comfort to their health. It can affect their whole body, especially their liver and their kidneys."

Draper said some things people can do are as simple as just feeding them the right food or brushing their teeth regularly. The hospital will have free samples of Purina dog food to give away at the event.

Other businesses also will give away tips like a groomer from Red Hydrant Pet Spa & Boutique and a dog trainer from Bark Busters Home Dog Training.

In addition to all the goodies and tips for animals, people also will learn about their own health. The Doctor's Walk-In Clinic in Lutz will have free blood pressure screenings and the Vein Center of Tampa Bay discussesveins.

While learning about health, visitors from the community can also watch K-9 demonstrations by the Pasco County Sheriff's Office, take a tour of the hospital and meet local celebrities Kasey and Kristen O'Brien from Weeki Wachee.

Kasey recently placed second in the Florida Classic Clusters Dog Show and will be going to California with her dog Scarlett to compete in the American Kennel Club International Show in December.

Reporter Suzanne M. Schmidt can be reached at (813) 948-4288 or sschmidt@mediageneral.com.

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