The City Green is going to the dogs August 6 when the annual Pet Fair returns for its 12th year from 1 to 4 p.m. Though mainly geared towards caring for man’s best friend, the Pet Fair honors all animal companions and family pets with vendor booths, special appearances, family activities and crafts.
What started as a small event on the front lawn of the North Royalton Animal Hospital by Medical Director Adam Hechko and his team, has grown to welcome more than 20 booths and vendors including the Cleveland Animal Protective League Adoption Mobile, the Cleveland Metroparks Mounted Ranger Unit, and newcomer Greg Murray, an award-winning pet photographer whose work has been recognized around the nation.
Along with Murray’s appearance as a Pet Fair vendor, visitors can also put their money on winning a Greg Murray Photography raffle basket, with all proceeds going to the pet charities of Molly’s Mission, Give Pets A Chance and W.A.G.S. 4 Kids (Working Animals Giving Service).
Scores of raffle baskets donated by Pet Fair vendors and clients of North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare will be set up beneath a large tent on the City Green. All ticket proceeds go towards three charities.
Molly’s Mission, whose namesake Molly, a Shar Pei Mastiff mix, died in 2009 of complications from a canine mast cell tumor, is dedicated to subsidizing medical treatments and pet owners’ bills. Give Pets A Chance provides financial assistance to qualified pet owners in need throughout Ohio, and W.A.G.S. 4 Kids is dedicated to providing mobility service and autism service animals to children with special needs.
Though visitors to the annual Pet Fair will mostly see dogs trekking City Green grounds, there have been some interesting appearances over the years, said Deborah Haley, marketing manager for North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare.
“Turtles, cows, horses… it’s just amazing what people bring,” Haley said.
Pets of all kinds are welcome, but must be leashed and cleaned up after. Dogs can lap up a refreshing cone at the “Doggie Ice Cream Social” and sip water under a designated tent. Their human friends will find small snack foods and bottled water. Fair-goers can visit with a wide variety of vendors selling all-things-pet including grooming supplies, foods and treats, animal-themed gifts, dog clothing, decorative collars, catnip mats and seat covers.
“The Pet Fair has always been dedicated to educating people on how to care for their pets,” Haley said.
In business since 1957, North Royalton Animal Hospital was awarded the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited Practice of the Year for 2015. The designation means the hospital passed an evaluation of more than 900 standards, according to information on its website.

By SARA MACHO HILL
Contributing Writer