When John Barlak’s wife, Robin, was diagnosed with lung cancer two years ago, the couple’s boxer pup Rosie was with them every step of the way. Rosie was supportive and a constant companion to Robin, who lost her battle with cancer in March.

“Rosie would snuggle up with her, and I know, in some way, Rosie knew what was going on,” Barlak said. “She’s my first dog, and the love she gives is just incredible. She’s really been a huge help to me.”

It’s this special bond between owners and their pets that makes the North Royalton Pet Carnival one of the community’s most popular events year after year. The event, which was started by North Royalton Animal Hospital Medical Director Adam Hechko, marked its 12th year August 6 on the City Green. It aims to help educate people on how to care for their pets.

“It’s so nice to be out of the office in a different setting and interacting with animals in a different way,” Hechko said at the event. “Many of my patients are here, so it’s a nice way to get to know the families more. That’s probably my favorite aspect of this event, is that I love being a part of the family.”

Each summer, the Pet Carnival grows in its popularity, welcoming dozens of area vendors and scores of special activities for carnival-goers and their furry companions, including a dog agility course, ice cream social, pet drawings, temporary tattoos, balloon animals, puzzles and games, a pet photo booth, and of course, the opportunity to trot around the City Green “socializing” with other visitors. Vendors set up beneath a large tent selling everything from grooming supplies to foods and treats to toys, dog clothing, decorative collars and artificial pet turf.

Raffle baskets donated by Pet Carnival vendors and clients of North Royalton Animal Hospital and Paws At Play Resort and Daycare are also a popular feature of the event. All raffle ticket proceeds went to the pet charities of Molly’s Mission, Give Pets A Chance and W.A.G.S. 4 Kids (Working Animals Giving Service).

In addition to all the carnival festivities, 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, were also on-hand greeting carnival-goers and sharing their stories.

Tyson, a Cleveland Metroparks Ranger K-9, started his career at just eight weeks old with Ranger Trevor Poole. The German Shepherd is trained to detect explosives, track lost persons, apprehend criminals, and search for lost items.  Tyson underwent K-9 training for one year.

“He was riding in the back of the police car at just eight weeks old,” Poole said.

Pet Photographer Greg Murray, a resident of Lakewood, donated a raffle basket for the event and shared his rise to fame, being featured on Today, Huffington Post, People, Midwest Living, and many other publications and news shows.

“I was in HR and not having fun,” Murray said of his former corporate gig. “I did photography on the side, and it just grew from there. I began doing photo shoots with families’ and friends’ dogs and the response was huge.”

Murray’s coffee table book, Peanut Butter Dogs, depicts images of northeast Ohio dogs scarfing down the sticky treat and has sold more than 6,000 copies. His photo shoots include sites like Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the flats and Downtown Cleveland. He takes about 2,000 photos at each shoot. You can view his work and learn more about his services at gmurrayphoto.com.

Over at the Cleveland Animal Protective League Adoption Mobile, the Evanko family adopted a kitten they named April. The North Royalton family adopted their Miniature Pinscher-Chihuahua mix, Chance, at the Carnival four years ago.

“We didn’t come to the Pet Carnival today looking to adopt another pet, but here we are, we couldn’t resist,” said mom Sharon.

The APL brought three kittens and three dogs for adoption. A crew allowed visitors to pet and cuddle with each animal and hoped each one would find a home.

“My favorite part about volunteering is just seeing all the animals and how happy people are when they are ready to adopt,” said Volunteer Associate Debbie Kolar.

Trish Green, a veterinary assistant with the North Royalton Animal Hospital, helped out at the Pet Carnival alongside more than 40 other animal hospital employees.

“Every year, I enjoy seeing everyone having so much fun interacting with their pets,” she said. “This event is really a lot of fun.”

By SARA MACHO HILL

Contributing  Writer