Pet Expo Draws Animal Lovers, Showcases Pet Talents

People are passionate about their pets, and Babylon residents who attended the Long Island Pet Expo at Tanner Beach Park were no exception. 

Pet owners and lovers were treated to a succession of shows on the main stage at the expo, which was held in conjunction with the Long Island Family Festival on September 16 to 18.

Dog shows — including agility, dancing and a display of tricks from a five-pound, poker-playing Yorkshire Terrier named Jilli — were a popular spectacle, and many residents brought their own pooches to mix and mingle with the canine performers. Other dogs were on site to appeal for pets needing adoption, with many small rescue groups bringing adoptable puppies, older dogs and kittens to the event.

Terri Yezzi, representing Save A Tail, a small foster and dog rescue group, was there with a small Labrador mix puppy named Snow White.

"It's just basically my own personal rescue I do out of my home. I have puppies transported from kill shelters down south, Georgia, and I keep them until I can find homes for them."

Bird lovers got their fix at the expo, too, and flocked to a table run by non-profit Long Island Parrot Society. Griffin, an African gray parrot and Big Bird, a large, blue and yellow macaw, were both big talkers, but only at home.

"They're too shy to talk in public," laughed volunteer Anne DePietri, who explained the mission of the Parrot Society. "We educate and work on rehoming birds who might need new owners. Many owners age before their parrots, who can live to be 100 years old, or they have to downsize and move to an apartment where pets aren't allowed."

Two pit bull rescue organizations were also there to advocate for the often-maligned breed. John Votta, a volunteer with New York Bully Crew, was walking around with a large pit up for adoption who went by the inelegant, yet appropriate moniker of "Gimp."

"She was hit by a car so we got her medical attention, and now she's adoptable. We rescue a lot of pits from New York City, and many are abused or used as bait animals," explained Votta.

In addition to dog agility shows put on by Doggie U, other main events included a Parade of Breeds competition, a dog costume contest and a demo by Long Island Search and Rescue. Diana Frohman also entertained with two dancing demos with her Golden Retrievers Eddie and Henry.