Family, Fur & Fun Festival highlights caring for animals

Everything you need to know about taking care of your pet and helping animals in need is available at the annual Family, Fur & Fun Festival on Oct. 19 at Exploration Park in the Mountain’s Edge master-planned community. The free event is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As its name implies, the event is designed for people of all ages and well-behaved, leashed pets.

Equally as important as learning to care for pets is the festival’s message of kindness to animals and its humane education, particularly with the growing number of abandoned pets from foreclosed homes and the economic recession.

Now in its seventh year, the Family, Fur & Fun Festival features educational, interactive and service booths, refreshments, pet massage, shelter animal-naming event, dachshund races and free nail trimming. Attendees also will learn about pet safety during Halloween, proper animal care, making pets part of the family and information to ensure pets are included in planning should a fire or flood occur at home.

A new costume component for pets has been added this year. Las Vegas Hot Diggity Dachshund Club & Rescue is organizing a Halloween costume contest. Details are being finalized so visit www.familyfurandfun for details.

Arica Dorff of Pet’ographique will offer special $25 pricing for pet portraits. Proceeds from these sales and raffle prizes will benefit local animal shelters and rescue groups.

“One of the primary goals of the Las Vegas Hot Diggity Dachshund Club & Rescue is to educate the public about the many animals in various area shelters in need of rescuing,” said Stacy Twigg, fundraising director for the nonprofit dachshund organization. “We’ve found that many people are simply unaware of how many breed-specific rescues there are for dogs and cats in the valley as well as at local shelters, and highly discourage people from buying animals from pet stores and backyard breeders.

“We also stress the importance of spaying and neutering pets with the goal of some day decreasing the unwanted pet population.”

Drs. Jason and Jamie Sulliban of Aloha Animal Hospital and their staff have participated in Family, Fur & Fun Festival since it began and are one of the sponsors. They will provide information about proper pet care for all stages of life and answer questions. Topics cover spaying/neutering, vaccinations, heartworm and intestinal parasites, microchipping, dental health, weight control and general pet care, including nutrition, supplements and dental products.

“We want to be a partner with owners in their pets’ health care and spend a lot of time educating about the importance of regular veterinary visits, pet health needs and preventative care,” Jamie Sulliban said. “As pets age, their needs change so we offer consultation on wellness screenings for senior pets, discuss arthritis treatment options, and now have a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner on staff.”

Jamie Sulliban said the Aloha team sees a variety of exotic pets, from birds and fish to reptiles and hamsters.

“They have very different needs than dogs and cats, so we’re happy to answer specific pet health questions, she said.”

Event proceeds support low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination services, rescue, shelter and adoption of animals and educational programs. For information, visit www.familyfurandfun.com, call 702-444-3713 or email info@familyfurandfun.com.Exploration Park is at the entrance of the Mountain’s Edge, 9275 S. Buffalo Drive .