News : Friends of the Shelter Dog Fair, garage sale raises funds, connects advocates

This was one of many dogs available for adoption that was on display during Dog-A-Fair Saturday.

Friends of the Shelter member Regina Malaska welcomes visitors to first annual Dog-A-Fair

The first annual Dog Fair sponsored by the Friends of the Shelter brought hundreds of people to the Benton County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

The event also raised $1,600 for the Vinton Animal Shelter, which will go toward improved living spaces for dogs and cats.

Several area organizations, including shelters from several surrounding counties, presented information to pet lovers. Dogs were welcome, and owners had the opportunity to meet other dog lovers, as well as those who provide services to area pet owners. There was also a large garage sale to raise money for the local shelter.

Dozens of dogs visited the event with their owners. Several dogs that are available for adoption were also on display.

Friends of the Shelter member Regina Malaska said the event was a success. She said the success of the garage sale was the result of the efforts of the Frank family, particularly Peyton Frank, who daily collected donated items.

In addition to the Vinton/Benton County Animal Shelter, other organizations offering information on Saturday included: Tama County Humane Society, Last Hope Rescue, Inc., Little Paws Dog Rescue, Inc., Iowa Humane Alliance, Cedar Bend Humane Society and the Disaster Dogs of Iowa. In addition to the photo station, there was also a place where owners could learn more about microchipping and have their dogs electronically tagged.

Organizers plan to make the event an annual one, said Malaska.