Animal adoption fair growing

Until recently, her life was a tale of suffering and exploitation.

“Cherie was a puppy mill breeding bitch who was removed and handed over to us,” said Johanne Tasse, founder and president of the Companion Animal Adoption Centres of Quebec.

A victim of neglect, Cherie was woefully underweight, missing an eye, and her teeth were is deplorable condition – and her story is all too common.

To raise awareness about animal welfare, the CAACQ has organized an adoption and pet fair Saturday in Beaconsfield.

There will be a virtual menagerie of animals is need of a loving home.

“We’ll have dogs and cats, as well as rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and ponies. What they all have in common is that they’re homeless.”

Tasse officially registered the CAACQ in May.

“We’re an umbrella organization working in association with area adoption centres like Animatch and the SCPA. Our mission is the reduce the number of euthanized animals and to facilitate guardianship,” she explained, adding, “the number of abandoned animals is steadily increasing.”

Tasse advises against buying an animal from a pet store, as there are no guarantees the animal has been bred responsibly.

“But if you adopt from a shelter, you’re part of the solution, not the problem.”

The Pawfect Match Adoption and Pet Fair were held on a smaller scale in 2007.

“This year we have over 30 exhibitors.”

Emceeing the event will be Mitsumi Takahashi and Stephan Giroux of CTV news, and highlights will include an adoption parade where “the animals will strut their stuff on the cat walk,” Tasse said.

There will be information on dog bite prevention, the K911 emergency ambulance service, kennels, obedience demonstrations, a barbecue and more. Two Blessings of the Pets will be held at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. West Island magician Blair Marshall will perform and on-site artists will be available to do portraits and caricatures of pets in attendance.

The fair will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of Centennial Hall, 288 Beaconsfield Blvd. Rain date is Sunday. For more information, visit www.caacq.ca.

Chronicle, Albert Kramberger