Pet-A-Palooza a marketing hit for Weavers Way’s pet store

Mt. Airy fêted its furriest residents at the Weavers Way Co-op’s second annual Pet-a-Palooza on Saturday. The overnight rain and tornado warnings gave way to a beautiful day for both man and beast. The event held at the intersection of Greene street and Carpenter’s Lane was hosted by the co-op’s pet supply store.

Rev. Elliott Waters from the Church of the Annunciation and Rabbi Linda Holtzman were on hand to say a special blessing for all animal friends before Pet-a-Palooza’s informal Pet Parade in which ribbon awards were handed to participants by Weaver’s Way’s outreach coordinator, Anne Workman. “Every dog is a winner in Mt. Airy!”, Workman enthused.

A jet black Cockapoo named Skylar was the winner of the Silly Pet Tricks competition. Skylar jumped through a hula hoop to win a basket full of pet goodies from Weaver’s Way’s pet store.

Pets and their persons enjoyed agility skill and dog training demonstrations and a chance to ask trainers for tips. Pet-sitters, groomers, organic pet food suppliers and animal healthcare providers such as veterinarians and a canine masseuse were among the vendors. The four hour pet fair serves as a marketing tool for Weavers Way’s pet store, which will be expanded during the co-op’s summer renovation.

One of the most statuesque pooches present was Aunt Jane, an English Mastiff who also serves as the unofficial mascot for Wissahickon Pet Minders. Business and pet owner Mike Steinbrecher explained that Aunt Jane got her unique name from a deceased spinster aunt who hated dogs. The name is both an homage “and vengeance,” Steinbrecher laughed.

Several of the region’s animal shelters were present with plenty of adoptable pets. Chrystie Cannon of the adjacent School of Dance Arts said she only stopped by to check out the event, but somehow found herself adopting two kittens. Though the kittens had already been named Thompson and Cali, Cannon said she will let her children rename the new additions to the family.