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Show -NEWS- Spanish Fork A8 • WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2007 Covering what matters most Salem Pet Fair coming up Christy Hardman STAFF WRITER The sixth annual Pet Fair, sponsored by Lost Paws, Salem City and Petsmart, is coming up on Saturday, Sept. 29 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Salem's Knoll Park. The fair begins with the traditional dog walk, and activities will continue throughout the day. There will be games and activities, contests, classes, food, demonstrations and vendor displays. RuthAnn Nielsen of Lost Paws said that one of the things they are really pushing this year is dog adoption. Nielsen said the dogs range in breeds and in age from one year to four years, and most of them are very welltrained, gentle dogs. Officer Blair Kerby said that he was impressed with the dogs when they went to pick them up. "I was really surprised when I met the dogs at how well-behaved they were, considering what they came out of, I didn't expect them to be such good dogs," he said. Nielsen said that if you are interested in seeing a list of dogs that will be available for adoption at the fair, you can go to their website at www.Iostpaws.org. But animal adoption is only a small reason for the pet fair. Everything there is geared toward animals, whether educational, interactive, or just entertaining. Kerby said that they will have the county animal control people there with their drug-sniffing dogs, and also a bite suit. The bite suits are made Steve Hardman / Spanish Fork News READY TO ADOPT: These are some of the dogs that will be available for adoption at Salem's sixth annual pet fair. of tough Kevlar, and won't allow the dog's teeth to penetrate. Nielsen said that it's actually really fun to get in the suit and have the dogs attack. Another fun thing that is happening this year is the llama wedding, which will take place at high noon. The llamas will be from the Hari Krishna temple, and Kerby will perform the ceremony. There will be llama races throughout the day to commemorate the event. Kerby said that the pet fair is for all kinds of pets, but be careful if you are planning to bring a cat or another kind of small animal. "If they bring a cat, it needs to be in a cat box, just for the protection of the animal. Remember, they're bringing it into an area where there are a lot of dogs. Make sure it's contained. Don't have little children carrying the cat," said Kerby. The pet fair has continued to progress and grow through the years. The first pet fair was held in the old ballpark in Salem, and less than 40 people came. There were no vendors, and few activities. It has grown and grown since then. Now people come from all over the valley, and vendors set up booths with free samples for your pet, and services that they offer. Last year, over 2,000 people attended, and who knows how many animals. WJ Smith Auto /SWAPVOURRIDE; $1,000 $i,000Swap Customer + BonusCash Cash Locally owned and operated Oldest Ford dealer in Utah Proudly serving Utah County for over 80 years! ARMED AND DANGEROUS: Drew and the Wolverine bring out their secret weapon — green silly string. Blessings: From DREW • A l mur to the tibia. The downside is that the growth plate near the knee had to be removed. This means that as Drew grows, he will have to undergo a series of surgeries to lengthen the implant, thereby matching the growth of his other leg. Drew returned home Sept. 12, 2007. Despite all he's been through, the seven-yearold still has a long road to full recovery. He will undergo another series of chemo therapy treatments and will continue the lengthy rehabilitation process to get his leg fully functional again. As a result of his cancer, Drew will be limited as to what athletic activities he can participate in. But his mom sees this as another potential blessing in disguise. "We've kind of had to rethink things," she said, "but this will probably open doors for other things. He loves to swim, and that's one of the things he can do." Throughout the ordeal, Drew has maintained an upbeat attitude. "He has really surprised us," Jacque said. "I thought this was going to break his little spirit, but he's been amazing." Throughout the entire process, Drew has seldom complained. "He's been incredibly tough," said Jacque. "He's really positive about it." One thing that helps Drew keep a positive outlook is a goal he's working towards. His physical therapist suggested setting some goals attached to a reward for working hard during physical therapy. Drew decided the reward he's working toward will be a puppy — and not just any puppy - a pug. Prior to his surgery, Drew said, "When are they going to Courtesy photo / drewsfight.org BIONIC KID: This x-ray shows the femur compress that was inserted into Drew's leg to replace the infected bone. "He's been incredibly tough. He's really positive about it." — Jacque Burks come get me for my surgery? I'm ready to get earning my pug!" Though this has been a trying time, the Burks have appreciated all the support they've received from neighbors, family and friends. "We are extremely grateful as they are truly bright spots in this tough time," they wrote in their online journal about Drew's experience. The school district arranged to have his second grade teacher, Allison Duncan, visit for an hour a week to keep him updated on his school work. An additional surprise from the school came on Thursday, Sept. 20, with a visit from the UVSC Wolverine. The Wolverine visited Rees as part of Safety Week, and the PTA arranged for a special detour to the Burk house so Drew wouldn't miss out. "We really appreciate what the school's trying to do with us,1' Jacque said. "They've really bent over backwards to help us." To learn more about osteosarcoma, read the journal charting Drew's progress, or learn what you can do to help by visiting drewsright.org. to support Drew SPANISH FORK 2534 NORTH 200 EAST 798-3553 "See dealerfor details. Deal ends 10/01/07. Narnon Bills / Spanish Fork News M Here are a few ways to support Drew as he goes through chemo therapy and physical therapy. Communicate with Drew through email: drew® drewsfight.org Donate to Charitable Organizations, including Primary Childrens Medical Center and the Ronald Me- Donald House of Salt Lake. Drew is collecting pop can tabs to support the Ronald McDonald House. You can bring them to Drew or you can take them to your local Ronald McDonald House. A donation account has been set up for Drew at Zions Bank. You may donate to help with medical expenses at any Zions Bank location, or mail a donation to: Drew Burks Donation c/o Zions Bank 190 North Main Spanish Fork, UT 84660 Information froni drewsfight.org. |