Hurrah, fall is on the way, so check out these Pet-tastic events in Orange County this month.
Sept. 3 and 4: North American Reptile Breeders Conference and Reptile Show. Meet top breeders and get up close and personal with beautiful and rare reptiles. Special guests the "Swamp Brothers" from the Discovery Channel. Anaheim Convention Center. Adults, $15; kids under 13, $8, and children under 5 are free. Open Sturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sept. 4: Oktoberfest at Old World Village, Huntington Beach. Wiener dog races, 3 p.m. Short-legged but swift wiener dog races every Sunday. Free parking.
Sept. 11: Laguna Beach's 15th Annual Pet Parade and Chili Cook-Off, Trivoli Too Grounds, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m; admission $5, children under 5 are free. Proceeds to benefit the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Laguna Beach Animal Shelter and the Blue Bell Cat Foundation. Pet parade awards include most handsome male, prettiest female, best costume, most beautiful rescue pet and most gorgeous senior pet (10 years and over). For pet and chili cook-off registration, contact Caroline Haines at (949) 499-9933.
Sept. 17: Save Our Strays 11th Annual Pancake Breakfast in the Park, Lake Park between 11th and 12th streets in Huntington Beach. A fun-filled morning of food, raffles and vendors for the whole family; 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; $7 at the door. Information (714)442-1446 or email Saveourstrayshb@aol.com
Sept. 17: Dog Days 2011. Renowned artist, photographer Linnea Lenkus captures your pets' sparkling personality. Proceeds benefiting local animal shelters; by appointment only (562)891-8900 or info@linnealenkus.com
Sept. 17: Meet and Greet Greyhound Adoption Event, Fountain Valley Pet Supply, 18545 Brookhurst St., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Meet adorable, available greyhounds for adoption. Information, call Louise Winders (949) 646-9171.
Sept. 23-25: Surf City Dog Surfing Contest. Premier dog surfing competition in beautiful Huntington Beach. Friday night enjoy a dog fashion show hosted by the Shorebreak Hotel from 6 to 8 p.m. On Saturday come on down for the PAWabunga Costume Contest and Hot Diggity Dog Expo hosted by the Strand. Also, a Barking Buddha DOGA demonstration. The surfing contest takes place on Sunday. For info visit surfcitydog.com.
Sept. 25: Orange County SPCA's 14th Annual Walk with the Animals. Pet-friendly event in Central Park East (Golden West and Talbert Avenues behind the Huntington Beach Central Library). This year's event "Hurray for Hollywood" includes Grand Marshall Snoopy, "fastest wiener in the west", canine movie star look-alike contest, mini agility course, low cost microchipping, vendors and a silent auction. Walk is from 9 a.m. to noon; register at 7:30 am.
