Pet expo to feature natural products, services, food

The first annual Pets & People Positive Living Expo will be held at the Amado Territory Ranch on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Dog Chefs of America, the Center for Positive Living, and Kristofer's Deli, the Expo will bring together local vendors who deal with natural products, services and food.

The one-day event will begin with a Pet Blessing at 9 a.m. in the Dog Chefs Dog Park.

The blessing will be given by the Rev. Marvis Rodriques from the Center of Positive Loving.

Free workshops are scheduled throughout the day at the Madaras Cultural Center, including those on Depression & Spirituality, Energy & You, Meditation and demonstration on the use of essential oils.

Next door at the Dog Chefs of American headquarters, Master Dog Chef Micki Voisard will give a talk on "Feeding Your Dog Naturally" from 11 a.m. to noon.

At 1 p.m. Dr. Randy Aronson and Dr. Hank Liers, veterinarians, will talk on "Supplements for Your Pet."

Jim Grossman, from Hidden Mountain Center, will offer demonstrations throughout the day on working with horses and people as a breakthrough in mental health.

Other horse folks will be from the Equine Voices Horses Sanctuary, owned and operated by Karen and Randy Harkson, in Elephant Head.

The Expo is expecting 40 booths of arts and crafts, food and non-profit organizations, including the Santa Cruz County Humane Society, which will bring puppies and dogs for adoption.

Music will be provided and food will be available from the restaurants at the Amado Territory Inn.

For more information, or to become a vendor, call Dog Chefs of America at (520) 398-1411.

The Pets & People Positive Living Expo will be held at the Amado Territory Ranch in Amado, Exit 48 off 1-19 south. Go east under the overpass to ranch. Parking is free.