The largest crowd ever attended the 7th Annual St. Mary’s Animal Welfare League (SMAWL) Animal Fair Saturday at the St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds. Fairgoers of the two- and four-legged variety took advantage of the perfect weather to attend the event that featured a parade, pet blessing, games and vendors.
According to SMAWL President Katie Werner, the animal fair helps raise money for the organization “to carry out its mission of rescuing caring for and placing abused, neglected and homeless companion animals in our community.”
In 2010 SMAWL rescued, rehabilitated and adopted 53 dogs and 40 cats. They provide spay and neuter grants to more than 230 pet owners and vaccinated more than 900 animals through monthly rabies clinics.
Also, in November of 2009 SMAWL established a Pet Food Pantry with the support of the St. Mary’s County Department of Animal Safety Animal Control Division. Donations of pet food are accepted throughout the year at the Public Safety Office in Leonardtown. Anyone wishing to donate can call the Animal Control Division at 301-475-8018 to arrange pickup. Also PETCO stores throughout Southern Maryland and BB&T Bank in Wildewood Shopping Center accept donations. Anyone in need of pet food can call the SMAWL Hotline at 301-373-5659.
A number of other rescue groups participated in the event, some coming as far as Northern Virginia. After the pet parade down the fair midway the four-legged fair attendees and their two-legged companions, including horses and their riders, assembled in the arena pavilion for a Pet Blessing administered by Rev. Greg Syler of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Valley Lee.
