Please note that schedules may be subject to change.

Julius K-9
* Entertainment Stage *

Emcee: Tim Link, Pet Life Radio

10:35AM: Welcome To The 2015 Atlanta Pet Expo

10:45AM: Holistic Health: What Essential Oils Can Do For Your Pets
Jessica Baena, DoTerra
Pets today are considered family members, best friends, confidants and so much more. Taking the best possible care of them requires more than love though, it also requires knowledge and on-going preventative care. Responding to health issues with chemicals and medications shouldn’t always be your first choice. Jessica Baena will share how Essential Oils can help any pet feel better! Q & A to follow.

11:15AM: Rescue Pets on Parade
Try not to squeal with delight as our various rescue groups parade around on the Julius K-9 Entertainment Stage with some of their select pets in need of forever homes! Rescue group representatives will also be available to provide information on adopting a new pet companion. Remember, Adopt don’t shop!

11:45AM: Hyperactive Puppy: The Training “Fairy Godmother” Can Help!
Gina Hunter with Chalosulky, UnitedK9 and MerlinsKids
There once was a dog that had too much energy, his human was at her wit’s end. One night, the training fairy godmother visited his human and granted her one wish, to invent a productive way for her pup to release energy. Little did she know, her pet companion was asking her for help the whole time! Thus, Chalosulky was born. Stop by and watch this fantastic invention in person and see how you can help MerlinsKids training of Service Dogs. Plus learn how you can help your own dog United K9. A Q & A will follow!

12:15PM: Pet/Guardian Musical
Chair Competition
Musical Chairs is a doggy variation of the classic children’s game: Music plays as handlers walk with their dogs off-leash around a rectangular area. When the music stops, the pooches and their companions have to quickly sit and whoever is left standing is O-U-T. Anyone can play! To enter, bring your pet to the Julius K-9 Entertainment Stage at 12:00 PM.

12:45PM: Helping Veterans Deal With The Wounds Of The Past Today!
Vondell Brown, Wounded Warriors
Have you ever wondered how our veterans deal with the mental wounds they received while fighting for our country? Do you know that there are groups who specialize in helping wounded veterans? Vondell Brown from Wounded Warriors will share information on how they help veterans get the service dogs they need as part of their everyday life. Plus learn how we all can be emphatic and show compassion to those who are trying to adjust to their new normal.

1:15PM: Reptiles 101
Misty Poffenberger, Reptile Rescue
Reptiles! The very word conjures up a variety of responses, ranging from “Eeeeww, gross!” to “Way cool!” From strange and fun information to interesting facts, the Reptile Rescue has a vast knowledge of both the small and not-so-small reptiles. They take in and rehabilitate a large variety of animals including furry friends too! Learning about the natural history and proper captive care of these animals just might change your world outlook and get you thinking more about the environment as a whole.

1:45PM: Breed Specific Legislation: What You Need To Know
Deirdre Franklin, Pinups for Pitbulls
Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) - often referred to as breed discrimination - refers to laws that target dogs based on how they look rather than their actions. Currently, BSL most often focuses on pit bull-types, but many cities also target Rottweilers, German Shepherds and other large breeds, including dogs that are often described as pit bull-mixes, when in fact, they have no pit bull genes at all. Deirdre Franklin, representative of Pinups for Pitbulls, will let pet lovers know how they can take charge of their communities so that more dogs aren’t needlessly affected by cruel laws. A Q & A to follow.

2:15PM: Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss” Shares How You Can Change The World
Shorty Rossi and Nicola, “Pit Boss,” Shortywood Productions and Shorty’s Rescue
Shorty Rossi, star of “Pit Boss” on Animal Planet, will be making an appearance with his new canine sidekick, Nicola. Rossi has a special passion that has been a major part of his life since he was a teenager - championing the cause of Pit Bulls. Shorty’s Rescue is not a shelter or a charity; its employees work tirelessly to help relieve the suffering of and prevent cruelty to Pit Bulls through education and activism. A Q & A to follow.

2:45PM: Yes! Your Pet Can Speak Too!
Tim Link, Wagging Tales
Have you ever wondered what your pet is trying to say with each bark, tweet or meow? Did you know that your pet really does have a personality and emotions? Tim Link, expert animal communicator, will share his knowledge on giving your pet a voice. He covers everything from litter-box issues to walking on a leash and even separation anxiety. Plus a Q & A session will follow.
 
3:15PM:  Animals Got Talent! Pet Talent Show
Does your pet have an amazing talent? Here’s your chance to show it off! Contest will consist of one category: Best Trick. Immediately following the competition winners will be determined by audience applause as assessed by Atlanta Pet Expo staff. To enter, bring your pet to the Julius K-9 Entertainment Stage at 3:00 pm and be ready to dance, jump, sing or whatever your specialty may be! You definitely don’t want to miss THIS! 

3:45PM: Helping the “Specially Abled” One Dog At A Time
Kelley Williams, Healing Paws For Heroes
Many people think service animals are only for the disabled but that is not true. Do you know what it means to be “Specially Abled”? Kelley Williams from Healing Paws For Heroes will share what this means and how service animals can be of assistance for people suffering from a wide range of disorders. Plus she will share her story and how and why Healing Paws For Heroes was started.

4:15PM: Dog Bite Prevention and Safety - Q&A with Top Dogg and Tzar
Wounded Warriors
Over 4 million people are bitten every year by dogs 80% of those bitten are our children. I am dedicated to reducing this number by 50% through education. Proper information and education is vital for kids safety. Top Dogg will also provide Expert Q&A , meet and greet, obedience demonstration, canine trivia contest and open conversation about dog related topic.  @asktopdogg anything relating to dog behavior/dog training, nutrition, health.

4:45PM: Top Dogg’s Giant Schnauzer Competiton
Top Dogg & Tzar
As you know Top Dogg is a lover of the Giant Schnauzer Breed,  He will crown the (Show us why your Giant Schnauzer is unique and deserve the “Elegant Protector Crown”. Giveaways for the winner winner.  Check out social media for details @asktopdogg

5:15PM: Costume Contest
See Lure Chasing Course schedule for details.

* Doxy Derby Course *

10:30AM, 11:30AM, 12:30PM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM, 3:30PM, 4:30PM: Doxie Derby Races
Presented by Georgia Dachshund Races
Dachshund Racing, Wiener Dog Racing, Doxie Derby Racing... it doesn’t matter what you call it, but it’s wildly entertaining to see these little ones quickly attempt to race to the finish! Dachshunds will run swiftly to their owner at the finish line, coaxed by food or toys. Stop by to watch the Doxie Derby and see if the Doxies choose to run the course, run in circles, or visit with a neighboring pooch - everyone is welcome to race, plus the winning pooches will win some super fun prizes! To participate, sign up at Georgia Dachshund Races’ booth, 129. A suggested donation will benefit local rescues.
Swift Paws

* Lure Course *

10:00AM-4:00PM:  Chasing Demos
Presented By Swift Paws
Lure Chasing is a fast-paced, fun chase sport. Dogs run after a ‘bunny’ lure (usually a white plastic bag) that’s attached to a line and controlled by a machine and a lure operator. It doesn’t matter if you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane or a Heinz 57 mix; if they love to chase things, they’ll LOVE Lure Chasing! For a small fee, your pooch can give the course a try too!

5:15PM: Pet Costume Contest
Show off your pet dressed in their best costume for the super popular Pet Costume Contest! Each pet must wear a costume during the competition period to be eligible. Winners will be determined by audience applause as assessed by the Atlanta Pet Expo staff. To enter, bring your pet to the Lure Chasing Course at 5:00PM.