From the Front Row: Pet Projects

A view from the front row is all about entertainment – and there are few things more entertaining than our pets and other animals! Whether it’s watching them, playing with them, shopping for them, cuddling them, caring for them, or raising funds for them, animals are always a source of fun and smiles. If you have affection for animals, here is the pick of the litter among a myriad of upcoming activities, events, and other entertaining pet projects in the area that may spark your interest.

Second Annual Community Animal Fair & Pet Blessing

Grace Christian Church, 1961 Wayside Road, Tinton Falls, NJ

Saturday, September 14, 2019 (Rain date September 21)

10 am to 3 pm

Parishioners, visitors, families, and friends are invited to come and enjoy a day of vendors, agility courses, food, pet blessings, animal welfare agencies, photo booths, and more. Friendly pets are welcome on a leash or in a crate. Visit www.gracechristianchurch.com .

AUSA Comedy Show Benefiting the Service Dog Initiative

Saint John Vianney High School, 540A Line Road, Holmdel, NJ

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

7 to 9 pm

AUSA (Association of the United States Army) – Monmouth Chapter will host their first comedy show to benefit the Service Dog Initiative, helping to cover the $15,000 to $25,000 cost of one dog for a military service member. This year’s beneficiary is Sgt. William Madigan, a Monmouth County native and resident who graduated from Freehold Boro High School. The show headliner is Mike Marino, one of the most popular comedians of our times.  In the fall of 2008, he was inducted into the New Jersey Comedy Hall of Fame and in 2015, he won the USO Bob Hope Comedy Award for his many performances for the military. There is also an opening act, to be announced. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased at www.AUSA.org/Monmouth.

Tutu & Tails Dog Walk

Wall Municipal Complex, 2700 Allaire Road, Manasquan, NJ

Sunday, September 22, 2019 (Rain date October 13)

9 am to 12 pm

Rescue Ridge is hosting a Tutu Walk to raise funds for the animal rescue organization while giving pet owners the chance to strut their stuff with their better half. The event will include giveaways, demonstrations, baskets, vendors, food, 107.1 FM Radio, music, and prizes awarded for different categories. The first 200 participants to register get a tutu and a t-shirt. Registration starts at 9 am and the walk begins at 10 am. Visit www.rescueridgefundraiser.myevent.com.

Feast of St. Francis Pet-Friendly Service

St. George’s by-the-River Church, 7 Lincoln Avenue, Rumson, NJ

Monday, October 7, 2019

2 pm

The parish of St. George’s by-the-River will observe the Feast of Saint Francis, patron saint of animals, with a special church service that welcomes pets of all shapes and sizes, along with their owners. Bring your (leashed) dogs, cats, parrots, fish, turtles, hamsters, and whatever pet you choose to the church, rain or shine. All faiths, breeds, and species are welcome at the church’s pet-friendly services. For info, call 732-842-0596.

Halloween & Pet Festival

Leonardo State Marina, 102 Concord Avenue, Leonardo, NJ

Saturday, October 26, 2019

10 am to 3 pm

Join the New Jersey State Park Service and Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey for their annual Halloween event, featuring their first-ever pet festival. This is a free event for the whole family, including pets, with free giveaways.

Barktoberfest Pet Adoption Event & Marketplace

Turtle Back Zoo, 560 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ

Saturday, October 26, 2019

11 am to 3 pm

Come out for a fun-filled day at this popular zoo to celebrate and support local animal rescue groups. Shop local vendors, taste the offering from the food trucks, and enjoy entertainment while you find your forever friend. Visit www.NorthStarPets.org.

Third Annual Santa Pictures with Your Pets

Associated Humane Tinton Falls, 2960 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls, NJ

Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24, 2019

12 to 5 pm

They’ve already gotten a date on Santa’s calendar and he is set to visit the shelter on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Santa’s private room will be decorated for personalized one-on-one holiday photo sessions with no other animal distractions – allowing for awesome portraits of pets with their owners. If you don’t have a pet, feel free to bring the kids instead! Donation is $20 per photo session, which includes a printed 5”x7” picture and a link to download an electronic copy. Visit https://www.facebook.com/events/489074531842562/.

Super Pet Expo

New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center, 97 Sunfield Avenue, Edison, NJ

Friday through Sunday, February 7-9, 2020

Friday: 3 to 8 pm, Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm, Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

The East Coast’s largest consumer pet event brings in thousands of pet lovers each year and offers a fun-filled family extravaganza for discriminating pet guardians. Shop more than 150 local and national exhibitors and vendors for the best and coolest pet products and services. Watch amazing animal entertainment such as luring courses, rabbit agility, dog training sessions, best-dressed pet contests, new cat exhibitors, Repticon, and more. Meet adoptable pets and speak with representatives from local rescue organizations to learn about the adoption process. Talk with pet experts about a variety of specialties, including training, nutrition, and health. Leashed pets (no retractable or flexi-leashed allowed) are welcome to attend at no charge. One-day tickets are $13 for adults and $8 for children age 4-11. Weekend passes are $20 for adults and $10 for children age 4-11. Kids age three and under are free (one per adult). Visit https://www.superpetexpo.com/edison.