A series of six Kentucky Derby style dog races were popular at the annual Friends of the Animals Pet Fair Saturday at the Geary County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Pet Fair spokesperson Sally Mayes said people paid $2 to enter their dogs in a race.  First the dogs were paraded around wearing their racing silks with public address Bill Mayes providing information on each of the dogs. Then it was race time. “And their owners were at the receiving end, and we had somebody else release them. And the dogs ran down there, and some of the dogs would stop and go back to the person that released them. They were just all over the place. It was funny. It really was.”  The owners of the winning dog received half of the financial pot.

Other activities in the Pet Fair included the popular Walk for Life dog walk, a silent auction plus raffles, low cost vaccination,  a pet interpreter, micro-chipping clinic, and pet memorial balloon race.

Proceeds from the Pet Fair helps benefit homeless, neglected, and abused pets.  For example a dog with extra problems like broken legs could be helped.

Mayes they usually try to raise about $20,000 with the event. She estimated turnout on Saturday at approximately 500 people.