
Melissa Roberts, of The Observer News, chats with artist Veronica Kramer about having her do a portrait of her dog at the Sun City Center Area Chamber’s recent Pet Expo.
The Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural Pet Expo Nov. 23 at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. C.A.R.E., Critter Mama Rescue, Bark ’n Purr Pet Emporium, Adogable Pet Services and Walk-in Veterinary Care were among the 25 participating vendors. The church hosted a pet blessing during the event.
“I thought it was very nice, a good start,” said Joann With, C.A.R.E. outreach volunteer. “It had a good mix of vendors and a nice variety of pet products and services. I especially liked the presentations made by the Sheriff’s deputies and Fire Rescue personnel.”
Organizers were pleased. “For the first year, we were thrilled,” said Lynne Conlan, the chamber’s executive director. “And from the feedback we received, we’ll be back again next year.”
Lois Kindle

LOIS KINDLE PHOTOS
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Elder Leonard Nichols blesses a kitten at the Sun City Center Area Chamber’s recent Pet Expo.

Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka SCC Area Chamber of Commerce Honorary Mayor Joe Zuniga and board member Shannon Mitchell, pose for a photo with Henle, a 10-year-old mutt owned by veterinarian Kristina Ramer at the chamber’s recent Pet Expo. The photo sessions were sponsored by South Bay Hospital. The expo was held at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church on Nov. 23.

At left, Angelite Bragg, founder of Kittie Corral, a 501(c)3 nonprofit group in Wimauma, visits with Valencia Lakes resident Kate Cribbin at the Sun City Center Area Chamber’s recent Pet Expo.

Holding her 14-year-old Shitzu Mya, SCC resident Sue Hanson, right, visits with Laura Rubin, owner of Adogable Pet Services in Sun City Center, at the Nov. 23 Pet Expo at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

Veterinary technician Kelly Day and veterinarian Kristina Ramer, of Walk-in Veterinary Care in Apollo Beach, introduce themselves and the practice to Sun City Center area residents at the Sun City Center Area Chamber’s recent Pet Expo.

Jill Scott, owner of Bark ‘n Purr Pet Emporium in Apollo Beach, chats with Dawn Lavers of Wimauma and her puppy Kaylee at the Sun City Center Area Chamber’s recent Pet Expo.