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Novi, MI, November 9, 2004 — Michigan Urban Search and Rescue (MR) will honor The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation with a special award during the November 19-21 run of America's Family Pet Expo at the Novi Expo Center.
The presentation will be held on Friday, November 19 at 5:30PM. The foundation recently built two canine agility courses, one at Detroit Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti and one at the Center for Operating Engineers in Howell for MR's training efforts.
The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation was established to honor "Bear," the
famous canine hero of the World Trade Center and the most
decorated dog in U.S. history. The foundation provides funds
for training, equipment, and transportation to qualified search
and rescue teams across the country. |
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Michigan Urban Search and Rescue will use the two newly constructed agility courses to train the team's sixteen canines for disaster work including building collapse, wilderness, and urban searches. Ten of these highly trained canines will demonstrate their skills at America's Family Pet Expo on Friday 5:30 to 6 p.m., Saturday 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. and Sunday 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Canines trained in narcotics detection and bomb detection will also be on hand to demonstrate their abilities.
Captain Scott Shields, president of The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation will receive the award from MR. Captain Shields led the first search teams into Ground Zero with his golden retriever, "Bear." Bear located more victims than any other canine in the first week of the tragedy including beloved FDNY Chief Peter Ganci and Fire Commissioner William Feehan.
Captain Shields and Nancy M. West will be on hand throughout America's Family Pet Expo to sign copies of their book, Bear: Heart of a Hero. Legendary anthropologist Dr. Jane Goodall has called the book "the best human/animal relationship story she has ever read." The book will also be available for purchase at the show with all proceeds going to support The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation. The Bear Search and Rescue Foundation can be found at www.bearsearchandrescue.org
America's Family Pet Expo, the world's largest pet and pet product expo, is a nonprofit event whose mission is to promote responsible pet care.
The Pet Expo features hundreds of animals including dogs, cats, pigs, pet rats, reptiles, birds, fish, llamas, miniature horses, goats, rabbits, sheep and more appearing in stage shows, competitions and demonstrations.
In addition, there are numerous animal care education session, pet adoptions, hands-on learning activities and the latest pet products for sale to help keep pets healthy, happy and safe.
There are many sponsors of America's Family Pet Expo. Pet Adoption sponsor is Petco Animal Supplies, Inc.; Silver sponsors are Aquascape Designs/Nursery Pro, Canidae Pet Foods, Precise Pet Products and Super Pet; Bronze sponsors are Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council and T-Rex Products; Model Home and Pond sponsors are All-Glass Aquarium Co. Inc., Feller Stone, Inc. and Python Products, Inc.; and Sponsors are General Motors Corporation, The Iams Company, Nestle PetCare Company, Sun Seed Co. Inc. and Tetra.
For the health and safety of all, please do not bring your pet to the Pet Expo.
Novi Expo Center is located at 43700 Expo Center Drive in Novi. Take the 162 exit off I-96. Turn left on Novi Road and right on Expo Center Drive. Hours are Friday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. General admission is $9.00. Seniors 60 and older are $8.00. Children 6 to 12 years are $4.00. Children five years and under are free. Discount coupons are available at Kroger stores, CVS/pharmacy, Northland Center Mall, Livonia Mall, at participating veterinarian offices and pet stores, and online where you can also register for a chance to win free tickets. For more information, visit www.PetExpoNovi.com or call (800) 999-7295.
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