“Each year the event has tripled in size, and we expect it to be even more spectacular this year,” says Jen Morris, coordinator for Pet Palooza, an affair to benefit local animal rescue organizations. Anticipating up to 2,000 visitors this year, she remarks on the outpouring of people who have expressed heartfelt interest in the project.

Last year the committee of eight raised $3,000 to support organizations that care for abandoned, abused animals. What started out three years ago with a handful of vendors has grown to include 70 offering an array of products and services. Plus, 20 different animal rescue organizations are scheduled to be present offering irresistible dogs, cats and parrots up for adoption. Better stay home if you’re not willing to fall in love with one.

On the other hand, whether you’re a likely candidate to bring home a new pet or not, you can come to Pet Palooza at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 21 just for the fun of it – fun that includes horse-drawn trolley rides for families and their pets, dog agility demos, pet psychic readings to discover what your animal friend is really thinking, T-Touch therapy (a technique similar to Reiki) to ease your pet’s aches and pains, free face-painting for kids and interactive games for humans and their canine companions. There will be a Rabies Clinic and on-site microchipping for pets, along with other popular exhibits and prizes awarded throughout the day for all attendees. Add to the lineup a Grand Prize (a fabulous getaway package at the Emerson Resort & Spa) drawing, great music, tasty food and a small-scale farmers’ market and you’ve got an all-around great day.

Best of all, Morris is doggone proud to announce the appearance of the National Geographic Channel’s Rescue Ink at this third annual event, with its outrageous educational presentation. Referred to as the “army for the animals,” Rescue Ink is a motorcycle-riding bunch of street guys who have zero tolerance for the abuse and neglect of animals. Also appearing are K9s in Flight with Grace Mirabella and Polly Kaplan, Center for Heeling, the Mid-Hudson Kennel Association and more. All proceeds will be contributed to PANT (Partnership for Animals Needing Transition), Russell Refuge, Inc. and American Brittany Rescue.

Come to Pet Palooza this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission for adults is $10. Kids under 12 and pets get in free. For additional information visit www.hudsonvalleypetpalooza.com.