Animal Planet's Tour Stops at Coachman ParkBy Renee Burrell
Eli, formerly homeless and now the world's champion Frisbee dog CLEARWATER - The Animal Planet Expo tour, now in its tenth year, made a 2-day stop at Coachman Park last weekend. The family friendly EXPO both entertained and educated visitors with fun, interactive exhibits, games, and special animal demonstrations. The extravaganza, sponsored by Animal Planet, Bright House Networks and Fresh Step litter, celebrated the wonders of wildlife, the companionship of pets and the roles animals play in nature. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay was on hand to match orphaned and lonely pets with suitable households. A highlight of the EXPO was the canine Frisbee demonstration hosted by John Misita, who promotes the importance of pet adoption and healthcare. His amazing K-9s went from homeless to high flying. All of Misita's dogs were adopted from shelters or rescued from the streets. Among the pack was Eli, the world champion Frisbee canine. Misita and his dogs have performed in more than 150 cities in North America and have appeared on Animal Planet, Discovery Channel, Disney Channel, ESPN, ESPN2, HBO, Jerry Lewis Telethon, and MTV.
Exhibits at the EXPO offered up-close encounters with a number of animal species. Pictured: Animal handler Jackie Navarro of Animal Wonders holds a hedgehog, a favorite with guests.
Kimberly and Kyle Dyer, 12, of Clearwater adopted Butter Rum at the EXPO Saturday. Shown here with Mary Jones a Tampa Humane Society Volunteer holding Butter Rum's brother Oliver, who had not yet been adopted Saturday
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