Thanks!

The Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association would like to thank everyone who came out and supported the 2nd Annual Celebration Pet Day. A good time was had by everyone in attendance.

We'd also like to thank our sponsors and send out a very special thank you to the Shelbyville-Times Gazette for all of the wonderful coverage that we've received over the past few weeks!

Some of the days' highlights were the agility runs assisted by the Bedford County 4H Dog Project Group, the dog training demonstrations by Jennie Jones of Kindred Spirits Dog Training and Boarding, demonstrations by Shelbyville Police K9 Officers Tracey Nelson and Remy, the Pet Show, and a very special community award that was presented to Mrs. Kitty Graham by Bedford County mayor, Eugene Ray for 30 years of selfless service to helping homeless animals in the Shelbyville-Bedford County area.

Let us know what you all liked about Celebration Pet Day. Also, let us know what you would like to see in the future. We'd love to have suggestions! We'll have pictures posted from the days' events soon!

Almost Kickoff Time

The forcast is for beautiful weather on Saturday. Come on out and join us for our event! Need to find us? Here's how:

Coming to The Ag Center from Nashville, TN
Take I-24 to Murfreesboro, then take exit 81 A to Shelbyville. From Murfreesboro to Shelbyville is about 25 minutes. Turn Right onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.), then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Coming to The Ag Center from Chattanooga, TN
Take I-24 toward Murfreesboro and exit on Exit 97 to Wartrace/Shelbyville. Following Highway 64 through Wartrace until it intersects with Highway 41 A. Turn right onto Highway 41A (Madison Street). At the Hwy. 41A North and Hwy. 231N intersection turn left. Turn left onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.). then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Coming to The Ag Center from Knoxville, TN
Take I-40 E toward Nashville, then take exit 235 onto TN-840 W toward Murfreesboro. Exit onto I-24 E toward Chattanooga. Exit I-24 on exit 81 A to Shelbyville. From Murfreesboro to Shelbyville is about 25 minutes. Turn Right onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.), then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Coming to The Ag Center from Memphis, TN
Take I-40 toward Nashville, then exit onto I-440 at exit 206; at Exit I-24 go toward Murfreesboro; exit I-24 at Exit 81 A onto US-231. From Murfreesboro to Shelbyville is about 25 minutes. Turn Right onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.), then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Coming to The Ag Center from Fayetteville, TN
Follow Highway 231 North until in Shelbyville. Turn LEFT onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.), then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Coming to The Ag Center from Lewisburg, TN
Follow Highway 64 East until it crosses Highway 41 A. Take Hwy 231 N. Turn LEFT onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.), then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Coming to The Ag Centerfrom Tullahoma, TN
Follow Highway 41 A North all the way in to Shelbyville. At the Hwy. 41A N and Hwy. 231N. intersection. turn RIGHT. Turn LEFT onto Peacock Ln. (Across from Calsonic Corp.), then left onto Midland Rd. You will see the Ag Center on your right.

Activity: Meet the 501st Legion at Celebration Pet Day

501st Legion

By Kimberly Warren

Something “Out of this World” is coming to the Bedford County Agricultural Center Saturday. Members of the 501st Legion costuming group will be bringing favorite characters from the Star Wars Films to life from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Included in the characters who will be greeting guests are a fully functional R2-D2, Queen Amidala, Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, Princess Leia, Episode III Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knights, snowtroopers, sandtroopers, Count Dooku and more.

501st, the world’s definitive imperial costuming group, is a non-profit international organization that lends help to charity events. Also known as “Vader’s Fist” the organization founded in 1997 has become the “leading force in fan-based events and is dedicated to brightening the lives of those less fortunate,” according to its website.

In conjunction with Celebration Pet Day, hosted by the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association, members of the Southern Outpost Garrison, made up of 501st Legionnaires from Ala, Ky., Miss., and Tenn. will be supporting the cause by meeting the public as they arrive. Guests may bring cameras to have photos made with favorite characters, but are asked for a small donation. Photographs can also be made for those without their own cameras.

Geoff Fults, a local 501st member, will be in his costume as Stormtrooper TK 4238. Fults, better known to his friends as “Loki”, has been a member of the Legion since 2002 as a result of stumbling across the group accidentally when looking for a Halloween costume that year.

Geoff "Loki" Fults

Now, he travels during his off time from work to different towns helping with all types of charity events.

“I’ve traveled pretty much everywhere from Ohio to Florida,” said Fults.

Most recently he and members of his group were in Nashville for a “Make-a-Wish” event. They will be at the Nashville Zoo for Halloween, helping the Marines in some areas with “Toys for Tots” starting in November, and will participate in the Hendersonville parade Dec. 2.

"Being in costume helps with an event because people are more likely to take notice and participate in an event", said Fults.

“Usually people will see us and go and buy a toy just because we are there,” he said of his work with “Toys for Tots.”

In 2005, Legion members were at the premier of Star Wars Episode III at the Montana Drive-In Movie Theatre in Estill Springs. The response was so overwhelming that traffic was backed up on both sides of the highway for two miles. Later that year, members were scheduled to be at the Shelbyville Christmas Parade, but it was canceled due to the weather.
Fults said he enjoys being a part of the group because it is moving to see the delight in the eyes of the children.

One of the events Fults said really touched him was when participating in a “Make-a-Wish” party for a 17-year-old in February 2005, prior to the release of Episode III in May.
“All he wanted to do was see the last (Star Wars) movie, so we had a big party for him in case he didn’t make it. He was able to see the movie, but passed away one month later,” said Fults.
As a result of participating in the 501st Fults has witnessed many parents becoming involved after their children visited with the group.

This will be the first event for the 501st in Shelbyville. Fults said he is glad to be contributing to an event in his home town.

The purpose of the group is to “celebrate the Star Wars movies through wearing of costumes and props, and most importantly to contribute to the local community through charity and volunteer work,” according to the 501st website.

The only requirement for membership is “ownership” of a costume celebrating the Imperial characters from the Star Wars films or its expanded universe. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to be a listed member and a minimum activity level must be met each year.
To learn more about the group visit www.501st.com.

To find out more about the upcoming event Oct. 14 at the Agricultural Center visit http://celebrationpetday.blogspot.com.

Pet Show Information

This year's Best In Show contestants will compete for the Kitty Graham Challenge Cup. The challenge cup is in honor of Mrs. Kitty Graham for nearly 30 years of selfless dedication to homeless animals in the Shelbyville-Bedford County area. The challenge cup will retire in 3 years.

If you plan to enter the pet show, we request that you arrive 30 minutes prior to show time for registration. Kickoff for the pet show is at 1:00 p.m.

Support SBCHA

This year, SBCHA is selling an assortment of items at Celebration Pet Day. 100% of all proceeds from the sale of specialty items goes toward animal care and shelter upkeep. Make sure to visit the SBCHA booth to see our new T-shirts, Christmas Cards, and SBCHA Shelter Dog and Cat 2007 Calendar.

Giveaways

One of our newest sponsors, Hollywood Video, has generously donated 2 for 1 movie rental coupons for us to giveaway at Celebration Pet Day. Be sure to stop by the SBCHA booth to pick up your free movie rental coupon.

Still Space for Vendors and Rescues

SBCHA still has space left for additional vendors and area pet rescues for Celebration Pet Day. Vendor fees are only $25!! Free lunch is provided for all vendors, courtesy of SBCHA. 100% of all fees collected are used for SBCHA's animal care and upkeep of the shelter building. Area pet rescues that wish to participate are provided booth space at NO CHARGE. The registration deadline is Friday, October 6th. If you are an area vendor or pet rescue that wishes to participate at Celebration Pet Day and would like more information, please contact:

Cheryl Richardson

Volunteer, Celebration Pet Day Coordinator

at

SBCHA@hotmail.com

or call

(931) 684-KIND

Activity: Pet Photo Contest

Do you have a favorite picture of your pet? Well if so, bring it to Celebration Pet Day with you. Enter our pet photo contest for a chance to win a fabulous pet gift basket. Show off your furry friend!!

Activity: Training and Information Workshops

2006 Celebration Pet Day also will be hosting many different Pet Information Workshops. Some of these include:

Dog Training Seminars

Reptile Program

Adoptable Dog Program

...and many others.

Times of these workshops are TBA. Check back HERE often for programming schedules!!

Activity: Agillity Dogs

The Bedford County 4-H Dog Project group are generously lending their agility equipment. Members of the group and their dogs will be there demonstrating dog agility. Come and watch a new animal sport that is sweeping the country!! Watch as some very talented dogs navigate, jumps, ramps, weave poles, and tunnels! Try your dog on the course as well!!

Activity: 501st Legion Meet and Greet

Want to See Something Out of This World?!?

Come meet members of the famous 501st Legion costuming group as they bring some of your favorite characters from the Star Wars films to the

Bedford County Agricultural Center,
Saturday, October 14, 2006
11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

Help the 501st Legion support “Celebration Pet Day” by making a donation to the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association and having your picture taken with your favorite Star Wars Villains!

Be sure to bring a camera and a friend!


www.501st.com

Activity: Pet/Dog Show Information

CELEBRATION PET DAY 2006
PET SHOW
Saturday, October 14, 2006
1:00 p.m.
$5.00 entry per class
Bedford County Agricultural Center
Sponsored by Puppy Palace Boarding & Grooming

1. Cutest Tail – Owners 12 yrs. of age and under
2. Cutest Tail – Owners 13yrs. of age to 17 yrs. of age.
3. Cutest Tail – Owners18 yrs. of age and over.
4. Color Class – Owners12 yrs. of age and under (can be unusual colors or just very pretty vibrant or exceptional regular colors.
5. Color Class – Owners 13 yrs. – 17 yrs.
6. Color Class Owners 18 yrs. of age and over.
7. Critter Class – Furry pets (open to any furry pet other than dog).
8, Critter Class – Non furry pets (open to any pet such as iguana, snake, lizard, etc.)
9. Costume Class – Owners 12 yrs. of age and under.
10. Costume Class – Owners 13 yrs. of age to 17 yrs. of age.
11. Costume Class – Owners 18 yrs. of age and older.
12. Adopt Me Class – These dogs need a new mommy or daddy!
13. Humane Society Alumni – Only for dogs that have been adopted through humane societies or shelters.
14. Best Trick
15. Puppy Class – Puppies under 9 months of age.
16. Ugliest Dog – We mean this in the most loving way!
17. Prettiest Dog – Owners 12 yrs. of age and under.
18. Prettiest Dog – Owners 13 yrs. of age to 17 yrs. of age.
19. Prettiest Dog – Owners 18 yrs. of age and older.
20. Cutest Dog – Owners 12 yrs. of age and under.
21. Cutest Dog – Owners 13 yrs. of age to 17 yrs. of age.
22. Cutest Dog – Owners 18 yrs. of age and over.
23. I Look Like My Dog – All ages.
24. Special Needs Dogs – Anything that qualifies the dog as “special needs”.
25. Best In Show – 1st place winner in every class ONLY!! Competes for the Kitty Graham Challenge Cup.

ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE SHELBYVILLE-BEDFORD COUNTY HUMANE ASSOCIATION

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
MARY JO PITTS, PUPPY PALACE BOARDING & GROOMING: (931) 684-7236

Celebration Pet Day 2006 Info

2nd ANNUAL
CELEBRATION PET DAY

Saturday, October 14, 2006

10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Bedford County Agricultural Center Benefits the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association

Come join us for a day of family fun.
Star Wars Character Meet and Greet, Dog Show,
Agility Demonstrations, Pet Info Programs,
Games, Food, Vendors, and Fun!!

FREE ADMISSION!!!
Donations appreciated.

ALL dogs welcome that are leashed and up to date on vaccinations!!

For information contact the Shelbyville-Bedford County Humane Association at (931) 684-KIND or e-mail SBCHA@hotmail.com

Scenes from 2005, 1st Annual Celebration Pet Day

May 14, 2005: Shelbyville-Bedford County's 1st Annual Celebration Pet Day!