Boston Goes to the Dogs (and Cats, Llamas & Parrots too) for Four Days In September.

Business Editors and Health Writers

Tufts Animal Expo 2002

BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 29, 2002

The Commonwealth Proclaims September 12 Animal Appreciation Day to

Coincide with Tufts Animal Expo 2002 Opening

Boston literally goes to the dogs, cats, and all other creatures great and small during Tufts Animal Expo 2002. September 12th has been proclaimed as Animal Appreciation Day in Massachusetts in recognition of the important role that animals play in our lives.

"Animals enrich our lives in so many ways, from assisting people with disabilities, to locating missing persons, to identifying dangerous elements such as explosives and narcotics, to simply being our friends and companions. During this week in particular, we should remember and honor the dedication and hard work of the Search and Rescue dogs at Ground Zero last year," said Dr. Philip C. Kosch, dean of Tufts University's School of Veterinary Medicine.

On the same day, internationally recognized veterinarians, experts from all segments of the animal care world, celebrities and others will converge on Boston as the city plays host to Tufts Animal Expo 2002, a one-of-a-kind veterinary-led conference, at the Hynes Convention Center. Dean Kosch will cut the ribbon officially opening the third annual Tufts Animal Expo.

Celebrity Jack Hannah, host of WCVB-TV's Animal Adventures, will give the keynote address; Elvis, one of the Ground Zero search and rescue dogs, will make a return appearance with his companion, FEMA USAR Canine Search Specialist and Greenwich, CT, Firefighter, Mark Dawson; the United States Postal Service will unveil its new kitten and puppy Spay/Neuter commemorative stamps, with assistance from Zack, a proud member of the Framingham Police K-9 Unit and his trainer, Officer Angela Alfano; and the Boston Police Bureau of Special Operations, K-9 Unit will introduce its newest recruit, a female German Shepherd, that was purchased with funds donated by the Tufts Animal Expo last year.

The power of the human/animal bond will be demonstrated at the "Animal Showplace," where animals of all types, including arson, bomb, and search and rescue dogs demonstrate their skills.

Tufts Animal Expo 2002 offers the latest breakthroughs in animal health care and alternative therapies, educational sessions, discussions about controversial topics, presentations for breeders, groomers, doggy day-care providers, etc., and products relevant to the animal care industry.

Produced by the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and Kazmaier International Group, Tufts Animal Expo 2002 is an inclusive educational opportunity designed to benefit animals and all who care for them. Tufts Animal Expo leading sponsors include Hill's Pet Nutrition, Bide-A-Wee Companion Animal Welfare Society, the Hartz Mountain Corporation, the IAMS Company, Merial, Veterinary Practice News, Nestle Purina PetCare, Novartis, and IDEXX Laboratories.

For information on Tufts Animal Expo 2002, call toll free at [phone] or visit the web site at www.tuftsanimalexpo.com.