ItB次元官网网址檚 an event thatB次元官网网址檚 gone to the dogs, in a good way. Featuring racing wiener dogs and a one-of-a-kind skateboarding bulldog, the Vancouver Island Pet Expo launches this weekend at Pearkes Recreation Centre.

This second annual trade show allows vendors to network and show off the latest and greatest in pet care and nutrition. The event is also raising money this year for B.C. Guide Dog Services and itB次元官网网址檚 sister charity, Autism Support Dogs.

Expo visitors can experience the skill of a guide dog, if they are willing to be blindfolded and led around an obstacle course.

B次元官网网址淵ou give your full trust into a four-legged animal,B次元官网网址� said Jill Stefanyk, producer of the Pet Expo, and who participated blindfolded with a guide dog in downtown Victoria. B次元官网网址淚t was very impressive how dog stops right at the curb. IB次元官网网址檓 happy he didnB次元官网网址檛 walk into traffic.B次元官网网址�

The expo again features the light-hearted wiener dog races, with 20 to 25 dogs entered Saturday and Sunday, with a few coming from as far as Washington State. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 hilarious,B次元官网网址� Stefanyk said. B次元官网网址淲iener dogs donB次元官网网址檛 really go straight. They tend to go in all directions.B次元官网网址�

Famed and largely self-taught English bulldog Buttercup will show off his skateboarding talent both days. The Academy of Vancouver Island Dogs will show the agility and jump of its canine students.

The event also features vendors for non-dogs, such as cats and birds, and groups that offer courses on pet First Aid, for instance. The expo is focused on raising money and raising awareness for the non-profit Autism Support Dogs, a service which requires the same intense and and expensive training effort as any other guide dog.

B次元官网网址淚t costs $37,000 to train an autism support dog and there is a three year wait list (for a dog),B次元官网网址� Stefanyk said. B次元官网网址淲e want to help out.B次元官网网址�

Last yearB次元官网网址檚 inaugural Pet Expo drew hundreds of people and dozens of vendors. With  the level care people spend on their animals, Stefanyk said a pet exhibition was an event waiting to happen.

B次元官网网址淓verybody loves their pets and itB次元官网网址檚 a huge industry. Why not have an event for our four-legged friends?B次元官网网址� Stefanyk said. B次元官网网址淭his has been really well received by the pet community of the whole island.B次元官网网址�

The Vancouver Island Pet Expo runs Saturday, May 26,10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pearkes Recreation Centre, 3100 Tillicum Rd. See .