By Vicky Babcock

The historic Stout barn was hopping with activity last Saturday as Solon Market hosted its second annual Dog Daze of Summer Pet Expo featuring its Popular Pet Show and demos from Trooper Joe Bozek and his canine partner, Trooper Yaro.  The expo attracted some unusual pets, including a three-month-old sheep and a bearded dragon.

The State Police Canine Unit was a big hit. Trooper Bozek fielded questions and explained the process of training their dogs. Yaro is a three-year-old German Shepherd from Poland. Together with his human partner, Yaro helped demonstrate the unique ability to find an object with human scent. Without the dog present, it was with mixed feelings that a gentleman watched his son throw his car keys into the (mowed) field. But for Yaro, it was all in a day’s work. No sweat. No worries. And work and play are an interchangeable mix with the shepherd who loves his work—and his Kong, his reward for a job well done.  At home, Yaro is a regular dog. He and partner Joe are with the State Police Rockford Post.

And the pet show?  Thanks to voting participants, the show earned $100.00 for the Humane Society and another $25.00 for Bellowood Rescue. Each child went home with a bag of goodies for his/her pet—courtesy of a local, family-owned pet supply store—and two children took home grand prizes for Popular Pet and Most Monies Earned for the Humane Society and Bellowood Rescue. Several related businesses attended the Expo, handing out free samples and leaflets. Thanks, Solon Market, for putting on the dog!