Discounts Available for Adopted Pets

Puppies and kittens will be available for adoption, and even a potbellied pig will make an appearance during an Adopt-A-Thon on Saturday at the Humane Society of Ventura County.

Discounts will be given to people who adopt a pet, organizers said. The event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., will include a pet first-aid course given by the Ojai chapter of the American Red Cross from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants will learn basic lifesaving skills to use on their pets. Preregistration for the $12 course is required. The deadline for registration is Tuesday.

From 10 a.m. to noon, a photographer will take studio-quality portraits of participants and their pets. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jeannie Chezick, who has worked with the FBI, state and local authorities tracking down lost people, will give a demonstration with her bloodhound, Maggy.

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Marty Fast--accompanied by her miniature potbellied pig, Twinkie--will provide information about the care and adoption of potbellied pigs. She will bring photographs of pigs available for adoption.

From noon to 2 p.m., Robert Hoffman, a canine behavior specialist, will answer questions about animal behavior and training. He helps families determine which type of animal breed is best for them.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is located at 402 Bryant St. For more information, call 646-6505.