Public pitches in during exotic pet fundraiser in Sharpsburg

Mila the iguana soaked up the sun, and lots of attention, during an animal-themed fundraiser at Kennedy Park in Sharpsburg on July 22.

Nanners, the albino ball python rescued in Ross after being released by its owner, was also a hit with people at the Sharpsburg event.

“It was a great day, and so many people came out to support us,” said Sara Smith, owner of Sara’s Pets and Plants along Main Street.

The fundraiser fell short of its $5,000 goal but Smith thanked people for helping with the overall mission of rescuing and finding new homes for exotic pets and caring for array of animals that make their home at her shop.

The event featured food, drinks, music, games and activities for all ages.

Vendors sold animal art, plant hangers, houseplants and pet items. A highlight of the event was a station where people could bring their own four-legged friends to make a paw-painted canvas.

“It is not easy to keep a rescue up and running,” Smith said. “Between care costs, enclosure needs, medical expenses and other general costs, we rely on events/fundraisers like this to keep our doors open and to be able to help more animals every single day.”

Sara’s Pets and Plants opened in 2018. The store offers educational programs throughout the year, and shares its space with Feathers, Scales and Tails, an exotic pet rescue that focuses on rescuing and adopting out animals such as cats, reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals and even insects.

The public is welcome to stop and visit the stores’ permanent residents, which include Burt the bearded dragon, Mildred the alligator and Princess Peach the chicken.