The eighth annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair at Santa Clarita's Hart Park adopted out 111 Los Angeles County shelter animals on Oct. 12 - a record for the nonprofit organization.

"We were concerned with the economy being so rough that we might not get as many adoptions this year, but people came out in full force to help these shelter animals," said Yvonne Allbee, founder of Bow-Wows & Meows Inc. "It was a really fun day with all the vendors, activities, and people, but the biggest goal for us is finding these animals wonderful homes and our community really came through."

Demonstrations from Dogs Can Dance kept audiences entertained, as did the annual Fun Dog Show, which attracted dozens of entries in categories ranging from Longest Ears to People & Pet Look-A-Like. Winners of the latter received $50 gift certificates donated by Pet Supply Santa Clarita.

A surprise visit from Cesar Millan was a highlight of the event. The "Dog Whisperer" star came to support his sons, Andre and Calvin, who were judges at the Fun Dog Show, and sign books to raise funds for the Cesar & Ilusion Millan Foundation.

"What a treat that was," Allbee said. "They are a wonderful family and of course, they support adopting animals from shelters, so it was a real blessing to have the Millans at our fair."

Bow-Wows & Meows featured more than 60 pet-oriented vendors promoting their products and services, as well as a raffle with 50-plus prizes, many donated by local businesses.

Funds raised from the vendor spaces, raffle, Fun Dog show and a collection box benefited Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc., which hosts the free pet fair every year.

While a few animals did not get adopted at the fair, Allbee noted that they may still be available.

"If you had your eye on a certain dog or cat, check with the shelter from which they came," Allbee encouraged. "Of course, there are always many beautiful animals available for adoption through the county animal shelters. People can check out http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/ for a list and pictures of animals waiting to find a home."

For more information on Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc., visit www.bowwowsandmeows.org or call 661-297-5961.