Yvonne Allbee of Santa Clarita has worked as a hospice nurse for two years. In fact, nursing has always been a great passion for Allbee. But, she also shares a passion for animals.

Six years ago, out of her love for her dog, Bear, and her cat, Sam,she founded the Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair. Now, the organization sends out 30,000 flyers to schools, they fly banners on overpasses for advertisement, and nearly 7,000 people attend the event. To say it has grown is putting it mildly.

"The fair takes six months to plan and six months to recover," Allbee said with a laugh. "But, I love every minute of it."

Allbee is a serious multi-tasker. By day she works as a hospice nurse. She also attends graduate school working toward her master's degree in nursing. At night, Allbee spends her time doing volunteer work on the annual pet fair.

The 6th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair will take place Sunday, October 15, at the William S. Hart Park, 24151 North San Fernando Road, Newhall.

"Five of the six Los Angeles County Animal Shelters are participating this year along with 70 vendors. The first time we had the pet fair, 37 animals found homes that day. Since then, more than 400 animals have found homes through the pet fair," Allbee said proudly. "It just keeps getting bigger and better. This year we have amazing entertainment. We'll have a world famous stunt dog performing, raffles, things for the kids, face painting, a fun dog show for mutts, and many other events throughout the day."

There will also be a variety of pet supplies on hand, low-cost vaccines, a pet psychic, a pet photographer, home-made items, pet tags, plus a variety of pet-related vendors.

"My goal for this year is for the animal shelter trucks to go back empty. That would be a dream come true. But, education is key and we want the community to come out and have fun," Allbee said. "So, whether you're looking to adopt a pet or not, it's a great day of family fun for everyone!"

Earlier this week, Allbee received an e-mail from a woman saying that she and her husband attend the fair every year and have so much fun, that this year, they plan on adopting their first pet at the fair.

"It's an e-mail that warms your heart," Allbee said.

Several officials are planning to attend the pet fair including the director of the Los Angeles County Shelter and the mayor of Santa Clarita.

All proceeds from the event go directly to Bow-Wows & Meows, a non-profit organization devoted to the possibility that through education, awareness and inspiration, we will one day have more loving homes than homeless pets.

For more information and pictures of pets link to www.BowWowsAndMeows.org or call 661-297-5961.

*Note: After this story was posted, the pet fair was held in Newhall. A record 8,000 people attended the event and 100 animals were adopted to new families. "It was an amazing day of fun!" Albee said.