News and Observer

Friday, September 5, 2003

Call it her pet project: North Raleigh woman organizes an expo to benefit animals and shelters.

By MELISSA DRAPER, Staff Writer

Casey the cocker spaniel has no qualms about using her good looks to get what she wants, be it a treat, a pat on the head or an invitation to ride in the car.

Now, Casey's owner, real estate agent Nancy Seymour, is depending on her critter's puppy-dog eyes to help benefit less-fortunate animals at the "Happy Home for Everyone" food drive and pet expo at the Falls Pointe Shopping Center.

The little spaniel and a motley crew of dogs will be at the event next weekend to perform tricks for spare change and to act as goodwill ambassadors for the homeless animals they represent.

Seymour, a 52-year-old Texas native who moved to Raleigh 10 years ago, created the "Happy Home for Everyone" expo in part to educate people about pet care and pet adoptions.

"I've just always, always, always loved animals," she said, while working from her North Raleigh home. "I think animals touch a part of your soul that nothing or no one else can."

The expo's other main purpose is to collect as much dog and cat food as possible for Triangle-area animal shelters and rescue groups, of which there are dozens.

"The three main expenses of shelters are food, vet care and advertising. I feel if we can take care of their food expenses, at least make that contribution, they have the money that they can then route to advertising and find these little guys homes," Seymour said.

Charter Funding, a mortgage company, has donated $5,000 in $5 food vouchers for the event. Visitors can use them to buy pet food and treats at Harris Teeter and Animal Zone and then donate them to the expo.

This way, people without money to spare can still participate in the giving, and those who are able to give more can pay the difference, Seymour said. "So it's a great way for families to teach their children about sharing and those less fortunate than they are," she added.

Scott Johnson, a banker for Charter Funding who helped set up the sponsorship, said the company could have bought the food outright and distributed it. But he thought it would be more fun for the public to get involved.

"I'm a big animal person, and I donate to the SPCA," Johnson said. "My small contributions don't do a lot, but...with this, I can make a big difference."

Because of Seymour's networking, many volunteers and animal professionals have offered their services and advice for free at the expo. Among them are groomers, trainers, veterinarians and N.C. State University veterinary school students who are using the event as their charity project for the semester.

"There's more people who want to participate than we have room for, so we're already making a list for next year," said Renea Myers, who is helping market the event.

Many local businesses are displaying fliers for the expo.

"There's a whole consciousness level that's being raised, that these [pets] are little entities that can teach us lessons as well as being a source of love and relaxation," Seymour said. "I just happen to have a lot of friends and contacts and the drive and ability to make this happen."

The expo will be held beneath three large tents in the Falls Pointe Shopping Center parking lot. Activities in addition to the pet tricks will include a cake walk, entertainment by Cotton the Clown and her pink poodle, free "Rub for Grub" massages, face painting and door prizes.

"We're going to generate so much food," Seymour said. "All we're asking is, if you're one of these [rescue] groups, come with an open, empty truck. Because we're going to load you up."

Staff writer Melissa Draper can be reached at 836-4951 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it