Main Stage
Entertainment, Speakers, Professionals, and more!
See the schedule for speakers and presenters at the Mid Michigan Pet Expo
Presenter Schedule
Katie Dinnan
Einstein Dog Training
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Katie is one of the expert dog trainers from Einstein Dog Training.
On Saturday and Sunday, she will be hosting AKC Canine Good Citizen testing! In addition to CGC testing, she’s also offering CGCA and CGCU for the dogs that have already earned their CGC.
Sign up is required for this event, which will be available onsite or as pre-registration. It is not required to pre-register, but its recommended as testing is likely to fill.
Pre-registration is available by clicking here!
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Katie is a certified AKC CGC evaluator.
She has years of experience training with Einstein Dog Training, and is an expert in all things dogs! From basic puppy training, to advanced behavior modification, this trainer is overflowing with knowledge.
In addition to representing Einstein Dog Training, Katie will be participating in the dock diving and flyball competitions taking place all weekend.
Make sure to stop by the Einstein Dog Training and Einstein Dock Diving booth to sign up, or chat with them about how they can help your dog be well behaved!
Kate Turner
Saving Scales Reptiles
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Kate will be talking on a few different topics throughout the weekend!
Tortoise vs Turtle
Best reptiles for families
Snakes of different sizes
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Kate Turner, Director of Saving Scales
Saving Scales Reptile Rescue, est 2014
Kate is the director of one of the only reptile specific rescue organizations in the state. This 501c3 non-profit provides animal rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming for pet reptiles and exotics. Saving Scales runs their operation as a Humane Society rescue, and prides itself in maintaining high standards for all placements.
In 2024, Saving Scales placed 250 animals into new homes, and provided assistance to multiple companion animal shelters and rescue agencies.
Kate and her team also provides training opportunities for veterinary students, veterinary nursing programs, and animal control responders.
John Skalski
K9 Hero Guardians
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Join several police officers and their K9 partners from across the Mid Michigan region and beyond as they demonstrate the extensive training Police K9s have.
Their demonstrations will consist of narcotics detection, handler protection, and criminal apprehensions.
The demonstrations will be narrated by Retired Detroit Police K9 Handler & owner of Central Michigan Dog Training, John Skalski.
John will talk about the training involved with these dogs, and give you an inside look into the daily life of a working Police K9. You may even be chosen from the audience to voluntarily participate in one of the demonstrations and get to meet these K9 heroes!
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K9 Hero Guardians provides funding & support for Law Enforcement K9’s. Established in 2010, K9 Hero Guardians has donated several K9’s to agencies in the Mid Michigan region, provided funding for veterinary care, and donated numerous pieces of equipment for training and safety.
In 2019, they raised over $55,000 to fully outfit 4 new K9 vehicles for the Saginaw Police K9 program. For more
information on K9 Hero Guardians and the officers they support, visit www.MiK9Cop.com.
Dee Gauge
West Michigan Ferret Connection
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Getting To Know The Domesticated Ferret
Ferrets are friendly and intelligent, and will delight you with their silly antics and lively personalities; but are ferrets the kind of companion pet you really want?
Dee Gage, owner/operator of West Michigan Ferret Connection, will share what she has experienced over 25 years of being a ferret owner.
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“A dog or cat may steal your heart, but a ferret will steal your soul.” This is one of Dee Gage’s favorite quotes.
Two little ferrets, Beau and Nilla, stole her heart and soul in 1996 and led her to advocate for ferrets by establishing the West Michigan Ferret Connection, a non-profit, home-based rescue based in Grand Rapids in October 2001.
Ferrets were legalized to own as companion pets in Michigan in December 1994. Once she became a “ferret mom” in 1996, Dee joined the Great Lakes Ferret Association, which was the group that instrumented ferret legalization in the State. She went on to create their Education Committee.
When GLFA disbanded, she co-founded the Midwest Ferret Fellowship in 2001.
In the past 20+ years, Dee has made presentations throughout the State educating the public and showcasing ferrets as companion pets at libraries, animal welfare events, humane society summer camps and pet expos.
Dee’s is currently working on banning the sale of ferrets in pet stores in Michigan. “Ferrets don’t have a voice so you’ll never stop hearing mine.”
Laura Kagels
Niagara Down Under
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Topic will be Kangaroos! You will get to meet a live kangaroo, and learn all things kangaroo!
This will be an exciting opportunity to meet these beautiful creatures, while Laura sends time educating visitors of all ages, offering unique opportunities to learn about and interact with wildlife in a way that fosters respect, curiosity, and conservation awareness. Whether it’s through animal encounters, educational programs, or special events, Laura’s mission is to bring people and animals together in a meaningful way.
From kangaroos to cockatoos (and everything in between), Niagara Downunder is a testament to Laura’s dedication, knowledge, and love for the creatures that call the farm home.
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Laura Kagels – Head Zookeeper of Niagara Downunder
Since 1998, Laura Kagels has been the heart and soul of Niagara Downunder, a one-of-a-kind exotic and domestic farm and zoo. With a lifelong passion for animals and education, Laura has dedicated her career to providing hands-on, unforgettable experiences with creatures from around the globe.
As the head zookeeper, she not only cares for the animals but also leads the charge in educating visitors of all ages, offering unique opportunities to learn about and interact with wildlife in a way that fosters respect, curiosity, and conservation awareness. Whether it’s through animal encounters, educational programs, or special events, Laura’s mission is to bring people and animals together in a meaningful way.
From kangaroos to cockatoos (and everything in between), Niagara Downunder is a testament to Laura’s dedication, knowledge, and love for the creatures that call the farm home.