Emerson Sloop, 19 months, Lawrence, makes a new friend as Quinn, a 6-month-old Irish wolfhound, introduces himself during the Animal Fair of Douglas County, sponsored by the Lawrence Humane Society on Sunday at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. An assortment of animals, including dogs, cats, owls and parrots, were on display at the event.

Melinda Ball, Lawrence, watches a burrowing owl as it sits on a perch at the Animal Fair hosted by the Lawrence Humane Society Sunday afternoon at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. The owl, which is unable to fly due to an accident, was brought by Operation Wildlife, based in Linwood.

Laura Turner, 2, Lawrence, makes a new friend of Ziva, a dachshund, at the Animal Fair. The fair featured several different animals, including dogs, cats, owls and parrots.

A dog visits a decorative plastic red fire hydrant. A customer picks out a cozy Kansas City Chiefs logo-clad winter coat for a cat. And of course, Santa lends his lap for a picture-perfect moment with owners and their four-legged friends.

“Does this cat have claws?” Santa asked Brenda Reed, who brought her cat Tallulah for a long overdue picture with St. Nick.

All in a day’s work at Sunday’s annual Animal Fair of Douglas County, sponsored by the Lawrence Humane Society and held at the Douglas County Fairgrounds.

Area vendors showed off a wide variety of products, everything from gourmet carrot “pupcake” dog treats to pet jewelry and accessories.

Bridget Law, co-owner of the Lawrence business Bow Wow WOW Dog Gifts, was staffing a booth displaying handmade outfits, scarves, necklaces and even tuxedo fronts. Law said she sees every level of pet lover looking for the right style and fit. The weirdest thing she’s seen? An eccentric pet owner who purchased a sparkly blue collar for, what else, a rat.

The event was designed to promote local businesses that support the Lawrence Humane Society, as well as raise money for the organization’s numerous programs, said board President Megan Hiebert.

“It helps promote other folks who are constant supporters,” she said, as various animal rights groups filled the building, encouraging pet lovers to get involved.

For dog-loving couple Aimee Denton and Jorge Cazares of Eudora, the event was simply a fun time to see other dogs and buy some less-than-essential, but nonetheless irresistible, products for their dogs Bear and Kira.

“We love the scarves,” said Denton, showing off their recent purchase.

While it was a fun time for the couple, their dogs probably enjoy it even more, they say.

“They love it,” Cazares said.