Paws in the Park

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 5, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Paws in the Park -- the SPCA of Central Florida's largest community event of the year -- Animal Planet's star of "It's Me or the Dog," Victoria Stilwell, will join Joel Slaven's Professional Animals and the Gwinnett County Sheriff's K-9 Unit at Lake Eola on February 8, 2014. The fundraising walk around iconic Lake Eola begins at 9:00 AM (register online at www.orlandopets.org/pawsinthepark) and the free seminars begin at the Walt Disney Amphitheater at 10:00 AM.

The free education series includes Victoria Stilwell's "Positively, Live!" at 10:00 AM, "K-9 Safe & Smart for Kids" at 11:00 AM, the world famous Joel Slaven's Professional Animals at 12:00 PM, and "How to Talk Dog" with Victoria Stilwell at 1:00 PM. Unprecedented live stage demonstrations with Sgt. Paul Corso and Deputy Sheriff Jason Cotton with their K-9's Deputies Johnny and Roman from the Gwinnett County Sheriff's K-9 Unit begin at 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. These law enforcement officers and their dogs and are the stars of the upcoming web series Guardians of the Night.

"We are thrilled to have has such celebrity talent assembled on stage for the benefit of dogs in Florida," proclaims SPCA of Central Florida CEO Kerri Burns. "We are so excited to share our knowledge and work with the public. By attending the 20th Paws in the Park you will see firsthand shelter dogs who have turned into movie stars and how positive reinforcement training can in fact train dogs to become some of the most talented working dogs in the world. Best of all, this family-filled fun day at Lake Eola is free to attend."

Walt Disney World(C) Resort is hosting the Disney Kids and Family Zone, with free hands-on activities that are fun for the entire family, including four-legged family members. The world famous Splash Dogs(R) will also be participating in dog diving competitions for the first time ever at special dog diving facilities built just for Paws in the Park. A $10 Canine Sports pass, purchased on-site during Paws in the Park, allows dogs to participate in all of the Canine Sports activities. Petango is sponsoring a $10 microchip clinic for dogs on-site at the event. Paws in the Park, which is free to attend, is possible with help from partners at Walt Disney World(C) Resorts, Merial, Banfield Pet Hospital, 9 Family Connection / WFTV, Cox Media / WMMO, and the Orlando Sentinel.