Family Fun with Animal Friends
May 2, 2026 @ 10:00AM — 4:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
Westchester Marriott Tarrytown, NY: 670 White Plains Rd Tarrytown, NY 10591 Get Directions
As a part of GVSCon 2026
Guardian HEALS invites families from across the community to a one-of-a-kind, animal-inspired experience at the Westchester Marriott. This free, high-energy event is designed to spark curiosity, compassion, and connection through hands-on learning and unforgettable encounters. Expect a vibrant atmosphere where animals take center stage and education comes to life. Whether your child dreams of working with animals or simply loves them with their whole heart, this event is sure to inspire and entertain! Now, here’s what you can expect throughout the day:
Got Your Goat: Get to know live friendly goats--including the adorable mini variety--and soft sheep! Interact with these docile, essential farm animals and see what taking good care of them means. Make a "goat salad" for them to munch on and bring home a hoof print as a souvenir. For all ages.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063612203876
Dawny Dew: Dawn Halasz, a professional children's party entertainer, will offer music, sing-alongs, and puppet shows--all about our wonderful pets. Singing, dancing and fun with laughter and learning. For children up to age 8. A lively hip-hop dance lesson is available for the tweens and teens.
Kati Mac: Fun storytelling, appealing book characters, musical presentations and sing-alongs with author and musician Kati Mac. Entertainment, education and a compassionate mission of adopting senior-age dogs from animal shelters. For children up to age 8. Her published children's books and videos will be available for sale with a portion of proceeds donated to HEALS.
https://www.scruffymacmuffin.com
Christine's Critters: Amazing live birds of prey--plus fascinating reptiles! Safely interact with these magnificent creatures and learn about their care, personal back stories, and why their conservation is critical to the health of our environment. Rescue and rehab pros will show the birds to you "on glove" to educate, inspire and protect. For all ages.
https://www.christinescritters.org/
Pawsome Paws: Get up close with a beautiful professional therapy pooch! Learn how to overcome your fear of man's best friend. Stefani Cohen, licensed clinical social worker, will show us how to prevent dog bites, read canine body language and communication, when to approach them and when to back off. For ages up to age 8. Ms. Cohen's published books for parents on overcoming the fear of dogs will be available for sale.
Putnam County SPCA: The dynamic father/son duo, humane law enforcement officers Ken Ross and Ken Ross, Jr., are charged with protecting and keeping safe all of Putnam County's animals. Donning their sharp "animal police" uniforms, they’ll talk about the importance of proper pet stewardship. For all ages.
Dr. Jason Berg: HEALS' Founder and President, noted veterinary neurologist/ neurosurgeon/internist, Dr. Berg will address both parents and children. His sought-after presentations are entertaining and engaging as he imparts his tremendous wealth of knowledge and experience on all things pets. For all ages.
Dr. Sarah Cutler: Local veterinary animal behavior specialist Dr. Cutler will share her significant wisdom about our finicky but fascinating feline friends. She’ll cover how to provide the best care for cats and kittens, the safest, most appropriate ways to handle them, what their body language is telling us--and more! For all ages.
https://behaviorclinicforcatsanddogs.com/
Putnam Service Dogs: Learn directly from a bona-fide handler the essential roles these highly-trained dogs play in improving and extending the lives of their grateful humans. Melissa Schiraldi, an experienced service dog trainer, will explain the benefits, how they differ from therapy dogs, all that’s involved in preparing them for work, and how they're selected for service from a local animal shelter.
https://www.putnamservicedogs.org/
Pet Skye, our gentle therapy cat: Beautiful, docile Skye will be on hand to meet, greet and offer some comfort, joy and love. She welcomes pets and attention from all pet enthusiasts!
Busy activities: The kids will be able to join hands-on supervised arts and crafts and other creative activities--all reflecting our theme of pets and animals--to keep them occupied all day long!
Peruse our appealing assortment of vendors offering all kinds of animal-theme gear, products and handmade crafts for sale as well as important pet-owner information--and a few beautiful gift baskets for raffling off.