Pictured: Tia Torres, "Pit Bulls & Paroles," saving Pit Bulls one pup at a time at the Pet Expo in Orange County, California Saturday, April 16th, 2011. Photo: HollywoodOutbreak.com/Mari Cartel

We probably should have guessed that Tia Torres from Pit Bulls & Paroles (Animal Planet) would be at the Pet Expo 2011 in Orange County, but we were still surprised to see the animal advocate there.

Torres was there at the Orange Country, California event on behalf of her animal sanctuary, Villalobos Rescue Center, which is dedicated to finding homes for Pit Bulls and, of course, changing perceptions about the much-maligned breed.

The Pex Expo is the largest of its kind and draws huge crowds yearly.

The Expo ends today, but if you’ve never been to an animal celebration like this, it is a must for animal lovers.

Check out the action below:

Pictured: Martin Tyner and one of the beautiful Golden Eagles from the Southwest Wildlife Foundation Photo: HollywoodOutbreak.com/Mari Cartel

Martin Tyner and one of the beautiful Golden Eagles given refuge at his non-profit organization.

Southwest Wildlife Foundation is dedicated to provide wildlife rehab and wildlife and environmental education (www.gowildlife.org).

Pictured: Tina and Ryder hold a sea star at the Pet Expo 2011. Photo: HollywoodOutbreak.com/Mari Cartel

Orange Country, California resident Tina and her 2-and-a-half-year-old son Ryder enjoy holding a sea star at the Aquatic Experience at the Pet Expo 2011.

Orange County, California resident, Sherri, falls in love with two greyhounds, who were up for adoption after a dog racetrack in the Midwest was closed.

One of our favorite exhibits was Pet-A-Greeting (www.pet-a-greeting.com). The site allows patrons to upload a pic of their own best bud or choose from a selection of other animals to send out a greeting where the mouth of the pet actually moves.

Pictured: Sherri gives her heart to a couple of greyhounds. Photo: HollywoodOutbreak.com/Mari Cartel

Picture: The Pet-A-Greeting booth at the Pet Expo 2011. Photo: HollywoodOutbreak.com/Mari Cartel