Thursday, April 22, 2010

Pet Expo

My fellow Killer Hobbyists sometimes blog about the fun-sounding crafts fairs that they attend now and then.

I had the opportunity last weekend to attend an event that incorporates my main subject here on Killer Hobbies: pets!

I’ve been going to the Pet Expo annually for several years. It is held at the Orange County, California, Fairgrounds, which has apparently been up for sale lately, but fortunately that hasn’t affected the Pet Expo.

It’s a huge event, and lots of different kinds of pets are represented--from potbellied pigs to birds to turtles and even ferrets, in absentia, since they’re illegal to keep as pets in California. And, of course, there are dogs and cats. There are booths featuring many breeds of dogs and cats, and a large number of rescue organizations also bring in animals in an attempt to find them a new home. I was especially interested in the variety of rescue groups this year, since I’ve been plotting the second story in my new Lauren Vancouver, pet rescuer mysteries. Some rescue groups are breed-specific. Others are related to the areas in which they’re located. Many are broad in scope, taking in whatever animals they can and trying to find them new, loving homes.

Then there are the many demonstrations that go on at the Pet Expo. K-9 teams from several different police departments demonstrated how they operate. A bird demonstration went slightly awry when one of the red macaws decided that flying back to the stage area was too difficult with the wind blowing the way it was, so the trainer had to go find him and walk back with the bird on his arm.

I of course visited the booth where Cavalier King Charles Spaniels were represented. I looked for a Puli booth, since my son and daughter-in-law own one of those adorable pups, but unfortunately this rare breed didn’t have a presence at the Expo.

I guess it’s a sign of these economically uncertain times, but the formerly free pet food samples are no longer free. The smallest packets now sell for twenty-five cents.

I’d dragged my husband along, and we both had an enjoyable time. Next year, we’ll do it again!

Have you ever attended a pet expo or other large pet-related event? What was your favorite part?

11 comments:

Monica Ferris said...

I acquired a cat from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty in Chester, Cheshire, England when I was stationed there back in the sixties, and brought her home with me in 1968. A few years later I entered her in a big cat show in Madison, WI. (They had a domestic pet section.) Lady Felicity came in First Runner Up. The judge was impressed with her beautiful head, magnificent coat, and impressive manners. That was fun.

Terri Thayer said...

I'm afraid I'll come home with another cat, so I stay away.

Sounds like a quilt show. A place to try new things and spend money!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Belated congratulations to Lady Felicity and to you, Monica. Lady Felicity was obviously a Cheshire cat!

Linda O. Johnston said...

I think that's why my husband comes along to some of these events, Terri--to keep me from bringing home another pet. But, yes, it's easy to spend money there. Lots of treats and toys for the pups at home!

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Sounds like a fun outing, Linda.

Betty Hechtman said...

I have a charity in the crochet mysteries called Hearts and Barks (they include meows, too). I have fun creating their events based on some animal fairs I've attended.

Linda O. Johnston said...

It was definitely fun, Joanna.

And, Betty, I love the name Hearts and Barks! Some of the rescue organizations come up with cute and appropriate names, too.

Janie Emaus said...

I went to a dog show at our local college a few years back and found it quite enjoyable.
The Pet Expo sounds like a lot of fun. I'll have to go next year.

Linda O. Johnston said...

The Pet Expo is different from a dog show, Janie--and both are definitely fun in their own ways!

Susie Q said...

So I'm late chiming in here ;D Just found ya'll (again)...I hate my computer.

Anyway, I recently started working for a mobile pet groomer...and I am having so much fun. Making NO money at all, but since I can't find a job in my career (administrative assistant), then I'll do this...minimum wage, but we're out in Colorado in the spring time and play with dogs all day (and cats too). All kinds of dogs (and a few cats)....I'm getting pretty good at bathing. Plan to use my own shih tzu for learning how to trim them up so...we'll see. Not enough money in it but having fun.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Susie Q, despite your lack of income, your new venture sounds like a whole lot of fun. I hope it becomes profitable, too! Welcome back to Killer Hobbies.