On her blog, Animal Attraction, Journal writer Jamie Hall invites readers to share their pet-and animal-related stories and photos. In exchange, she'll pass along the latest pet information, news, health care and trends. Here are some of the week's highlights from her blog, on the Pets page at edmontonjournal.com/pets
Say the words "Edmonton Pet Expo" and I immediately get this song stuck in my head: You'll see green alligators, and long-necked geese, some humpty-backed camels and some chimpanzees, some cats and rats and elephants, but sure as you're born, you're never gonna see no unicorns.
Well, you won't see any of the other creatures The Irish Rovers sang about, either - except for the cats, of course - but there certainly won't be a shortage of pets at the Edmonton Expo Centre this weekend.
I have this marked on my calendar as the must-see event of the season. I usually get to do a meet 'n' greet with my white Pomeranian Keesha, but this year a Mexican vacation got in the way. Still, anyone's who's anyone on the local pet scene - from animal behaviourists to dog groomers - will be there Saturday and Sunday to show you their pet wares or to answer your questions about which breed of dog would be best for you and your lifestyle.
The goal of the show is to improve the lives of animals through responsible pet ownership, but it's also a fundraiser for animal-related charities in and around Edmonton. This year the Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society is the charity of choice, but there will also be fundraising for all the animal rescue groups participating. General admission is $10; for children five to 11, it's $8.
Buttercup is among the celebrity pet guests. A local canine star, the English bulldog has her own video on YouTube where she demonstrates her skateboarding skills and prowess as - what else? - Buttercup the Skateboarding Bulldog. A skill she began honing at the tender age of nine weeks, she has since expanded her skills to include snowboarding as well.
Now, bulldog experts will tell you the breed is known for its love of boards, but usually as a chew-toy, not as something to ride. If she's in the mood, Buttercup may demonstrate her skills for you. If not, she'll stand there and look adorable. Either way, it's a win-win situation.
What else will you see at the show, you ask? Read on:
- Not all pets are of the furry variety. Some are, well, a tad scaly. Others are feathery. And some of them hop. The Edmonton Reptile and Amphibian Society will have an interactive display at the show, as will the Edmonton Pet Parrot Association, the Alberta Ferret Society and the Canadian Rabbit-Hopping Club. That's right, rabbit-hopping club. Intrigued? I thought so.
- Talk about a dog-and-pony show. Well, they won't necessarily be together, of course, but there will be dogs and there will be ponies. Pony rides will be available both days, and the petting zoo is a chance for everyone to spend some quality time with goats, bunnies, birds and other creatures.
- OK, they look a little funny when they run, but funny in the most adorable way. I mean, with their short little legs, their foot-long-like bodies, not to mention their sweet little waddle. This year will mark the first dachshund race; the Rescued Wieners Race is brought to you courtesy of Edmonton Moxie Doxies and Alberta Dachshund Rescue.
- Edmonton's Animal Care and Control Centre promotes the benefits of pet licensing as well as educating pet owners about responsible pet ownership. Staff from the centre will be on hand to answer questions about pet bylaws and licensing and enforcement in Edmonton. They'll tell you how lost pets get reunited with their owners, how to prevent your dog from biting and barking, and what the rules are in the off-leash parks. They will also have a Pets in the City stage where celebrity pet experts will share dog experiences in fun interactive sessions.
- The German Shepherd Dog Club of Edmonton will be holding Schutzhund demonstrations, which is essentially a triathlon for the working dog. Schutzhund was originally developed in the early 1900s to determine if a dog had the traits necessary for police work. The demo consists of three components; tracking, obedience and protection.
- This year's edition of the pet expo has an in-door farmers market, where local vendors will have local products for sale; honey, beef jerky, dips, spices and tons of crafty art and accessories.
If you want to know more, all the events are listed online at petexpo.ca.
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