|
|
|
The 14th Annual Connecticut Pet Show
By Stacey Dresner
HARTFORD – Dogs, cats and pets of all kinds were out in force at the 14th Annual Connecticut Pet Show, held Oct. 29-30 at The Expo Center in Hartford.
Sponsored by PETCO and Purina Friskies for More, as well as Pets Press, the two-day show was an animal lover’s dream.
Dozens of dogs and their humans walked freely around the Expo Center among the more than 100 vendors at the show, which ranged from pet food sellers and retailers of animal equipment and toys, to services like kennels and veterinarians, and animal related non-profit organizations.
Also on display were a variety of pets in competitions such as the AKC Parade of Purebred Dogs and the International Cat Association Cat Show.
Different breeds got their own chances to shine at shows dedicated to the terrier group, sorting group and non-sporting group.
Cat lovers purred as they watched the Purina Cat Show, featuring feline friends performing on obstacle courses and shooting baskets. Custom cat habitats were also on display for kitties and their owners.
Pet-related entertainment at the expo included police and protection dog demonstrations, Bwana Jim’s Reptile Show, and canine Frisbee dog shows.
Elaine Irvin, host of the television program "Animals Everywhere," which is featured on WFSB-TV, also appeared at the show, exhibiting an assortment of tarantulas.
Other exotic members of the animal world were also on display at the pet show.
Bwana Jim, "The Stand-up Comedian of the Reptile World" brought his act tot the expo center as well as some of his reptile friends – including snakes and alligators.
Our flying, feathered friends were also on display.
"Talons! A Bird of Prey Experience," featuring Lorrie Westman, master falconer and Talon Skye Westman, displayed flying raptors like hawks, falcons and owls. During the hands-on exhibition the birds flew around "human trees" – the enraptured audience.
Lazicki’s Bird House and Rescue, a non-profit organization that rehabilitates rescued birds and tries to find them good homes, used the pet show to get the word out about its mission.
"The whole key is to educate, that is what we are striving to do," said Diane Lazicki. "For getting the word out, the show is wonderful."
Other organizations that are devoted to helping animals included "Animals for Life," a shelter in Middlebury which helped to promote petfinder.com, a national organization that helps find families for homeless animals, as well as RRUFF, Rescued Rottweilers United with Friends and Family.
"Paws and Read," an organization that brings certified therapy dogs to schools and libraries to help "foster a love of reading through the ‘magical’ child and animal bond" featured Doc – an Australian Shepherd and therapy dog that cuddled with young visitors as they sat down with a good book.
"Last year alone Doc helped 252 children, one-on-one in a four week program," said Connie Connor of Essex, the program’s coordinator.
Education was also the thrust of "Animals Everywhere’s" Elaine Irvin appearance at the show.
"I’ve been talking about the show to people, and they have been enjoying the animals," she said, pointing to the several tarantulas on display at her booth.
Irvin talked about her recent trip to Florida to film manatees and upcoming trips to Australia and Costa Rica and plans to go to Africa to film leopards.
"People are curious about the creatures here that they are seeing and about the creatures they are seeing on the show."
|
|
|
|
|
|
