The Pet Show

Yesterday we went to the Pet Show at Arlington Race Track. I had never been to anything like it before. We got to see the cat judging. Edwina has decided to give up her dreams of the show business life. Even if she could do something about her weight.... I mean her large bones, I'm not sure she has the disposition for hanging out all day in a tent and then being "examined" by the judges. I'm afraid her tendency to bad language might cost her alot of points. It was really cool to see all the cats though, including finally seeing in person my dream cat (other than Edwina) -- a Devon Rex.

We meet people from a cat and bunny rescue group in out neighborhood (by the Harley shop -- my husband's favorite.) The cats and bunnies "co-habitate." We had seen a gray beauty in their window but it took some effort to get the guy to admit exactly where they are located. Once we finally convinced him we are "honorable" people he explained that people dump animals and they want to discourage that. So sad.

There were all kind of dog breed rescue groups so both my husband and I got to see and pet and talk with our favorite breed -- the Italian Greyhound for me and a Great Pyrenees for him. I realized we may have some issue to work out when we are finally able to offer a home to a dog.

Many of you may be interested to know I spoke with the South Suburban group that helped Maddie find a new home. The woman who was there -- although "she does cats" knew Maddie. SHe described her as "looking like a german shepard but smaller." Told me what a gentle and loving dog she is and how bladder control is the owners' responsiblity. She said she could not tell me about the family who adopted her (confidentiality.) So I asked about their adoption procedure. They require that everyone living in the household be present and interviewed. They do not want one person in the home wanting a pet and someone else not. They have to agree to home visits if the center choses. They are interviewed on how well they understand the responsibility of pet ownership. (The parents of one the couple has a dog.) They are not a no-kill shelter but they do whatever they can to avoid putting an animal down. She gave me an article about a dog who was brought in by his owner with the last seven inches of one his hind legs hanging by the tendon. The result of an accident, the owner had not sought medical treatment for weeks. The dog was rushed to a vet clinic in the vehicle of a volunteer. The leg was amupated and the dog, Cassie is back at the shelter ready for a home. I was impressed. That could have been a quick "put down" decision.

(I was going to make some southside jokes but on second thought....) Anyway, I wanted people to know that this shelter seems to me to be a place where the people really do care about the animals in their charge. It is often a thankless and emotionally painful job they have to do. They seem to me to do it with compassion.

Gosh, I wish there were more shelters like that!
I think Edwina would make a wonderful show girl but it might interfere with her 'budding romance' with Marius, don't you think? True love is more important in my opinion. :) :D

Thank you so much, Sara, for taking the time to seek them out, talk about their procedures, etc. , on top of everything you did on Friday as well. What a heroine you are in my eyes! And with this post, you have really set my mind at ease, even more. Of course, all of us wish it could have worked out for Aly and Maddie, but I sure do feel better after hearing all of this. The woman I got on the phone Thursday was definitely NOT the one I needed to talk with. It was a learning experience for me, as I now know better what to ask, and who to try and get to!!

Glad you had fun at the show! :)

Logan

Thanks for sharing your visit to the Pet Show. That is something that I have always wanted to do, but I don't know if I could trust myself - I might need to bring a few home with me.

Also, what good news you shared about Maddie's adoption.
I always wonder what these wonderful pets think when they realize that they really are in their forever home and will be spoiled and loved.

Thanks for the update! I'm so glad you had so much fun. I still can't help but worry about Maddie. Maybe its just my disappointment.

I hate being a skeptic, but I've learned not to trust most people
until I see proof for myself. It took me a LONG time of being too trusting and naive to learn that lesson. I do hope what the shelter person said was correct though. I do know that a lot of times in a shelter situation, everyone has a different story or opinion and everyone thinks they are right. I feel like pulling my hair out every time I deal with the kill shelter downtown here, I'll talk to 6 people and get 6 COMPLETELY different stories.. then find out none of them are even true and its something completely different, argh! I'm rambling so I'll shut up now.

Sounds as though you had a great day out and learned a lot also. I have only ever been to one cat show but like you could never imagine our own cats being so quiet and patient. I did find it a little heart breaking however as a lot of the cats became distressed with the noise and of course the crowds and being in a cage for up to 10 hrs.

I did get to meet a famous cat called Arthur who advertises cat food on TV. Brittish members will know who I am talking about.

Sara, so glad you enjoyed yourself at the show!! I really enjoyed my "first cat show" that I attended in Jan and plan on going to another in April. I really was amazed at how patient most of those cats were, and it definitely was neat seeing what some breeds looked like "in person". Edwina sounds like she has a little bit of my husband's cat Scooter's "colorful" language! LOL LOL
Edwina, darlin' no need to fret your pretty little head about the show-biz life. After all, being poked at and stared at all day long would just be so annoying after awhile!! Marius sends his love, and he says you're the "model" cat of his dreams:D

That is neat that you were able to talk with someone from the South Suburban group. It sounds like they have a good process about adopting animals out, so that's a positive thing. I'm sure they've never had a situation quite like the one with Maddie. So many people were thinking of that dog!! It would be neat if the owners could see all the posts about her and everyone wanting to pitch in and help in her rescue. It's quite an inspiring tale.
**hugs**
Karen