Jordan -

I'm fairly new to this board - but others here have known me for years from a Golden retreiver board I've been on with them.

People who are not familiar with bulliten boards, like this, really cannot understand how truly close we can get to some of our 'internet' friends. Sure there are a few nuts who can stalk someone on one of these boards - but to keep up a fake front for months on end - well, it would be more 'work' than most kooks want to do!

I'm a mom of a teen, and an avid 'pet' person. I have made alot of friends on the internet and met some really nice people in person - I have to say that I have never had any 'problems'. However, I am cautious - I've always had my own transportation, a working cell phone, left a detailed itinerary with family, and met people in a public place. Only once did I take a 'risk' and go off to meet a friend at their home, 5-6 hrs away - and still, I went prepared to leave and fend for myself, should things not work out.

Still, if my son, Jon, wanted to go off to Canada for a dog show with someone we have never met - you can bet that at a minimum, I would be going with him. And i would be prepped for any contingency.

Staying at a hotel alone, or at someones house that you don't know well - neither are a good choice. I'm not sure i would do either, myself - and I'm a 45 yr old adult! It's just not 'smart' to take risks like that. I'm with your aunt on this - I would be worried silly about you.

I think, in the end, it's probably a good idea to wait for the next show.

however, knowing what you NOW know are going to be the objections your family is going to come up with - see if you can prepare for them -

you can call the insurance company and ASK if your insurance, cell phone service, phone calling card, credit cards, or anything else you might need, works in the US.

Is there someone who can go with you in September that your aunt and mom trust? Is there anyone else you know going to this show? there's safety in numbers.

Is there a place or person you can stay with nearby, that THEY know? another relative nearby? do you have a school friend who has a relative in that town? maybe you can take your friend and stay with HER family.

Can your aunt or mom get to know your internet friends better so they will feel more secure about them? don't be so quick to think that your aunt might 'cramp your style' - If she cares about you, She's probably more considerate of your feelings than that - and I bet you would be surprised how 'cool' some adults can be!

I hope you DO get to go in September - I'm sure you are very dissapointed now - i would be, too!

but even though I don't know you - if you headed off with so many unknowns right now - I'd be worried about you, too!

Laura

(PS - not ALL of us crazy americans have guns - but you'd better look out for my killer, kissy golden retreiver! LOL! She just might bowl you over and lick you to death!)