The Wonderful World of Pets!
written by Skye Anderson
I still remember my wonder and amazement (wonderment?) when I saw my first
dog agility demo, many years ago. I laughed and cheered so hard it hurt! This
weekend you, too, can exercise your laugh muscles at the World of Pets. Have a ball
when you take your family to the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. The kids
will cheer on their favorite pups. And, for you, Free Parking! Or take the Light Rail.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday!
I plan to be there all three days as I have most of the past 13 years. Friday: 2-8 pm.
Saturday: 10-7 pm. Sunday: 10-6 pm. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 5-12.
Worried about the snow? Don’t be! The World of Pets is indoors – the whole thing,
the entire weekend! From vendors who sell leashes or dog treats or dog beds to the
petting zoo to lectures and dog competitions and a cat show
and birds and gerbils and bunnies
and guinea pigs and snakes and ferrets and parrots,
there is something for everyone. You can even experience the rainforest.
I love the food! It’s like a county fair in January. Lemonade, fruit slushes, cotton
candy, taco salads, . . . . and, of course, hamburgers.
Buy Something for Fido
Does he need a new blue leash? The latest dog toy that squeaks (we call them
woobies)? How about an antler to chew on? (Antlers are the bee’s knees – they last
for months, don’t stain carpeting, are odor-free. Stop by the Acadia Antlers booth to
check them out.)
Agility and Dock Diving
Yes, dogs have sports to compete in. Come see agility and dog dock diving.
Watch dogs speed through an obstacle course – high jumps, broad jumps, hoop
jumps (tire jumps),
A-frames, dogwalks, teeter-totters, and weave poles (like a slalom course). The
obstacles are sized up or down for the dog’s size. The kids will cheer on every dog
that looks like their own.
See dogs fly! Chesapeake Dock Dogs is organizing three dog dock diving events:
highest jump into water, longest jump off the dock, and fastest water retrieve – yes,
indoors. Your dog can even try it! And, would you believe some of the more
‘professional’ dogs wear sleek ‘swim suits’?
The Muttville Comix
Exercise your funny bone again with the Muttville show. These mostly shelter dogs
have appeared on TV and at the White House. Slapstick comedian-dogs climb
ladders, go skateboarding and understand Spanish. Too funny!
Parade of Breeds – Watch, Listen and Learn
Learn more about the AKC breeds, rare breeds and that most popular All-American
– you might even be able to parade your own dog around!
Bring your gerbil and compete with the best at the 4th annual Mid-Atlantic Gerbil
Show. Maybe your guy is the friendliest or best shoulder-rider or fastest wheel
runner.
And there will be plenty of rescue organizations: from guinea pig rescues to Yorkie
Rescue and more.
See you there!