The London Pet Show 2014

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by Bastion Harrison (subscribe)

Freelance writer and poet from London; if you would like to read my poetry, please check out my book, 'Poems on the Page', available from goo.gl/Ta4oAX.

Event: 17/05/2014 - 18/05/2014

It's Got the Cute Factor

Are you dazzled by dogs, crazy about cats, and beguiled by bunnies? If not, you're mad, and if so, then get down to the Earls Court Exhibition Centre on the 17th & 18th May. The Annual London Pet Show is making its return, featuring displays, talks, games, shopping, and advice for all pet owners and animal lovers. From man's best friend to mini equines, discover the fluffiest, scaliest, and flappiest pets around.

I last went in 2012, and there was so much to do, I had trouble deciding which events to go to. I guess that is why there are two days dedicated to the event. Tickets are up slightly from last year (£17 adult, £14 seniors, £12 children), but so are the number of activities to see and get involved in. Here are a few highlights:

Discover Dogs

Breeds - See hundreds of breeds from across the most popular categories, including, Hound, Pastoral, Working, Utility, Terrier, Toy, and Gundog.

Activity Ring - The Kennel Club will be hosting lots of fun games that test agility and obedience. These include flyball, obstacle courses, and heelwork to music.

Image from www.londonpetshow.co.uk

Doggy Dancing - Owners and their dogs will take to stage, and perform a dance routine.

SuperDogs Live - Is your dog a superdog? Let's find out. You and your pooch can enter into three categories: Doggy Dancing, Most Talented, and Heroic Hound.

Scrufts - Is your dog the prettiest, handsomest pooch there is? Is s/he great with kids, or the perfect golden oldie? Get a certificate to prove it, and enter them into Scrufts.

Discover Cats

Image from www.londonpetshow.co.uk

The World of Cats/Meet TICA Cats - meet some of the most popular and unusual breeds of cats, including Persian, Semi Long Hair, British, Foreign, Siamese, Oriental, Burmese, Bengal, Ragdoll, Maine Coon, Sphynx, Siberian, and American Curl.

Cartoonist - Bring in a photo of your cat, go to the Zoflora stand, and Sheba will draw a cartoon of your feline friend.

Discover Small Furries

Animals - Meet, greet, and cuddle the cutest animals on earth, including rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, rats, gerbils, and hamsters.

Willow Ball Making - Learn how to make fun toys for your pets to play with, and dig out snacks.

Rabbit Show Jumping - I thought I was imagining things when I first heard about this, but rabbit show jumping is a real sport developed in Sweden, and has bunnies bounding all over the place (sometimes even over the intended target). It is a wonderful sight to see, and they appear to have fun doing it, too.

Discover Aquatics & Reptiles

Zoo Bus - Get aboard the zoo bus and discover all things scaly, wet, and slimy. This includes various species/breeds of snakes, lizards, amphibians, and invertebrates.

Aquarium - See a myriad of different fish from around the globe, such as Koi Angels, Reed Fish, Lamp Eyes, Large Neon Tetras, and Blue Dwarf Gourami.

Discover Ponies

Pony Paddock - Watch The Pony Club Stables give demonstrations on tacking up, grooming, and different riding styles. Learn how to use equipment, and find out about joining the club. There will also be other activities such as quizzes and making avatars.

Other Discoveries

Micro Pig Racing - Bet on your favourite piggy. All the profits will go towards Cancer Research. You'll also be able learn how to walk a pig on a lead, care for them, play a game of 'guess the pig's name', and have your photo taken with them.

Duck Herding - One of the funniest things you'll ever see is a waddling duck trying to run fast. Just like sheep herding, a trained dog will round the ducks into a pen by listening to his master's whistles and vocal commands.

A World of Wings - From birds of prey to parrots, and a new parrot exhibit, learn about all the different types of birds.

As well as all this, you will be able to attend talks that give advice on pet care, go to grooming parlours, and buy gifts and essentials for your pets.

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