Monday, March 26, 2012

Dog Events Season Beginning Soon - Columbus Pet Expo Recap


As warmer weather approaches, dog events season is about to get into full swing. This means everything from the monthly Dogs Nite Out at Ritter’s in Kettering to the Furry Skurry in May to the Doggie Dash ‘n Splash come August.

This past weekend, we decided to hop in the car – Izzy included – and venture a little outside the Miami Valley to check out the 18th Annual Columbus Pet Expo, which was held March 23-25 at Veterans Memorial.

About the Expo

The purpose of the Columbus Pet Expo is to educate the public about the importance of responsible pet ownership. The event includes fun pet entertainment, pet competition shows and events, seminars, and new product sales and demonstrations.

From the floor of the Columbus Pet Expo.

Most importantly, when the Expo says “pets,” they mean everything… dogs, cats, birds, horses, and more.

A friendly camel.

This area also had homemade alpaca fleece items for sale.

Events at the Expo included plenty of activities showcasing all types of animals, including “Meet the Breeds,” Classic K-9 agility shows, indoor dock diving, a bird show, a petting zoo, and the TICA Cat Show. There also was plenty of other entertainment, including a pet-themed Children’s Show.

Everyone had a dog-gone good time watching the children's show.

As we walked around, we visited each of the booths, and of course did a little shopping. We bought Izzy a fleece coat from Puppy Wear and were impressed by the unique pet furniture from Petsonality.

Perfect sleeping space for a cat or small dog.

In addition to merchants, there were a number of other booths dedicated to Columbus-area general and breed rescues for cats and dogs, a ferret vendor, veterinarians, boarding facilities, pet activities, and more.

We even took in the cat show, separately, as one of us had to wait outside the cat area with Izzy who was not allowed in – for good reason. Luckily, we picked the right time as they were judging the Bengal cats, of which we have two at home.

Finding the perfect Bengal, to breed standard, of course.

The Columbus Pet Expo certainly had something for everyone. Here’s a few quick takeaways.

Summary:

Pros

First, the fact that the Columbus Pet Expo is indoors is a huge plus. Even though we’ve been blessed with warmer temperatures lately, you just never know what Spring in Ohio will bring.

Second, the event is totally pet friendly, as long as your pet can handle crowds and loud noises. It looked like the majority of owners there were aware of their pet’s temperament and everyone got along.

Finally, as you would expect for an Expo, there is a little something for everyone, whether you’re a pet owner or just an animal lover looking for a fun day away from home.

Cons

As compared to most pet-centric events that we’ve been to in Dayton, there were not as many freebies being given away from the vendors. That was disappointing, especially considering the cost to enter and the parking fee. In fact, most conventions you go to will give you a goodie bag just for showing up. At this event, you just 
received a program and some coupons (and a poop bag if you brought a dog).

In addition, while there was an outside pet waste area and signs indoors that asked you to clean up after your pet, the supplies for cleaning up after your pet (paper towels, spray) were not easily visible. Plus, there was not a trash can immediately at the pet waste area, it was down by the return door. That said, we did see pet owners cleaning up after their pets and attendants who came to spray the floor afterward, so we’re not saying it wasn’t a clean event, just that supplies could be handier.

Did you attend the Columbus Pet Expo? Let us know what you thought of it.  

Thursday, March 22, 2012

SICSA in the Rachael Ray Contest - Need Your Help to Brainstorm and Vote!

We saw a post from SICSA on Facebook and we wanted to get the word out to Dayton Dog Blog readers as soon as possible. Help them win!

SICSA in 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge Qualifying Heat

SICSA has been chosen to participate in the 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge Qualifying Heat. You can vote online from April 5-16, 2012, at http://www.votetosavelives.org/.

The 2012 ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge is a nationwide competition for animal shelters and their communities aimed at getting more animals adopted or reunited with their families than ever before. The first phase of this Challenge is the Qualifying Heat where SICSA will compete against other registered shelters from across the nation to accumulate the most online votes from their supporters.

Brainstorming Session – March 24 – for Promotion Ideas

SICSA was created – and continues to be staffed and supported – by the Dayton community. As one of the smaller animal centers in this challenge, they want to make sure they can get the word out to as many people as possible so they can win. Join SICSA and friends on Saturday, March 24, from 11 a.m. until noon, for a brainstorming session. The meeting will be held in the SICSA lobby at 2600 Wilmington Pike in Kettering.

Getting the Word Out

You can help SICSA get the word out now and throughout the contest by:
  • Providing SICSA with your ideas for how to encourage and increase voting.
  • Sharing the news about voting for SICSA with your family, friends, and acquaintances by word-of-mouth, email, and social networks (Facebook, Twitter, etc.).
  • Helping SICSA pass out information about the Challenge to the Dayton community.

You can reach SICSA at 937.294.6505 or info@sicsa.org.

We’ll also post more info as it becomes available.



Let’s create some happy tails!

-Loretta & Ryan

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

10 Tips for Finding a Pet Sitter

We’re really lucky to have found a good pet sitter for times when we are out of town. However, it took a lot of research, plus some trial and error, to find the right one. petMD.com recently offered 10 tips for finding a professional pet sitter that might help you in your search.

  1. Ask Your Veterinarian: Good pet sitters will have a support network. Especially for older and special needs pets, a pet sitter who has an established professional relationship with your pet's doctor will provide you with peace of mind should there be a medical emergency.
  2. Word of Mouth: Ask a fellow pet parent or a trusted pet trainer to help you find a qualified pet sitter.
  3. Use a Questionnaire: The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has a comprehensive list of qualifications you can use to screen potential pet sitters.
  4. Ask for References: A professional pet sitter will have a list of both regular clients and pet care services that would be willing to vouch for their professionalism. When provided with references to speak with, be sure to ask questions that cater specifically to your expectations and your pet's needs.
  5. Select a Certified Pet Sitter: As an alternative to personal recommendations, the HSUS suggests contacting two national agencies dedicated to training and certifying pet sitters: The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS), or Pet Sitters International (PSI).
  6. Find a Pet Sitter Affiliated with a Reputable Boarding Facility: An established pet sitter will be able to provide a back-up housing plan should they suddenly be unable to care for your dog or cat. A reputable boarding facility will have equally stringent standards for working with qualified pet sitters.
  7. Double-check the Contract: The prospective pet sitter will have complete access to your home and personal belongings, as well as being entrusted to care for your dog or cat. Take special care when studying the contract to help ensure that all the discussed and agreed-upon services have been included.
  8. Take a Trial Run: Even after you've selected a potential pet sitter who has met all of your criteria, there are equally important members of your family who have yet to approve them – your pets! A qualified pet sitter should visit your home so you can watch them interact with your pet.
  9. Ask About Emergency Plans: Accidents and mishaps happen, so you'll want to select a person who is experienced and resourceful enough to protect your pet as well as you would.
  10. Level of Service: Pet sitting is as varied as your needs may be. Some services may include grooming along with live-in care, while others may offer play time, outdoor exercise, and training. Some pet sitters may also combine their services with nutritional regimens such as weight loss. Determine what needs your pet has and seek out a pet sitter who can meet them.
What tips do you have for finding a good pet sitter?


Sunday, March 11, 2012

Dayton Dog Park Updates

Here are a few updates about Dayton area dog parks.

Bark Park at Montgomery County Animal Resource Center (ARC)
The Bark Park hill will be closed through the end of March for extensive seeding and fertilizing. Sonny's Acres and the agility area remain open. Plans are also underway to improve the drainage situation in those areas. Plus, once there is dryer weather, new picnic tables, benches, and waste cans will be installed.

If you have questions, call 937.225.4999 or email barkpark@mcohio.org. The Animal Resource Center also has a Facebook page with information: http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCountyARC


Oak Grove Park in Centerville
The dog park at Oak Grove Park in Centerville has re-opened a section that was closed for repairs. They also have added a Facebook page that posts daily updates about whether the park is open. You can "Like" it here: http://www.facebook.com/dogparkatoakgrovepark.