Never mind mousetraps, build the better kitty litter and they will come.
Apparently, that’s the prevailing view at public pet shows including the Spring Canadian Pet Expo 2017 on this weekend (April 13, 14 and 15) at the International Centre in Toronto, Canada. ‘Robot’ cat litter boxes, litter made from anything and everything absorbent such as pine, clay, and corn – it’s all there.
For a $5 donation to the Ontario SPCA, I went home with a bag of Odor Buster dust-free clay litter – supposedly the ultimate in odor control. (Update: Odor Buster litter is terrible. It clumps like cement and makes a mess).
I’ll let you know.
Yes, I’ve officially adopted Sally, a beautiful black kitty, which means I am no longer a fur foster mom; I’m a cat fur mom once again. It also means, I’ve inherited her vet bills – she has severe food allergies, eats prescription food and is still on Prednisolone until I can figure out what to feed her. It’ll be a journey.
But she has new cat litter!
Friday, thousands of people streamed through the doors of the Spring Canadian Pet Expo 2017 along with almost as many pets, mostly dogs. Line-ups for tickets snaked around the corner for those who didn’t buy online (I did, so I walked right in). More than 300 vendors – the show’s focus – joined WoofJocks Caninie All-Stars show, dock diving competitions, aquariums of reptiles, a lure course and dog agility races – even a bunny-jumping event.
So what else did we score at the Spring Canadian Pet Expo? Here’s our haul:
Two packs of Select’s Smoked Bacon dog chews, which I know my dog Victor loves because we got two packs in our Dog Lovers Days Christmas gift – pure glorious pork cartilage (for him, not me) all made in Canada. I’ll likely take them hiking in Point Peele National Park with us soon, because Victor sometimes needs enticement to eat away from home. ($3 per pack at the show)
Speaking of road trips, single-serve wet food is perfect to keep my terrier fed without 
mess and these Zoe Tempting Trios (3 for $5 at the show) are a healthier alternative to some grocery store options. Made by Hagen with no corn, wheat or soy, Zoe’s combine meat, veggies and potatoes in one serving, but unfortunately are made in Thailand, not Canada.
The big finale? If you’re attending BlogPaws Conference 2017 in Myrtle Beach, watch for Victor sporting his new sushi-patterned collar and coordinating bow tie. Yes, another one … but this time from Peachy Keen Pets ($10 for bow, $20 for collar) a handmade pet accessories company we first met at Pawloosa in London, Ontario.
Victor and I will be heading to more pet events this summer:
- Woofstock, May 27 and 28, 2017 at Woodbine Park, Toronto, Ontario, CA
- Pawloosa, August 19, 2017 at Plunkett Estate, London, Ontario, CA
- BlogPaws Conference, May 17 to 20, 2017, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA.
Check out the list of dogtrotting.net events on our events page, updated regularly!
[…] Dock Dogs compete in the diving pool, agility pooches race against the clock and each other, and dogs attending the expo (there are many) can run the Dog Lover Days lure course – as in previous years. […]
[…] Niagara Canadian Pet Expo is run by the same company that’s host The Canadian Pet Expo in Toronto each year. It was well attended but not nearly as crowded as the Toronto version so access to the […]
Sounds like a fun event and it’s always good to score free stuff. So you’re officially a foster failure and sorry to hear about the cat’s health problems. We just tried Petcurean food, it has a grain free line for cats you might want to check that our.
Thanks. I saw your post…
I can’t wait to meet you and Victor at the conference! I’ll look for the guy w/ the Sushi bow tie, LOL! Congrats on adopting Sally, she’s such a beauty and I know what great care you’ll take of her. Pet Expos are the best, so much fun!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Look for the terrier with sushi bow tie … dripping with attitude. He’s quite the dominant little devil.
Yay for you and Sally that you found each other. Love reading about Pet Trade expos and new products for pets
Thanks!
Pet Expos can be so much fun, and a great way to find cool new pet products! I love that they are coming out with more environmentally friendly cat litters, but I really wish they were more affordable. ConCATs on your adoption of Sally! She is one lucky kitty!!! 😀
You’re right … affordable they are not. I’m not sure if I can compost my pine litter. I haven’t been.
Yay for Sally! Congrats to you 🙂 I am totally digging that sushi print collar and bow tie and look forward to seeing you and Victor in Myrtle Beach next month!
Thanks. I’ll look for you.
Congrats on the new addition! I’ve been to the local pet expo here but it’s not nearly as big. It would be fun to go sometime to the Canadian one.
It’s surprising how big … and how popular … the pet expos and festivals have become.
Congratulations on your new family member! It looks like you found lots of goodies at the Expo. I’ll be at BlogPaws and hope to meet you and Victor!
I’ll watch for you. Thanks
Congratulations on adopting Sally. I’m sure she’s so grateful. You all enjoy the Blog Paws Conference next month!
Thanks! This one I can drive to so I’m going to try taking Victor (but not Sally the cat. She’s not into travelling)
Congratulations on the new adoption! That’s sweet. I have to say, I’m glad they are making more non-toxic kitty litter. Hopefully, more great products will develop for our pets.
I’m not sure this one is non-toxic, I’ll check. But they claim it’s dust free and odor free…
Congratulations to Sally on her forever home! I am so happy for you both! Wow the Expo sounds like fun. I need to find one local to me and go. I admit – I want free goodies lol
Thanks. Yes. Sally has a forever home
She is precious.
Congrats on adopting Sally! Will be interested to see how she likes the new litter.
I love a dog on a bow tie so will look forward seeing Victor in Myrtle Beach!
He’s still got it on. Will throw it in the wash before Myrtle Beach.
I love heading to pet expos! It is so fun to treat out new things and to learn about new products. It’s kind of crazy how expansive the pet industry is. And congrats on the new addition! Foster failures are the best!
Thanks. I always knew she’d be a ‘foster fail’ No chance she’s going anywhere.
Thanks for the fun info on the event–wish one of these things would come to Fresno so I could go–sounds like great fun.
We seem to have a lot of pet expos and festivals around here – all jam packed
That sounds like a great expo! Our mom can’t wait to meet Victor at BlogPaws. She’ll be keeping an eye out for him.
I hope he does OK – I’m a little worried about his stress level
I would love to know how the litter is! I have never tried any of the more natural options — which I probably should! Totally digging the sushi patterned collar — cannot wait to see that in person!
Sushi seems to be the new pet theme…I’m sure there’s a post idea there somewhere
Have a lot of fun at BlogPaws it is the best place to be!
We love the collar and bowtie. It looks so cool, and smart!!
Are you going to Blogpaws?
I missed this year going to the Canadian Pet Expo, I find it difficult with it falling on the holiday weekend. But! I will be attending Woofstock again in May so maybe we can meet up! Can’t wait to hear how the new kitty litter works out.
Unfortunately, I think I’m away for Woofstock this year. I like the Pet Expo because it’s on a holiday … I get Friday off!