Paws Up for the Canadian Pet Expo

This past weekend, April 3-5, 2015, we had the privilege of being one of the vendors at the first ever Canadian Pet Expo, replacing the All About Pets Show. There was so much to see, from a much larger reptile-creepy-crawly-slithering-slimey section and a cavy (pretty much a fancy way to say guinea pig- in case you didn't know) show, to the always-popular cat show and dock diving dogs.

We met all sorts of new friends and couldn’t be more excited. The Talent Hounds put on a great talent show featuring lots of incredible four-legged canine talent! We also got to chat with Kevin from the Pet Network, while he filmed a short featurette with our brand manager, Ashley, and joint Canadian Pet Expo, PetPrints 3D and The Pet Network contest winner Kelsey LeCoure (and her service dog, Troy). Port Credit Pet Centre and Reptiles R Us also let us play with some lovely, charming little slimey creatures! Tangled in Webs hooked Ashley up with a handful of Mexican orange-kneed tarantula. Overall, we learned an awful lot about our reptile friends. Not to mention the chats we had with the crew at Pilots N’ Paws about their great initiatives for our furry (and some not-so-furry) companions!

We were also very happy to see some of our old friends. The Smiling Blue Skies Walk to End Canine Cancer is a special cancer fund for our pooch pals and we were pleased to donate a 3D printed model to them at their Guelph event last year, which raised the most of any silent auction item! We also came across Veronica Matthews, a wonderful Barbet (French Waterdog) breeder, who we’ve had the privilege of getting to know from many of our 2014 shows. We also saw our unofficial mascot and enchanting fur friend, Nori! We caught up with Matt at Iron Will Raw dog food, but were sad to learn that we hadn’t brought Tulip with him to the show! We visited with the team from Dawg Grillz, who we got to know at Ottawa Pet Expo. And speaking of OPE, we also saw the familiar face of Jake Naylor, who was Show Manager, last November when we were there, and has since taken on the position of National Events Director at Canadian Pet Expo! Congratulations to him on the promotion and on a great show!

Each of our team had some favourite highlights from the show as well. Mary enjoyed all of the “FFFLLLUUFFFFYYYYYY” dogs, as well as seeing what she called an Albino Parrot and petting the kangaroo. Steve really enjoyed seeing so many beautiful, well-behaved, unique looking dogs. Adam said that his dog Comet enjoyed the show because of all of the treats he got to eat! And Ashley was thrilled to meet all of the vendors, pet as many animals as humanly possible and face her arachnophobia and hold a tarantula.

This year, Canadian Pet Expo hired on Sara Carson and Hero, The Super Collie to be the master (dogster) of ceremonies, which was a spectacle in and of itself. Saying they stole the show would be an understatement. Both were charming, entertaining, and professional and brought so much fun to the weekend event. Sara and Hero put on a wonderful show, and were friendly and welcoming off the stage.

The wonderful event staff were well organized and ensured that everyone had a great time at the expo. Paws up to Jake Naylor and Grant Crossman, as well as the entire team for a great show!

We are also very happy to be award winners at the first ever Canadian Pet Expo. Sara and Hero were sure to celebrate with the team at our booth after Grant presented us with the award. It definitely has a proud place on the PetPrints 3D desk (and in our hearts).

We absolutely cannot wait until the Canadian Pet Expo is back in Toronto in September! We’re still prowling around and wagging our tails while we decide if we’re heading to Halifax or not. To be announced! Keep your eyes peeled for more pupdates in our latest adventures.

#blog