Toronto Pet Expo April 2015

If you're an animal lover, what better way there is to spend a cold, snowy Sunday than to visit Toronto Pet Expo? I'm sure there's couple of them crossing your mind right now, BUT, if you're somewhat bored, you should give it a try next time.

The International Center Toronto hosted dogs, cats and various exotic pets this weekend. Overall, it's a nice show. You get to enjoy people's faces when their pet does something cute, or kid's joy when they hold a puppy in their hands.

Lot's of "awwww"s, lots of laugh and generally lots of positive energy.


I did, however, expected a larger show, according to what I've seen on their website. But then again, I visited on last day, Sunday, so maybe I've only seen what's left after the first two days. The visitors were able to bring their own pets, which is nice - there were also lots of organizations there, from animal rescues, different protective organizations to training schools and various educational groups for higher awareness of responsibility and good caring for pets.

I'm a cat person, so as soon as I walked in, I headed in that direction. I was a bit puzzled, as there were maybe 30 cats altogether, shut inside small boxes and cages. You could tell that they were exhausted. I actually felt pretty bad for poor animals - cats were frightened and freaked out because of all the commotion, loud speakers and music. They were obviously uncomfortable and scared, which made me rethink the whole purpose of the show.

Bengal

They shouldn't have been placed in the same hall with the traders, dogs, food stands, stage with the speakers and loud and crazy parrots. The mix of sounds made them insane (we have a convenient word for that in Croatian - "unezvijerene"- ones which are in confusion, without presence of mind; bemused, bewildered, amazed, in a panic).

I did see some spectacular samples of mesmerizing Maine Coon's, Rag Dolls and Bengals.

Abyssinian

Rag Doll

Needless to mention, there were some beautiful dogs and puppies, as well as birds, snakes, guinea pigs, hamsters, monkeys, an owl and a kangaroo.

Kangaroo Domesticus

Yes, a kangaroo.



That was kind of cool. That is, until I learned that the company that provided monkeys and a kangaroo was in the rental business, making money on renting the animals for birthday parties, special events and much more.
A touch of inhumanity, but oh well. Who would't want to have a kangaroo on their birthday bash?

Useless leash

A very good girlfriend of mine, back home in a far away land, got up few days ago and decided to seize the beautiful, sunny, spring day outside. A perfect day for a walk.

So, she went for a bite with her boyfriend and a little dog. Kind of a dog you usually hold in hands. It's their baby and their bundle of joy.

Just when they were about to order their food, along came a guy walking a Stafford (Staffordshire Bull Terrier). As he was approaching, it was more and more obvious that he can't actually handle the dog. Even tough he had the dog on leash, the dog was walking him, and not the other way around. They got close to my friends, and in a blink of an eye, Stafford jumped and attacked the boyfriend and the bundle of joy in his arms. Twice.

Panic. Screaming. Blood everywhere. Swearing in a way only Croatians can swear.

The Stafford guy took off as soon as someone called the police, and hasn't yet been found.

Let me just say, it might have ended up a lot worse than it has. Luckily, the boyfriend has "only" a pretty serious injured arm, and the bundle of joy has an injured nose. They went straight to an ER and they're both alive and fine for now.

The problem is - nobody knows anything about the dog, or the owner.
Nobody knows if the dog has rabies.
Nobody knows if the dog has a history of violence or it's just the owner that doesn't really know how to control it. The police is searching for the guy, but it's not likely they'll find him.

I'm not saying it's dog's fault - or even that the breed itself (Stafford) is more or less dangerous. What I'm saying is, if you have a dog - any kind - you should know how to control it. Having a medium (or large) sized dog on a leash, but without being able to manage it's behavior, is pretty much the same as having the dog unleashed. The owner should know what to expect out of his pet. And if you're not up to it - don't walk it in the middle of the town. He might have came across some kids - a 5 year old wouldn't stand a chance against such an attack, and who would be to blame once the guy takes off and leaves your kid hurt, alone on the street? Not even necessary to mention, do you know how many people don't even have their dogs on a leash, cause they're "friendly"? Look around.

Bundle of joy will survive, so will the boyfriend. But the point is, it can happen anywhere, anytime. I took it for granted  until now, but I'm not likely to approach some dog on a leash as easily as before, even if the owner goes with the common "he's friendly" phrase.

Not everyone who owns a dog is responsible and mature enough. If you can't handle your dog - get a cat. It's by far less likely it will hurt someone.

Plus, cats are way more cool.