Cats, Dogs, Friends, and More at the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Pet Expo
Christine and I at our booth right before the expo opened – she had brought two of her fosters for adoption, Sobe and Daphne, but unfortunately we did not find them forever homes. If anyone in the South Florida area is looking for beautiful calico cats to adopt, please let me know.
So, I went to the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale Pet Expo last Saturday on behalf of Pawsitively Humane with Christine Michaels and the big question on everyone’s mind (especially my cats) was, was I capable of coming home without another cat/kitten in tow given my prior history of impromptu adoptions with Kizmet, then Jazmine?
Believe it or not, the answer is “yes.” Not that there weren’t temptations, because truly there was. We (Dan and I) had one close call with a kitten that seemed to be the male version of Jazmine (other than he was black and white instead of orange and white) but honestly, this time it was the puppies that had my heart racing and it was really hard not to bring one home with me.
This darling boy was our near miss. He reminded Dan and I so much of Jazmine and both of us kept stopping by his cage all day long to see if he was still available.
Thankfully someone else also fell in love with him and I have to tell you that the connection this kitten had with his new forever Mom was amazing. He melted into her arms and could not stop making biscuits on her (seen here he looks like he is winking at us, kind of like, he’s saying “I knew I would get her to fall in love with me and take me home!”)
But, rational thinking actually won out and for once I remained strong. The event was a lot of fun and was filled with more surprises than I ever could have imagined, starting with a completely unplanned and unexpected bump-in with Caren Gittleman of Cat Chat With Caren and Cody!! It was absolutely ridiculous – I was at my booth and looked up to see her walking towards me! She was in town from the frigid temperatures of Michigan on blogging business (as well as to visit with family of hers that lives in the Fort Lauderdale area) and we both just hugged at screamed at one another simultaneously!
Caren, Christine, and I at our booth. I was so excited to see Caren that I put on my special leopard glasses for the occasion!
Dan was able to get some great photos of all of us together and even though Caren could only stay for a few minutes, it was wonderful getting to see her. Dan also got a montage of other awesome pictures to capture the essence of the event and I have to say that all in all it was a lot of fun – Christine and I got to educate about pet responsibility and spay/neuter to those that stopped by our booth and I also got to pet and hug creatures of all kinds – from cats, to dogs, to puppies, to kittens, to even a skunk! Yup, that’s right! Someone even brought a rescue skunk (descented) to the expo and I have to admit that is the first time I have ever touched a skunk in my life!
The only other experience I have had with a skunk was 25 years ago when my Old English Sheepdog was sprayed by one and I had to give him a tomato juice bath to get rid of the smell!
The booth across from us sold accessories for dog walking – these were his dogs and they were so well-behaved!
My photo-op with Shorty from the show Pit Boss – Animal Planet.
These three dogs were absolute show stoppers!
Oh my gosh…. My heart melts just looking at this darling picture of Christine and I with future cat advocates, Jemma and Bella. Where can I get that dress and do they have it in leopard print? And you will notice, I always travel with extra cat ears because everyone loves having their picture taken with them on!
This was one of the highlights of the expo when this woman named Angel came to our booth. She is a leopard diva like me (her fingernails have a leopard pattern) and she is anything but camera shy! Her friend is taking a picture of the booth and might help Christine with cat fostering!
Sigh… this dog was SO SWEET! If she didn’t already have a human, I think I might have brought her home…
I think this was my favorite picture of the day. The hug this puppy gave me went right straight into my heart and soul and I pray she finds a forever home soon.
When I came home from the event later that day, I can only imagine how confused my own gang was with the mix of smells on me! But, since I came home pet-free, all was forgiven and once I fed my hungry gang dinner, it was like I hadn’t been gone most of the day!
So that was my experience – hope you enjoyed the pictures. Have a great Wednesday all and a special thank you to Subaru of America who was kind enough to sponsor our Pawsitively Humane booth.
The team at Subaru who sponsored our Pawsitively Humane booth. I am kicking myself because I CANNOT BELIEVE I FORGOT TO BRING THE CAT EARS FOR THE PICTURE!
Hmmm… I’m thinking if this cat thing I do doesn’t work out, perhaps car modeling?
I did wonder if you’d bring home an irresistible fur friend when I saw your photos this weekend! I was at an Expo too, and these things are almost too much with all the animals, the cool things to learn about, the people who love animals and just being out in public after being at work behind computers so much of the time. Glad you had a great time, nice to see you and Christine–and Caren!
Looks like a really great day with plenty of critters to give and get hugs. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Great write up Deb! While it was only 3 days ago, my schedule has been non stop action I feel like it was three weeks ago! So wonderful to reminisce and see your photos with other attendees as we alternated making rounds.
So good to get out of the routine and mingle with other pet lovers, advocates, volunteers and of course the pets!!
Best of all it was heartwarming to see you and Dan after so much time!!! We can not let that happen again.
Thank you for taking the lead on this and making it happen!
Christine
Oh one more item–You make a gorgeous car model! Such a natural !
Me, looks like I’m taking a break not showcasing–haha. I’ll stick to my day job.
Sounds like you had a wonderful time, and what a wonderful surprise to see Caren!
It looks like you had great great time in Florida ! It’s so cool you met other crazy cat ladies offline ! Purrs
Sounds like a good time was had by all, even the animals. Hope they all found some nice homes.
I do love reading about your adventures and as always you make me feel like I was right there (one day!)
Great photos and I agree with Christine, your next adventure should be car model. You’re just so stinkin cute (and so is Christine)!! Glad you girls had such a nice time! Thanks for sharing : )
guys…..phew…that wuz a close one huh…yur mom came thiz cloze…ta bringin home a D.A.W.G.
glad her hada awesum time; thanx for sharin !! ♥♥♥
We sure did enjoy the recap and the wonderful photos of our pals!
That looked like a great Expo! And we’re sure the kitties are glad you came home empty-handed. 🙂
Looks like a fun event! It’s a good thing you didn’t bring home a pup. We can’t imagine a dog living among all of those kitties. Talk about a dog who knows its place in the universe… well below cats in the pecking order.
Always love hearing about the places you get to go. So glad you got to see Caren too.
LOVED this post!! It was such a complete blast seeing you!!! It was the highlight of the Expo for me! How in the world did I miss the skunk???!!! lol
Sending you MUCH love, oh and as I said there, Dan is one HANDSOME guy! Super nice too, you make an adorable couple and you know I love you and Christine sooooooo much! xoxoxo
It sounds like it was a terrific and fun event, Deb! And how wonderful that you got to see Caren!