I took the train into Waterloo and then the Jubilee line over to North Greenwich before boarding the Emirates Line cable car across the river. I love that view of Canary Wharf! From there it’s just a 10 minute walk to the ExCel Centre where, in addition to the National Pet Show, there is currently also the Grand Designs Exhibition.
I made my way directly to the red Dogs Zone and was greeted by a large group of people surrounding the Police Dog pen which contained a lively German Shepherd puppy who was doing his utmost to socialise with everyone.
There were numerous stalls where you could get up close and personal to all manner of exotic and more common dog breeds. There were small children dwarfed by massive Tibetan Mastiffs, Border Collies gamely fetching balls thrown in their pens by kids, Dalmations looking regal, a variety of scruffy terrier breeds, Weimaraners, Siberian Huskies as well as Cocker and Sussex Spaniels.
And in between were all manner of organic dog foods (including one containing garlic to ward off fleas from Paws and Claws), leather (Mabel and Mu) and sparkly (Lucky Dog) collars, some stunning hand-made quilted dog coats using clips rather than velcro (Walter’s Wardrobe), pet cribs and even dog cottages. There was even a Dog Poo Wormery and a Puzzle Kit for Dogs
In the large Eukanuba Supertheatre there were hundreds of people watching “Most Talented Dog” displays – I saw a black poodle trot along on his (or her) hind legs. Later in the day were sessions with SuperDogs, Supervets and even birds of prey and mini-beasts. In the smaller Hill’s School for Dogs some kindly instructors were putting pets through their paces.
There were three products that really caught my eye.
Pompous Pets take a photo of your beloved dog (or cat) and produce a stunning oil painting of your pet in regal clothes or military attire. That would be an extraordinary keepsake or present – I’m sorely tempted to get one of my dog – who we call Prince Alfie anyway. http://www.pompouspets.com/
There was an innovative new product that is taking South East Asia by storm. A flexible dog (or cat) smart band collar that displays up to five messages on a flexible LED display that lasts for 20 hours between battery charges. That’ll help you keep track of your dog in the dark. http://neopop.kr/
Then there is a new UK-wide (it originated in Milan where dogs rule) pet social network app that shows dog friendly places (including dog friendly beaches for when you are on trips) and the location of all manner of doggy essentials such as grooming, 3,500 walking areas and even dates with other dogs! I’ve already downloaded Bauwow. www.bauwowworld.com
And then there were even more dog breeds: Akitas, Poodles, those original shaggy dog Rastafarian dogs (see the Bergamasco in the photo above), the only pure white Border Collie, Bloodhounds, Staffies, Retrievers, Pinschers, Pointers, Rottweilers and the list goes on. Dog Heaven! And then I found a couple of breeds I hadn’t seen before – a Czech Wolf Dog and a Canadian Eskimo Dog. Near the Nerf Ring where there was an obedience class in progress, I chatted to the military chaps who were promoting Invicta Foundation charity for injured service men and women.
Although I spent ages in the dog zone I did venture into the other areas – I watched films in the Cat Zone, petted a snake in the red double decker bus housing Exo Terra and looked on in amazement at fluffy pet houses for rats and guinea pigs.
In the Kids Zone I watched children happily painting pictures and pottery and, in amongst the Rabbit Awareness Week straw bales, they were weaving baskets. And then there were ponies, donkeys, tiny little pigs, huge spiders, chatty parrots and even some alpacas.
And of course there were dozens of pet related charities including: PDSA, Woodland Trust, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the Blue Cross.
And there were all manner of food and drink stalls – including one with frozen slush puppies in palm frond cups and another with an enormous chocolate fountain.
Adults £20, children (5-15) £15, Seniors and Students £17 and Family Ticket £60.
And if you don’t get a chance to visit tomorrow (Sunday 8th May) put the date in your diary for next year – 7th-8th May 2017
http://www.thenationalpetshow.com/
