Dogs, Cats, and Llamas Oh My: SNAC Pet Expo
Dogs, cats, and llamas are just the beginning. There’s also mini pigs and mini horses, gerbils and sugar gliders and snakes, but obviously not all in the same place at once. The annual Salon National des Animaux de Compagnie (SNAC) brings with it all the wagging tails your heart can hold.
While the expo is essentially the same every year, it’s always uplifting. One can head to watch different breeds of cats compete in what essentially is a cat beauty show. From the biggest Maine Coon down to the panther-esque Bengal, they’re all there. In four “rings” — really partitioned spaces — cats are brought one at a time to a table to be inspected by a judge. The judge lifts the cat inspecting its eyes and tail, looking for traits that match the breed. Always amusing is watching the cat’s awaiting judgement in the cages behind be turned on by the sparkly ribbon a stick used to look for playfulness and responsiveness.
The dogs take up the most space. Aside from having breeders of many exotic and beloved breeds, there is a competition ring for agility, rally, and obedience trials. In agility, the dogs race around an obstacle course. Seeing the smallest dogs leap over hurdles set to tiny size and then ride their way down a see saw is pretty much as entertaining as it will ever get. There is also an aqua dogs tank, where owners throw objects into the pool in order to see who jumps the furthest.
As for small animals, reptiles had their own series of tables. Handlers allowed visitors to pet snakes and lizards. Rodents like gerbils, mice, hamsters, and rats were kept in their tanks (perhaps for the best), but these looked like pet wonderland for small burrowing sorts.
The exhibition hall had many breeders, mostly dogs. It’s always a good idea to talk to breeders if you are thinking about getting a pure-bred dog because they’re the people who know all there is to know about their respective pets. Also, the dogs are there. Pet them, watch them move. Granted breeders’ dogs are the best of the best, and very well behaved! Alongside this were vendors of pet supplies like harnesses, leashes, toys, and food. Also present were a number of organizations involved in rescue, first aid, and the like.
The SNAC never disappoints. If you love animals, it’s the place to be this weekend.
The SNAC is at Place Bonaventure on November 3-4, 2018. $15 adults, $13 seniors and students, $11 kids 5-11. No outside animals permitted. Details HERE.
