Sophie Goes to the Atlanta Pet Expo!
About a month ago, my husband and I went to the Atlanta Pet Expo, and we took Sophie with us! I had had this day marked on my calendar for a few months and was so looking forward to it. When the Big Day arrived, I could hardly contain my excitement. I couldn’t wait to visit all of the vendors and exhibit booths, hopefully make some connections for my blog, of course rack in some free stuff, and most of all see how Sophie would do.
Sophie was amazing. AMAZING!
Inside the Atlanta Pet Expo
I had never been to a Pet Expo before, so I wasn’t quite sure of what to expect. What should you expect at a Pet Expo, you ask? DOGS! Dogs everywhere! I was a little bit worried at first. Sophie doesn’t mind dogs, but I didn’t know how the dogs would react to her. I guess because she was in her pocket above eye level of most of the dogs, none of them really even noticed her. I suppose too that people would only bring their dog if they were well-behaved (hopefully).
When we signed in at the registration table, the employees were so excited to see a cat. They said it was the first cat of the day. Truthfully, she was the ONLY cat of the day. The only other cats I saw the entire time were the ones that were there for adoption. Sophie was the only guest-cat π
We had a great time too. I was disappointed that most every vendor and exhibitor was dog-related. There wasn’t much cat stuff there at all. It was still a good time though. Sophie did so amazingly well – better than I even expected. We were there for 2+ hours, and she just hung out in her pocket the whole time, didn’t even complain one bit. She is such a ham, so of course she loved all of the attention she got from strangers. So many people wanted to pet her, hold her in her pocket, and even have their picture taken with her. Sophie, the Celebri-Cat!
There was one booth for Cooper’s Cupboard, which is non-profil food pantry. They help pets stay with their families by providing temporary food assistance. How cool is that?! Anyway, they had homemade catnip toys for $1. Sophie of course had to have one. Here is a picture of her picking out her toy:
She also made some new friends!
And she got to have her photo made for Pet Pages Atlanta!
(That isn’t a real cover photo. It was just for fun.)
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There was a booth that had low-cost vaccinations and microchipping, so we were able to get Sophie microchipped too. It was only $25, versus the $60 it costs at the vet. There was a long wait for it though, so after we put our names on the wait list, we went and did some exploring. We found an area of the convention center that was empty, so we let Sophie out of her pocket.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was Sophie participating in the Lure Chase. One of the vendors sold Lure Chases for dogs, and they had one on exhibit that you could let your pet test. For a $10 donation to a local animal rescue, your pet could go in the Lure Chase ring and get worn out chasing a lure that went around and around. Sophie LOVED it. Dog after dog after dog went in the lure chase ring, and she couldn’t take her eyes off it. It looked more like a giant cat toy than a dog toy!!!
We decided she might like to give it a go, so we went to the booth to sign her up! The guy laughed at first and said that he had never had a cat try it before, but that she could if she wanted to.
I was nervous about letting her do it at first. There was a pretty big crowd of spectators, and I knew that as soon as she took a step inside that ring people would comment about her funny walk. Usually people’s first reaction to seeing her is something like, “Awww poor cat” or “What’s wrong with her?” I didn’t feel like dealing with people’s negativity, but then I realized that it might be a good opportunity to educate someone and show them that kitties like Sophie are truly awesome! So in she went…
It didn’t go quite like we thought it would. She was so into watching that lure when the dogs were chasing it that we thought for sure she would go nuts chasing it too. But she just preferred to sit and watch it go by. Even though she didn’t chase the lure, she seemed to have fun anyway.
Overall, the day was a huge success. Tons of dogs, lots of loud noises, a huge crowd of people, a lure chase, and a microchipping later, Sophie remained unfazed. I’ve never met a cat like her. She isn’t scared of anything, and she’s always up for all kinds of adventures. I can’t wait to take her to BlogPaws with me in May. We are going to have one heck of a good time.
Random Felines says
WHAT FUN!!! Mom loves taking our foster kittens different places – good for their social skills and good to have people see cats in public. (we don’t go – no way no how) Too bad she wouldn’t chase the lure, but for a $10 donation, it was worth a try. Glad you all had a good time!
Connie says
People do not understand that cats can be acclimated to going out to social events just like dogs do. People are used to taking puppies out and showing them new things and new people so when they are dogs they are used to it, forgetting that the exact same thing is true of kitties.
When I was fostering Jack, I took him everywhere with me on a harness and leash, and like you I got all kinds of odd comments, but he loved going out. he used to sit by the door and beg to go out. Sadly during those formidable months I ended up getting a job and not taking him out with me as much, so he is a little uncomfortable now doing so, but he is still one of the most well adjusted cats at the vet you will ever see.. he travels well and he is very outgoing and social with everyone who visits the house.
It can be done, and it should be done.. too bad people just don’t even bother saying cats are home bodies and are too stressed so we aren’t even going to try.
Emma says
My cat bro Bert would love such an event, he is more dog than cat. Sophie did really well and is such a pretty kitty!
Mary @ Stale Cheerios says
Sounds like she did great at the pet expo! She looks pretty calm and relaxed in all of your pictures. I’m glad she did okay even with all of the other dogs, people, and other animals there.
And I just love the wacky paws pet sling. I hadn’t seen that before — what a neat idea. Will have to share — I have a friend with a small chihuahua mix who I think would love to have one of these.
Jan's Funny Farm says
It looks like Sophie had a good time despite the large crowd. What a good kitty.
Thanks for being our interview subject of the week. We sure enjoyed getting to know you better.
Jan's Funny Farm says
PS – We’re disappointed to learn what a Meatloafing Badge is. We were hoping it was an all you can eat meatloaf buffet. π
Tamago says
Wow, what a fun day you all had! Sophie is really amazing not to be afraid but enjoy adventure! The photo of her picking toy is so pretty π I’m sure she will have lots of fun at BlogPaws, too!
After seeing Sophie, they may decide to have more stuff for kitties at expo next time π
Ryan says
She’s really cute! I love the pocket. I’m thinking about getting one of those as well. Looks like a great day!
Amy says
The cat sling is a wonderful way to carry her – I wonder if it comes in dog sizes…
Amanda says
I have a sling for Wynston! It’s perfect! I think it holds dogs up to 15lbs π
Amanda Yantos says
I LOVE pet expos! We went to the Amazing Pet Expo here in Phoenix, AZ back in May. I always bring business cards for my blog because i love to chat with people and hand them out. I put Wynston in his stroller so I can load up on free samples π I love all of your pictures! We are heading to a huge holiday pet expo tomorrow. I can’t wait!
Fenris, Socks, Scylla & Tuiren says
Sophie, you totally rock. Scylla (our calico girl) would have ran hid somewhere and the human would be pulling her hair out, looking for her. We enjoyed reading about your adventure.
The Swiss Cats says
Sophie, you rock ! You behave so well ! It looks like you had a great day ! Purrs
Summer says
How FUN! There need to be more kitties at these places because if we aren’t there, vendors don’t think about us. If they saw more cats, there would be more cat stuff! I am hoping to come to BlogPaws too – it all depends on how I do with my first plane trip next year (my human and I don’t even know where that is going to be to – some undetermined cat show, probably). I need to get a practice flight in before going all the way from L.A. to Nashville.
Brian Frum says
You are sure right, Sophie was so amazing and it looks like y’all had a blast!
Carleen says
Looks like fun! I love your cat bag!
Caren Gittleman says
what a great time you had!!! You made me laugh when you said “score some free stuff”…if you noticed, most of the vendors have NO CLUE who or what pet bloggers even are! EVERYTHING I got at both of the Expos that I attended, I had to PAY for……….EVERYTHING!
madi and mom says
What a fun post and what a great adventure for all of you!! We really enjoyed it. Mom has a question. Every time we visit your blog we cannot leave a comment until we fill in our name, email and website.
Is there a way for us to just do this once so we don’t have to do it each visit?
Hugs madi and mom
da tabbies o trout towne says
sophie…what a fun post two day…N rockin awesum that ewe went two de pet expo…..everee one looks like they had MEGA FUN…& hay, yur mousebreath interviews two day was mega fun two….we enjoyed π !!!!
heerz two a channel bass kinda week oh end ♥
The Island Cats says
What fun for Sophie! We’re just disappointed that there was mostly dogs there…but we kinda understand that.
Carma Poodale says
Sophie looked like she had a great time. You are great pet parents.
dogvills says
I’d love to go to a pet expo, it looks so fun!
Kitties Blue says
What a great job you did, Sophie.You are going to make the most pawsome therapy cat. You look so tiny in that big corridor at the Convention Center. Mom cannot wait to meet you in May. We think you should be on the cover of Pet Pages Atlanta for real! Can’t wait to read your interview. Love and hugs to all. Astrid is sending her handsome and loving Sampy 234567890987654321234567890087654321234567890987654235678963908765434567876545678765434565432123456789 kisses.
Fur Everywhere says
That sounds like so much fun! Our next pet expo is in August, and I can’t wait to go. We are glad that Sophie has such a good time. π
Sammy says
YAY Sophie! I think you did amazingly well at the expo especially at the “almost chases the lure” exhibition! Obviously you loved watching it – even if you didn’t chase it….bravo…..there should have been more kitties there though I agree. Pet Expos are for PETS and we definitely are as important as dogs in that department.
Hugs, Sammy
Purrfect Kitties says
What fun! Looks like Sophie had a great time. π She is SOOO beautiful! π Have a wonderful weekend, sweeties! xx Roxy & Tigerlino <3
Raven says
The pet expo in our town was cancelled due to all the craziness in Missouri. Lots of employees from that area don’t want to leave their homes to travel. I guess I won’t be missing much if it’s mostly dog stuff.
I think Sophie probably enjoyed watching the dogs, and you’re right….there was dog slobber on those lures!
Traveling Cats says
Sophie is so obedient… and beautiful… I’m sure she was a real head-turner at the expo.
Chelsea Price says
Aww, I’m sure Sophie had a great time! Love these expos, but I agree – there should be more options for cat/pocket pet owners!
Carol says
Looks like fun and your kitty and well behaved — not to mention cute.
It's Dog or Nothing says
How cool! We went to the Portland Pet Expo and didn’t see any kitties. I love her pouch!
Sadie says
That is fantastic that you are able to take her out with you like that. She looked so comfortable!
Christine & Riley says
OMST! Sophie is probably the coolest cat I have seen. She is such a good girl and so well socialized. You’ve got a new follower π
Dezi and Lexi says
Aaaaw Sophie be so cute. We wish we kuld go to BlogPaws and meet yous all. Dat wuld be just pawsum.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Clooney says
Oh Sophie, what an amazing kitty you are and what a great adventure you had, such sweet pictures of you, we really enjoyed seeing this post of you at the Expo, very cool!
Fenris, Socks, Scylla & Tuiren says
Sophie, you totally rock. Scylla (our calico girl) would have ran hid somewhere and the human would be pulling her hair out, looking for her. We enjoyed reading about your adventure.
Christine & Riley says
OMST! Sophie is probably the coolest cat I have seen. She is such a good girl and so well socialized. You’ve got a new follower π
Fenris, Socks, Scylla & Tuiren says
Sophie, you totally rock. Scylla (our calico girl) would have ran hid somewhere and the human would be pulling her hair out, looking for her. We enjoyed reading about your adventure.
Christine & Riley says
OMST! Sophie is probably the coolest cat I have seen. She is such a good girl and so well socialized. You’ve got a new follower π
LP says
We truly enjoyed seeing Sophie at this event. We can’t believe she went into the ring with the lure (no matter that she didn’t chase it!). Our Mama says she isn’t surprised Sophie is special on account her name is the same as our Mama’s and that name in of itself is pretty special! Our Mama can be full of herself… but we kinda agree! :p
the critters in the cottage xo