Puppies and Kittens and Dogs and Cats - Report on the Purina PawsWay Weekend

On the weekend of October 4th and 5th, 2008, Purina PawsWay held an open house at their premises located in Toronto. PawsWay is a pet-friendly facility, sponsored by Purina and is also the home of the Purina Hall of Fame. How nice is it to be able to walk into a building with your pet, to sit down in their café for a coffee with “Fido” beside you… and to walk around without any worries. Purina holds regular events on nutrition, training etc. This past weekend was an open event for the public to attend and meet with various breeds, ask questions and generally browse. All events are free of charge.

Due to space restrictions Purina can not ask all breeds to participate, but the Great Pyr was one of ten breeds invited to attend. On Saturday, Lois McIntosh and Jana Chvatal attended– Lois with her dog Caesar, and Jana with Marlee, both one-year-old puppies. Lois attended again on Sunday with Winter, a 3 year old female and Sandra Young and Don Reid attended with Wizard, nearly nine.

The public is encouraged to talk with various breeders and look at the dogs. At set times, the breeds are introduced to those in attendance, with a brief background being given on each breed. In addition, there were informative talks about nutrition and training.

Although the event was reasonably well attended, there were a number of road closures in the area, which did impact on the expected attendance. However, it was a great event for attendees. Our Pyrs were on good behaviour and there were lots of surprised looks at their size but gentle disposition. One of the nice things about these events is that you never know who you will meet - a couple visiting from Chicago stopped to talk with us about their Pyr. They showed pictures and we generally compared notes. Another lady was from Pennsylvania and although she did not have a Pyr, her next-door neighbour did. Because our breed is not that popular or well known, it is always a treat to discover one of our own in far off places.

In addition to the dogs, there were cats and kittens there as well. Our Pyrs showed interest in the cats, at first – more to see what they were- and then for the rest of the day ignored them. The Pyrs received lots of attention and pats, which they accepted as their due. It was an easy time for them, no showing, no obedience, no tracking – just sit around and be patted and admired. What more could they ask for?

It was a very informative time for all. If you are in the area, drop by and see for yourself. You and your pet will be made welcome. And who knows, the next time you might just meet us there.

Let's leave Purina PawsWay and return to the Events page.

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