Calgary animal lovers flock to Spruce Meadows for first-ever PetFest
Calgary animal lovers, owners and educators will be heading to Spruce Meadows this weekend for the venue's first-ever PetFest.
The event is described as a "pet extravaganza" featuring performances, displays, educational demos, charity work — and, of course, a chance to hang out with some animals.
"PetFest was started because we have a love for our community and of animals, so we wanted to bring together both of those great loves into one event," said Spruce Meadow's Krista Poffenroth.
"We’ve really seen how much Calgarians and the surrounding areas love animals."
While there is an intense focus on dogs, every type of animal is shown during the three day event.
A reptile display, for example, includes snakes and a tortoise, while next door, a sloth lazes his way through a tree-lined exhibit.
It’s all complimented by more than 60 local vendors.
"I come to pet events because they’re fun," Cheddar Dogs vendor Danielle Schule said.
"Everybody here just loves their pets a lot, so it’s fun to celebrate with them."
Lisa Wright is a sheep dog trial expert, showing her skills to audiences before the Canadian Championships go this summer in Cypress County.
"It’s not the same as obedience work or trick work, and I think anybody that watches a dog work with a human, to move a different species, thinks it’s very cool," she said.
While it is an event focused on animals, attendees are asked to leave their pets at home.
PetFest runs until Sunday night.
For ticket information or to see opening hours, visit sprucemeadows.com.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.