It's Almost Dog Time!

Yup, it’s that time of year again and I can hardly wait for the weekend. It’s time for the Wide Wonderful World of Pets: this year is the 16^th annual largest pet show on the East Coast at the Maryland State Fairgrounds Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Come See the World of Pets

Animals galore. Hundreds of exhibitors (see the list here) – from dog rescues to scarves to fudge to dock diving dogs to a comedy dog show (Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix) that will leave you in stitches – clapping and laughing –

Enter the Pet Show for the cutest pet, best sports fan, best in show, talent, or most original. Click here for more details.

Sit in on a seminar about goats or miniature horses on Saturday afternoon.

Joint the parade of breeds with your favorite dog on Sunday afternoon.

Visit the World of Cats with a cat show and cat contests, the World of Reptiles (and Extreme Reptiles), the World of Birds, a gerbil show, a guinea–pig-a-thon, adoption events, a petting zoo,

Watch dogs tackling an obstacle course and, yes, it is a dog sport – agility. All weekend long, all three days, just to the left of the main entrance will be the sport of dog agility – all breeds of dogs running through tunnels, over high jumps, between poles and more. Two rings of dogs competing with seating for you on bleachers.

Watch dogs jump off a dock into the water in competition. Three separate contests: the long jump, the high jump and the sprint. Dogs love it and they also love the audience participating to cheer them on.

Next: The Wonderful Smells and Tastes at the World of Pets

Then: Touch the World of Pets

After that: Hear the Wonderful World of Pets

And then: Shop the Wonderful World of Pets

And even: Eat at the Wonderful World of Pets

What: World of Pets, a pet expo. Think of it as an indoor winter state fair, complete with fabulous food, laughs and a petting zoo

When: Friday 2-8, Saturday 10-7, Sunday 10-5

Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds, just off 83, in the huge Cow Palace. North of Baltimore.

Cost: Free parking, admission is just $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5-12 and free for the younger ones. You can even take the light rail.

Caveat: The writer was not asked to write this and receives no compensation for doing so.