How to Work the Wide Wonderful World of Pets this Weekend

There is so much to see and do (and eat!) at the World of Pets at the Maryland state fairgrounds this weekend that I thought it might be helpful to give you some 'insider' hints on how to see and do it all!

I have arranged the weather to be wonderfully warm so you can get out, minus our 28 inches of snow, and have a great time, laughing at the antics of the show dogs, eating carnival fare, petting the llamas and snakes, and bringing home some yummy and decorative dog treats for Fido!

First of all, consider attending Friday when the crowd is a bit smaller. If you return Saturday or Sunday to see what you didn't have time for, you will be a old-pro and know just where to go! (Friday hours are 2-8 pm, Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 10-6) You can even purchase and print tickets online. Driving directions can be found on the website here.  You can also take the Light Rail (Baltimore's 'subway' and El-train system).

Don't worry if you are overwhelmed at the entrance. Grab a program/map/brochure and start wandering. I used to make a list of the booths and activities I wanted to visit and go from one to another but after so many years, I now just wander up and down the aisles. But I do write down which events I want to attend and when and where they will be.

You will enter in the middle of the Cow Palace (but, no cows).

Pick up a brochure and then go straight ahead and find a seat on the bleachers to watch the trick dogs while you decide how to spend your day.

To the left, just beyond the restrooms, are the agility rings - the obstacle courses for dogs. This is so much fun to watch and will be going on all weekend so, if you get tired from wandering you can always come back, grab a bleacher seat and relax - and cheer!

Back at the entrance, just behind the trick dog area and bleachers are most of the food and, confidentially, it is super and my primary reason for attending. Everyone can have something different.

To the right of the entrance are the numerous booths - more food and this time, also for dogs. Dog bakeries. Also, dog posters and dog leashes and dog rescues and veterinarians and dog toys and antlers to buy for you favorite Fido (kind of like long-lasting bones).

Farther into the vendor area you will find the cats and the rats and the gerbils and the llamas and the

ponies (perhaps) and the birds and the reptiles.

Almost too much to visit in one day - that's why we have Saturday and Sunday. See you there!