For Part One of this two-part series about the Meet Purina event, click here!
On the second day of the Meet Purina event, all the bloggers (and my assistant) were taken to Purina Farms in Gray Summit, about an hour from St. Louis. They gathered at the ginormous Event Center there, where there were goodie bags waiting for them. There was some kitty stuff… and poop bags and dog treats! Can you believe my human brought those home for the dog? Even after I told her to only bring home cat stuff.
The event center was a little dog centric, because they do have a lot of dog shows there. (They also have cat shows — in fact there is one at the beginning of November.) There are two Exhibition Halls. The larger one, above, is the size of a football stadium! My human tried to capture it with the panoramic setting on her camera, but it was not easy!
The Purina humans were preparing for a big Pet Project Event the next day, where volunteers would spend the morning helping homeless pets by building cat towers and pet beds and blankets, decorating pet bowls and donating items needed by rescue pets — and maybe even adopting a new friend, since many shelters were bringing in their adoptables. Unfortunately, my human couldn’t stay for this, which was a mistake on my behalf. I heard that there was going to be some Dog Challenge and figured she did not need to stay for that. I didn’t realize the Pet Project Event was happening earlier that day! Maybe it is just as well — she might have brought home a kitten.
There were plaques along the walls in the hallways of the Exhibition areas like the one above.
Before my human could blink twice, that particular plaque was filled with flat felines.
But I’m sure you want to know about the live kitties I hinted about yesterday! The bloggers (and my assistant) were taken to a theater where they got to see Trisha Seifried, who is an animal trainer, but when it comes to cats… well, you know the deal. They have her trained very well!
Rosie reminded my human a lot of Binga — she had tons of energy and a lot of tortitude! She also ran the agility course like a champ! She let some of the bloggers (and my human) take her through the jumps, tunnel and hoop — although they had to bribe her with boiled chicken. Rosie is no dummy.
There was even a celebrity kitty — Buddy, the champion Friskies Cat Gamer! Buddy regularly beats humans at the Friskies iPad game. He has even beaten Cheezburger mogul Ben Huh. He performed for the bloggers, and even let some of them hold him — without complaint!
My human was so entranced by Buddy that she somehow missed visiting the kittens and the farm animals. Which is just as well — I am sure she was itching to bring something home in this backpack! Fortunately, it arrived here empty.
She did stop at the gift shop to buy a couple of thing for her boyfriend’s niece for Christmas. And she also brought home something really cool, courtesy of the Purina humans, but I am not keeping it — later this month, I am going to give you readers a chance to win it for your favorite non-profit rescue! It is something that will make them very happy!
I want to thank Purina for their generosity and graciousness — they worked 110% to give my human and 15 pet bloggers an awesome time! There is just one thing that would make it perfect: my very own plaque at the Event Center! Deal?
See all of Summer’s merch at her Designercat Shop, available on Zazzle.
Wow, looks like someone had a great time! Yes, we agree, you need your own plaque!
We’re sure your Mom enjoyed the visit to Purina – and we ope you all enjoyed the goodies
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
We’re glad your mommy had a great time. You do deserve a plaque!
That looks like a great event. Your assistant was lucky to get to go!!
you DEFINITELY deserve your on plaque!
FABULOUS REVIEW! You covered it all!
What? They didn’t already have a Sparkle Plaque? What are they thinking? I think you’re more famous than Buddy. Does he have best selling books? How can they have a Purina event in St. Louis without inviting St. Louis cat blogger MaggieTKat?
sounds like a great time was had by all!!
Your human did a good job reporting on the Purina event Sparkle. You taught her well! Rosie does look like Binga and obviously she’s as smart as Binga too! 🙂
You’re plaque looks amazing! Thanks for filling us in on this awesome event
SHE MISSED THE FARM ANIMALS!?!
Harumph!
I am not sure I am happy about this.
In fact, I think GOAT bloggers should have been invited!
Myopia read “I need my own plague” !!! Hmmmm! A plague of Sparkle? Yep! Could be of benefit to all 🙂
Wow sure sounds like you gave your human a nice trip. I hope she appreciates it and gives you everything you deserve!
say it iznt sew sparkle…KNOT CHCIKN !!!
That must have been a very interesting day !
Wow, the scale of the place is huge. Purina does everything in a big way. Love the plaque!
Sparkle
That was simply a fabulous tour and we really enjoyed hearing all about it.
purrs
>^,,^<
✿•*¨`*•. ♥Abby♥Boo♥Ping♥Jinx♥Grace♥✿•*¨`*•.
Wow, Purina has quite a set up. That is all so great. So many things going on and that is so good. We enjoyed that tour for sure. We definitely think you should be on that poster Sparkle. Take care.
Yes indeed, I think you should be on the wall of fame! Terrific post about one terrific time!
You deserve to be in the feline wall of fame, dear Sparkles! xoxo purrrrrrrrrs
That looked like a good time, and with lots of great treats. Still, we think your mom was glad to get home to you.
Sparkle, are you sure, I mean really SURE that your Mom did not take Binga with her? Cause that totally looks like her.
Sparkle! Your human sure looks like she had a great time! And me thinks yous looks fabulishious as a Feline Leader and yous does deserve your own!
Kisses
Nellie
This whole event by Purina sounded like it was very exciting through the best part is the human tricks by Trisha and love the beanbag they brought with them about no dogs.