2010 Reston Pet Fiesta

Buckley’s Story and I made an appearance at the Reston Pet Fiesta yesterday.  This is an annual event at the Reston Town Center in Reston, VA.  I’ve been attending the event as a visitor from the time they first started it several years ago, and for the past three years, Seneca Hill Animal Hospital Resort and Spa graciously allowed me to advertise my services at their booth since I see Reiki clients there. 

This year, I decided to get my own booth.  The Reston Town Center is my favorite place in this area – it’s the only place in the Northern Virginia suburbs that gives you a bit of an urban feel without having to go into the city.  The combination of wonderful restaurants, fun stores, and a beautiful plaza with chairs and tables arranged around a gorgeous fountain make it the perfect place to walk around, meet friends, or just sit by the fountain and people watch.  I held my book launch party at the Hyatt hotel at the Town Center for that reason – the place is that special to me – so getting a booth at this year’s Pet Fiesta was definitely something I wanted to do.  In addition to getting my own booth, I also sponsored a booth for Casey’s House, the private rescue group where Buckley came from. 

The day was perfect from start to finish.  The weather couldn’t have been better.  My booth location was excellent.   Two great friends came and took shifts helping me man (or should that be woman?) my booth.  Lots of other friends stopped by to say hi.  It was especially fun to meet a few people I previously only knew from Facebook.  I loved introducing Buckley’s Story to new people.  There’s nothing more fun than to meet and chat with other cat people.  I couldn’t believe it when it was 4pm and time to pack up already – the day flew by.

It was a successful day, for Buckley’s Story, and also for Casey’s House.  They brought three cats, and had interest in two of them – fingers crossed that they will go to their forever homes soon.  They got quite a few donations, and the raffle of the gift basket donated by Whimsy Cats generated some more funds for them.

Patches, Amber's daughter, on the left

And there was an interesting, unexpected visitor.  Cindy, the founder of Casey’s House, was in for quite a suprise when she unloaded her van at her booth and realized that her own cat Patches had hitched a ride!  Apparently, she snuck into one of the carriers the adoptable kitties were to go in, and Cindy didn’t notice her until she got to Reston!  What really made this special is that Patches is Amber’s daughter - she’s the only one of Amber’s kittens I was able to keep track of.  Unfortunately, Patches was not too terribly thrilled when she realized what she’d let herself in for, and spent the day in a big carrier, covered by a sheet.