I am certain that pet lovers all have amazing tails to tell about their experiences with their pets. But I have to say that in all the years of my being around cats and cat shows, this one has to beat the band.

Many years ago, when I was actively showing cats and clerking for show judges, an event happened that I will never forget. I still giggle when I remember the circumstances of this particular joke that one of the exhibitors played on an all-breed judge who was about to begin judging the longhair kitten division. (The photo on the left is Don Williams, a different judge, giving red tabby and white neuter Persian Jeannel Brown Eyed Handsome Man the once over.)

The exhibitor to whom I am referring, in addition to breeding long and shorthair cats, had a great love for guinea pigs as well. This particular weekend, he had taken his beloved prize longhair guinea pig with him to the show hall, as the little guinea pig needed some special care and could not be left alone in his hotel room. (Click on the little paw to read more.)

I was clerking on this day in question. The judge had left the ring for a few minutes. The exhibitor winked at me while holding his guinea pig in his lap. I knew something was up.

The exhibitor walked up to one of the empty cages, put the guinea pig into the cage and returned to his seat. The judge returned to the ring and started to judge the kittens. One at a time, he carefully took them out of their cages, carefully looking at them, placing ribbons where appropriate as he went down the row of cages.

He finally reached the cage in which the guinea pig was "benched." Reaching into the cage, gently taking the guinea pig out, he handled him exactly the same as he did all the kittens in the class.

I was in awe as he remained poker faced, not even giving a hint of a grin, and in no way appearing to notice anything unusual. Since the guinea pig's color was totally different from any of the other entries, he simply returned the guinea pig to the cage and placed a "best of color" ribbon on it. He then went on to the next cage and continued to judge.

By then, the audience was in stitches, laughing so hard, but not because of the guinea pig's guest appearance, but because of the judge's composure and refusal to crack a smile.

However, you have to know that in between entries, the judge looked at us, the clerks, with a snicker on his face that was impossible to miss.

Entry fee: $10.00
Travel and expenses: $150.00
Expression on judge's face: Priceless

I wonder what is on this kitty's mind as he snuggles with an adorable long hair guinea pig!

Do you have any ideas about what these adorable pets are thinking? Please share your thoughts with us!