Fun At The Pet Expo

I love Pet Expos and Festivals!  They're always dog friendly, there are usually some interesting celebrities to meet, and lots of pet products to buy!  This past weekend we went to the Pet Expo at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona.    We only brought one of our dogs because at large, dog friendly events like this one it can be a bit challenging with two dogs. 

I had some second thoughts about taking our dog to the event because of the whole Dog Flu scare, but in the end I decided to go.  One reason is because the Dog Flu has not make it's way out to the Western part of the U.S.  The other reason is that although I want to be cautious about my dogs' health, I feel we need to take precautions when we can but still get out there and enjoy ourselves!  We tried to prevent our dog from any nose to nose contact with strange dogs at the event, and would not allow her to drink from any communal water bowls.  Other than that, we relaxed and had a great time!


This beautiful steel horse sculpture stands majestically in front of the Westworld arena.  Lots of horse shows take place there, so it's the perfect work of art for this venue!

We met some very interesting people and pets like the stars of Animal Planet's TANKED, and Posy the sweet Pitbull who lives with Genetic Dwarfism.  Posy had such an impact on me, I didn't want to leave her!  She really touched my heart.

We had the pleasure of meeting the stars of Animal Planet's TANKED, Brett Raymer and Wayde King.  In their family run business, they create exquisite fish tanks that really stretch the imagination.  Their show is so cool; just when you think they can't top their last tank - BAM! - they come up with something else that blows your mind. They've made telephone booths, classic cars, and all kinds of surprising items into extraordinary fish tanks. Brett and Wayde were so sweet!  Even though they were in the midst of a lunch break, they were happy to stop and pose for photos with us and shoot the breeze. We loved meeting these guys!  If you're ever in Las Vegas, you can visit the facility where they create their one of a kind fish tanks at Acrylic Tank Manufacturing.  We are definitely going to make that trip; we've got to see the place where all those magical fish tanks are created!



Little Posy wanted to jump out of her wagon as soon as she saw me approach her!

Meeting the guys from Tanked was definitely a highlight of the day, but when I met a little Pitbull named Posy, I nearly lost my mind!  We were taking one last round at the Expo when I spotted Posy sitting in a wagon on some blankets.  She looked so adorable and something in her face just struck me.  I had to run over and say hello and ask her Mom if I could take her picture.



Posy mugging for the camera!

As soon as I approached her, she reached up and wanted to come out of the wagon.  Her Mom scooped her up and placed her on the floor.  It was then that I noticed there was something wrong with her legs.  Her Mom explained that Posy had Genetic Dwarfism.  She had been picked up as a stray and ended up with MAYDAY Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy.  As most of us know, a severely disabled dog being "picked up as a stray" usually means the dog was dumped by a callous, uncaring owner.  Fortunately MAYDAY rescued her and a wonderful Veterinarian named Christina adopted her!

Posy doesn't let Genetic Dwarfism stop her from living life!  She wobbled her way over to me to say hello, and in the process stole my heart!

I have to say, this little girl just stole my heart!  I've rarely met a dog so friendly, happy and full of love and life as this sweet dog was.  She wobbled her way closer to me to say hello and I started rubbing her belly and her back.  She was clearly in heaven, just loving it!  Her smile was so wide and beautiful, I couldn't help but smile and laugh myself.  I so enjoyed meeting Posy and her Mom, Christina.  I'm  really grateful that she ended up with such a caring and compassionate Mom, who happens to be a Veterinarian!  Christina and her colleagues provide emergency and specialized services at their clinic.  If Christina is any indication of the rest of the staff, I am certainly going to keep them in mind for future specialized Veterinary services!

There were lots of adoptable dogs at the Expo, but there were also much smaller critters in need of loving homes.  Hamsterdam AZ, a small animal rescue, had some little critters available for adoption at the show.

After a long morning at the Pet Expo, we stopped off at a Starbucks for a rest.  John and I had a couple of ice cold Refreshers while Isis enjoyed a chew bone and people watching!

What do you have planned for you and your pet this weekend?   Anything fun?  Leave us a comment, you know we always want to hear from you!

THIS IS THE  MONDAY MISCHIEF BLOG HOP!!