Global Pet Expo | The People & Pets We Met

Ma and Little Oz enjoyed their trip to Global Pet Expo.  They got to meet so many different people and pets including some of our very good blog friends and the people behind some of our favorite brands.

Little Oz spent a lot of time hanging out with Pepper Pom and Flat Sugar.  They had a lot of fun together.

He also got a chance to meet lots of puppies that were up for adoption through Florida Little Dog Rescue which is located near the Orlando area in St. Cloud.  He wanted to bring a puppy home for me but Ma said "Not at this time".

He stopped to take some photos for Sarge and the Crabby Girls at a giant crabitat booth because he just loved the football helmets and other assorted play wear they make for Hermit Crabs. 

Little Oz was so excited to meet Miss Sydney...everyone's favorite person from Chewy.com!  She is just as sweet in person as she is in her emails to us.

He also had fun meeting up with Duke and Max, the crash-test dogs from Sleepypod.  They are  lot bigger and heavier than we thought they would be...but that's because they are weighted to a real dog for their crash-testing.

Ma and Little Oz also stopped in at some of the other brands we work with to say hello including Zuke's,  Clear Conscience Pet, Welly Chef and our new blog sponsor, Bravo, where he had some fun with the owner, Miss Bette.

They also got to spend an evening with Brandon McMillan, the dog trainer on CBS' Lucky Dog.  He took dog training questions from the audience and discussed his "7 Common Commands" every dog should know - sit, stay, down, off, come, heel and no.

One of Ma and Little Oz's favorite times was during the Bayer press conference and media luncheon.  Bayer discussed their current partnership with our favorite organization, K9s for Warriors:  Bayer donates K9 Advantix product to the organization for the service dogs they train. 

Then Bayer made a big announcement: they are increasing their support of the K9s for Warriors program!  Now, for every pet parent that purchases K9 Advantix for their dog, Bayer will donate $1 per purchase to K9s for Warriors! 

K9s for Warriors representatives were there to help share the good news including their Development Director and their new Executive Director, Rory Diamond.  Mr. Diamond was happy to stop for a photo with Little Oz.

Also, there were two U.S. warriors who were recipients of service dogs through the K9s for Warriors program.  They spoke of their service to our country and told how their service dogs help them cope with civilian life; it was very moving.  After the luncheon, Ma thanked them for their service to our nation. 

Ma asked permission from the warrior to take the above photo of his service dog (who reminds Ma of the German Shepherd, Duster, she grew up with).  Please remember when you see any service dog:  you MUST ask permission first - whether to say hello to the dog, pet the dog or take a photo because when service dogs have their vest on, that means they are WORKING and you should NEVER interrupt them. 

I am a bit disappointed that I was unable to attend Global Pet Expo with Ma but as you can see, Little Oz did very well representing me.  Ma says maybe next year I can go instead of Little Oz.  Paws crossed.

From the above, who would you most want to meet?