So the Dulles expo center is having a big pet expo in March. I'm thinking of going but not sure what it has. The only time I have been to expo centers are for comic cons and gun shows. Has anyone been to a pet expo? Did you enjoy it or did you find it a waste of time? Did you take your dog? I have a feeling if I go I'll come back rather poor.
http://www.superpetexpo.com/

I went to one in my town and it was pretty nice. I ended up finding a good petsitter there too.

We've been to the Denver one twice now. While there are vendors there selling stuff, a lot of them also offer samples and freebies. Some are locals trying to get their names out into the pet world for their goods (home-made dog food, etc.).

We've taken the dogs both times and they've enjoyed it as well. JUst make sure they're up to date on their shots because you may have to sign a waiver saying so (I know here you do).

There are also rescues there sometimes with dogs for adoption.

We come home with a huge bag of goodies.

being with the rescue and doing shows there are hit and miss, the really nice one here is the one kim has been to, then there are smaller shows that we have done and will never go back to. does this one charge a fee to get in and do you have to pay to park. those are the ones i stay away from, we take the dogs only cause we have them there for the rescue, i say go check it out and see what you think, always free stuff to get

Nothing in the DC area is free lol. Think it is 8 but i have a coupon for 3 off. I think parking is free though. Ill talk tothe fiance and see if he is interested in going.

Darn, I'll be gone that weekend. Looks cool, I'd love to go. Dulles is a bit of a hike though.

I am actually going to the "I love my dog expo" by Domisti-Pups tomorrow and Sunday!! I live in Nebraska just an FYI so you don't go looking for it lol..

I am SUPER excited! This will be my first pet expo as well. My neighbor has taken her Westie to the same expo maybe three or four times over the years. Her breeder is a big part of it, so every year there is a little Westie family reunion every year, which I thought was really cool.

I will not be taking either of my girls. I will not set them up for failure and I know they wouldn't be able to handle all of the stimuli from the event (people, noise, other dogs..). Maybe once they mature a little bit I will think about it, but a lot of people don't really think about the effect a HUGE gathering of people like that will have on their dogs. I don't even want to deal with it, so I have made the decision to leave them at home.

I will let you know what I think of it after tomorrow. I am PUMPED! Here is a link to the event if anyone wants to just check it out.

http://www.ilovemydogexpo.com/

What do you hope to get out of it? If you're looking for places to adopt, shop, receive veterinary care, grooming services, training, boarding, etc then it can be great. If not then I really don't see much point. Of course you'll get lots of free samples but I don't find it worth going to pet expos year after year. Yeah the first time is great because you make all these connections and discover stores and businesses you may not have been aware of, but after the first year it gets redundant in my opinion.

Edited to add: I do take my 2 dogs (Dakota & Faith) that handle crowds, loud noises, and loads of people well. Glory stays at home because she would not be able to handle the craziness of a pet expo.

I've always wanted to go to one of these, to see what it is all about. They do one in Gaithersburg MD at the fairgrounds too.

Oh I work right around the corner of the Expo - I didn't even know this was going on.

I'm going to look into this - might go. I've never been to a Pet Expo - been to the Graphics & Car Expos in Chicago, a few in Baltimore. If its anything like those, there are always samples of some kind.

I don't know how well Nova would do at this - He's only 4 months do you guys think that is too young?

If he's good on all of his shots it would probably be a good socialization experience for him. Just pay attention, and if it looks like he's getting overwhelmed find someplace quiet to take him.

On a side note, you guys coming to the H2M2 tomorrow?

I'm really bummed, there has been a Pet Expo in the city next yo us for the last 5-6 yrs (that I know of). Now that I'm finally getting a dog and was looking forward to going. They announced today that they won't be having one for 2013.

blueeyedghost wrote:

If he's good on all of his shots it would probably be a good socialization experience for him. Just pay attention, and if it looks like he's getting overwhelmed find someplace quiet to take him.

On a side note, you guys coming to the H2M2 tomorrow?

He isn't licensed. The office closed due to the "weather" (it's not that bad but an excuse to leave early I guess). Looks like we'll miss out on this one - Will definitely try to make the next one!

This area just kills me with their snow panic. There's 1/2" of snow coming! Better go get milk, bread, and toilet paper! Shut down everything! Have you guys even gotten any snow? We really haven't, maybe a little bit of sleet yesterday for like 20 minutes. That's it.

Sorry you guys will have to miss this one, I'll announce the March meet up soon.

Its stupid what are you going to do with milk and bread? Make french toast?
(Monique talking) I am from a small town in Wisconsin and I remember walking to the bus stop 1/2 a mile down a hill in a blizzard. Its funny to me when I see "snow warning alerts" and its nothing but rain.

Just now its just raining here - *fingers crossed for a flake of snow*

Yeah I grew up in central IL, same thing. I'd walk to school in 1+ feet of snow no problem, and my dad made it a point to teach me how to drive in it early on. I swear to god, the average IQ drops massively around here if it starts raining, even more if it starts snowing. And it's not like they don't get it regularly either...

This allegedly could switch over to snow later, and there's another chance on Wednesday. We shall see, I want another Snowmageddon

blueeyedghost wrote:

We shall see, I want another Snowmageddon

So do I! Will has a picture called "Balls Deep" of him in the snow lol

Haha nice!

Where is the meetup? Ill br on Maryland tomorrow visiting my folks but if it is close ill try and swing by.

Maryland City dog park, near Laurel. We'd love to see you guys if you can make it.

If you're not already on the page, run a Facebook search for Husky Huddle and Malamute Mingle ~ Maryland

Oh if anyone on the area is going to the expo coupon code is DCSIR for 3 bucks off.