Super Pet Expo

[Mark-D]

Super Pet Expo
Valley Forge, PA

My father (Rich-D), Puff, his 5 year old Bichon Frise and I were heading up to our mountain property for some needed maintenance after a harsh north east winter. Shortly after we started our 146 mile trek I received an interesting call from my wife and forum moderator, Lissi. She told me about a pet show she came across while surfing the net. Known as the Super Pet Expo, it is a touring expo that has over 90 exhibitor tables, as well as a number of demonstrations including the Mutts Gone Nuts Comedy Show, the Teacup Dog Agility Show, a Wildlife Show and a Pet Show Business Agent to evaluate your pet and an indoor playground for your pet. NICE...better yet it was only an 8 miles detour from our route of travel.

Hmmm a pet expo ...Dad and I talked as to whether we could delay our trip by an hour or so....However we weren't prepared to cover a pet show....we only had a cheap point and shoot camera in the vehicle............... it didn't take long to decide, we were on our way to the show!

I have been to the Valley Forge Expo Center before, but never for the Pet Expo. This facility is enormous at 220,000 sq ft. and 5000 parking spaces, I could not wait to see everything inside. As we pulled into the parking lot, it was difficult finding a parking spot. We saw owners prepping their pets with brushes, putting on doggies sweaters and these owners were just event goers in no way connected to the show!

We finally found a spot not to far from the entrance. We hooked Puff to his leash and headed in. Entry was $13.00 for adults, kids $6.00 and pets were free. Upon entering the expo center floor I literally ran into a dog I have never seen in person before, a very large, very shaggy Irish Wolf Hound. I was taken back and ready to be snapped at by this huge animal. I am 6 feet tall and this dog's shoulder came to my waist......Wow .....but I was pleasantly surprised by the dog's reaction ..... a gaze up to my eyes from his as if to say ..."it's alright, I know you didn't mean to walk into me".......phew that could have been ugly. The best way I can describe these incredible dogs are Gentle Giants. While this was going on Puff made his first friend at the show. Puff enjoyed himself as you can see in the third image.




As we continued on, we saw dogs of every shape and size Pits, Labs, Great Danes and, of course. the lovable Mutt's.... the list goes on and on and they were all very well tempered. Hundreds of dogs attended the show, but there was not a sign of a dog fight or bite in the building.




We headed on to the Playground where Puff had about 20 dogs to play with in the large fenced area with toys and agility ramps. He had a great time as well as the other dogs in the area and again, not a fight in the building.



Next to the Playground was the Teacup Agility Course, Only dogs involved with the show were allowed to participate. The course was very small as compared to a normal agility course and the dogs seemed a little thrown off by this. Some missed their obstacles, but the handlers and dogs all seemed to have a good time. The audience, including myself truly enjoyed the entertainment.




We stopped and took as many photos of the pets visitors as possible and all their owners were very friendly and more than happy to let us take photos of their pets. I thank all those whose pets are featured here for you time and generosity.



Time flew by at this event to the point where we were unfortunately unable to speak with any of the exhibitors or see the mutt's gone nutts show. However we were able to speak to the Members of the Hit Reality TV show Rescue Ink. They were very friendly and took time to speak with show guests individually to answer questions. I really admire the passion they show in there endeavors. Rescue Ink airs on The National Geographic Channel, check local listings for times.


Leaving the pet Expo I was glad that we decided to detour and take in the sight and sounds that this event had to offer. The show travels thought the country and is well worth the time for pet lovers. For future shows visit www.superpetexpo.com Our only regret was not having the time to obtain the names of the dogs and their owners who were photographed. And not having our good video and still camera's with us. However, we did accomplish a lot in a little over an hour!

[Rich-D]

I never saw so many beautiful dogs in one place before. I wish that we had more time and better equipment to cover the show. We will cover the next PA event in February and place it in our on line magazine.

Mark and I were both amazed over how well behaved the dogs attending the show were. Among the many hundreds of dogs being lead up and down the aisles of the show, were at least 40 to 50 Pit Bulls.

I was also amazed that Puff could spot another Bichon in the vast crowd of dogs. Puff would beg with both paws moving rapidly as he stood up on his hind legs to take him over to the meet the other Bichons.

[Rhonda]

I'll have to go to the one held in February it looks like fun.

[EnglishCat]

After hearing your details and seeing your pictures, I can't wait for the next one to come this way. The dogs are great looking. Got my eye on that Wolfhound. What a gorgeous creature he is. Looks like a winner for us dog people. Thanks for the info and especially the pictures.

[rhtwist]

Mark,
You and Rich are our roving reporter's, bringing the local news to us. Great job of reporting and photographing those dogs. Sounds like a friendly show. I will check the site out. Thanks, good work.
Twist

[Hunter]

Great write up Mark and Rich.
The pictures are great and really show the personalities of the dogs there.
Nice work to the both of you.

[Lissi]

Great job guys and great pics .

[Gator]

Great looking dogs there! Looks like a fine time was had by all.

[Steve]

Great pics for a point and shoot. It looks like the three of you had a good time at the event.

[RockinRobin]

Sounds like you guys had fun. Interesting write up and photos. Is that Puff laying on the floor with the multi color sweater on?

RR