Loudoun Pet Expo!

On Saturday I took Admiral to the first annual Loudoun Pet Expo. The rescue we volunteer with, Ambassador Pit Bull Rescue, was one of many rescues with a booth there.  We were also the first keynote speakers (with yours truly doing the speaking, Admiral next to me on the stage, and three volunteers with their dogs demonstrating below us).  This was our first "speaking engagement" and I think it went pretty well for our first shot at it. . Since this was the first year for this event there weren't many spectators, but it was a good place to start.  The more we do it the more polished we'll be. I'm looking forward to the next time we present!

From left to right: Michelle with Brooklyn and Max, Sean
with Bronx, Jessie with Moo Moo, Me with Admrial,
Phuong with Kabuki and Kaida, and Susie with
Moosh and Jack.

It was a nice venue.  Outdoors in the shade. It was HOT, but not unbearable, and we were very well received. Each volunteer brought at least one dog to meet and greet the public.

Most of the dogs have their CGC (Canine Good Citizen certification), but Admiral doesn't. One of the requirements is to do a sit/stay and down/stay while I walk away from him, and he won't do it. He goes where I go.  We'll get it some day, but that will require me to train him...and, well, I don't make him do much of anything. I take my job of spoiling him rotten pretty seriously. Since he is is a gentle, well mannered dog, I can kind of get away with it.

From left to right: Max, Brooklyn, Kabuki, Kaida, Admiral

All of the dogs we brought to the expo are well acquainted with each other. They see each other a lot so when they all get together it's a really great testament to the true nature of PBTD's. Their good manners, affection for each other, and love of people shines each time.

Many times our dogs are the most well behaved out of all of those around us. Pet friendly events are really high stress environments for animals.  It's not natural for hundreds of dogs that don't know each other to be in such close quarters. Many of them are nervous, some act out by barking at the other dogs, some are on the verge of snapping at them. Being on a leash and not having the option to flee the situation makes many of them pretty miserable.  But our dogs are always relaxed and happy. They make friends, both human and canine, each time.

Admiral and Max meet a nice lady.

Admiral teaches two girls how to greet a dog.

Admiral LOVES going to dog friendly places. Whenever he's out he works hard. People are drawn to him and he graciously accepts attention and affection from complete strangers. We tell his story multiple times during each outing. He's great at it and he always makes me proud.