10 Things I Learned While At Global Pet Expo

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I had the great honor of getting to attend Global Pet Expo just over a week ago as a member of the “Press” through my Instagram account and this blog.

It was a fun, energizing, educational, delightful experience. I met so many great people that represent brands, or even own them,

Here are just a few fun things I learned while I was there.

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1. Our pets mean the world to us!

Clearly, with so many great brands that are dedicated to our pets, you can tell that we are head over heels in love with our pets. You can find just about anything under the sun here for all sorts of animals.

While there is a heavy focus on dog brands, they had everything you could think of for dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, cows, horses, ferrets, fish, and many others.

2. There are so many cool pet products out there.

I saw everything from food and treats, carriers and strollers, beds and crates, collars and leashes, tanks and hideaways, corals to treasures, and so much more.

Yeah, I think you get the point!

3. There are so many cool pet entrepreneurs out there.

The show is busy, but I had a great time getting to talk to so many product creators. They are all so passionate about the products that they have created from treats, toys, beds, hand crafted leashes and much more. I really respect their ideas, creativity, and passion for the products that they created to better the lives of all of our pets

4. You can never have too many treats aND Toys.

Duh!

5. PICKING OUT A GREAT DOG FOOD IS HARD.

I attending a really interesting seminar about dog food nutrition and it really blew my mind.

6. Sit when you can!

There are so many things to see that you end up criss crossing the expo floor.

I was racking up those steps on my Fitbit left and right so I suggest that you sit down when you can to regroup and relax your feet. And, wear comfortable shoes!!

7. You get to meet online friends in real life!!!

I am so excited that I got to meet Hannah, who is the awesome mom to Maggie and Orbit. We have been online friends for the past year and a half. We msg each other on IG and FB and do video chats with other IG dog friends talking about how to create great content for our accounts, build websites, and share other cool stuff with each other like podcasts and dog product trends.

Getting to meet an online friend in real life is the best!

8. Celebrity dogs will always be cooler than you.

I also got to meet Doug The Pug.

Doug can smile on command. So cute.

9. A Dog Latte is the best thing ever.

There was a super fun latte artist in a booth and he was making portraits of our dogs in the latte foam. I had a latte made of Brinkley.

 

He even nailed the Haggerty Spot!!

10.You Will Look Forward to going back Year after YEar.!

I already can’t wait to go again next year!

I was really excited when my application to attend was approved. Like, boogie woogie in my chair excited, but I left feeling so much more excited than that. And, that was after 2 days of early mornings on the road to drive to Orlando, lots of walking, lots of talking, and long drives in traffic home. The time flew by but I can’t wait to go back next year!

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DIY- Painted Dog Paw Print Craft

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One of my favorite things to do it craft with my daughter.

She is 4 and really creative. We paint just about every day. Watercolor butterflies on paper to rainbows with acrylics on stretched canvases. It’s always so much fun.

I figured that since I have so much fun with her that I would enjoy crafting with my dogs. So silly.

But it was a lot of fun to do this with Kemper and Brinkley.

I think they are currently plotting how to get back at me, but at least I have some cute artwork from the activity.

When you try this, be sure to use non-toxic paint, work quickly, and immediately wipe off or wash off you dog’s paws so any paint does not dry on the paw. It’s fairly low mess, but if you are using acrylic paint, wear clothing that you wouldn’t mind getting paint on as your dog might squirm and then you will get a stray print on your pants or top.

 

The best thing about this is that the possibilities to create  with the paw prints is endless.

I decided to make butterflies with Brinkley and Flowers with Kemper.

To make the butterflies, make 2 paw prints with the pads just about touching. Then use a different color and make another 2 paw prints below the first two paw prints. All 4 paw prints need to have the toes on the outside of the image, as if you mirrored the paw prints. Once all the butterflies have been created, paint the body and antennae.

The flowers can be done with 1 single color or several colors. Stamp all the paw print flowers on the canvas. Then using a brush, paint the stems and leaves. Then using another color, preferably yellow, paint the center of the flower.  You can have the flowers coming up from the ground, or in a bouquet, or in a vase. Even the variety of flowers can be as varied as pansies, lilies, daisies, and sunflowers- all depends on the colors and the details you paint.

This activity is so fun because it’s simple to do and there are so many different ways to create a one of a kind piece.

While it would be fun to do this with any dog, this activity works best with short haired dogs as paint on the hair between the toes and on the feet will take away the detail from the pad and toes.

As well, you don’t want to use too much paint. Too much paint will also reduce the detail of the paw print. Lightly cover the pad and toes, then slowly, evenly press the paw onto the canvas for best results.

Have fun painting!

Painted Dog Paw Print Craft

Supplies Needed 

  • Canvas Panels, I used 12×12 panels from Artist Loft (purchased at Michael’s)
  • non toxic paint, such as water based or acrylic paints
  • paint brushes
  • paper plates
  • paper towels
  • baby wipes, soap

Instructions

  1. If desired, paint the whole canvas to create a colorful background. Let dry.
  2. Place a thin layer of paint on a paper plate. Lightly cover the pad and to with paint, then slowly and evenly press the paw onto the canvas. Repeat as many times as needed to create the design you are creating.
  3. Once the paw prints are complete, quickly wipe off or wash off your dog’s paw. This needs to happen before the paint dries.
  4. Paint the details to complete your picture using paint and brushes. Let dry completely before displaying.

 

 

Sunny Days ahead- Today Show’s New Guide Dog in Training

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For the 3rd year in a row, The Today Show (NBC) is featuring a puppy that will be trained to be a guide dog.

Previously, Today featured Charlie and Wrangler, now it’s Sunny‘s turn for the spot light for their Puppies with a Purpose program.

He is an 8 week old yellow lab, who will be trained by Guide Dog Foundation for 16 months to be a guide dog for a teenager.

Charlie went on to become a service dog for a Veteran, living in North Carolina.

Wrangler was originally intended to be a guide dog, but now he is training for detection of drugs and bombs, working with an officer in Connecticut.

It will be really fun to follow along with Sunny’s adventures in the Orange Room, on the Plaza, and other places the Today Show features, but the real focus is remembering how it important service dogs, of all kinds, are to people of all ages with all kinds of needs.

There are dogs that have been trained for various needs, like becoming guide dogs for the visually impaired and other dogs that have need trained to help people with seizures.

If you are considering fostering a guide dog or service dog, then reach out to local organizations near you. It is a very rewarding program to be a part of.

Images courtesy of The Today Show.