PHOTOS: Tampa Has Gone to the Dogs!

The Dogington Post took to the fairgrounds last weekend, for the Tampa Bay Pet Expo and Adoption Event. We met Shorty Rossi of Animal Planet’s Pit Boss, watched dogs strut their stuff on the dance floor in the freestyle dancing dogs exhibition, and saw dogs jump through hoops and weave around the course in the agility competition. We met vendors selling dog items ranging from collars and leashes to caricatures and paintings.

Of course, the most important aspect of the Tampa Pet Expo is the mega adoption event. Rescue organizations from around Tampa Bay came out with oodles of adoptable dogs – many of whom left with their new forever families!

But, the most exciting part of our visit to the expo was meeting all the adorable dogs and their loving pet parents that were out for the event, showing their support for the cause. Here are a few of our favorite new friends:

Miniature pug, Harley Nordstom, dons his spiked helmet and goggles for a Harley ride with his parent, Richard, to this year’s Tampa Bay Pet Expo. A true chick magnet, Harley was a huge hit with the crowd, taking home first place in the Expo’s costume contest against some tough competition. Way to go, Harley!

Casco Madden, a yellow lab retriever tries for another long distance jump competition win. Casco’s parent, Kristen Madden, says she has traveled with her talented jumper  to competitions in West Virginia, Louisiana, South Carolina, Georgia and as far north as Chesapeake, Maryland. This competition is provided by dockdogs.com.

Drool is Cool – Janice and Larry Newell stroller the show with Kia, a 6 yr old Yorkie and Lexie, their 1 yr old Maltese. Walking along with them were Poncho, a rat terrier and Dane, a Yorkshire terrier. Their two other fur children stayed home.

Willow Wonderbull, is all dolled up to promote Pinups for Pitbulls, a charity organization dedicated to educating the public about the pitbull breed and raising funds for bully-friendly rescues. To learn more about this amazing organization, and to see more pinups, visit partylikeapinup.org.

Winston, a 4 yr old Pekingese takes a ride around the Expo in style, pushed around by his humans in a stroller!

This adorable, peace-loving, hippie Dachshund is ready and waiting to enter the Expo’s costume contest, man.

Ready for the costume contest is Shannon with her adorable little Ladybug, Gabbana. Both of these pretty ladies were a huge hit with the crowd.

Shadow, an Australian Shepard loves dressing up as the “Jailbird” – ball and chain included! Shadow also won accolades in the talent show earlier in the day when he performed for the audience.

Shorty Rossi’s pitbull, Hercules, naps quietly while Shorty signs autographs for hundreds of fans.