I thought I would start out by explaining a little bit about the expo and why I attended (again, went last year too).  The Big Dogs Porch is an online community (forum) of big dog owners from around the globe.  It is a great resource for big dog health, behavior, nutrition, breed specific things, general dog stuff and we even partake in some “non-canine” banter.  I joined a little over two years ago and have made friends with several members that I actually see outside of the computer (not all my friends live inside this electronic box…. lol).  Chicago hosts one of the largest pet expos in the country and is centrally located for the member to converge for a meet up.

The owner of the forum, Dana, also co-owns Karma Charms collars so in addition to acting as “big dog ambassadors” for the forum we volunteer to work the booth for Karma Charms. Outside of the actual Expo we had several group dinners and a potluck get together with our dogs.

Here’s some of the dogs we met this trip.  First I’ll start off with the dogs we got to see from last year (photos in the 2008 Expo Gallery).  This is Karma of Karma Charms.  She is Dana’s English Mastiff.

And Basja, my good friend Kendra’s Blue Great Dane. Rufus likes her ALOT.

And now the Newbies…

This is Reggie the Saint Bernard, he belongs to Jodi.  He is totally lovable and got along great with Rufus. He has a penchant for Houdini… lol

Beautiful Indy the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog belongs to Melissa of Swiss Lick Swissies.  Rufus REALLY REALLY liked Indy.  She had some very romantic pee-mail and Rufus felt the need to hump the air after sniffing her…eek.  I think she is the first intact female dog he has ever seen and he really liked her.

There were two Leonbergers present and what adorable sweethearts they were.  First is Lowe, owned by Jenni and the second is Cleo, owned by Deb.  Every time I said her name I thought of Ms Cloe the telephone clairvoyant — “call me now”

Lots more photos from this years Expo can be seen HERE.