National Dog Day at VMware Explore: Where Innovation Meets Puppy Joy
There’s no better way to celebrate National Dog Day than with a dose of puppy-powered happiness! At this year’s VMware Explore attendees had the chance to experience that magic firsthand. Thanks to the generous sponsorship from Broadcom, Puppy Love™ was invited to transform the Venetian Convention and Expo Center in Las Vegas (August 25–28, 2025) into a hub of warmth, excitement, and connection for thousands of IT professionals.
As guests took a “paws” from exploring the future of private cloud, they stepped into the Bark Park and left their professional worries at the door. Smiles blossomed, laughter echoed, and the intensity of the conference gave way to pure delight. In partnership with Wagging Tails Rescue, eight irresistible ambassadors (five playful mini poodle mixes and three chihuahua/cavalier mixes) welcomed everyone with wiggles, games, and instant affection.
From energetic ball pit romps to the sweet sight of napping pups curled up on executives’ laps, these furry friends quickly became the heart and soul of the event. Over three days, attendees returned again and again, drawn by the irresistible joy and the spontaneous camaraderie created among colleagues and new friends alike. It was common to see serious IT leaders transformed by the simple pleasure of puppy cuddles, proof that joy and wellness can be found in the most unexpected places.
Yet Puppy Love™ is about so much more than adorable animals. Our Bark Park fostered real connections, melting away stress and reminding guests of life’s simple joys. This experience perfectly embodies our mission: promoting well-being, creating smiles, and supporting the journey of adoptable pups toward loving homes. One attendee put it best upon leaving: “I think I’m cured!” A tribute to the powerful, therapeutic impact these pups provided.
Puppy Love™ is honored to have been part of VMware Explore for four consecutive years, delivering extraordinary, stress-relieving moments that have become a beloved tradition for attendees. The event is now a much-anticipated annual highlight, and VMware’s commitment to attendee well-being and innovative, people-centric experiences is set in stone. Year after year, we’re delighted to welcome faces old and new to the Bark Park, hearing firsthand how this “puppy break” brightens their conference experience and builds a stronger, more connected community.