tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66161157187113832292024-03-05T16:10:16.191-08:00The Chronicles of Cardigana comedy coated in pet hairElizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.comBlogger684125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-684094850606580752019-12-17T11:13:00.000-08:002019-12-17T11:19:30.415-08:00A Perfect Fit<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">Revised from original, published 6/6/11</span></div>
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<em>I have lots of photos from Jon Farleigh's dad <a href="http://chroniclesofcardigan.blogspot.com/2011/06/for-every-loss-there-are-at-least-three.html">Sam's</a> 13th birthday party yesterday, and I plan to share them later this week. This magical one, though, simply refuses to reside on my hard drive for another second. Please enjoy it and its beautiful back story. </em></div>
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While most of us were busy reacquainting with the "Samily" of red dogs, there was a young boy, maybe 12, taking a Sunday car ride with his family. <br />
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Not just any car ride, though. It was a ride that, as he anticipated it in bed the night before, probably, had deprived him of sleep. But in a good way. <br />
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It was a ride that, on any other early-morning Sunday, might have been short, mundane-maybe even a nuisance. But not this day. <br />
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No, on this day, the ride lasted F O R E V E R. Until that last little stretch, when the pounding of his heart and racing of his mind, swirled all the colors of the passing landscape into a blurry image from his dreams...<br />
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(Can you hear the whisper of his every shallow breath?)<br />
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And then, JUST LIKE THAT!<br />
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The boy and his family had arrived...to the place where they'd been instructed to look for the red-coated dogs with "uncanny" resemblance. That's how they'd know they were in the right place. </div>
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The boy was about to meet his puppy. <br />
The puppy was about to meet his boy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxT2__r1_j4agVbzZxVmBV2ftjytBaI6-8EVQn_6J0ZnEbdffwXQSWXpuBvTAyPcAVzwtP3AAWp7qcuedV7Yi4ELN1sFaY3ezAgAnWANntznloR68SAXY2HopDxl0mzCwPg_jcIvZTJk/s1600/boy+with+puppy+retro+and+cross-process.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="little boy lying in grass with puppy's head resting on his leg " border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxT2__r1_j4agVbzZxVmBV2ftjytBaI6-8EVQn_6J0ZnEbdffwXQSWXpuBvTAyPcAVzwtP3AAWp7qcuedV7Yi4ELN1sFaY3ezAgAnWANntznloR68SAXY2HopDxl0mzCwPg_jcIvZTJk/s640/boy+with+puppy+retro+and+cross-process.jpg" title="The boy and his puppy are a perfect fit. " width="640" /></a></div>
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I wonder how the boy knew it was <i>his</i> puppy?<br />
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Perhaps it was because his hand and thigh, together with the puppy's head (not unlike the slipper and Cinderella's foot), were a perfect fit. </div>
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<b>Note</b>: The Cardigan Welsh corgi puppy in the photo is Sully, and Sully is with his new boy, Max. At last update, they are getting along beautifully!<br />
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-1592580520220860512019-04-20T07:23:00.001-07:002019-04-20T15:46:08.868-07:00The Curious ("Colorful"?) English Meanings of Words We Use for Dogs and Cats<div style="text-align: center;">
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Originally published 9/16/13.</div>
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Have you ever stood in your bathroom and thought about all the different words we use in English for dogs and cats? No? Well, <i>I have</i>, so no worries. </div>
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Don't ask me what sparked it (I can't remember), the point is, if one starts with the basic English words "dog," "cat," "puppy" and "kitten," and continues to list derivations of these words, one could possibly be left with some interesting questions to ponder. </div>
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See if you agree:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Pup</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Puppy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=dog" target="_blank">Dog</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Doggy</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Kitten</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Kitty</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><a href="http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=CAT" target="_blank">Cat</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVV-vs-nPc-sqJuE6dB10X20-BRu-E85dBQ0vlCRfpiIPcqFPAws62Y2lvNBS70r1IxS6sJLIEWgo0mQCRr3HI-sVJekZdy6HlCXKqLmIBUoXhmCgxkMEwfsZOWXioH5Nqi1lD-maO20/s1600/catty+tigger+caption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="kitty in feather boa" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaVV-vs-nPc-sqJuE6dB10X20-BRu-E85dBQ0vlCRfpiIPcqFPAws62Y2lvNBS70r1IxS6sJLIEWgo0mQCRr3HI-sVJekZdy6HlCXKqLmIBUoXhmCgxkMEwfsZOWXioH5Nqi1lD-maO20/s640/catty+tigger+caption.jpg" title="Catty Cat Mean Girls Parody Meme" width="568" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Catty*?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Things that make me go hmm</b>:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><> Was "catty" <i>ever</i> a term of endearment?<br /><> Would dogs call other dogs catty?<br /><> Would cats call other cats dogs?<br /><> Why is English so dumb sometimes?</span></div>
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P.S. The "catty" photo caption is a modified pop culture reference. 25 (brag) points to the first person who can correctly say from where! (Fine, it's <i>Mean Girls</i>-25 points for all!)<br />
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* <b>IMPORTANT UPDATE:</b> It occurs to me that a (sort of, with an added "naughty/bad-girl," connotation) synonym for the term "catty" is "hussy" (defined <b><a href="https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1CHFX_enUS600US600&ei=UR27XKrvEsXx5gL6yq_oBw&q=hussy+define&oq=hussy&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.35i39i70i249j0i67j0i20i263j0i10i67j0l5j0i10.777791.778405..782198...0.0..0.102.442.4j1....2..0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j0i131j0i131i67j35i39._wsX51g5dhA" target="_blank">HERE</a>, </b>Google, and<b> <a href="https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hussy" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>), which, if one were trying to use covertly--perhaps to sell something, could change to "<i>husky</i>," which is, in fact, a <i>dog</i> breed. Point being, let's give credit to both cats and dogs for the female slang terms that we've all come to appreciate, mostly, in a lighthearted** way. 😉<br />
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** Lighthearted, in a sarcastic way, if you prefer, or not. I mean, it depends on the context of how the slang word is used, and who's saying it, and to whom, right? (My gosh, I wrote the original of this post in <a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2013/09/the-curious-colorful-english-meanings.html" target="_blank">2013</a>, before <i><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Me_Too_movement" target="_blank">Me Too</a></i>. I had NO idea how relevant (in a satirical way) this post would become, five years later, at the time.<br />
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-74474497768202781722018-06-20T13:14:00.000-07:002018-06-20T13:14:26.179-07:00STOP the Madness! Affirmations and Meditation With Maddox (My Thumbed Cat)<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Editor's Note</b>: I don't know why cat-led meditation with Maddox didn't take off in 2015, when I first introduced it to the public. Perhaps the world wasn't mad enough. Or I didn't bother with SEO. None of that really matters now, though; the important thing is, Maddox can help you calm the flip down! Will you let him?</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Notice:</b> Neither I, nor <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/p/the-cardi-cat.html" target="_blank">Maddox</a>, are certified meditation instructors. Frankly, we don't know what the heck we're doing. This is a parody. That said, we dare you not to smile.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Welcome, friends! It's been a tough go of it (your day, life, endeavor to become a professional magician, etc.) and we want to help! Do you have three minutes (of course you do; you're on the internet looking at social media)? Yay! Let's meditate for a bit. But before we start, here are a few helpful hints:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sit down. If you can't sit (because you're standing in a subway, for example), for dear life, tether yourself to something, so you don't doze off and fall on something sharp! (Note: You won't doze off. Unless you're on the toilet, in which case, I hope you doze off, and your reading device falls in. Because <i>ew!</i> That's just wrong.)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Imagine you're sitting beside a picturesque waterfall, NOT Niagara Falls, though. Too violent.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Get over any issues you might have with giant tabby cats who have thumbs. Especially old ones named Maddox, with crooked whiskers and eyes slightly cocked. Maddox and his paws are a gift to stressed humans. Trust me.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Alright, you're almost there! To start, Maddox will say several affirmations directly to you (feel free to read them out loud; no one will care), and then he'll lead you through some calming imagery. Ready?! OK, shhhh....</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMDTgshVXFhZ9jJ0J2PfHW3TxXLirerJdfLo8NsP8Mb2LJSgCY4ExNR8hzzB2LZdReTzCoHmmWokapg3r1QONDBaAG5EXD3phBjn352HBzvu5d0fj6eD93R2mqA18QmwguSoZCOCCuB0/s1600/maddox+affirmations+graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="waterfall graphic with cat face avatar" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMDTgshVXFhZ9jJ0J2PfHW3TxXLirerJdfLo8NsP8Mb2LJSgCY4ExNR8hzzB2LZdReTzCoHmmWokapg3r1QONDBaAG5EXD3phBjn352HBzvu5d0fj6eD93R2mqA18QmwguSoZCOCCuB0/s1600/maddox+affirmations+graphic.jpg" title="Meditation and Affirmations With A Cat" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>affirmations</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sun is shining through your window and through your heart.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUlM5G3QJ2jtOn5Wr6HsUImLkWKSjvqC5pnbw7fjoq-ixID7zeHJXBaKcdSF04AMAbDIhSzHij-FIVByPqFLzcNV-44oGmUkskU58kgNt7EB6_4NC1QiUcsO3gyyy_sYpErEJD_ee1VnK/s400/maddox+in+window.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUlM5G3QJ2jtOn5Wr6HsUImLkWKSjvqC5pnbw7fjoq-ixID7zeHJXBaKcdSF04AMAbDIhSzHij-FIVByPqFLzcNV-44oGmUkskU58kgNt7EB6_4NC1QiUcsO3gyyy_sYpErEJD_ee1VnK/s400/maddox+in+window.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today you will take one step toward your dreams.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLnbUDgBQL3STwAIW_ediiwIwVjb6QK0Tm-6NyrvS-KrD_3EA36p8n1Hi3UKWGiC4yjUnZl3H-9B6dJcYRWhY46yPeW2ymaEAoW4oNhqQrspszI2anCy_gMx9OC1cvsjVrR1OoyS3S4w/s1600/maddox+curled+up+upsidedown+sleep.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLnbUDgBQL3STwAIW_ediiwIwVjb6QK0Tm-6NyrvS-KrD_3EA36p8n1Hi3UKWGiC4yjUnZl3H-9B6dJcYRWhY46yPeW2ymaEAoW4oNhqQrspszI2anCy_gMx9OC1cvsjVrR1OoyS3S4w/s1600/maddox+curled+up+upsidedown+sleep.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Snacks make you smile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EC4Oqr84TiIhiEFZBjY0_ZSLBVUnU2u-PdOzTlP0RgiBzs_bMNx_RIKvnS4JZ2qwzZF5OtC1OatOE3oDd7s3RPB-PEb226zXVZ17x6guV2qao8gjKSSZ49MDje52QLX7PN3TMKiUj84/s1600/maddox+funny+face.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6EC4Oqr84TiIhiEFZBjY0_ZSLBVUnU2u-PdOzTlP0RgiBzs_bMNx_RIKvnS4JZ2qwzZF5OtC1OatOE3oDd7s3RPB-PEb226zXVZ17x6guV2qao8gjKSSZ49MDje52QLX7PN3TMKiUj84/s1600/maddox+funny+face.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You feel a deep connection with your feet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_0nOglNRf2z1Oz4Cj48lXqiRQh3LcgFJSH1bvBxAmsTIcPNXxw_zuUm2tEIJYGmDYh2OzZVbcN39akAULX2MHLFFH1hMsTB_NaUQik4chuAx66VMyA-H2MyFyhvNOPE-Jr2isyZahBw/s1600/maddox+washing+paw.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_0nOglNRf2z1Oz4Cj48lXqiRQh3LcgFJSH1bvBxAmsTIcPNXxw_zuUm2tEIJYGmDYh2OzZVbcN39akAULX2MHLFFH1hMsTB_NaUQik4chuAx66VMyA-H2MyFyhvNOPE-Jr2isyZahBw/s1600/maddox+washing+paw.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Today you will be pleasantly surprised.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCjjJtwDvm93pClokjSbzBtZwMt8HRjWNSrK3UVPg7sRU3CuS1gX6tamy1F-vv8kjxkAPVuH0Il9Kbnf8UmUuUIrsQuZ7Pd6nUy6tcgXiPayf-jk1YdsBC0ZA9gazmK_6Ydn-AGnkA1c/s1600/maddox+startled+big+eyes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtCjjJtwDvm93pClokjSbzBtZwMt8HRjWNSrK3UVPg7sRU3CuS1gX6tamy1F-vv8kjxkAPVuH0Il9Kbnf8UmUuUIrsQuZ7Pd6nUy6tcgXiPayf-jk1YdsBC0ZA9gazmK_6Ydn-AGnkA1c/s1600/maddox+startled+big+eyes.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are in a state of pure joy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH1Ekhwz6oo_rdMyf0CB1thGxnfRbA2iIpgM0pyGNaRQlkJflSKBwBKBaMIusD0RdyLYclmqduZZtr133_E6LqA2x5Hl8Kdvp3dydtWKu_ZecJ635-l-_Yham8uYuA_yy9LuKisS4avU/s1600/maddox+big+derpy+head+on+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFH1Ekhwz6oo_rdMyf0CB1thGxnfRbA2iIpgM0pyGNaRQlkJflSKBwBKBaMIusD0RdyLYclmqduZZtr133_E6LqA2x5Hl8Kdvp3dydtWKu_ZecJ635-l-_Yham8uYuA_yy9LuKisS4avU/s1600/maddox+big+derpy+head+on+table.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are grateful for your breath, <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2012/08/i-kept-him-because-his-breath-burns-my.html" target="_blank">no matter how bad it might smell</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bzzHDVFBBYOnVIkOavmtLIPU48J_dUhyphenhyphenOD_jnTPG5DhUiBCQsUeTWjGWC2S40hVB4buWeibqHGjMIU8ZE7utCjxkJhrFU_36rkcDLg8G63rGmHsDACffZ5Tfa_ZRxavFTktosp91XKs/s1600/maddox+open+mouth+smoch+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_bzzHDVFBBYOnVIkOavmtLIPU48J_dUhyphenhyphenOD_jnTPG5DhUiBCQsUeTWjGWC2S40hVB4buWeibqHGjMIU8ZE7utCjxkJhrFU_36rkcDLg8G63rGmHsDACffZ5Tfa_ZRxavFTktosp91XKs/s1600/maddox+open+mouth+smoch+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu5SDdhs5wsvN-MLS_KF-Ajf74jUDXGj34PFMCTTjGLrF0ViYIZ2cmaNXD4joCbEmHdktbCSAWwsQM7Z_llXndEeAeninLF7OWaBYTAwnmz7wZZ5LgN7s0HVPwCZeonaTtdCgM_ryNUc/s1600/maddox+tongue+tip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOu5SDdhs5wsvN-MLS_KF-Ajf74jUDXGj34PFMCTTjGLrF0ViYIZ2cmaNXD4joCbEmHdktbCSAWwsQM7Z_llXndEeAeninLF7OWaBYTAwnmz7wZZ5LgN7s0HVPwCZeonaTtdCgM_ryNUc/s1600/maddox+tongue+tip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You are a calm airplane passenger.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMm_0t7yttq_oTCDwnMl8S_XaR86w9kQcpCeVA2bgBozCQlFgdiVY63v662XhRAMEmAQyBrE9CywK_BLmdTSjQfZdMVLV7iefh_rdhFxgwct6c8ymg_cxfmO7_oIm08_4zpEKwxptkiw/s1600/maddox+tongue+out+bandage+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMm_0t7yttq_oTCDwnMl8S_XaR86w9kQcpCeVA2bgBozCQlFgdiVY63v662XhRAMEmAQyBrE9CywK_BLmdTSjQfZdMVLV7iefh_rdhFxgwct6c8ymg_cxfmO7_oIm08_4zpEKwxptkiw/s1600/maddox+tongue+out+bandage+crop.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You look for humor and fun in as many situations as possible.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdOXWU1KbzlIGCKJu5GPD5Bn6VNbbc_ZEkiFMFb6JXYNjh9f036rv4b1K3TVYZ82v4USb0EoKl_4XT0noRo31F3z3LDo2dXXzBEtEenXxQiGWTlijRheD_RtGgK_QfUVOaxt69LjCd9M/s1600/maddy+screaming+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdOXWU1KbzlIGCKJu5GPD5Bn6VNbbc_ZEkiFMFb6JXYNjh9f036rv4b1K3TVYZ82v4USb0EoKl_4XT0noRo31F3z3LDo2dXXzBEtEenXxQiGWTlijRheD_RtGgK_QfUVOaxt69LjCd9M/s1600/maddy+screaming+crop.jpg" width="388" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Meditation is calming and will help you not have road rage.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaJ_eDybx7eTTb5xklJ0bsu0mOXai5C3eC6OJy22QfYA8CDkDAKvRyLpGMmkH8wM9dQsEoeYEH99NmteSi1YyyHai32zSbUVNpxfQ-_HpKcO69RiHGhiuvK02Av2lQZiCkFa4KIZaCxY/s1600/maddox+on+blue+chair+happy+face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLaJ_eDybx7eTTb5xklJ0bsu0mOXai5C3eC6OJy22QfYA8CDkDAKvRyLpGMmkH8wM9dQsEoeYEH99NmteSi1YyyHai32zSbUVNpxfQ-_HpKcO69RiHGhiuvK02Av2lQZiCkFa4KIZaCxY/s1600/maddox+on+blue+chair+happy+face.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>meditation</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And now, repeat the word "catnip" while viewing the following photos (and remember to breathe).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">catnip</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GjPNhsm00UyMHI7fhMMgcVCf0cE38BPbn8zNENkGGDyN3lS-GW-aD-kUL42hgjKN7bhwyq5iQM5Uw2aMyaWqES2W2Ix2_pv0jpE1KVu3DEjqi59EhD74VyIj1yS9vgAX1NnNN90k648/s1600/maddox+both+paws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-GjPNhsm00UyMHI7fhMMgcVCf0cE38BPbn8zNENkGGDyN3lS-GW-aD-kUL42hgjKN7bhwyq5iQM5Uw2aMyaWqES2W2Ix2_pv0jpE1KVu3DEjqi59EhD74VyIj1yS9vgAX1NnNN90k648/s1600/maddox+both+paws.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">catnip</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jCaIk9p08ezT_VguDeXZZwVFDrSR3Z7ArLEpiICVG-mH1ZvWEpWRy1ikmzAShxIcgkY61GQqtkGNaA4VqTFGX6qsAkzWCz-qPZFXJPYryVz5fqyBo8_7hMjJ7q3kfj5PnfJ3NF8BjVg/s1600/maddox+arm+hug+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8jCaIk9p08ezT_VguDeXZZwVFDrSR3Z7ArLEpiICVG-mH1ZvWEpWRy1ikmzAShxIcgkY61GQqtkGNaA4VqTFGX6qsAkzWCz-qPZFXJPYryVz5fqyBo8_7hMjJ7q3kfj5PnfJ3NF8BjVg/s1600/maddox+arm+hug+closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">catnip</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kgXDyAgvnrENILqutNY2-AutdbENjbD-o5osZ-XfT5SVguYyNBilx6kJQIbi6bMvDTj51iAtDFZMjrnfXgwyV3l-sz0PLB7IKuQUO4p8lZGiRb0C_ozAplqcPmm2o2Qk9uYCjTZB39g/s1600/maddox+on+my+bed+sleepy+face.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kgXDyAgvnrENILqutNY2-AutdbENjbD-o5osZ-XfT5SVguYyNBilx6kJQIbi6bMvDTj51iAtDFZMjrnfXgwyV3l-sz0PLB7IKuQUO4p8lZGiRb0C_ozAplqcPmm2o2Qk9uYCjTZB39g/s1600/maddox+on+my+bed+sleepy+face.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">catnip</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91mxHqlGAPxeS6pZ-jkXb2rUrLzo5l46BHKXW1zDjF9Z4QI7xmt0SiSlKCD0I1qkgR_x4cmiGX0PlfVhRWuVZkrCe6GjTkidkI7aPf1s0yWEj2lStNHJ4G9zJ_l8civ8mW1kWdvhXwbo/s1600/maddox+paw+effect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91mxHqlGAPxeS6pZ-jkXb2rUrLzo5l46BHKXW1zDjF9Z4QI7xmt0SiSlKCD0I1qkgR_x4cmiGX0PlfVhRWuVZkrCe6GjTkidkI7aPf1s0yWEj2lStNHJ4G9zJ_l8civ8mW1kWdvhXwbo/s1600/maddox+paw+effect.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">catnip</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WUJJuAH9ZJGBNLUo-ZeVzG6QWY8xZNblZ4JzP3pgmT4MrymsQMvnc7hCVuvyMDcZuJ9a_GLy50GHK9GbUvuQNhdtqSEQUd4lpwkdTEPA2mWrqRJtQCEIDIf6Rxt5rddaLAXdP11Qsis/s1600/maddox+paw+effect+button+heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WUJJuAH9ZJGBNLUo-ZeVzG6QWY8xZNblZ4JzP3pgmT4MrymsQMvnc7hCVuvyMDcZuJ9a_GLy50GHK9GbUvuQNhdtqSEQUd4lpwkdTEPA2mWrqRJtQCEIDIf6Rxt5rddaLAXdP11Qsis/s1600/maddox+paw+effect+button+heart.png" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">{Now, do that again, in reverse.}</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>end of session</i></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Please use caution not to stumble while exiting, and have a pleasant day. ☺</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note</b>: Maddox will not accept money.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bonus Sound Effects</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b50zAm-FUgw?rel=0" width="650"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2012/08/i-kept-him-because-his-breath-burns-my.html" target="_blank">Maddox</a> is a former shelter cat. We adopted him in 2012 from the <a href="http://richmondspca.org/" target="_blank">Richmond SPCA</a>. He was nine years old and on a prescription diet to maintain his urinary tract health. He is a <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2012/07/hes-cardigan-welsh-cat-excuse-me-while.html" target="_blank">polydactyl</a>, and my soul man.</i></span><br />
<br />Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-34419458170229529152018-04-06T22:37:00.000-07:002018-04-07T07:44:52.574-07:00#BlogPaws Sponsors Are (Pet) People, too: Networking Tips for Newbies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdoqEDPdYqaqWy5eIiyGZyyXpwbyXMUguSYFZLmwLtqgxkfbGZCQxZx1YneFNsBF6ERDShZWBiz7LfJ3XkNhl6MB1QR_womQ79EAuKT704UZ3OhJJGVtYz5i6NhEQZbpYAtg9-ZSX-bw/s1600/spongebob+and+squidward+captions+blogpaws+networking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdoqEDPdYqaqWy5eIiyGZyyXpwbyXMUguSYFZLmwLtqgxkfbGZCQxZx1YneFNsBF6ERDShZWBiz7LfJ3XkNhl6MB1QR_womQ79EAuKT704UZ3OhJJGVtYz5i6NhEQZbpYAtg9-ZSX-bw/s640/spongebob+and+squidward+captions+blogpaws+networking.jpg" title="#BlogPaws Sponsors Are (Pet) People, too: Networking Tips for Newbies" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squidward, however, is mean and scary. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd39o_yve3pWXwXtIFjFZ128ZJ3gWrpZ7Fxdo71W0H0b-l40-qsF5fnKK9YunkI4-FqdJpP4_2Py9vwAwNYdrvl74e5uxnlmp6Sgf-RA-twXIz9XOkcMGPvmUjI0V_J5eITollQnG4No/s1600/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="1500" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgd39o_yve3pWXwXtIFjFZ128ZJ3gWrpZ7Fxdo71W0H0b-l40-qsF5fnKK9YunkI4-FqdJpP4_2Py9vwAwNYdrvl74e5uxnlmp6Sgf-RA-twXIz9XOkcMGPvmUjI0V_J5eITollQnG4No/s640/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I had no idea what to expect interacting with brand sponsors in the Exhibit Hall at my first <a href="https://tap.fit/BJ2XEIEiM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws</a> conference. It ended up feeling like speed-interviewing at a pet industry job fair, only I wasn't sure what I was applying for, nor frankly, whether--in some cases--I even wanted the job.<br />
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Well, guess what? I didn't get any jobs! OK, let me clarify: I didn't make any connections with brands at that conference that led to paid jobs. I did, however, make one connection that led to a bunch of non-compensated writing jobs...which led to many unrelated paid jobs (you can read more about that <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2018/02/why-attend-blogpaws-conference.html" target="_blank">here</a>).<br />
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As they say, hindsight is 20/20. And looking back, I can totally see why I managed to make that one connection (with a rep from Petfinder.com), and none with any other brands: I was already a HUGE fan of Petfinder and had a personal connection. All I wanted to talk about was my rescued cats and how Petfinder was doing a great job partnering with bloggers to promote less-adoptable pets, and that I'd love to help in some way with that...<br />
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The rest is history. But I hope you can see my point: I had a "story" with the Petfinder brand and I wanted to tell it. My blog was brand new. I didn't have tons of numbers to sell. But frankly, even if I did, it would have been less genuine (and impactful) had I approached the conversation like a numbers transaction. I might not have seemed authentic and hence, missed a tremendous opportunity.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gmo-KuUx3y7oWzhHcxC-sEQovY4wXn7maa7Q_YztF2QPIyD611yJY442nn8EXmeLqPo9guksFAErv5IYF8ZTdphbdV2E7oKq4cENGagbM6zEd-QpRzeXD6hImFCtpGjU04sTsDi9pnE/s1600/spongebob-and-patrick+captions+blogpaws+networking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="686" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gmo-KuUx3y7oWzhHcxC-sEQovY4wXn7maa7Q_YztF2QPIyD611yJY442nn8EXmeLqPo9guksFAErv5IYF8ZTdphbdV2E7oKq4cENGagbM6zEd-QpRzeXD6hImFCtpGjU04sTsDi9pnE/s640/spongebob-and-patrick+captions+blogpaws+networking.jpg" title="#BlogPaws Sponsors Are (Pet) People, too: Networking Tips for Newbies" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And so is Patrick!</td></tr>
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To that I say, what a relief, y'all! Yes, you should go to BlogPaws knowing how you can bring value to your favorite brands. But when making conversation, please, talk to sponsors about the things that make you love your pets (and how their product/service can/might help you love them better). The person you're talking to loves pets, too!<br />
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<b>Related: <a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/04/blogpaws-introvert-friendly-conference-tips.html" target="_blank">BlogPaws - The Introvert-Friendly Conference</a></b><br />
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Feel better? I hope so, but either way, I've got more help for you, starting with a description of the general Exhibit Hall layout. Check it out!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Does a BlogPaws Exhibit Hall Look Like?</span></b><br />
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Ever been to an expo in a convention center? Walked through vendors at a craft fair or home and garden show? This is what the BlogPaws Exhibit Hall setup feels like to me, except it's located in the conference hotel's ballroom, always adjacent to the main conference gathering area.<br />
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Just as you’d expect to see at an expo, there are rows of tables/stations set up for each sponsor. Some stations are much more elaborate than others (with life-size props and walls of branding, product stacked feet high, and brand reps galore). Other sponsors will have small tables, with modest branding and only one or two reps present. That said, all sponsors, no matter their size, want to meet YOU, and provide boundless opportunities for connections.<br />
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<center>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="433" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBlogPaws%2Fphotos%2Fa.10154378703746721.1073741880.211093931720%2F10154378724756721%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=650&show_text=true&appId=109206026100120&height=433" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="650"></iframe>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Exhibit Hall from BlogPaws 2017! Click the image to see lots more on the BlogPaws Facebok page!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Tips to Maximize Your Time with Sponsors</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Start Getting to Know Them BEFORE the Conference.</span></b><br />
<b>FOLLOW them</b> on social media. BlogPaws makes it EASY to follow sponsors on Twitter. Check out the up-to-date <b><a href="https://twitter.com/BlogPaws/lists/blogpaws-2018-sponsors" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sponsor list</a></b>, and interact with the ones you most care about connecting with at the conference. In addition, learn about their products/services and think about how they fit with your brand (blog/social media), and how you want to convey that message in person. If you do all this before the conference, the conversations you have in person should flow naturally.<br />
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<b>Related: <a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2017/04/guide-to-blogpaws-conference-goal-setting.html" target="_blank">A Guide to BlogPaws Conference Goals</a></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Attend #BlogPawsChat(s) on Twitter.</span></b><br />
This fits under the previous subheading (especially if a sponsor you love is the special guest during the chat), but there’s more: lots of <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BlogPawsChat&src=tyah" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#BlogPawsChat</a> attendees are conference veterans. Conference veterans impart LOTS of wisdom during chats, especially leading up to the conference. AND, you’ll meet people – not sponsors necessarily, but other conference attendees. The more people you meet, the more potential buddy support you’ll have. And, everything is better with a buddy – EVEN THE EXHIBIT HALL! So, go to the next chat! (As of this writing, there's only ONE more opportunity before the conference: Tuesday, April 10, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Eastern). Hope to see you on Twitter!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Remember, BlogPaws Sponsor Reps are (Pet) People Just Like You!</span></b><br />
I've already covered this, but it cannot be stressed enough: THEY’RE HUMAN (vs. aliens who enjoy vaporizing newbie pet bloggers with laser beam eyes 👾). They are stakeholders whose brand paid to be at the conference--not to scrutinize and/or judge attendees, but to, hopefully, make meaningful (authentic) influencer connections. Have a story and just be you!<br />
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<center>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="433" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBlogPaws%2Fphotos%2Fa.10154378703746721.1073741880.211093931720%2F10154378712491721%2F%3Ftype%3D3&width=650&show_text=true&appId=109206026100120&height=433" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="650"></iframe>
</center>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">More Exhibit Hall from BlogPaws 2017 (See? Those sponsor reps are totally real people!)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't Forget to Leave a Business Card, in a Meaningful Way.</span></b><br />
Don’t forget to leave it, but don’t just toss it in a bowl, say “hi,” and hope that someone will get in touch. The handing off of your card should be with a purpose: do it while you’re having thoughtful conversation. Make sure <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2018/04/how-to-network-blogger-conference-blogpaws.html" target="_blank">you make eye contact</a>!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use Mingle/Social Time Outside the Exhibit Hall to Continue Conversations With Sponsors. </b></span><br />
So, you made a connection during your initial Exhibit Hall conversation – YAY! If it feels natural, strike up another conversation somewhere else. You’ll see people all over the hotel. In 2014 (Las Vegas), I had a nice chat with a Bissell representative IN THE POOL. (Full disclosure: We didn’t talk much about vacuums and steam mops; we might have talked about the cabana boy a little. Truly, it was a <i>nice</i> hotel.) My point is, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to connect with sponsors. You got this!<br />
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I repeat: You got this!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What questions do you still have? Which sponsor(s) are you most excited to meet? Tell me in comments!</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://blogp.ws/2018Reg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildWooSn-JA2K54oaiES7xFnY6flwEccD4o_rjIPfVMZw9pWLoqYOKSII66md2SreazpvRSIhkpM5X6ksuEkOvFnb4EZd_l27BMzrYZtKGjFfIS5xzAwMCD40FoslokuSkM10lu9RKXpw/s1600/blogpaws+2018+register+graphic.png" title="BlogPaws conference 2018 Kansas City, MO registration" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8fmhRvTDVC439D0P3aazHwa_gBNG_3inxqnPxtWdw8vhnJtbSIE90fqTXJToe5gEDyVeCA1FeHD_joVQ-tmndfl9FcAamYcwzysgecsD1cI3HgTj9RBJ6Nm5Q6n7sRy4XSIurIsPFUs/s1600/blogpaws+ambassador+badge+kansas+city.png" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1501" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY8fmhRvTDVC439D0P3aazHwa_gBNG_3inxqnPxtWdw8vhnJtbSIE90fqTXJToe5gEDyVeCA1FeHD_joVQ-tmndfl9FcAamYcwzysgecsD1cI3HgTj9RBJ6Nm5Q6n7sRy4XSIurIsPFUs/s200/blogpaws+ambassador+badge+kansas+city.png" width="200" /></a>
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I know you're planning on attending the <b>10th Anniversary BlogPaws 2018 Conference</b> (why else would you have read this far down), but in case you've waited (until the last minute-it's almost here!) to officially register...I have the link <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2018-blogpaws-conference-kansas-city-mo-tickets-34703852156?aff=KansasCity2018&afu=116452886681" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>RIGHT HERE</b></a><b>!</b><b style="font-size: x-large;"> </b></div>
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<a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_9MYfrQ9DCjyu62NGLELBooK-bVvHbGLW4O04WCtdBzSg5ar_gtUuWv-hC4rqjt9ozNdU9LVWWVXJFNrooorGv3GYzxfwRF9iTR8rbts5yfsMfsbL44itdep2j6RM6zrw1_lxQ6xI8w/s1600/2018+BlogPaws+Newbies+Graphic+SLC-Course_-Conference-Prep.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to register for and take the <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brand new, Newbie prep course</a> in the BlogPaws SLC! </span></b></div>
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<b>And, of course, follow BlogPaws on social media for the latest tips and updates!</b><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://tap.fit/H1Mib-7xBf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/SyQobbmlBz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/S1ri-WQeBM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/r1Vsb-QlSf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<script src="http://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="http://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/zOT65/jwy7u/p.png?p=A4IaZ" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"807cca40-ebe1-11e7-9f88-22000a7cc25a","post_id":"84dec68a-2c6c-11e8-b612-068617ee6438"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-4532115976460944752018-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:002018-04-06T07:01:09.428-07:00How Not to Fail at #BlogPaws (or any) Conference Networking (as Illustrated by Dogs)<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzEbCAndPT3NkLMlsXvSbz8aAD2LaV9WaRBGK5UcUm1VyIuimynUfufZSZoD2B0v2jO_XrnRexsYb9JDlHIMw8gcIMLZInOK8QTosNcP6_fp1cyamrq3cISUX_gRQNH-z47j32n7JRm0/s1600/networking+shirt+me+caption.jpg" style="display: none;">
For the purposes of this post, "networking" is defined as the specific interaction between two or more people in order to expand one's contacts. Keyword being, <i>expand </i>(also known as the opposite of shrink).<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzEbCAndPT3NkLMlsXvSbz8aAD2LaV9WaRBGK5UcUm1VyIuimynUfufZSZoD2B0v2jO_XrnRexsYb9JDlHIMw8gcIMLZInOK8QTosNcP6_fp1cyamrq3cISUX_gRQNH-z47j32n7JRm0/s1600/networking+shirt+me+caption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How Not to Fail at Networking caption on t-shirt graphic" border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzEbCAndPT3NkLMlsXvSbz8aAD2LaV9WaRBGK5UcUm1VyIuimynUfufZSZoD2B0v2jO_XrnRexsYb9JDlHIMw8gcIMLZInOK8QTosNcP6_fp1cyamrq3cISUX_gRQNH-z47j32n7JRm0/s640/networking+shirt+me+caption.jpg" title="How to Network at a Blogger Conference (BlogPaws)" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipusJviNWRS0550eUZ8U5nJExS6ejU7gQsG_vGAEGLVmtAX3HpFFXpXaMbAgZXfExCZRGWIzUO5nRw5TEbNWDr2bXCgi0nwKdHB2LY7bMm93kmfSJMI4Ygib8mbIwA8WvNhWi9edaOEA4/s1600/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="1500" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipusJviNWRS0550eUZ8U5nJExS6ejU7gQsG_vGAEGLVmtAX3HpFFXpXaMbAgZXfExCZRGWIzUO5nRw5TEbNWDr2bXCgi0nwKdHB2LY7bMm93kmfSJMI4Ygib8mbIwA8WvNhWi9edaOEA4/s640/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dogmt.com/About-Stephen-Huneck.html" target="_blank">Stephen Huneck</a>, the late artist who carved the original design that's printed on my t-shirt in wood, knew a thing or two about networking: It works best when all parties involved are well-behaved and have the exact same, outgoing personality. Whether you're a butt-sniffing dog or a business card-trading human at a conference, if you do it precisely the right way, you can make a conga line and thusly, increase your career potential 10-20-fold!<br>
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Except wait. Stephen Huneck was a humorist who specialized in dog-imitating-human parody.<br>
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Y'all! Even <i>he</i> knew that NOT EVEN DOGS--short of an unethical cloning experiment--are capable of networking as illustrated on that t-shirt! (Still, it's awfully cute and clever, which is why I purchased it to take with me to <a href="https://tap.fit/BJ2XEIEiM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws</a> in 2014.)<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HOW DOGS ACTUALLY NETWORK</span></b><br>
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OK, let's get real: Dogs RARELY have opportunity to hang out in packs for the sole purpose of expanding their contact lists. Nevertheless, they do occasionally get together--doggy daycare, family reunions, parks, pet-friendly festivals, training classes, <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2011/08/i-had-strange-dream-at-blogpaws.html" target="_blank">BlogPaws</a> <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2011/09/blogpaws-lite-introverts-recap-part-3.html" target="_blank">conferences</a>--you get the idea. And when they do, they socialize in a wide variety of ways. I happen to have a few real-life photo examples, featuring my own corgis, Jon Farleigh (red fluffy) and Dewi (blue merle).<br>
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<a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2018/04/how-to-network-blogger-conference-blogpaws.html#more">Click here to read the rest!</a>Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-45733601782561737962018-03-11T10:56:00.000-07:002018-04-05T18:43:52.463-07:0012 Ways #BlogPaws Nurtures Its Newbies (Unlike Any Other Similar Conference)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ab1U3jgWl0PRDQ21a71zOzBTNObHMXTGnAxqU2_VHutFX5HXONh02YgLqPx-vpusm8UEE7MAZsvty9KyTLu9oZhrWF8erk008xv2bw9nAYD47VQ3V_6wTCLc7FZIqphdoM0jpbUNOUU/s1600/12+ways+jon+baby+shower+blogpaws+nurtures+thumbnail+fb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corgi face in room with baby shower decorations" border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="1216" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ab1U3jgWl0PRDQ21a71zOzBTNObHMXTGnAxqU2_VHutFX5HXONh02YgLqPx-vpusm8UEE7MAZsvty9KyTLu9oZhrWF8erk008xv2bw9nAYD47VQ3V_6wTCLc7FZIqphdoM0jpbUNOUU/s640/12+ways+jon+baby+shower+blogpaws+nurtures+thumbnail+fb.jpg" title="12 Ways #BlogPaws Nurtures Its Newbies (Unlike Any Other Similar Conference)" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BlogPaws 2017 Baby Shower Crasher</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA86rPeieZ4LYG6HPUCHmj59H-C7AV7eQTjmMapvMVjP1uVfDZMWxK1YOEdf13Nu7dLAT2JV5dVjRUQkgm-_od6JAdm9qGMVmLHT_TuHMXnkeHpJ6mApJEaO3dMTyqFT7XJmASfqBUwM/s1600/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="1500" height="99" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcA86rPeieZ4LYG6HPUCHmj59H-C7AV7eQTjmMapvMVjP1uVfDZMWxK1YOEdf13Nu7dLAT2JV5dVjRUQkgm-_od6JAdm9qGMVmLHT_TuHMXnkeHpJ6mApJEaO3dMTyqFT7XJmASfqBUwM/s640/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first <a href="https://tap.fit/HkgmUbxouz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws conference</a> almost went off the rails five minutes after I checked in. It was in Tysons Corner, Virginia (outside D.C.) that year--a couple hours (in light traffic) north of me--so I drove up the morning of the first full day. Traffic was awful. I walked into the conference at lunchtime, frazzled, never having met anyone in person, and tethered to my two hyper, young corgis.<br />
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After a long walk (only taking a few steps) across the hotel lobby with dogs in tow, I scanned the dimly lit ballroom, containing a sea of tables full of attendees, humming in lively conversation. And I decided I'd rather eat almonds in my hotel room, alone, than walk from table to table, hoping some total stranger would have pity on me and offer me an empty seat.<br />
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OK, that's not entirely accurate. I decided I'd rather eat alone than cold-call a table of strangers, but I'd totally sit with people I'd never met in person, <i>if </i>I could find one familiar online friend to introduce me. Good thing I'd exchanged cell phone info with exactly one online friend before leaving home.<br />
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And that's how I met my blog idol, Laurie Eno of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thedailycorgi/" target="_blank">The Daily Corgi</a>, in person in 2011. She ended up taking me to <i>her</i> table--with an extra seat--and introduced me to the staff of <a href="http://www.cockerspanielrescue.com/" target="_blank">Oldies but Goodies Cocker Spaniel Rescue</a>, local to the area. We hit it off instantly (Laurie, the entire rescue staff, and I), and I've been a BlogPaws fan who is sympathetic to the newbie experience ever since.<br />
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The point of my story is: walking into a sea of strangers at an unfamiliar networking event can be scary, but it doesn't have to be derailing (nor a handicap, in any way). The team at BlogPaws recognizes there are unique needs for first-time attendees, and has committed resources to help. Let me tell you about them!<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">12 Ways BlogPaws Nurtures Newbies</span></b>
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<ol>
<li><b>Through me!</b> I'm not saying that to brag; I'm saying it because I'm an official <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2018/02/why-attend-blogpaws-conference.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws Ambassador</a>, proudly designated for newbies. BlogPaws values first-time conference attendees and their experience SO MUCH, that they appoint (and compensate) a designated support person (aka concierge, ring leader, breakfast host, expert introvert [yes, I am], etc.). I am passionate about tending to the newbies' BlogPaws experience. Let me help you!<br /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_lEYNLUSgvQVBG2BNKxOO1Taj9Omqc6rdZJUDPLpG3sZTs4KBRMB67sPggrPKzH5MAfZLJ-Ux8ve6nqjAwcL4JCBND7UMhmzeUOF_7OV48S0afr_xYHffIko3u8YYnQ5Eao2P5upeWA/s1600/blogpaws+ambassador+badge+kansas+city.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1501" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_lEYNLUSgvQVBG2BNKxOO1Taj9Omqc6rdZJUDPLpG3sZTs4KBRMB67sPggrPKzH5MAfZLJ-Ux8ve6nqjAwcL4JCBND7UMhmzeUOF_7OV48S0afr_xYHffIko3u8YYnQ5Eao2P5upeWA/s200/blogpaws+ambassador+badge+kansas+city.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Related</b>: <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/04/blogpaws-introvert-friendly-conference-tips.html" target="_blank"><b>BlogPaws - The Introvert-Friendly Conference</b></a>
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</li>
<li><b>By doing <a href="http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/meet-your-2018-blogpaws-ambassadors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Live interviews</a> with all the BlogPaws Ambassadors</b> (so you can get visuals and added 411 before arriving in Kansas City)! (My live interview has yet to happen, but stay tuned.)<br /></li>
<li><b>By creating the </b><a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">How To Prepare for the BlogPaws Conference</a><b> course in the BlogPaws Social Learning Community (SLC)! </b>Let me explain what the BlogPaws Social Learning Community (SLC) is (according to its <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/about/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">About</a> page): "Social learning is the practice of learning from each other. The goal of the SLC is to create a community where our influencers can learn socially with our members, our team, and our partners."<br /><br />So BlogPaws has an entire (free and self-paced) course in the SLC, written for and dedicated to first-time BlogPaws attendees (though, veteran attendees might learn something, too). Refer to the image below for course modules. <b>Note</b>: Notice <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/lessons/roommates-ride-shares-2018/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ride share and roommate boards</a> are located here (for all conference attendees, not just newbies).<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jSpyumQRjobONQNUDcfrl2-HgX2SUPMNvXDDyaAV2fi9iMK7cCmSIFdKVy0w5NUg9ctXNyhEuUBsC6SXVVBVKdh6Nh8fjNLxAydiWRTKq0a139QMZXXQ4gh8xKe1_CVl5ynjZ_y4WCc/s1600/screenshot+blogpaws+slc+newbies+course+modules+expanded.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="BlogPaws SLC Prep Course Contents" border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="900" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jSpyumQRjobONQNUDcfrl2-HgX2SUPMNvXDDyaAV2fi9iMK7cCmSIFdKVy0w5NUg9ctXNyhEuUBsC6SXVVBVKdh6Nh8fjNLxAydiWRTKq0a139QMZXXQ4gh8xKe1_CVl5ynjZ_y4WCc/s640/screenshot+blogpaws+slc+newbies+course+modules+expanded.PNG" title="12 Ways #BlogPaws Nurtures Its Newbies (Unlike Any Other Similar Conference)" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
Tell me: what other social media conference provides a newbie resource this cool? Not one*, is what.</div>
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* Based on not having found a shred of contradictory evidence. </div>
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</li>
<li><b>With weekly* <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/blogpawschat?vertical=default&src=hash" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">#blogpawschat</a>'s on Twitter!</b> This is helpful to newbies because...other conference attendees will be there! In addition, you'll get conference scoop, directly from the BlogPaws team. Be there, most Tuesdays, from 8:30-9:30 p.m. Eastern. I'm <a href="https://twitter.com/ChroniclesCardi" target="_blank">@ChroniclesCardi</a>; hope to see you!<br /></li>
<li><b>Through the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/167140124031830/212620286150480/?notif_t=plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1520620256467620" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws 2018 Conference</a> Event on Facebook!</b> Make sure you're following it for the latest scoop, and to interact (as desired) with other conference attendees.<br /></li>
<li><b>With designated Newbies tables during breakfasts at the conference!</b> Located right up front and easily identifiable, be sure to grab a seat and meet some fellow newbies before sessions begin. I will be there, too (not at every table simultaneously, but flitting around). I look forward to meeting many of you in person! (Yes, breakfast is early, but the food is always plentiful and yummy and well, newbies are awesome and totally worth getting up early for!)<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WT6uXNNo8S-ZTtxbtP3P08LH3dyF28tbqhF9sMMXV4vXCke7PxsB8wvcZTgJXz8oQQ8jxuOVmcnByRli1cSv5Q8EPOh8m0sEbi4OrcslmLdpol1kmibqzYUOYuJebfkOzysb3sYw4cQ/s1600/newbie+bfast+blogpaws+day+2+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Newbies table full of attendees at BlogPaws" border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1600" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WT6uXNNo8S-ZTtxbtP3P08LH3dyF28tbqhF9sMMXV4vXCke7PxsB8wvcZTgJXz8oQQ8jxuOVmcnByRli1cSv5Q8EPOh8m0sEbi4OrcslmLdpol1kmibqzYUOYuJebfkOzysb3sYw4cQ/s640/newbie+bfast+blogpaws+day+2+edit.jpg" title="12 Ways #BlogPaws Nurtures Its Newbies (Unlike Any Other Similar Conference)" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Newbie tables at BlogPaws 2016 in Phoenix, AZ<br />
<b>Note</b>: Sometimes BlogPaws VIPs join the newbies for breakfast, like co-founders Yvonne DiVita and Tom Collins (pictured far left to right, respectively) and keynote, Pam Slim (pictured rear, center).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</li>
<li><b>By compiling this <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/essential-blogpaws-2018-conference-everything-post/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Essential BlogPaws 2018 Conference Everything Post</a>! </b>No, really. That's the title of the post. If there's a speck of information to be shared about conference logistics, it's in there.<br /></li>
<li><b>Through Twitter lists of all the conference <a href="https://twitter.com/BlogPaws/lists/blogpaws-2018-sponsors/members" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sponsors</a> and <a href="http://blogp.ws/TwitterSpeakers2018" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">speakers</a>!</b> So newbies (and veterans) can follow and engage them before the conference (think networking practice).<br /></li>
<li><b>By providing an interactive, social platform for the <a href="https://tap.fit/SyQV8-xiuz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">conference agenda and speaker roster</a>!</b> The conference's most up-to-date agenda, at sched.org, gives attendees a way to create their own personalized, online conference experience. And, as a social bonus, when one registers and creates that experience, other attendees who have registered can see it, too! (Think it's helpful to have an idea of which other attendees are going to be in what sessions/events, possibly at the same time you are? Including speakers, and influencers you'd like to get in front of and speak to before heading home? Hint: Yes!)<br /><b>Note</b>: Signing up for sessions in sched.org is not a requirement, it's a courtesy to attendees, and a way for BlogPaws to gauge overall session attendance. Once you're at the conference, you can feel free to attend whatever sessions/events you want!<br /></li>
<li><b>Through influencers' personal tips for BlogPaws newbies, in blog posts like the one you're reading, and <a href="https://www.bridleandbone.com/blog/2017/blogpaws-conference-2017-new-blogger-and-conference-newbie/" target="_blank">this</a>, and <a href="https://www.thatcatblog.com/home/seven-must-read-tips-for-blogpaws-conference-newbies" target="_blank">this</a>!</b> (Because past newbies are the ultimate experts, no?)<br /></li>
<li><b>By providing cute "newbie" ID badge ribbons to wear proudly during the conference!</b> Here's mine from last year.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rQJvJlUWL33Ts_6htfX1Zi54AlkncFViui85f4OvANDa2mha7XrF_fGPdIgb0gbKHinNcFJ5M7yRp6iDibHzQ4QY4r6Rga1-t92hnWTVeyVf1tSJHzRxqMpxJakhDMGvSE0y5qyqw28/s1600/blogpaws+newbie+ribbon+2017+badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="BlogPaws name badge newbie (new "picture of a bee") ribbon" border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5rQJvJlUWL33Ts_6htfX1Zi54AlkncFViui85f4OvANDa2mha7XrF_fGPdIgb0gbKHinNcFJ5M7yRp6iDibHzQ4QY4r6Rga1-t92hnWTVeyVf1tSJHzRxqMpxJakhDMGvSE0y5qyqw28/s400/blogpaws+newbie+ribbon+2017+badge.jpg" title="12 Ways #BlogPaws Nurtures Its Newbies (Unlike Any Other Similar Conference)" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get it: NEW "bee"? (hehe, BlogPaws even has a sense of humor!) Also, I wrote "Ambassador" in ball point pen, because I was (Newbie Ambassador) in 2017, too. (I love BlogPaws newbies...and bees!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</li>
<li>Last, and perhaps most important....<b>BY ALLOWING AND ENCOURAGING ATTENDEES TO BRING THEIR PET(S)!</b> Can you <i>think</i> of a better ice breaker? If so, please tell me in comments, because I can't. </li>
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<b>So, how are you feeling about being a newbie now?</b> Shoot, I'd repeat BlogPaws newbie year, if I knew all this was waiting for me back in 2011! (OK, I'd repeat 2011, maybe, just to appreciate being seven years younger for a few days...or maybe not, because then it would be depressing to come back to the present. *sigh* Alright, never mind. I'm cool exactly where I am!)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What are your questions? Are you excited? Have you packed already? (I guarantee some people have. Not I; although, I started mentally planning my wardrobe last July. A side-effect of being a BlogPaws veteran: fashion hindsight. You have SO MUCH to look forward to!😉) </span></b><br />
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<a href="http://blogp.ws/2018Reg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildWooSn-JA2K54oaiES7xFnY6flwEccD4o_rjIPfVMZw9pWLoqYOKSII66md2SreazpvRSIhkpM5X6ksuEkOvFnb4EZd_l27BMzrYZtKGjFfIS5xzAwMCD40FoslokuSkM10lu9RKXpw/s1600/blogpaws+2018+register+graphic.png" title="BlogPaws conference 2018 Kansas City, MO registration" /></a></div>
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I know you're planning on attending the <b>10th Anniversary BlogPaws 2018 Conference</b> (why else would you have read this far down), but in case you've waited to officially register...I happen to have the link <a href="https://tap.fit/BkZsZ-XxBM" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a><b style="font-size: x-large;">! </b>(Don't wait too long; it will sell out, and you'll have to wait until next year to be an awesome newbie.)</div>
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<a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_9MYfrQ9DCjyu62NGLELBooK-bVvHbGLW4O04WCtdBzSg5ar_gtUuWv-hC4rqjt9ozNdU9LVWWVXJFNrooorGv3GYzxfwRF9iTR8rbts5yfsMfsbL44itdep2j6RM6zrw1_lxQ6xI8w/s1600/2018+BlogPaws+Newbies+Graphic+SLC-Course_-Conference-Prep.png" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Don't forget to register for and take the <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brand new, Newbie prep course</a> in the BlogPaws SLC! </span></b></div>
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And, of course, follow BlogPaws on social media for the latest tips and updates!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://tap.fit/H1Mib-7xBf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/SyQobbmlBz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/S1ri-WQeBM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/r1Vsb-QlSf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-70086142595641009782018-02-12T20:21:00.000-08:002018-02-16T08:27:55.637-08:00My Life Is a Giant Connect-the-Dots Puzzle, or Why I Must Attend BlogPaws<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbuKRtCA7F1oanrpMpzvwYIW72mYVMUbTUnlD60uR_nmBWSX2XWuMx7NdGKknQBneMXvU-bAjS-W_-B9w4hBWDFUhrN00rSFwStnWSqQjeV5ctJQCh46E2J5h0jTCUqtlhmipL4uU4Oo/s1600/dogs+looking+at+pumpkin+in+kitchen+jon+expressive+eyes+blogpaws+logo+overlay+fb+thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="two corgis lying on a floor" border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIbuKRtCA7F1oanrpMpzvwYIW72mYVMUbTUnlD60uR_nmBWSX2XWuMx7NdGKknQBneMXvU-bAjS-W_-B9w4hBWDFUhrN00rSFwStnWSqQjeV5ctJQCh46E2J5h0jTCUqtlhmipL4uU4Oo/s640/dogs+looking+at+pumpkin+in+kitchen+jon+expressive+eyes+blogpaws+logo+overlay+fb+thumb.jpg" title="Why I Must Attend BlogPaws" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She says we're numbers 10 and 11 on the dot-to-dot rendering of her life. </td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKcFNrl-_2plrtE_7ZcvK8d1FM4Y2pOis_Wz-hzq3JNjrfUkh9effFcsu8hkr59zV5gbJsxnTi3aVyGvADVKBTIOUGPCQWYj0WydMnP4-gEJEoyzxiZ0A9vT01u4a0cy_5y3i3lmkbXE/s1600/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="234" data-original-width="1500" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidKcFNrl-_2plrtE_7ZcvK8d1FM4Y2pOis_Wz-hzq3JNjrfUkh9effFcsu8hkr59zV5gbJsxnTi3aVyGvADVKBTIOUGPCQWYj0WydMnP4-gEJEoyzxiZ0A9vT01u4a0cy_5y3i3lmkbXE/s640/blogpaws+2018+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Imagine that before you were born, your life was laid out like a giant connect-the-dots puzzle. Do you know what those are? No matter; here's a visual refresher for everyone (from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/By%20Original%20image%20by%20whitney%20waller,%20red%20lines%20added%20-%20connect-the-dots,%20CC%20BY-SA%202.0,%20https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=45762476" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>):<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxFSlmom5N_wrx3FiDDEqGnJoEv9IlX8pdMUXGzJQyZ30lPBIoA4mzKvaQDtWuydfhgK5llTJsqy8qWepZbJZExZCSV0CpkpJe9BrXGUHBfmtajfhoHVoLL3XkxKMxjeflpKNnJj0kfA/s1600/Connect_the_dots_puzzle_%2528partially_solved%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxFSlmom5N_wrx3FiDDEqGnJoEv9IlX8pdMUXGzJQyZ30lPBIoA4mzKvaQDtWuydfhgK5llTJsqy8qWepZbJZExZCSV0CpkpJe9BrXGUHBfmtajfhoHVoLL3XkxKMxjeflpKNnJj0kfA/s640/Connect_the_dots_puzzle_%2528partially_solved%2529.png" width="531" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This person's life is a bit of a mystery, huh? </td></tr>
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Here's what <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Connect_the_dots" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> has to say about them: "Connect the dots (also known as dot to dot or join the dots) is a form of puzzle containing a sequence of numbered dots.[1] When a line is drawn connecting the dots the outline of an object is revealed. The puzzles frequently contain simple line art to enhance the image created or to assist in rendering a complex section of the image. Connect the dots puzzles are generally created for children. The use of numbers can be replaced with letters or other symbols."<br />
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Sometimes my kids would bring these puzzles home for math homework. Like instead of the numbered dots starting at 1 and continuing linearly through the end of the puzzle, the numbers were the answers to the math problems (not linear) and connected in the order of the problems on the worksheet. I loved when math homework was a connect-the-dots puzzle, because if my kids didn't solve the math problems correctly, the puzzle would look all messed up when they connected the dots. Then they'd have to go back and fix all their incorrect answers, thereby, guaranteeing a perfect homework grade, AND a pretty picture (usually something holiday-related, like a jack-o-lantern or jingle bells or a buck-toothed bunny). Plus they found solving the puzzles fun. All math homework should be so fun.<br />
<br />
I've <strike>rambled</strike> digressed. Yep, that's what I do...<br />
<br />
...whatever. So, humor me for just a minute: imagine that each of us has one of these puzzles assigned to our life, and life events are directing us from one dot to the next, resulting in, if all goes well, a clear picture of something, right before we die.<br />
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(Please don't ask me any questions about who picks the puzzle and why, or who gets to see it in the end, or how difficult it will be to solve, and what if we screw up and our final picture looks like a two-year-old's scribble--I do not have all those answers! This is just a metaphor!)<br />
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OK, now imagine (without overthinking) that when we've landed on a sequentially correct (life) dot, it's easier to "see" one's path to the next, and so on. (Versus, skipping over a critical dot and having to backtrack, or worse, zig-zag all over the page, making a complete mess, before getting back to the correct dot that compels us toward greater things.)<br />
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For fun, here's a puzzle visual that represents someone who is screwed and/or will live to 117 (remember, all the dots are pivotal life events).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eczUKguQS6v6DivEaLx9VO13iI6UPHY5N-qj8CDZN1Y6EBPcE4WCd-meu6MWjVeE6mJOxmbZ19p7_bLgDRfUYUP4Nm_K96ZtXrfEVsepQQtopDWHGs5FwjpwHrD5HWJbFOsPGLYdQPc/s1600/extreme+connect+the+dots+puzzle+example.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="943" data-original-width="1500" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1eczUKguQS6v6DivEaLx9VO13iI6UPHY5N-qj8CDZN1Y6EBPcE4WCd-meu6MWjVeE6mJOxmbZ19p7_bLgDRfUYUP4Nm_K96ZtXrfEVsepQQtopDWHGs5FwjpwHrD5HWJbFOsPGLYdQPc/s640/extreme+connect+the+dots+puzzle+example.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raise your hand if you'd like to be the owner of this life? No one? Really? What if it's 95% good stuff? </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Does Any of This Have to Do With BlogPaws, and oh yeah, What Is BlogPaws?</span></b><br />
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I'll take the second part of that question first:<br />
<br />
<b>Q</b>.<b> What is BlogPaws? </b><br />
<b>A</b>. It's a social media and blogging conference (sponsored by pet industry brands) for digital marketers (or anyone who has a business interest in being there). <a href="https://tap.fit/HkxsbZQlBG" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">This year is the 10th Anniversary</a> and it's at the <a href="https://tap.fit/HJ3Z-XeHf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sheraton Kansas City at Crown Center Hotel</a> in Kansas City, MO from April 18-20.<br />
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I could go on, but a few of my fellow blog friends (and also <a href="http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/announcing-your-2018-blogpaws-ambassadors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2018 BlogPaws Ambassadors</a>--yes, I am back as <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2017/04/guide-to-blogpaws-conference-goal-setting.html" target="_blank">Newbie and International Ambassador</a> this year!) have already written so eloquently about it. I'll let you click into any (or all) of their posts, at your leisure, for more information:<br />
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<b>Jenise Carl</b> – Happy-Go-Doodle: <a href="https://www.happygodoodle.com/2018/01/29/a-girl-walks-into-a-blogpaws-conference-a-true-story/" target="_blank">A Girl Walks Into a Conference...</a><br />
<b>Dawn White</b> – Lola the Rescue Cat: <a href="http://www.lolatherescuedcat.com/2018/02/its-blogpaws-10th-anniversary-get-ready.html" target="_blank">It's BlogPaws' 10th Anniversary!</a><br />
<b>Joely Smith</b> – Fashion Beyond Forty: <a href="https://www.fashionbeyondforty.com/2018/01/10th-anniversary-blogpaws-2018-conference.html" target="_blank">10th Anniversary 2018 BlogPaws in Kansas City, MO</a><br />
<b>Alison Reder</b> – Sarcastic Dog: <a href="https://sarcasticdog.com/best-blog-decision-attend-blogpaws-conference/" target="_blank">The Best Blogging Decision I Ever Made | Attending BlogPaws</a><br />
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Oh, and here's a fantastic video representation of everything BlogPaws from last year's conference!<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J87ZjFXYoMQ" width="560"></iframe>
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Intrigued? You should be.<br />
<br />
Next...<br />
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<b>Q</b>.<b> What do life-sized, connect-the-dot puzzles have to do with it?</b><br />
<b>A</b>. I'll tell you, but first...I am making an assumption, since you're still reading, that you have some sort of interest in the conference. <i>Why the frell would you still be reading, if not?</i> So, assuming there's at least a chance you might attend, imagine you're coming up on the next dot of <i>your</i> life "puzzle." (Although, technically, you would have no idea, because you can't see the puzzle, but imagine you had inside info...) Now, what if...? What if the option to attend the conference has presented itself because IT IS YOUR NEXT "DOT" AND IT'S GOING TO PROPEL YOU ON YOUR PATH TOWARD GREATER THINGS? <br />
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Hmm. Bet you never thought about it that way before. (If you have, please tell me in comments, because that is WEIRD!) How do you think my fellow conference Ambassadors (listed previously) would answer? (Hint: Of course they would say it's a dot! If it wasn't, why would they have been chosen by BlogPaws to be Ambassadors? They are already achieving blogging greatness!)<br />
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As for me, Kansas City will be my seventh BlogPaws attended. Seventh. Seven pivotal dots on my life journey. (I'm assuming Kansas City is a dot--since it's in the future--because the previous six are predictive evidence.) I just so happen to have MY life's puzzle, as an example.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0o1RG8FySoN4wG-fwaEGbFKIFJ2KT3_rFHzA1SAy2ilKWqtxxpCfxUGaJxqa4mXArXGPdxvLF_nXxd2g28h9Mh6FTTnOHfZhNoB56pAdrYMvERaPT8itOIyXYBSUV5NvxfQN8kD2BSM/s1600/with+blogpaws+captions_kitten_white_background_connect_dots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="dot to dot diagram of a cat with labels" border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0o1RG8FySoN4wG-fwaEGbFKIFJ2KT3_rFHzA1SAy2ilKWqtxxpCfxUGaJxqa4mXArXGPdxvLF_nXxd2g28h9Mh6FTTnOHfZhNoB56pAdrYMvERaPT8itOIyXYBSUV5NvxfQN8kD2BSM/s640/with+blogpaws+captions_kitten_white_background_connect_dots.jpg" title="Why I Must Attend BlogPaws" width="635" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't ask me how I got hold of this puzzle. Also, my life might seem simple in comparison to others, but I've lived it, and I can assure you, it's NOT! [meow]<br />
P.S. Yes, if I miss this year's conference, I might die.<br />
P.P.S. Because if I miss (as I am both an ambassador and speaker), someone at BlogPaws might kill me.<br />
P.P.P.S. See you there, because I'm NOT missing! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Propelled Toward Greater Things (the Proof)</b></span><br />
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In case you doubt my dot assignments, however, here are a few things I would NOT have done/accomplished had I not attended those conferences:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Met Jane H. with (conference sponsor) <a href="http://petfinder.com/">Petfinder.com</a>, who, after the (2011) conference (my first), added me to her blogger contact list, sent me a ton of writing opportunities (for my own blog) to benefit homeless pets, got me hooked on rescue, gave me confidence in my writing ability, which brought other (compensated) writing opportunities with other brands, and landed me an award/partial sponsorship to my next (2013) BlogPaws conference. (Jane owns her own marketing consulting business today, still occasionally attends BlogPaws, and remains a trusted role model.)</li>
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<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlMb8JF09_ToZF8CM1Ns806Ls0ESKeDrf3FbeenPsffnIPy7yhI1aCQyViizkar_7WTJOpmbZ-cdfgp0jRFHqmzngXMZYej8Ui6e_hk_-RI-aZFwz0t7PdDgNmqdNw5VG-U-ABRnfjWw/s1600/blogpaws+ambassador+badge+kansas+city.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1501" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTlMb8JF09_ToZF8CM1Ns806Ls0ESKeDrf3FbeenPsffnIPy7yhI1aCQyViizkar_7WTJOpmbZ-cdfgp0jRFHqmzngXMZYej8Ui6e_hk_-RI-aZFwz0t7PdDgNmqdNw5VG-U-ABRnfjWw/s200/blogpaws+ambassador+badge+kansas+city.png" width="200" /></a> Experienced a large, trade/social media marketing conference as a self-identified introvert and occasionally, socially awkward/shy person. This is critical, because, as a natural leader, it also gave me the burning desire to use my experience (and lessening anxiety) to help other conference attendees (especially "newbies" or first-timers) overcome their fears and make the best of their BlogPaws experiences. (This is my third year in a row as <a href="http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/announcing-your-2018-blogpaws-ambassadors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Newbie Ambassador</a>, an appointed position. I got the first gig {2016} by pitching a BlogPaws co-founder, the remarkable Yvonne DiVita, a few months after {secretly and on my own initiative} "trying out" the role at the 2015 conference.)<br />See: <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/04/blogpaws-introvert-friendly-conference-tips.html" target="_blank">BlogPaws - The Introvert-Friendly Conference</a>
</li>
<br />
<li>Met all the BlogPaws co-founders and executive team in person. Did this help me get the ambassador role? Not sure, but I'm inclined to think so. I'm also inclined to think that it's helped me get two BlogPaws speaker roles (this year my topic, on Thursday at 11 a.m., is <a href="http://sched.co/DScx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook Ads Essentials: What Every Page Owner Should Know and Incorporate Now {Without a Big Ad Budget}</a>) and several paid contract jobs, assisting BlogPaws team members with tasks, including, most recently this holiday season, Campaign Manager for a major (paid) influencer/brand collaboration. </li>
<br />
<li>Met Jill, Jessica (2x roomie), Alison, Maggie, Bryn, Kristin, Jodi, Denise, Christy, and Rochelle, all role models, fellow bloggers, dear friends, and in some cases, accountability partners (all year long). Seriously, meeting these ladies could be pivotal "dots" in my life all on their own. There are too many others--whom I've met at BlogPaws along the years, and who have impacted my life for the better--to name here. Not just other bloggers, but brand reps, business owners, entrepreneurs, editors, and authors. (OK, I'll name one more: <a href="http://www.jeremygreenberg.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeremy Greenberg</a>, comedian and best-selling pet humor book author, whom I met in 2017. He turned into my first freelance, digital marketing consulting client, and has already taught me more about the publishing industry, and how it relates to marketing, than I ever imagined I'd know.)</li>
</ul>
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Anyone see a common theme with me? How about networking? Think there might be networking opportunities at BlogPaws? (YES!)</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I will conclude with this: If there is anything remarkable to you about the BlogPaws conference--something that compels you to attend, anything at all--and you are here, CAN YOU AFFORD TO PASS IT UP? What if it's your next life-dot? Do you want to zig-zag through the next chapter of your life? </span></b></div>
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<a href="http://blogp.ws/2018Reg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEildWooSn-JA2K54oaiES7xFnY6flwEccD4o_rjIPfVMZw9pWLoqYOKSII66md2SreazpvRSIhkpM5X6ksuEkOvFnb4EZd_l27BMzrYZtKGjFfIS5xzAwMCD40FoslokuSkM10lu9RKXpw/s1600/blogpaws+2018+register+graphic.png" title="BlogPaws conference 2018 Kansas City, MO registration" /></a></div>
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If the answer is no, I happen to have the link to <b style="font-size: x-large;">REGISTER for the 2018 conference </b><a href="https://tap.fit/BkZsZ-XxBM" rel="nofollow" style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">RIGHT HERE</a><b style="font-size: x-large;">! </b>(Don't wait too long; it will sell out, and not even I can help you with that zig-zagging then.)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also happen to have a <b>discount code for 10% off the regular blogger rate</b> here:</span><br />
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">BP-18-Amb-10off</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_9MYfrQ9DCjyu62NGLELBooK-bVvHbGLW4O04WCtdBzSg5ar_gtUuWv-hC4rqjt9ozNdU9LVWWVXJFNrooorGv3GYzxfwRF9iTR8rbts5yfsMfsbL44itdep2j6RM6zrw1_lxQ6xI8w/s1600/2018+BlogPaws+Newbies+Graphic+SLC-Course_-Conference-Prep.png" /></a></div>
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Already registered or plan on it and you're a first-time conference attendee? Yay, glad to have you join us! Also, there's a <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/how-to-prepare-for-the-blogpaws-conference/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">brand new course</a> in the BlogPaws Social Learning Community (SLC) specifically for conference prep! It's chock full of everything from business card and media kit information, to what to pack, to networking tips, to rideshare and roommate boards! I hope you'll go check it out and introduce yourself!</div>
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And, of course, follow BlogPaws on social media for the latest tips and updates!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://tap.fit/H1Mib-7xBf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/SyQobbmlBz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/S1ri-WQeBM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://tap.fit/r1Vsb-QlSf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<script src="http://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="http://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/9QQ4u/RYneu/p.png?p=cnqKS" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"807cca40-ebe1-11e7-9f88-22000a7cc25a","post_id":"890745e6-fd84-11e7-9939-22000a7cc25a"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-78779109409230925472017-11-24T05:48:00.000-08:002017-11-24T09:38:36.170-08:002 Things (including burning up the vacuum motor) My Pets Are Sorry For + Enter to Win $575 in Prizes (incl. a vacuum)!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJZRcXo1yM3M6u6lNW4JoRbwRbnUP66djMGdxN16Z8gzMkfiYfNrFKjvqZsETk6iTQT24wY-TRt1FxgGV70CoiqkNfbZseee1AKxcd0OBarBXvSQLMQNN0lR2g_p7Jj4DNLyFS_z7B44/s1600/dogs+in+pen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1600" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJZRcXo1yM3M6u6lNW4JoRbwRbnUP66djMGdxN16Z8gzMkfiYfNrFKjvqZsETk6iTQT24wY-TRt1FxgGV70CoiqkNfbZseee1AKxcd0OBarBXvSQLMQNN0lR2g_p7Jj4DNLyFS_z7B44/s640/dogs+in+pen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Don't let their innocent faces fool you; an hour before I got this photo, they both (freakishly) shed their entire undercoat and immediately grew it all back. In that same hour, I (freakishly) vacuumed the entire house twice, and attempted a third time, except the 3,001,297 strands of corgi fur wrapped around the carpet attachment's brush-roller (that I'd neglected to inspect, even though the last time the vacuum broke, the shop said it was because the fur of 1,001 corgis was wrapped around the roller) got severely tangled, and burnt up the motor beyond repair. The corgis were distraught, so I put them in the pen (pictured) to think about the consequences of shedding. In the end (after 1.76 minutes), they simply issued an apology, and vowed not to shed as much, at least not on carpeted areas, rugs, upholstered furniture, lamp shades, or dark-colored clothing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Note</b>: Numbers reported in the above paragraph are rough estimates. </span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Note</b>: My use of the term "rough estimate" in the above sentence is a rough estimate of the actual definition of rough estimate. </span></i><i style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEfH-Nv9e398cb_2_tGKAVo1VR25m67-DoF61OgiXLimEPdA5wZiOorOyyCLExeF_qSR7xEb0v1AQ2In32nqxTp4Iw2VhFM34ee4Iv9xYgOG5LOR3Y6BPuKFL47IXKtEJeu1Kk-jZhxw/s1600/sorry+i+humped+your+leg+cover+from+google.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitEfH-Nv9e398cb_2_tGKAVo1VR25m67-DoF61OgiXLimEPdA5wZiOorOyyCLExeF_qSR7xEb0v1AQ2In32nqxTp4Iw2VhFM34ee4Iv9xYgOG5LOR3Y6BPuKFL47IXKtEJeu1Kk-jZhxw/s400/sorry+i+humped+your+leg+cover+from+google.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">I own this book. I got it for free from the author. It's so funny, I bought the three others in the series with my own money. </span></i><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of shedding on dark-colored clothing (which all my pets are sorry for)...that is <i>not my Boston Terrier</i> on that adorable-and-also-crude book cover, nor does it represent my dogs' shame (they've never humped a leg--a CAT, or EACH OTHER, though?). Anyway, when I was at the BlogPaws conference last spring, Jon Farleigh (my red fluffy corgi) and I got into an elevator with a guy wearing all black (I think--it might have only been 96% black, but I round up). Picture Bono, or Johnny Cash, except he didn't look anything like them (plus Johnny Cash is dead, may he R.I.P)...anyway, it's a good thing he broke the awkward elevator silence by speaking directly to Jon Farleigh (who was visibly on the verge of exploding with feelings of profound love and affection toward the complete stranger). Because after doing so--and hence, inviting the dog to thrust his entire, blonde-coated, fluffy, molting, gyrating corgi being directly on the aforementioned black outfit, resulting in my mortification--it got out that he wrote funny books about pets being sorry. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the next day, he gave me a copy of that one with the Boston Terrier on it. I knew then--after matching the author's headshot on the book cover to the actual person--that I had, in fact, met the real (vs. fake) <a href="http://jeremygreenberg.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeremy Greenberg</a>--comedian and author of several pet-centered humor books that are in big book stores and make charming holiday gifts for people who love pets, have senses of humor, and can read. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwR6lZ_814Rh6VNBfjIRqOMgiYSd0pfcOQTmOzjjYvewjzDaTCYKSlQ1OXnJX6R_GS3Zwjg1INFmwlXHNCIqi_uo_FAFJfKtMWILSawepK8iVwG-2SSDJ7Ux3e8i7x4BSq0oShHDMTJ8/s1600/jon+baby+shower+blogpaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwR6lZ_814Rh6VNBfjIRqOMgiYSd0pfcOQTmOzjjYvewjzDaTCYKSlQ1OXnJX6R_GS3Zwjg1INFmwlXHNCIqi_uo_FAFJfKtMWILSawepK8iVwG-2SSDJ7Ux3e8i7x4BSq0oShHDMTJ8/s640/jon+baby+shower+blogpaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That's Jon Farleigh in a hotel room at BlogPaws. He wasn't sorry in this photo, because the couch is p/leather so his fur didn't stick. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3rqw40TjqdJJ18a1ofZ8mZMbveUErOoz3yYQq2JirVOBNf_nieBA2hyphenhyphenyAxCYFF3GMWUlc44upXWDVYfXGzijJbomEFR7uhvuwUuN6kWojyYaRgxparcTTctsgr-M13T6E12WurXHC9U/s1600/jon+standing+in+ocean+profile+blogpaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3rqw40TjqdJJ18a1ofZ8mZMbveUErOoz3yYQq2JirVOBNf_nieBA2hyphenhyphenyAxCYFF3GMWUlc44upXWDVYfXGzijJbomEFR7uhvuwUuN6kWojyYaRgxparcTTctsgr-M13T6E12WurXHC9U/s640/jon+standing+in+ocean+profile+blogpaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">That's also Jon Farleigh at BlogPaws (it was in Myrtle Beach). You can bet he was sorry for dumping the sand that had gotten lodged up in the undercoat on his undercarriage all in the backseat of my car, the hotel lobby, and bathroom floor in my room. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The point of that elevator story, in case you've forgotten how you arrived here, is that Jon Farleigh (not I) should have apologized for jumping up and smearing his loose fur all over the author's black pants. But since Jon Farleigh's not ever getting a mention in a "Sorry I..." book, I'm giving him a pass. Sorry, Jeremy*. 😉</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">* It's OK, we're friends now. And I'm not really sorry.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu_xyzebV9aTIpMDkP-fj5-NKcZm37PkMBe3071lU25fNRf7hWDskvTAvyf2nRrvJwZy4jIkKAp6GJTUZ-dn3cfQB_xJuQH1CSzg0v9dTNLNtEgupszXqIvvGDVtQrs0R3Q7gg9Knugg/s1600/Holiday+Giveaway+Tall+Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1040" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwu_xyzebV9aTIpMDkP-fj5-NKcZm37PkMBe3071lU25fNRf7hWDskvTAvyf2nRrvJwZy4jIkKAp6GJTUZ-dn3cfQB_xJuQH1CSzg0v9dTNLNtEgupszXqIvvGDVtQrs0R3Q7gg9Knugg/s640/Holiday+Giveaway+Tall+Image.png" width="443" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>So, there's this giveaway...</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">(Isn't that the REAL reason you're here, after all? It's totally OK.) Yep, we're co-sponsoring--with nine other pet bloggers, for our second holiday season--a fun giveaway, with three pet-friendly prizes (and they're huge)! Read on for details, including how you can enter on all 10 sponsors' blogs, and what you might win, just in time for the holidays!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Here are the other nine pet blogs bringing this awesome giveaway to you!</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Christina at <a href="https://www.thelazypitbull.com/pet-blogger-giveaway/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Everyday Dog Mom</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Amanda at <a href="http://www.dogmomdays.com/deck-the-halls-with-the-paws-santa-claws-holiday-giveaway/" target="_blank">Dog Mom Days</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Alison at <a href="https://sarcasticdog.com/5-reasons-foster-shelter-pets-holiday-plus-holiday-giveaway/" target="_blank">Sarcastic Dog</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jessica at <a href="http://www.beaglesandbargains.com/paws-santa-claws-holiday-giveaway-win-big-prizes-pets/" target="_blank">Beagles & Bargains</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jodi at <a href="http://kolchakpuggle.com/2017/11/celebrating-holiday-traditions-paws-santa-claws-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Kol’s Notes</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Joy at <a href="https://mygbgvlife.com/2017/11/24/holiday-giveaway/" target="_blank">My GBGV Life</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">April at <a href="https://tenaciouslittleterrier.com/2017/11/24/make-merry-paws-santa-claws-holiday-giveaway/" target="_blank">Tenacious Little Terrier</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Sandra at <a href="https://www.dollythedoxie.com/paws-santa-claws-holiday-giveaway/" target="_blank">Dolly the Doxie</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Kama at <a href="http://www.kamalovesagility.com/win-big-paws-claws-holiday-giveaway/" target="_blank">Kama Loves Agility</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And these are the prizes!</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grand Prize: </b>(1)<b> </b>$300 Amazon Gift Card*<b></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2nd Prize: </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blackanddecker.com/products/home-cleaning/vacuums/stick-vacuums/pet-2in1-cordless-lithium-stick-vacuum-with-smartech/hsvj520jmpa07" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PET 2-In-1 Cordless Stick Vacuum from Black+Decker</a> (approx. $199 value)**</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3rd Prize: </b>$75 gift card to <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/DogMomBoutique" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Inspired Dog Mom Boutique</a></u></span>**</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Y'all, I'd love an Amazon shopping spree and I know you would, too! You know what else I'd love? The cordless PET vacuum (for the corgi tumbleweeds) AND that $75, Etsy shop spending spree! Yes, give it all TO ME! Alright fine; you can have it. I'll just be over here with fur all over my clothes, being happy for you when you win. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">* The 10 participating bloggers each contributed their own money toward the Amazon gift card.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">** 2nd and 3rd place prizes have been donated by their respective brands, Black+Decker and the Everyday Dog Mom blog.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Once again...YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN ON ALL 10 PARTICIPATING BLOGS!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yep! To increase your odds, simply visit all the blogs (linked above) and enter (but hurry, all entry forms will all close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Thursday, November 30)!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">One "finalist" will be randomly selected from each blog!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then all of the finalists' names will go into a drawing, during which three winners will be randomly selected to receive the </span>prizes<span style="font-size: large;"> listed above.</span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />This is great news! That's because even if one of the 10 blogs has 467 times more entries than another, EACH BLOG will still get one finalist in the drawing! (FYI: Chronicles of Cardigan produced the 3rd prize winner in a previous pet blogger <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2015/11/adorable-corgi-cat-pics-deck-howls-holiday-giveaway.html" target="_blank">holiday giveaway</a>!)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Ready to enter? Yay! But first, you'll have to comment on this blog (and I will check, yo)...so, tell me: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>What's one thing your pet(s) is sorry for (or you are sorry for, on behalf of your pet)? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Done commenting? Get entered, using the giveaway tool below!</span>
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<center>
<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/pqUwX/paws-santa-claws-holiday-giveaway" rel="nofollow">Paws & Santa Claws Holiday Giveaway</a>
<script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, did you enter? Yay! I hope you win! Don't forget you can enter at the other nine blogs (linked at the top of the post) to increase your chances! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'll post all three winners' names on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chroniclesofcardigan" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and <a href="https://twitter.com/ChroniclesCardi" target="_blank">Twitter</a> the first week of December!<br /><br />Good luck!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><i>About the giveaway: </i><br />
<i><br /></i><i>No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents age 18 and older, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from November 24 to November 30, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. Three (3) winners will be randomly selected and notified via email. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Twitter and Pinterest do not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Gleam’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion. By entering this contest, participants grant permission for their email address to be added to the Chronicles of Cardigan mailing list. </i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<i><br /></i><i>Each participating blogger paid an entry fee which will be used to fund the grand prize. The 2nd and 3rd place prizes were generously donated by the participating brands. Please be sure to visit their websites to see all the incredible pet products they have to offer.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW7rR-yPS_qkAq-V6tnJsIPChXd_qu6H8QHmE_pU4SpAGgIGkVzzbzOgs2P8Rt41Lge7U1vSGVWlxN1XV1u7Do94mFGtM56RTeEIu3Jl8AJrGA58kGgbtsTHQ_-9a0kzxOqmGsumkNbA/s1600/sorry+i+slept+on+your+face+cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMW7rR-yPS_qkAq-V6tnJsIPChXd_qu6H8QHmE_pU4SpAGgIGkVzzbzOgs2P8Rt41Lge7U1vSGVWlxN1XV1u7Do94mFGtM56RTeEIu3Jl8AJrGA58kGgbtsTHQ_-9a0kzxOqmGsumkNbA/s400/sorry+i+slept+on+your+face+cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">My friend Jeremy (the real Jeremy Greenberg, who invited Jon Farleigh to be bad in an elevator) wrote this book, too. Cats hardly ever apologize for anything, and that alone is worth the read. Except, I'm telling you to read it (or give it to someone else to read) because it's funny, and full of cute cat photos. Like Facebook, except you don't need to log in, or read about your "friend's" politics. </span></div>
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-20781504122084770472017-10-02T18:49:00.000-07:002017-10-02T18:49:00.938-07:00How I Found the Hidden Good in My Dog's Ill-Timed Upset Stomach <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Notes</b>:</span>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">This is the third time I've published this post since 2012. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">In 2012, I was five years younger, but no wiser.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">When I published the post in 2015, I titled it, </span><div style="background-color: white; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"How to Make 'Lemons' When Your Dog's Poop Looks Like Lemonade."</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">I do not buy the whole "life gives you lemons" metaphor. I mean, who said lemons are bad? No one--the metaphor writer was wrong. Lemons are good. Lemonade, in contrast, is fattening and can make one's teeth rot (if not consumed in moderation).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">My life has changed somewhat in five years; however, the "bad" things are still in plentiful supply. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The corgi's lives have changed, too. They haven't been crated at night in years. They mostly sleep on me. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I promise not to mention the word "lemonade," in the same sentence with the words "dog" or "poop," for the rest of this post. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Title of original post from <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2012/03/exploding-dog-butts-and-ill-fitting.html" target="_blank">March 23, 2012</a>...</span></div>
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Slackey; font-size: 30px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
Exploding Dog Butts and Ill-Fitting Clothes - An Experiment in Looking on the Bright Side</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My day could conceivably have gone two ways today: <b>crappy </b>or <b>awesome</b>.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lRHUmLa_O1t1qR652I0XISAsK58aLHYGL-W2ZLtQsyx5YGxiMpR3jZwGiSAvAUCB2cB9A2_vfKF4YjCIq_N7DJdg-ZUnk_n6uISRTLVXAgN4TlbUmh8z2BwrUuJBsEE4_C2V1p04_Xwb/s1600/jon+bad+attitude+caption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lRHUmLa_O1t1qR652I0XISAsK58aLHYGL-W2ZLtQsyx5YGxiMpR3jZwGiSAvAUCB2cB9A2_vfKF4YjCIq_N7DJdg-ZUnk_n6uISRTLVXAgN4TlbUmh8z2BwrUuJBsEE4_C2V1p04_Xwb/s400/jon+bad+attitude+caption.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Crappy attitude?</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, well, if I'm speaking in literal terms, so far, there's been lots of crap. But I'm not speaking in literal terms...just yet.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So because it's Friday, and I LOVE Fridays, I thought it would be fun to list all the crappy things that have happened in my house so far today and then for each crappy thing, come up with a way for me to look on the bright side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, for example, if my bedroom smoke detector had started chirping at 2 a.m., forcing a middle-of-the-night battery replacement and minor sleep disturbance, I would argue that on the bright side, my family would not have burned up in a potential 3 a.m. house fire. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pretty simple, yes?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK, here we go...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Crappy Thing (CT)</b>: Jon Farleigh broke out of his crate at 2:50 a.m. because he had to go RIGHT THEN.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>On the Bright Side (OtBS)</b>: He didn't go in his crate.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CT</b>: I didn't get back to sleep until approx. 4:15 a.m.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: While I was up, I watched a graphic WWII documentary (on the Smithsonian Channel). In comparison to that, my problems seemed petty.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CT</b>: JF's crate had a pile of poop in it when he came out of it this morning.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: It was still in one neat pile and only touching the hard plastic crate floor (easy clean-up!).</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CT</b>: After coming in from being walked (by Middle Child - who told me--inaccurately, it turns out--JF had NOT done #2 outside), I discovered JF's back end to be a giant mess, so (while 2 of my kids were trying <i>not </i>to miss the school bus) I had to give him a bath (with kiwi-scented shampoo).</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: He didn't have a chance to put his poopy butt all over the carpet or upholstery. And, the kids still made their buses, proving I can do several things at one time, when pressed.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGAubMgBzZJZVdiPYxhfdD4eUvkAAQXCFIFLcEQ2qdx6eIU3s04j4LJ-QgcR0xJiAqOBjBvcaSzS3Um83yY2yn58evetov_AgyqqxUrZwWgkN7IQL3Zxp8r3bS9rMMx5q6sT9WQEtbDlr/s1600/jon+happy+attitude+caption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkGAubMgBzZJZVdiPYxhfdD4eUvkAAQXCFIFLcEQ2qdx6eIU3s04j4LJ-QgcR0xJiAqOBjBvcaSzS3Um83yY2yn58evetov_AgyqqxUrZwWgkN7IQL3Zxp8r3bS9rMMx5q6sT9WQEtbDlr/s400/jon+happy+attitude+caption.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Positive outlook?</span></td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">CT</b><span style="font-size: large;">: About 15 minutes after his bath, </span><span style="font-size: large;">JF</span><span style="font-size: large;"> (with a twinkle in his eye) sneaked out of the kitchen, pooped in the family room and tracked it back into the kitchen. And I had to give him a second bath.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: His butt hadn't been that clean and sweet-smelling since the day he was born and his mother licked him clean. Also, I got to do a load of towels.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(<b>Note</b>: JF is OK; he just ate something disagreeable, probably deer poop.) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw-vR7T0BxL_K8zi91lZcMIoZYuoKJjrqh8jnMm4q-OJEKJflqQrVC3_fJDAu2slTrW1VcqtK6eLo4lQ_SwRu6_ZNpBKcp0Gej4bmTurZl4BnWKXMKLp3RR6Ndr3FCiwNvHTfDk8C-UGc/s1600/DSCN6361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtw-vR7T0BxL_K8zi91lZcMIoZYuoKJjrqh8jnMm4q-OJEKJflqQrVC3_fJDAu2slTrW1VcqtK6eLo4lQ_SwRu6_ZNpBKcp0Gej4bmTurZl4BnWKXMKLp3RR6Ndr3FCiwNvHTfDk8C-UGc/s400/DSCN6361.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Look how curly his fur gets after a bath!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CT</b>: JF didn't get his breakfast, except for a teaspoonful each of mashed pumpkin and plain Greek yogurt.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: BOTH dogs got to eat yummy pumpkin and yogurt. (Note: JF didn't poop again for 3 hours after eating, and did not require a third bath.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CT</b>: My summer wardrobe shrank a half-size over the winter.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: I get to go shopping? (OK, not.) Tight clothes make me not want to eat? (Not really--they make it harder to breathe.) I get to spend more time outside (and not sitting) with the dogs (and/or family)? Yes! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>In summary: </b>My day was <b>awesome </b>because:</span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I'm not a statistic in a war documentary.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jon Farleigh's crate and butt are squeaky clean.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">My dogs got to eat something yummy and wholesome.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I can multitask.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have clean towels.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have an excuse to go outside and play. </span></li>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Hope you are having an awesome day, too! 😊</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UPDATE 8:34 p.m.</b>: Because I was scrambling to get this post finished and not paying enough attention to my family's dinner, sizzling on the outdoor grill, I have another CT to add to the list:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CT</b>: My hamburgers got burned to briquettes in a grease fire. <i>Oh yes, friends, they did.</i></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">No lighter fluid required.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>OtBS</b>: I saw a Bald Eagle while driving back from the grocery store (because I had to go out and buy more beef). I had time to prune some plants in the garden while I was outside (not writing this post) supervising the grill. And it turns out, there was enough good cooked meat inside those black rocks to scrape out and add to Jon Farleigh's bland dinner (and breakfast tomorrow). Furthermore, if he could talk (thank heaven he can't, but if he could) he'd probably tell me he wishes he had more upset stomachs, because the recovery menu tastes SO good! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Suddenly, I really want chocolate ice cream...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">How's <i>your</i> day going? </span><br />
<br />Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-36113759285168065552017-09-11T01:45:00.000-07:002017-09-11T01:45:10.982-07:0010 Reasons Why My Corgis Are Strange<div style="text-align: center;">
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For the record, there are more than 10 reasons the corgis are strange; it's just that I haven't mentioned these particular reasons here, in much detail anyway, before now.<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">10 Reasons Why My Corgis Are Strange</b></div>
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<b>1. Jon Farleigh</b>: Carries a "pacifier" (e.g., Kong, bone, rope, dirty, half-destroyed plush toy, empty plastic bottle, etc.) everywhere he goes. If it's not in his mouth (because his mouth is otherwise occupied or he's asleep), it's within reach.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDYU-ZO98-yqj7MTDxIM_F3CTSodw3cSFAEZI0sA6eO41_OyilQ3zhNqg0n7odE9qRjyhDg4xQi1WPBarPkJnlQB1QS4Db24PGBDEra_hNsOCFSYoF1cLdsuZiLLkGEUrnprFThkCf2Y/s1600/jon+farleigh+bottle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDYU-ZO98-yqj7MTDxIM_F3CTSodw3cSFAEZI0sA6eO41_OyilQ3zhNqg0n7odE9qRjyhDg4xQi1WPBarPkJnlQB1QS4Db24PGBDEra_hNsOCFSYoF1cLdsuZiLLkGEUrnprFThkCf2Y/s640/jon+farleigh+bottle.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">His pacifier du jour.</td></tr>
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<b>2. Dewi</b>: When on car rides, sits with his entire head, snout first, shoved into the crease between the back seat and the door. </div>
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<b>3. Jon Farleigh</b>: Charges any cat who attempts to escape his ever-watchful eye. And by charge, I mean he springs to his feet, while violently shaking his "pacifier"-toting head. <b>Note</b>: No animals have ever been injured during this process (in fact, the cats mostly roll their eyes); however, some (humans included) have been jarred awake from sound sleep.</div>
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<b>4. Dewi</b>: Humps Jon Farleigh every time he (Jon Farleigh) charges a cat leaving the room. (<b>Recap</b>: Cat leaves room => JF charges cat => Dewi humps JF. Repeat, as necessary.)</div>
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<b>5. Jon Farleigh</b>: Growls whenever he's enjoying a particularly good back scratch.</div>
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<b>6. Dewi</b>: Screams in fear whenever he <i>thinks</i> he's going to get his nails trimmed* (as in, I am holding his paw in one hand and the clippers in the other). And by scream, I mean scream (not whine, not yelp, not bark - <i>scream</i>). Like this baboon scream:</div>
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<object class="hark_player" height="25" width="100%">
<param name="movie" value="http://cdn.hark.com/swfs/player_bar.swf?pid=khjwhkzrmb"/>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"/>
<param name="allownetworking" value="all"/>
<param name="wmode" value="transparent"/>
<embed src="http://cdn.hark.com/swfs/player_bar.swf?pid=khjwhkzrmb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allownetworking="all" width="100%" height="25" wmode="transparent"></embed>
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<a href="http://www.hark.com/clips/khjwhkzrmb-baboonsngllngshrie-pe926604" style="color: #dddddd; font-size: 9px;" title="Listen to on Hark.com"></a>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F-g0g37G2HYShXKGVRd-Y1va1oefLHOica_O_ILQknYl5V4XbTpG5R7gYWr078-j2-nLiBmA5JwG4wf4PyDT3yTAv6a5DImVavqvVYbbO6A2jE9ewowAaulEUCM5lnu2hFw4LgVQcJg/s1600/dewi+dremel+scream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9F-g0g37G2HYShXKGVRd-Y1va1oefLHOica_O_ILQknYl5V4XbTpG5R7gYWr078-j2-nLiBmA5JwG4wf4PyDT3yTAv6a5DImVavqvVYbbO6A2jE9ewowAaulEUCM5lnu2hFw4LgVQcJg/s640/dewi+dremel+scream.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this, except not a yawn. And substitute clippers for the dremel.</td></tr>
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Like the last time we went to the vet for his annual physical, and they needed some blood for his heartworm check...</div>
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<b>Me to vet assistant</b>: He might scream. He screams when I handle his paws and he sees the nail clippers.<br /></div>
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<b>Assistant</b>: That's okay, a lot of dogs do. Just hug him, like so, while we get a little blood from his wrist.<br /></div>
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<b>Me</b>: [hugs Dewi]<br /></div>
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<b>Dewi</b>: SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM SCREAM!!!!!!<br /></div>
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<b>Dead people</b>: [wake up]<br /></div>
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<b>Me</b>: [soothingly to Dewi] It's okay, buddy, it's all over! What a good boy!<br /></div>
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<b>Vet tech</b>: All we did was swab the site with alcohol; keep hugging him! We need to get the vessel on the first try.<br /></div>
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<b>Me</b>: [to myself] Good lord, it was just a swab?!?!<br /></div>
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<b>1/2 dozen or so bystanders staring through the examining room door</b>: [wonder whether to call 911]<br /></div>
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<b>Me</b>: [To myself] I <i>told</i> them he'd scream. [to Dewi] It's okay, buddy, just a little bit longer! Good boy! Good boy! [to the Heavens] Please, God, <i>please</i> let that needle go in the vein on the first try.<br /></div>
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<b>Dewi</b>: [quiet]<br /></div>
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<b>Vet tech</b>: All done! Good job, Dewi! [Straight-up lies, while wiping beads of sweat off her brow.]</div>
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The vet'll be by in a few minutes to read the test.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">7 minutes later...</span></b></div>
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<b>Vet</b>: [smiling] I understand this guy got a little upset getting his blood drawn.<br /></div>
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<b>Dewi</b>: [wiggles and beats tail out of sheer joy]<br /></div>
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<b>Me</b>: [trying not to giggle] Yeah, but he's okay now. It was just his feet. He'll be perfectly unfazed by the rest of the exam, including his shots. Really.<br /></div>
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<b>Vet</b>: OK, but I've got something here that'll keep him busy--just in case--while I give him the shots. [produces jar of ground chicken baby food; proceeds to spoon half of it into a paper bowl, and place it in front of Dewi]<br /></div>
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<b>Me</b>: [to myself, as Dewi scarfs down the food] Boy, does that dog know how to work a room. </div>
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<b>Addendum</b>: I forgot to mention that--when he doesn't perceive me to have the clippers--Dewi <i>loves </i>to have his paws handled. In fact, he voluntarily "hands" them to me for all-over, between-the-pad massages. I love those stubby white feet!</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">OK, back to the list...</span></b></div>
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<b>7. Jon Farleigh</b>: Yaps and "pecks" (bonks) Maddox with his nose whenever Maddox walks into the kitchen. Conversely, is afraid to get within 5 feet of Maddox everywhere else in the house.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZcvIUxBEqrRRZL3XRTTtQlF6W4OEC1482dNmo5DPvMP2z2JsTw9odptFgmDCbgLbCQMHuiffXJWmRfNkVNvU4XFeuVjI3n1YSPVOZ7uiA_uyTKjwqtR3hUekyXLC1RAjkBT7lB-JD4o/s1600/jon+and+maddox+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdZcvIUxBEqrRRZL3XRTTtQlF6W4OEC1482dNmo5DPvMP2z2JsTw9odptFgmDCbgLbCQMHuiffXJWmRfNkVNvU4XFeuVjI3n1YSPVOZ7uiA_uyTKjwqtR3hUekyXLC1RAjkBT7lB-JD4o/s640/jon+and+maddox+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Like this, except not five feet away, in the kitchen, and with lotst more bonks. </td></tr>
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<b>8. Dewi</b>: Is afraid of inflated balloons.</div>
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<b>9. Jon Farleigh</b>: Hates so badly when the cats play with string, that he steals the string, shakes it until it's "dead," and then sits on it for safe keeping. </div>
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<b>10. Jon Farleigh and Dewi</b>: Have no fear of loud noises, including (knock wood) thunder. Probably because those loud noises--compared to their loud protests against string and nail clippers, for example--pale in comparison. </div>
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<b>*</b> Dewi has not always screamed (at me) while getting nail trims, nor has he ever experienced a nail injury. However, the screaming and stress is why I (mostly) take him to the groomer for nail trims now, because, for some reason, he does <i>not</i> scream at her.</div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What strange things do your dogs (or cats, if you don't have dogs) do?</span></b></i><br />
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-87760178617402549192017-09-02T18:15:00.000-07:002017-09-02T18:15:05.462-07:00My Corgi Licked My Brain<div style="text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Previously published, but still true...</span></i></div>
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OK, maybe Jon Farleigh only managed to get the back of my eyeball (when I accidentally sucked his tongue up my nose, as he and Dewi tried to lick my face off!). Nevertheless, that's what I get for lying flat on my back to get these pictures of me for the "<b><a href="http://gopetfriendlyblog.com/meet-the-bloggers-hop/" target="_blank">Meet the Bloggers</a></b>" hop sweeping through pet blog-land this week (2013). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOgCE1c-VByAY9E9xEfDMe-asBsW1IBmL3rjj158tTfFNBrDJpgSBKHr09oPGZWQiAQgn-yN8GM4FCNYDyEbbHZfntS9cFLaRpsDNiA6k-rldOu6scylrW4ZxunEfGS8-xxa0U29tH-A/s1600/selfie+brain+injury+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoOgCE1c-VByAY9E9xEfDMe-asBsW1IBmL3rjj158tTfFNBrDJpgSBKHr09oPGZWQiAQgn-yN8GM4FCNYDyEbbHZfntS9cFLaRpsDNiA6k-rldOu6scylrW4ZxunEfGS8-xxa0U29tH-A/s640/selfie+brain+injury+collage.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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OK, if I was truly, <i>fully</i> participating in the blog hop, I'd answer a handful of <span style="background-color: white;">set </span>questions about myself--like what's my favorite book, movie, food, actor, extracurricular activities, and whether or not I'm happy with the way I turned out in life (or something like that). But, I'm only half-participating, so I'm just gonna answer these <i>three</i> questions that I made up by myself:</div>
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<b>1. If you had to transform into a fruit or vegetable, what would you choose to be? </b></div>
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A strawberry, because they wear their seeds on the outside. </div>
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<b>2. If you could choose one other breed of animal to have as a pet (hypothetically, of course), what would it be?</b></div>
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A cow, and I would call her Sugar Plum, milk her and churn my own butter.</div>
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<b>3. What is the most embarrassing thing you've ever done?</b></div>
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In July of the summer between 4th and 5th grade, I laughed so hard I peed my pants sitting in a restaurant booth with my three younger* siblings. Specifically, on a family vacation in rural Pennsylvania, having lunch in a Friendly's restaurant full of older couples eating in complete, dreadful silence. Yeah, silence, until someone (not to be named) farted like a trumpet off a vinyl booth seat and I laughed so hard I slid under the table, cried in silent, side-splitting agony, and undammed a warm, yellow river all over myself. But the <i>worst</i>** was having to do the shimmy of shame (my brother playing wingman behind me with a strategically placed tray) to get out the front door. Damn vinyl seats. </div>
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Anything else you all want to know? </div>
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* I was 10 and was the oldest (and presumably, most mature) one at the table. Let that sink in a minute. (The 70's were the BEST, if you were a kid, y'all!)</div>
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** Actually, the worst might have been having to change into an outfit that was <i>not</i> a handmade, matching set to my two younger sisters'. (Think The Sound of Music, VonTrapp family matching outfits, except not made from expensive drapes, but inexpensive, <i>terry cloth beach towels</i>.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyUh5unSqk6f0v6cMPZaa19MOQtIgVD671g8vAOSpev48Ivz2Aw-18kF1toDeLZJ_E0QY2TBHIsFAaOtGIURIh-GIV9cxoVpKV1LknRb78A31r9GLZR3a4fdJ-RStVnMHFqPv5L-kuZ4/s1600/words+with+friends+ugly+sweater+shop+badge+25+percent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQyUh5unSqk6f0v6cMPZaa19MOQtIgVD671g8vAOSpev48Ivz2Aw-18kF1toDeLZJ_E0QY2TBHIsFAaOtGIURIh-GIV9cxoVpKV1LknRb78A31r9GLZR3a4fdJ-RStVnMHFqPv5L-kuZ4/s200/words+with+friends+ugly+sweater+shop+badge+25+percent.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-74062939367839178382017-08-15T12:00:00.000-07:002017-08-15T16:36:02.594-07:00When Dewi Met Georgia (A Red-Hot Corgi Love Story)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Once upon a time in 2011, I wrote the original...</span></div>
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<em><span style="font-size: large;">The following blog post is rated NC-17 (No Corgis over 17 admitted), due to highly ridiculous content. Reader discretion advised.</span></em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtjQ3cas-tRqDSWjgo00iF0ue7zBax2De2fyu8dDwb6AzJYJm9QV8hqbHsMY5VvkBnze2xxCH2xVeB5Nl2rYP6EnFsEwigM6zqZDlWPJaVFbXmqBPeLU143uVFh6Hj5B7JCXV5_676kc/s1600/PA110545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKtjQ3cas-tRqDSWjgo00iF0ue7zBax2De2fyu8dDwb6AzJYJm9QV8hqbHsMY5VvkBnze2xxCH2xVeB5Nl2rYP6EnFsEwigM6zqZDlWPJaVFbXmqBPeLU143uVFh6Hj5B7JCXV5_676kc/s640/PA110545.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As reported by "Dwayne"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">(<b>Note</b>: Identity changed to protect the innocent.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">For back story, look <a href="http://lifewiththehorde.blogspot.com/2011/06/cardi-party-2011.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a> or <a href="http://chroniclesofcardigan.blogspot.com/2011/06/for-every-loss-there-are-at-least-three.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">here</span></a>.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cast</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lifewiththehorde.blogspot.com/p/sam.html">Sam</a>.......................................The Patriarch (and Birthday Boy)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lifewiththehorde.blogspot.com/">Georgia</a>........................Hot Sister/Precocious Daughter of Sam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lifewiththehorde.blogspot.com/">Bogey</a>............................Georgia's Overprotective Half-Brother</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Jon Farleigh (JF)..................Georgia's Nonchalant Full Brother</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Dewi........................Jon Farleigh's Flirtatious, Hot Roommate </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lifewiththehorde.blogspot.com/p/ginny.html">Ginny</a>..................................Endearing Eldest Daughter of Sam</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://nickthecardi.blogspot.com/">Nick</a>...........................................Adorable Sam Great-Grandson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="http://nickthecardi.blogspot.com/">Rufus</a>............................................Nick's Sweet Old Housemate</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>It began</b> as a sea of red (and one blue) at the watering hole...</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_VXF1UFnDqN9BMutbbrBDJaImsLwvfiEKGvhXEU5ZrJuQXUJRDsKnoR9LaucnyP9zohpM1um_UWk1eGR8QImG8PwOfey_nTM_fG0Y5e6wPwRgUAHNtzwuhyphenhyphenbrWYBGJkyb2p0LavZltU/s1600/all+meet+at+the+water+cooler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_VXF1UFnDqN9BMutbbrBDJaImsLwvfiEKGvhXEU5ZrJuQXUJRDsKnoR9LaucnyP9zohpM1um_UWk1eGR8QImG8PwOfey_nTM_fG0Y5e6wPwRgUAHNtzwuhyphenhyphenbrWYBGJkyb2p0LavZltU/s640/all+meet+at+the+water+cooler.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jon Farleigh to Rufus (with tail): "You seen any beer around here?"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKHSYnQz3ovh-1Sf7cO9O7ecjtAvfUaPjTwTMum56IQGxueV27ixGx_petKL30MT_krQRp_29g1DVQaGUFhxI_AbsPjIWYUQGnN242k10mznXQFU5v9pCYqugeJm6qWhUD4tqmas1-BA/s1600/JF+talks+to+GA+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKHSYnQz3ovh-1Sf7cO9O7ecjtAvfUaPjTwTMum56IQGxueV27ixGx_petKL30MT_krQRp_29g1DVQaGUFhxI_AbsPjIWYUQGnN242k10mznXQFU5v9pCYqugeJm6qWhUD4tqmas1-BA/s640/JF+talks+to+GA+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">JF to Georgia (under chair): "Hey, wanna meet my roommate, Dewi?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">G: "Is he cute? Does he have a job?"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhIlwy-NX5s3N_xNZEsS1bAQzAm0aYtml7KZCa1DZ8ALn5NGnzUBvllMDMb6HAmuXtm1z8SXTMi1N93lWo95y0O7uqes4UkyA_Vm1K1f6oSb0RbKyjs8tke3N_KXQHj4vIETvqUEhWfM/s1600/dewi+talks+to+GA+over+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhIlwy-NX5s3N_xNZEsS1bAQzAm0aYtml7KZCa1DZ8ALn5NGnzUBvllMDMb6HAmuXtm1z8SXTMi1N93lWo95y0O7uqes4UkyA_Vm1K1f6oSb0RbKyjs8tke3N_KXQHj4vIETvqUEhWfM/s640/dewi+talks+to+GA+over+water.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">G to Dewi: "Hey, I'm Georgia, but you can call me Princess. Wanna come under here with me in the shade?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">D: "Do you like bacon?"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieajRUj1WGOtbQSgLLG0FfRbFffKXdd9PmBj_krccZXArT9oAg_W70bumnB8cLjrleTjn4-8hU4Jv6U4sba5d3AXu3tLrf28FpT1l22hqctrK3S9qBOlshWU2HkJGsRQ0TFwoda_XfwEw/s1600/dewi+and+GA+small+talk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieajRUj1WGOtbQSgLLG0FfRbFffKXdd9PmBj_krccZXArT9oAg_W70bumnB8cLjrleTjn4-8hU4Jv6U4sba5d3AXu3tLrf28FpT1l22hqctrK3S9qBOlshWU2HkJGsRQ0TFwoda_XfwEw/s640/dewi+and+GA+small+talk.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">D: "Your coat reminds me of sweet potato jerky and a stuffed Kong. Will you be my girl?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">G: "That's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me. Wanna play tag?"</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIQKehrQCmVcLpajZl4C0XW1DFxF6iIpzElwC8qGN5EHBlM2491PUYVuBwyhmc76_GHLadpuSL7Ap6vOrnvDGN1kkRU1TnZvu7mnVZv7rKtCw3_jVmhMLXhOjNbOzPqyaM2ylm3AJAQI/s1600/dewi+on+GA+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfIQKehrQCmVcLpajZl4C0XW1DFxF6iIpzElwC8qGN5EHBlM2491PUYVuBwyhmc76_GHLadpuSL7Ap6vOrnvDGN1kkRU1TnZvu7mnVZv7rKtCw3_jVmhMLXhOjNbOzPqyaM2ylm3AJAQI/s640/dewi+on+GA+edit.jpg" width="545" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">G to D: "You got me; now I'm it! </span><span style="font-size: large;">Hey, whatcha doing up there?!"</span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;">💘💋🐾🍬💄💍🎧🎵💫</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: red;">**</span>We now interrupt this blog post for "Cheesy Eighties Love Songs" as selected by "Dwayne."<span style="color: red;">**</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">📻Dewi's Song: <a href="http://youtu.be/4Qis6VhHWuA" target="_blank"><strong>Don't Disturb this Groove (1987) - The System</strong></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">🚑Georgia's Song: <strong><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmMCXLdNrz8" target="_blank">I Get Weak (1987) - Belinda Carlisle</a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-large;"><span style="color: red;">**</span>And now for the exciting conclusion of this blog post.<span style="color: red;">**</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large; text-align: center;">💘💋🐾🍬💄💍🎧🎵💫</span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuXpn26OylQZJW2DtZulI5X5vKS3yaTG8JtoR8K3bGsybZ9ARJbfEa8LuL2sdBVdLK_fCjBE2Cx3iDjsyeurAEk7nKly8e6Jwd5Tvjfrq9k3Xb1-0bRlB0qyMqVyRle0nrnxK5M7VCiE/s1600/JF+talks+to+Bogey+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTuXpn26OylQZJW2DtZulI5X5vKS3yaTG8JtoR8K3bGsybZ9ARJbfEa8LuL2sdBVdLK_fCjBE2Cx3iDjsyeurAEk7nKly8e6Jwd5Tvjfrq9k3Xb1-0bRlB0qyMqVyRle0nrnxK5M7VCiE/s640/JF+talks+to+Bogey+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bogey to JF: "Dude, Dad's ticked. You better do something about that blue boy or there's gonna be trouble."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">JF: "I think we're gonna have to lock her in the wire tower, man."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuNPWv1_ykRZbWFt7S7or9-bfTiQ55GoRpW5cExn6pad9QFLNXgdUU2VmneZCsSB7W5oz_VcufXFa1yeCnj15xpcJKXCEbm5_alFJSAJn7TBirNJ509ERWgmLG5Lfb9b9GNqAw_y5KAc/s1600/nick+under+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTuNPWv1_ykRZbWFt7S7or9-bfTiQ55GoRpW5cExn6pad9QFLNXgdUU2VmneZCsSB7W5oz_VcufXFa1yeCnj15xpcJKXCEbm5_alFJSAJn7TBirNJ509ERWgmLG5Lfb9b9GNqAw_y5KAc/s640/nick+under+chair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nick: "Check out the moves on Dewi..."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS2PnPOPuLik0xFwaYFO-icu3iaKlht77XyfdF03jdvdeKwJoO9lrcvd38D2elx2i2LkjCf4mE8r7bxk8PjC9D3yWDcD5BfuLP3_7uF8O_X5FBWKXsOm_0T9n5cg5aapQWdXCM_LbQYQ/s1600/sam+with+ginny+smells+dewi+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBS2PnPOPuLik0xFwaYFO-icu3iaKlht77XyfdF03jdvdeKwJoO9lrcvd38D2elx2i2LkjCf4mE8r7bxk8PjC9D3yWDcD5BfuLP3_7uF8O_X5FBWKXsOm_0T9n5cg5aapQWdXCM_LbQYQ/s640/sam+with+ginny+smells+dewi+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sam to Ginny: "I smell trouble in a merle coat. Have you seen Georgia?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">G: "Bogey's on top of it, Dad."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9wdeI55pyoE8nd84Uz0ftbUEaY6aKlhpVqjjWxUxtKKOGgnKZEiEyEBDjRjdtsp6pVo0evaeS5btEL2Ca9ig9U1QnxGH8GsRZiCcGmtLhrxHHdl2Z8IAS0wYhLXoCMX9YLPmB2An1YU/s1600/bogey+behind+wire+with+GA+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig9wdeI55pyoE8nd84Uz0ftbUEaY6aKlhpVqjjWxUxtKKOGgnKZEiEyEBDjRjdtsp6pVo0evaeS5btEL2Ca9ig9U1QnxGH8GsRZiCcGmtLhrxHHdl2Z8IAS0wYhLXoCMX9YLPmB2An1YU/s640/bogey+behind+wire+with+GA+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">G to B: "Is that coconut cake up there?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">B: "Yeah, and bread, too."</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AdrsJfUZTbpZv3wrKHl6NZ5E_BjraE4UP8DYfEz2L-G8czj2sw1wnwKe4c_kfoPotWvLDCEBbP3ifQIW61KAa8BcS86IA-4Chu50TIIrkyitdeXhjhDUwfjOLbkyS59nScrmVgk330U/s1600/GA+talks+to+Dewi+through+wire+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AdrsJfUZTbpZv3wrKHl6NZ5E_BjraE4UP8DYfEz2L-G8czj2sw1wnwKe4c_kfoPotWvLDCEBbP3ifQIW61KAa8BcS86IA-4Chu50TIIrkyitdeXhjhDUwfjOLbkyS59nScrmVgk330U/s640/GA+talks+to+Dewi+through+wire+edit.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: large;">G to D: "Would you be a dear and fetch me a snack?"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB47muB7YvA0hgBFtJW53rYSAwNxZWpwOa8kvtYeG3RuyJB5uqyhhyFL3mxmFBsMQFX-bbDyRHLJOQgtD8r3Iz2qDPBy_OZpx13ti8BoAJtvkH9Stb8x60IbZnorALycPr0_mZNjTAHhY/s1600/dewi+guards+GA+through+wire+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB47muB7YvA0hgBFtJW53rYSAwNxZWpwOa8kvtYeG3RuyJB5uqyhhyFL3mxmFBsMQFX-bbDyRHLJOQgtD8r3Iz2qDPBy_OZpx13ti8BoAJtvkH9Stb8x60IbZnorALycPr0_mZNjTAHhY/s640/dewi+guards+GA+through+wire+edit.jpg" width="483" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">G (again): "Hey?! Are you listening? I'd really like a snack, please!"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">D (silently, to himself): Man, those are some loud mosquitoes. Mmmm, caaaake. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_50azB1Z7CkcVamD2I-_pWNS7fGhkmYs86TzIu96NbZ1ufMRVc0ThHQ-QheYTLk0IGsvZdrcN9QOZzYMGaVIxxJ8d64ZNv4FPSKQ9TwXveKpq0Uuu0IEPkxxVRVAs036WoNalRu0S3nU/s1600/dewi+and+JF+eat+crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="433" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_50azB1Z7CkcVamD2I-_pWNS7fGhkmYs86TzIu96NbZ1ufMRVc0ThHQ-QheYTLk0IGsvZdrcN9QOZzYMGaVIxxJ8d64ZNv4FPSKQ9TwXveKpq0Uuu0IEPkxxVRVAs036WoNalRu0S3nU/s640/dewi+and+JF+eat+crop.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">JF: "Good day, eh?"</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">D: "Yeah. You gonna eat all that?"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">~The End~</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">The dogs in this post are real; however, the story is fictional. Any resemblance to your Cardigan Welsh Corgi or real-life events is purely coincidental.</span></i><br />
<br />
*****<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do your pets like parties? Do you like bacon? </span><span style="font-size: large;">😉</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-58505408234089955042017-07-18T01:00:00.000-07:002017-07-18T07:19:15.320-07:00How I Exercise My Food-Motivated Senior Dog Indoors<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoA6BRio5cmPgWvKbkj9spfStAIObNJmCdBFZCBHSvQ7twAt4IxXNrXJH2KtS0QXECLRlJsRRk42KosO8hj1G2363I0iVLEM5qfpebmHD9EfMkAhQBbfy_sNq6wAb3HyfdL8xn4bRqjY/s1600/lele+licking+hand+optimized+for+FB+thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="nutty old chihuahua licking a hand" border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsoA6BRio5cmPgWvKbkj9spfStAIObNJmCdBFZCBHSvQ7twAt4IxXNrXJH2KtS0QXECLRlJsRRk42KosO8hj1G2363I0iVLEM5qfpebmHD9EfMkAhQBbfy_sNq6wAb3HyfdL8xn4bRqjY/s640/lele+licking+hand+optimized+for+FB+thumb.jpg" title="How I Exercise My Food-Motivated Senior Dog Indoors" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frantic licking of hands totally counts as exercise. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv78unrp47MEDjI98m3OoXwvVI-gAjRoceVw9aK07fPPArdZhwFbADK3dYpZvq8gARYwDBUgtaj3IVrEB6l-8YNxGkvXBQmmk-kKue-49IuRqjcbJaJiAbHiL3a2EJyic2LhPDCMxcEg/s1600/wellness+rawrev+core+disclosure.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="173" data-original-width="1600" height="68" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLv78unrp47MEDjI98m3OoXwvVI-gAjRoceVw9aK07fPPArdZhwFbADK3dYpZvq8gARYwDBUgtaj3IVrEB6l-8YNxGkvXBQmmk-kKue-49IuRqjcbJaJiAbHiL3a2EJyic2LhPDCMxcEg/s640/wellness+rawrev+core+disclosure.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I saw the writing prompt for this blog post--fun indoor activities to keep one's dog's body and mind active during the warm summer months (or something similarly related to summertime activities with dogs)--my immediate thought was: I'm screwed.<br />
<br />
Screwed because this post is about the benefits of feeding one's dog a high protein, plus freeze dried raw meat pieces, diet for whole-body health. To be whole-body healthy, a dog should get plenty of exercise. The problem is, the <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2017/06/how-high-protein-diet-helped-heal-sick-senior-dog.html" target="_blank">dog who's currently eating the food</a>--Wellness® CORE® RawRev™--and who would benefit from "fun indoor activities," is Lele, my 11+-year-old, formerly crusty, wobbly kneed, mostly-toothless, half-blind and totally deaf chihuahua mix.<br />
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Like we regularly break out an indoor chi-chi obstacle course and/or tug toys! 😉<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIv-1CHMM2it33jg_GxkDDUwWKNYib2NadkrWbC0nMgtxP0UbiH5JO_zwXefpeyfw33J8edfPbUivttCwWXEPMZ_RJ6nhcyxg6nCtIcgeGD8XWIqM1n6bcty6vRD6Z9u9Js7YYmeO7_E/s1600/lele+dewi+rawrev+wellness+exercise+caption+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How I Exercise My Food-Motivated Senior Dog Indoors in Summer" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggIv-1CHMM2it33jg_GxkDDUwWKNYib2NadkrWbC0nMgtxP0UbiH5JO_zwXefpeyfw33J8edfPbUivttCwWXEPMZ_RJ6nhcyxg6nCtIcgeGD8XWIqM1n6bcty6vRD6Z9u9Js7YYmeO7_E/s640/lele+dewi+rawrev+wellness+exercise+caption+pin.jpg" title="How I Exercise My Food-Motivated Senior Dog Indoors" width="480" /></a></div>
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The truth is, Lele is old. And she sleeps a lot, like old dogs do. But darn it, she's not bedridden, and she can move with the speed of an angry mule when she wants to! So, what does she do when she's indoors, but not resting or eating (two meals and a regular snack each day)?<br />
<br />
Guess.<br />
<br />
OK, time's up! She's either barking at people who've knocked on the door (because she sees the corgis doing it, not because she can hear the knocking) or jumping and running in circles all around me begging for food!<br />
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I think fierce barking, jumping, and running all around count for indoor exercise, don't you?<br />
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It's just that if one is going to rely on these activities (except, let's forget about the barking; there are too many uncontrollable factors) to keep one's old dog active indoors, one needs to have a reliable, daily plan. Here's mine!<br />
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<h3>
Creative* Ways I Keep Lele, My Senior Dog, Exercised Indoors During Summer</h3>
<div>
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* Creative, meaning how to get her to jump around like she's begging without actually giving her food and making her look like a giant baked potato with legs.<br />
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<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MlYwUq4ijLY?rel=0" width="640"></iframe></center>
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<b>Exhibit A.</b></div>
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<b>Note</b>: All three dogs' regular snack time is at approximately 10 a.m. Also, Lele is on a low dose of Prednisone (steroid) to manage an autoimmune disease of her skin (which is what caused all her health woes when I agreed to foster her for the local animal shelter 18 months ago). A side effect of steroid usage is excess hunger (which is what low-cal green beans are for).<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Feed Lele her breakfast at all hours of the morning, because it's summer, the kids are out of school, and I can sleep in.<br /><b>Result</b>: Lele's biological snack-time clock goes off (which translates to jumping and running around and making piggy noises, wherever she is inside the house) every half hour because it (the clock) is confused. </li>
<li>Stand in kitchen too long after feeding dogs in the morning, and make the mistake of opening the pantry door, and/or the refrigerator (can be 15 minutes after Lele just ate, but she'll still think it's snack time).</li>
<li>Cook bacon.<br /><b>Note</b>: This only happens on certain weekends, but it ALWAYS results in strenuous begging activity. </li>
<li>Go to the gym during regular snack-time hour.<br /><b>Result</b>: Snack must be given late, which causes a snack clock malfunction (see first bullet point) through late afternoon. </li>
<li>Run anywhere (in the house, and by run, I mean move QUICKLY).<br /><b>Result</b>: Lele chases, which always ends in a race past the pantry door, at which point she stops to jump around and make piggy noises. </li>
<li>Drag out the bag of CORE RawRev in front of her.<br /><b>Result</b>: Yeah, I shouldn't be dragging out the dog food except at mealtimes, but if I did, Lele would jump all around and beg. </li>
<li>Pour a second (and third, fourth, etc...) cup of coffee. Lele believes coffee time = snack time.</li>
<li>Unload the dishwasher when it contains a dog/cat food bowl (because when Lele sees the bowl in your hand, she will think it's mealtime).</li>
<li>Reach for anything on the shelf in the pantry. Dog snacks are in the pantry.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Note</b>: When it's not too hot, short walks outside substitute for most of this list. </div>
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<br /></div>
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And, now you know how Lele stays active in the summer! Incidentally, so do I (stay active, keeping up with Lele)! Yay!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyGeGHiJQd5gGuP3uKR1nu5EXS2Y3cIB45AKdTQcAbOmy1n_b8z_aGQ1-2wPmQ_acsC4B-J3V9aLrqxVRs0s1AIQ7NijwQUGBzTSSyK9k37DqRxPhs5gnjei9JDUgvUIduEJsAGywxdg/s1600/bowl+wellness+rawrev+lele+background.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How I Exercise My Food-Motivated Senior Dog Indoors " border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFyGeGHiJQd5gGuP3uKR1nu5EXS2Y3cIB45AKdTQcAbOmy1n_b8z_aGQ1-2wPmQ_acsC4B-J3V9aLrqxVRs0s1AIQ7NijwQUGBzTSSyK9k37DqRxPhs5gnjei9JDUgvUIduEJsAGywxdg/s640/bowl+wellness+rawrev+lele+background.jpg" title="How I Exercise My Food-Motivated Senior Dog Indoors" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br />
<h3>
There Would Be No Old-Dog Begging Activity if Not for High-Quality, Balanced Nutrition</h3>
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</h3>
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Lele has been eating Wellness CORE dog food (soaked in water) for over a year, but just last month, <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2017/06/how-high-protein-diet-helped-heal-sick-senior-dog.html" target="_blank">started eating new CORE RawRev</a> (Wild Game recipe) with added freeze dried pieces of 100% raw meat. I am happy to report that all is well! In fact, I can't tell anything is different--she's still looking great! (Except, I know and feel good about her getting a little extra protein, added [unprocessed] raw nutrition, and a little variety in her meals).<br />
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<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Is your pet eating* Wellness CORE RawRev dog food? Buy one 2-5-lb bag and get one 50% off at <a href="https://goo.gl/tM4a8i" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PetSmart</a> and unleash the power of raw!</span></b><br />
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* <i>Remember to switch your dog's food gradually to avoid stomach upset. Refer to package directions.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Do you have a senior dog? How do you keep him/her active in summer (or anytime)? Do you feed a high protein dog food? Have you tried adding raw? </span></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
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My husband burst out laughing the moment he laid eyes on Leona Lilly--my (then) foster dog from <a href="http://www.richmondgov.com/AnimalControl" target="_blank">Richmond Animal Care and Control</a>. Considering I had not expressly* told him I was getting another** foster dog before he left for work that morning, it was NOT the reaction I had envisioned.<br />
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* <i>He had not asked whether I was getting another dog; therefore, I did not tell. Mornings are stressful, so I pick my battles. Don't judge.</i><br />
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** <i>I had told him that I was returning Abdul, our current foster dog (a chihuahua mix with pharma-managed epilepsy, but otherwise, exceptionally easy), that day (he was due to return for a medical test so he could be released for adoption). If I'm being honest, I was counting on my husband to forget what I'd told him while he was rushing out the door, and not notice right away that Abdul had been replaced. I mean, how different could two, 10-ish-pound, fawn-colored chihuahuas be on the surface? I'd planned on springing the news that Abdul had been long-gone only upon confrontation.</i><br />
<br />
OMG, what a relief!<br />
<br />
Let me explain: so, Abdul (who we called affectionately, Bean, because he was shaped like a pinto with legs) was compact, calm, agreeable, clean, shiny, behaved, and thoroughly enjoyed a good nap). In other words, he did no wrong. He was actually a bit of a space cadet (why, no one was sure, but it was suggested that previous un-managed seizures had caused permanent cognitive damage), preferring to stare into space vs. have any reaction whatsoever to activity in and around his bed. He basically only got excited for food.<br />
<br />
Here he is:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax3wHVXkayAh6BzZap1uNZcW56x6mYuvmRV40w89o3TzKBpxllI2d75pRSxVJNd0ltDCvHWS_cNITE6RdVyqi-23gPl8k7orWx1cDn_V3ppPLvPYDeE5BmecMzYbPDKKJbfYsfWMnQtY/s1600/abdul+bean+name+text.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjax3wHVXkayAh6BzZap1uNZcW56x6mYuvmRV40w89o3TzKBpxllI2d75pRSxVJNd0ltDCvHWS_cNITE6RdVyqi-23gPl8k7orWx1cDn_V3ppPLvPYDeE5BmecMzYbPDKKJbfYsfWMnQtY/s640/abdul+bean+name+text.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
Leona Lilly, on the other hand, looked like this the day I brought her home:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAunmo_3aO9ZVrgP-3iRMDjogmCr6NaeHzz1x_o_xl3L8fwrLI-4_mWtKexXRs5FFKfc4aI_WHBUk_bnAneEyN2UkDmL11snC1Nw8Aqcha0LRZ3h1KjDqouEZwXLngCCstqMbtmCj4A28/s1600/ren+laugh+gross.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="395" data-original-width="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAunmo_3aO9ZVrgP-3iRMDjogmCr6NaeHzz1x_o_xl3L8fwrLI-4_mWtKexXRs5FFKfc4aI_WHBUk_bnAneEyN2UkDmL11snC1Nw8Aqcha0LRZ3h1KjDqouEZwXLngCCstqMbtmCj4A28/s1600/ren+laugh+gross.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OK, it's <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ren_%26_Stimpy_Show" target="_blank">Ren</a> from Ren & Stimpy, but they could've passed for twins, I'm telling you. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Despite having barnacle-like growths on her balding coat, only three and a half teeth, infected ears, shifty eyes, and wobbly knees, however, she was taking no crap from my husband. As soon as she had him in view, Leona launched into the worst-sounding, throaty, wheezy, screaming fit you have ever heard come out of a decrepit chihuahua.<br />
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My husband must've really needed that belly laugh, because--despite her myriad medical issues, months of extensive (and expensive) veterinary care, and attitude--he never questioned nor protested her being here. It was the best foster chihuahua bait-and-switch ever executed!<br />
<br />
You know what else?<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leona (now Lele, and officially ours) is fully* recovered!</span></b><br />
<br />
* <i>As fully as can be; we're managing the autoimmune disease of her skin with medication, and she's on a joint supplement for the wobbly knees.</i><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And her, formerly nasty, coat looks GREAT!</b></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4t2HTw77mbZiF2GZv-aJ0oeiCdhZBPT3VKTdmkIL8BTj1eovbjQ0hpDk5q6r84Oq40tYOufIQWbsPcEWkbpGiD7UyShIyuQTBQB2eAZeBFq4gx2jiLRI-o-YXqxu8T6lqKXWOlArq80/s1600/lele+squished+in+bed+looking+up+from+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4t2HTw77mbZiF2GZv-aJ0oeiCdhZBPT3VKTdmkIL8BTj1eovbjQ0hpDk5q6r84Oq40tYOufIQWbsPcEWkbpGiD7UyShIyuQTBQB2eAZeBFq4gx2jiLRI-o-YXqxu8T6lqKXWOlArq80/s640/lele+squished+in+bed+looking+up+from+side.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy Lele lives and loves hard. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Y'all, she was balding, and greasy, and scaly, and stinky, and oozing when I got her. It was so sad that I only took pictures of her in sweaters, or of her face only, so no one could see how bad she looked. You have no idea how far she's come health-wise over the last year.<br />
<br />
And it's not just because of the low-dose steroid she's on, or the joint supplement, or the fact that she's pampered and cared for, it's BECAUSE OF HER DIET!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Wellness® CORE® Dog Food Has Made a Huge Difference In Lele's Health.</b></span><br />
<br />
Last spring, I wrote a <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/04/wellness-core-high-protein-senior-dog-review.html" target="_blank">three</a>-<a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/05/wellness-core-toothless-senior-dog-food.html" target="_blank">part</a> <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/06/grain-free-wellness-core-perfect-senior-dog-food.html" target="_blank">series</a> of posts about Lele's journey to wellness, incorporating her veterinary care and treatments with a switch to an almost exclusive diet of grain-free Wellness CORE Wild Game recipe kibble. (Almost, meaning the kibble was exclusive, but I topped it with a scoop of rotating varieties of wet food.)<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkX9yA4M8DKMPxAbtwdF3j4OJqTERx9fU5ISOoCzT9ID_HqiPeOz2t8IBnojq3M9KDfOLMfft3AWKbgOiR2Y5qPFmow8LsID6hcGDuWauITNQysxl4gcWubyA1XshqI24nnXgXjgXMb8/s1600/wellness+core+and+rawrev+bags+of+food+jon+farleigh+bomb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkX9yA4M8DKMPxAbtwdF3j4OJqTERx9fU5ISOoCzT9ID_HqiPeOz2t8IBnojq3M9KDfOLMfft3AWKbgOiR2Y5qPFmow8LsID6hcGDuWauITNQysxl4gcWubyA1XshqI24nnXgXjgXMb8/s640/wellness+core+and+rawrev+bags+of+food+jon+farleigh+bomb.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wellness CORE, now in two kibble varieties. What corgi? I don't see a corgi. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There were a number of reasons why I loved (and still love) Wellness CORE for Lele, but noteworthy are the benefits of high and rich protein for aging dogs' body mass and muscle tone, the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and mega fatty acids for Lele's skin and coat. All these things, plus (and this is MAJOR) the kibble readily soaks up (softens) in water, so I can mash it up for no-teeth Lele to eat! (No dog wants to swallow her food whole because she can't chew it!)<br />
<br />
Oh, and Lele LOVES the stuff!<br />
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At the end of last year's three-month trial (and with the help of a wonderful veterinary dermatologist who prescribed all the right medications), Lele was definitely on her way back to health....though, we were still in the dark about the cause of her illness (more on that in the second post in this series).<br />
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Today, though? Lele is doing (and looking) GREAT! Once we got the cause of her illness diagnosed and managed, the balanced nutrition she was getting from Wellness CORE truly pulled her through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wA7cd6zU82chk8FD3lX261I9RuOfLM6huiQMgYjIckK2XRIx1V_4-43m7Ncuk2dJE2rs8t15u8CFGl4Aa8BNzpvUr12JtpLmK61OuSMOTMiAw5cpTsPy2wa7rQtw6px6-v7wzWhv2Pg/s1600/healthy+chihuahua+back+roll+fur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4wA7cd6zU82chk8FD3lX261I9RuOfLM6huiQMgYjIckK2XRIx1V_4-43m7Ncuk2dJE2rs8t15u8CFGl4Aa8BNzpvUr12JtpLmK61OuSMOTMiAw5cpTsPy2wa7rQtw6px6-v7wzWhv2Pg/s640/healthy+chihuahua+back+roll+fur.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lele no longer has "barnacles," bald spots, greasy or stinky skin. She has the thickest, shiniest, regular (fairly clean) chihuahua-smelling coat that you will ever see!<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And Now the Wellness CORE Kibble Line Has Been Expanded to Include <span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://goo.gl/MrMnLO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Wellness</a></span></span></b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><a href="https://goo.gl/MrMnLO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">®</span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> CORE</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">®</span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> RawRev</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">™</span></b></a></span><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">, the Same CORE Kibble Infused With Chunks of Whole, Freeze Dried Raw Meat!</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2JQVV1zh60HMFUbhDlsWeBGJ_DC3pLxvHRdRQOarspgRyqQanDnUAS87-Ds4Sp4FSCjCpjG4WPH-q6ESTHJCflZOwtwoEJaMdH72rt4bRVnqmDy7aE7eDwdwatwDHgOw-700T2gREeU/s1600/wellness+core+rawrev+collage+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2JQVV1zh60HMFUbhDlsWeBGJ_DC3pLxvHRdRQOarspgRyqQanDnUAS87-Ds4Sp4FSCjCpjG4WPH-q6ESTHJCflZOwtwoEJaMdH72rt4bRVnqmDy7aE7eDwdwatwDHgOw-700T2gREeU/s640/wellness+core+rawrev+collage+food.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Raw meat protein, in addition to appealing to a dog's sense of smell and being highly palatable, is packed with the nutrition that dogs need for whole body health. Though feeding an all-raw diet might not be an option for some (me included), feeding a high quality kibble with added raw meat protein is. And Wellness CORE RawRev makes this option easy, safe and convenient!<br />
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Lele has just started her switch from original Wellness CORE kibble to RawRev. I'll return next month to tell you how it goes!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPUv2_JmtlsS-2uaa7mbZL3HvGjMORbPzWIb8zgk8zk_SPYE347u2_rgfNATXZ2amsnalw5x_2uenTtGtELfbpObxS8Fve8Yn_Ocht_wNeuN3rfnSBWrkq3rPoG7dkEGzVG1zO96jzhY/s1600/wellness+core+rawrev+on+shelf+petsmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbPUv2_JmtlsS-2uaa7mbZL3HvGjMORbPzWIb8zgk8zk_SPYE347u2_rgfNATXZ2amsnalw5x_2uenTtGtELfbpObxS8Fve8Yn_Ocht_wNeuN3rfnSBWrkq3rPoG7dkEGzVG1zO96jzhY/s640/wellness+core+rawrev+on+shelf+petsmart.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Is your pet eating* Wellness CORE RawRev dog food? Buy one and get one 50% off at <a href="https://goo.gl/MrMnLO" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PetSmart</a> and unleash the power of raw!</span></b><br />
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* <i>Remember to switch your dog's food gradually to avoid stomach upset. Refer to package directions.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is your experience with feeding your dogs raw food? Would you? Do you have a senior dog? Are they on a high protein diet?</span></b><br />
<i><br /></i>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWARN5TJXOt22IgwVdQ97cKjpshmP7T0mpLT7VJs1A1VHT-FbxucLz9yLnb8LuO9T16F9vhKMUYYB13MJMXZf-DU6kIKtDw5L5llBR1GgvnRa7FA8EnSgcQAEtPmvkrvrPsX2U89eA0k/s1600/wellness+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="111" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRWARN5TJXOt22IgwVdQ97cKjpshmP7T0mpLT7VJs1A1VHT-FbxucLz9yLnb8LuO9T16F9vhKMUYYB13MJMXZf-DU6kIKtDw5L5llBR1GgvnRa7FA8EnSgcQAEtPmvkrvrPsX2U89eA0k/s1600/wellness+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPh6oO25AivL4SNQktmMkaYV2s0LnGV3rFttUV-cqHIzpWHxKDLbS_bju4HUKdmrPbDCMgMsY9nZlqHu_kPwfAvKxFRgs1ml6i_Et432ms2TKDCX2Myi4eDgDkfmtuG1SVHqkx4Oponic/s1600/jon+crazy+big+eyes+caption+freeforall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corgi face with huge, expressive eyes and caption "It's a free-for-all."" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPh6oO25AivL4SNQktmMkaYV2s0LnGV3rFttUV-cqHIzpWHxKDLbS_bju4HUKdmrPbDCMgMsY9nZlqHu_kPwfAvKxFRgs1ml6i_Et432ms2TKDCX2Myi4eDgDkfmtuG1SVHqkx4Oponic/s640/jon+crazy+big+eyes+caption+freeforall.jpg" title="If a little encouragement goes a long way, unlimited encouragement might stretch to infinity. Going to the BlogPaws conference? This post is for you!" width="638" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't tell him I said this, but that corgi up there? Jon Farleigh? He's road-tripping with me to BlogPaws next week. If he knew it, his head would explode from excitement before we got in the car. </td></tr>
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I broke out in a case of itchy, stress hives all over my wrists, ankles, hands, and feet on Easter Sunday, the day after I returned home from a half-week beach vacation with my family. I got the flaring and spreading under control after a few days of taking Benadryl and applying drying lotion, but the embarrassing leftover pink dots weren't completely gone until early last week.<br />
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Thank goodness for that, because I need to get a pre-<a href="http://blogp.ws/2017RegPage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws</a> pedicure this week (was SO glad I splurged on one last year), but there was NO WAY I'd have let a nail tech even look at, much less touch, my toes all bespeckled in who knows what. (I mean, can't you just hear the conversation? <br />
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<b>Me</b>: "Oh, don't worry; I just broke out in stress hives a couple weeks ago, but they're almost gone. Hives aren't contagious." <br />
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<b>Nail tech</b> [trying not to look like she's nauseated and/or a flight risk]: "So sorry, miss. We will be happy to give service once you are rash-free. Good luck. Hope you don't die. Please take your shoes [so I don't have to touch them] and watch the door hitting your back on your way out.")<br />
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Can you imagine? Please don't say yes. That was a horrible story and I wish you to banish it from your thoughts as soon as you close your browser window.<br />
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Like I want you to conjure up that image upon seeing my face (or feet) at BlogPaws. OMG!<br />
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Sorry, y'all. I digress.<br />
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The thing is, I'm still stressed, so every morning that I wake up without an itchy, blotchy relapse is cause for celebration.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGa2B7vxXgCIz5rVgxQ5Xb5aqPzF0HKkYU5F9cSGTgXGDHI3wlSB2O4SzO_tHaWJITvgWVe7WHV-UYF8KfqaYN9zZuPmRt4QEeYJDcsOFb4a3YIotNz1x6gEsfaYuVpuyuMEIzEnMau4/s1600/giphy+%25286%2529.gif" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Tootsie POPS cartoon unwrapping .gif " border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwGa2B7vxXgCIz5rVgxQ5Xb5aqPzF0HKkYU5F9cSGTgXGDHI3wlSB2O4SzO_tHaWJITvgWVe7WHV-UYF8KfqaYN9zZuPmRt4QEeYJDcsOFb4a3YIotNz1x6gEsfaYuVpuyuMEIzEnMau4/s400/giphy+%25286%2529.gif" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">A celebration with Tootsie POPS!</span></b><br />
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I'm not even kidding. I have a slight obsession. And by obsession, I mean, when I'm stressed, or anxious, or need to meet a looming deadline, or keep myself on a task (as opposed to buying dresses and dog stuff online, because that's actually not a task, for example), and I'm at home (no, I don't take my weird habit out in public), I pop tootsie pops like my life was dependent on it.
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<br />
You know that commercial with the cartoon owl eating the tootsie pop (first aired back in the 70's during Saturday morning cartoons; I remember it well), and he's trying to count how many licks it takes to get to the center..."a one, a two, a three [crunch]..."?<br />
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Wrong! Mr. Owl is weak! *I* can tell you how many licks it takes to get to the center (if I was counting). I <i>never</i> bite into the hard candy, mostly because if I did, I'd have to eat 10x more lollies than I already do! I've gotta make those suckers (pun??*) last 'til the project at hand is finished! That, and I'd break my teeth off (I've got veneers already, from grinding my teeth into a weakened state and breaking them off on candy and pizza).<br />
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* I'm not sure I made a "sucker" pun there. I mean, where did that saying ("make those suckers last") come from anyway? Maybe it was coined by someone who was sucking a tootsie pop to relieve stress, back in the last century. Because that would make total sense.<br />
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Never mind.
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<br />
I just finished eating a wild cherry berry flavored one (tootsie pop), by the way. I bought a box of 100 assorted wild berry flavors on Amazon and I'm down to the last 15 or so. That might last me through tomorrow night. (Dear lord, I might have a problem. And rotten teeth, if I keep this up.)
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Oh, and then there's the facial break-out issue. Just when I think I'm in the clear (definitely a pun), I get a flaming asteroid on my chin, or cheek, or forehead. And to be clear (I wish my face was), I have no business having to contend with acne at my age. It's not fair. Granted, people weren't living as long as I have back in the day, so dermatologists (was that a thing back at the turn of the 19th Century?) might not have even known about old person acne, and therefore, didn't put the warning (nor the cure) in any of the medical manuals. Someone really needs to get on the cure, because I'm not sure my thinning skin and patience can take much more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MfiTZQzXRvNxUqdNURihBYV9732sNvx6L0ouMrgpEFNk-kJtVRCxe8sisHbVwWYdWbYkSTRLGEJhWSUrYNX1idUJm5MlXQJV1LxbYiCsTDMI70p-_BQVNabYwESMu1oH0WXPPQeqPOA/s1600/south+carolina+postcard+caption+border+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="South Carolina beachy vintage postcard with caption: Greetings, South Carolina BlogPaws and I are ready to rock your world" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4MfiTZQzXRvNxUqdNURihBYV9732sNvx6L0ouMrgpEFNk-kJtVRCxe8sisHbVwWYdWbYkSTRLGEJhWSUrYNX1idUJm5MlXQJV1LxbYiCsTDMI70p-_BQVNabYwESMu1oH0WXPPQeqPOA/s640/south+carolina+postcard+caption+border+final.jpg" title="If a little encouragement goes a long way, unlimited encouragement might stretch to infinity. Going to the BlogPaws conference? This post is for you!" width="482" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I Will Get It Together by the Time You See Me at BlogPaws (or, read this section to pick up your free gift)</span></b><br />
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By the way, I hope none of you feels sorry for me; I do not desire pity. I told you about all my "problems" to prove a point. OK, four points:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>You are not alone in your pre-conference nervousness.</b> I hope (for your sake), however, that you are NOT sharing in stress hives, acne, and/or a lollipop addiction. Or any stress-related addiction, unless it's to your teddy bear, for example, or something that won't make you sick or rot your teeth out.</li>
<li><b>Talking stress out is good.</b> Know how I know? Because I already feel better*. (Hint: Wanna get something off your chest? I've got a whole comments section for that!)<br /><br />* The short crying-spell helped, too. ☺</li>
<li><b>Nerves will fade.</b> I get pre-BlogPaws jitters every time I attend. This is my sixth time. Do you think that I'd keep going back (and the last two years, <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2017/04/guide-to-blogpaws-conference-goal-setting.html" target="_blank">practically begging them to let me be an Ambassador</a>), if I thought I'd die in the process? This is not a trick question.<br /><br />HECK NO! I keep going back because I LOVE IT! The conference (because of the people who attend it) has rerouted my life, back onto the path that makes living it like the road trip adventure I thought I'd never get to take. (Wow, that metaphor came out of nowhere, but dang, is it powerful!) <br /><br />I can't think of a single other thing about which I can say the same, except for college in my early 20's (and you already know that was back when people still hand-wrote letters in cursive, watched music videos on MTV, and called their boyfriend on a landline phone).</li>
<li><b>You will rock BlogPaws.</b> Yes, you will! You've already made the investment in yourself. You're doing (and have already done--<a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/2017-conference-newbies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2017 Newbies course in the BlogPaws Social Learning Community</a>-SLC, ahem) all the prep work to ensure you have the best experience possible. You are prepared (or you will be by the time you step into the venue). Shoot, if this was a scouting program, you'd win top honors (for being prepared; "Be prepared." is the Scout motto).<br /><br /><b>Give yourself a break!</b> That doesn't mean magically shut off your nerves (we're not robots). It means slow down and do the following, in order:</li>
<ol>
<li><b>Breathe deeply</b> (don't forget to exhale).</li>
<li><b>Remember they're ALL pet lovers</b>, and, by the way, put on their undies (one leg at a time) the same way you and I do.</li>
<li><b>Prioritize your to-do list</b> (by that, I mean, <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/06/how-to-trim-your-pre-blogging-conference-to-do-list.html" target="_blank">look at mine from 2016</a> and instantly feel better about your own).</li>
<li><b>Say to yourself, "I am going to win this conference</b>, because I'm WORTH IT!" <br />Wait, I got confused; say "I am going to win with this new shade of lipstick and hair color, because I'm..." <br />No wait, say this, "I am going to be OK, because I'm prepared, I'm smart, and Elizabeth said so!"</li>
<li><b>Smile</b>.</li>
<li><b>Breathe deeply</b> (don't forget to exhale), and repeat as necessary. </li>
</ol>
</ol>
<div>
<b>Related</b>: <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/04/blogpaws-introvert-friendly-conference-tips.html" target="_blank"><b>BlogPaws: The Introvert-Friendly Conference (Insider Tips Galore, Inside!)</b></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, did you pick up your encouragement? If not, please back up at least half a page and get it. In fact, if you need to, back up and get it multiple times (when I said free, UNLIMITED encouragement, I meant it)!</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">And, don't forget to tell me how you're doing in comments!</span></b><br />
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[Insert me pausing to purposely breathe deeply and exhale.]<br />
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I (hopefully, rash- and asteroid-free, but if not, please don't try to pretend you don't see it; your diverting eyes will totally give you up) <b>can't wait to see you in Myrtle Beach!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENg-oyyKaP4GtmsI7_HaOZ6iTC0WAv4RLoy360mxWXNM-gNGhI27qWIi02E9T_VrNJUvPzuyhQg0np9m5b7e0VM31uRR67zC25J49z-4HwPiSGWzHDevPKvmC5t3khrRYFOvUJx0FnlQ/s1600/blogpaws+2017+badge+Going.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BlogPaws 2017 I'm Attending badge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENg-oyyKaP4GtmsI7_HaOZ6iTC0WAv4RLoy360mxWXNM-gNGhI27qWIi02E9T_VrNJUvPzuyhQg0np9m5b7e0VM31uRR67zC25J49z-4HwPiSGWzHDevPKvmC5t3khrRYFOvUJx0FnlQ/s1600/blogpaws+2017+badge+Going.png" title="" /></a></div>
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What's that? <i>You haven't bought a BlogPaws pass</i>, but are now inspired to do so? OMG, please hurry! (I said the same thing a few weeks ago, but y'all, this thing is going to SELL OUT* at any moment. I am not kidding!) <a href="http://blogp.ws/2017RegPage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Go here to register</a>, and be sure to enter this code to get 10% off the regular blogger rate (excluding day passes):<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">BP17-10off-Ambassador</span></b></span></div>
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Once you've registered, RSVP to <a href="https://goo.gl/1ozrH5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the event</a> on the BlogPaws Facebook page to get breaking news and meet others who are attending!<br />
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And, of course, follow BlogPaws on social media for the latest tips and updates!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://goo.gl/XuDAiT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/zk8TTk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/untT94" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/wf4E24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove -->* If the thing sells out before you get your pass, I cannot be held responsible; although, that does not mean I don't feel for you. That said, there is still good news--and it's two-fold! 1) You can take part in BlogPaws 2017 remotely! Click over to <a href="http://blogpaws.com/executive-blog/authors-team/posts-by-carol-bryant/how-to-remotely-partake-in-blogpaws-2017/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws</a> for the info, including livestreamed events! 2) There's always 2018! AND, I do believe the location will be revealed at the conference, next week (if history repeats, it will, be Thursday evening during opening remarks). And once it is? <strike>Really cheap</strike> Super early bird pricing will be in effect! Be sure to follow the conference social hashtag, <b>#BlogPaws</b>, during this year's conference, for all that information and more!<br />
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<script src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/KiJLn/O0Vd6/p.png?p=ZhHqY" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"0b2ff5f6-ff55-11e6-8a29-22000a7d00a4","post_id":"cfbe506a-2918-11e7-94ef-22000a66c666"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-38229955051056131622017-04-26T20:56:00.000-07:002017-04-27T08:46:21.761-07:00A Guide to #BlogPaws Conference Goals (good) vs. #Goals (bad), Using Some of Mine as Examples<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlje1igfUjRp43YAJv4_v706KQ91hEUIY1Ev-gdksK2VNt33AYQUa29mD9r0OGF094qDypZUmXKg38gbdTOhhd4E25Ew62kYFPGvDNUPiZkMRX0qEPd-M-wv0mxusqli_ydUU3sSLhZhE/s1600/bobby+holding+up+8+toes+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlje1igfUjRp43YAJv4_v706KQ91hEUIY1Ev-gdksK2VNt33AYQUa29mD9r0OGF094qDypZUmXKg38gbdTOhhd4E25Ew62kYFPGvDNUPiZkMRX0qEPd-M-wv0mxusqli_ydUU3sSLhZhE/s640/bobby+holding+up+8+toes+edit.jpg" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">or touchdown?</span></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe7U5oisZtU1SZceXyzrer1a18a74e1zQELoTqueWamWT9yivVx-HHNAfLh-nkoP56E4sLvBXqos65dDoRqcVdVa6o8S2p6wvbDBakqsOo0LXCHiI6s57_AWjhaYCMvvQlf09jbSBciw/s1600/blogpaws+disclosure+goals+link+caption.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="71" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEe7U5oisZtU1SZceXyzrer1a18a74e1zQELoTqueWamWT9yivVx-HHNAfLh-nkoP56E4sLvBXqos65dDoRqcVdVa6o8S2p6wvbDBakqsOo0LXCHiI6s57_AWjhaYCMvvQlf09jbSBciw/s400/blogpaws+disclosure+goals+link+caption.png" width="400" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_bRXOl-lllqaKYt7CezyC91fFDVkOnCQ_yJw6_rp8Rq0BX4tF_T25Mr4c5IiOLdVvOZYH8g_0bEegMWbHzFjjMUETTp_tjLz7BiZgYkIdKx1ZJmSImn6DK2CoF16L5ek8h0WqiXroFI/s1600/blogpaws+2017+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="98" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_bRXOl-lllqaKYt7CezyC91fFDVkOnCQ_yJw6_rp8Rq0BX4tF_T25Mr4c5IiOLdVvOZYH8g_0bEegMWbHzFjjMUETTp_tjLz7BiZgYkIdKx1ZJmSImn6DK2CoF16L5ek8h0WqiXroFI/s640/blogpaws+2017+ambassador+post+disclosure+copy+font.png" width="640" /></a>
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I have three teenagers who, occasionally (mostly before Snapchat was invented, because before that, they used Instagram and stuff didn't disappear 60 seconds after it was posted), expose me to trends on social media. One of those trends is the hashtag #goals. Perhaps you've seen it before? Maybe you've used it before, in which case, none of this will be news to you. But in case you have no idea what I'm talking about, here's a quick lesson:<br />
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<b>#Goals</b> (according to <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=goal" target="_blank">Urban Dictionary</a>, also, there is language; please consider the source): "What dumbass girls say to each other on Instagram when someone posts a pic that is very attractive or is of something they aspire to, like a relationship. It's basically a way of sucking up to someone and it's almost as annoying and shallow as when girls post shit like "omg stop being so perf!" and then of course the required response is "no that's you bb 😘" and it goes back and forth like that. Both examples are typically found thoroughly nauseating by non-sheeple types and those who don't seek validation via Instagram likes.<br />
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Popular Bitch: *posts totally staged and/or photoshopped "spontaneous" selfie*<br />
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Less Popular Wannabe: "OMG GOALS!! Can u like stop being so pretty?"<br />
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And then, according to this article at <a href="http://www.elle.com/culture/tech/a27375/problem-with-goals-social-media/" target="_blank">Elle.com</a>:<br />
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"A 'goal' in this context is something aspirational and outlandish, a perceived quality of life that we categorize as unattainable."<br />
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In other words, let us not confuse goals (things we can actually achieve, if we try) with #goals, which aren't so much goals (OK, they're not at all goals) as outright fantasy.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">What Do #Goals Have to Do With the BlogPaws Conference?</span></b><br />
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Well, I'll tell you. But first, let's consider what makes a GOOD goal (for BlogPaws or anything). Perhaps you're familiar with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria" target="_blank">SMART</a> (acronym) criteria, in which a good goal is <b>s</b>pecific, <b>m</b>easurable, <b>a</b>greed-upon, <b>r</b>ealistic, and <b>t</b>ime-related. All good goals should have all of these things. That doesn't mean good goals have to be complicated, impressive in themselves, or fancy. Goals are relative to the person who's setting them. So don't mix up having good goals with having goals that try to measure up to a perceived status quo. (More on this in a bit.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MUQ4yC1ZquNMNKYtLbyxnlClq-HBI6U1muRH6IHb7MWFBwvHe89EGejZVvSWhxGMr6P3yNs2vmlQ73bREnGG3J6V9M5GpL46hMhF-mNfwM2DqkdT7IkMf8L2Tv1YZZlDC4_HUJTx6ak/s1600/blogpaws+goals+tall+graphic+2+BUT+not+AND+pinterest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="beachfront/resort scene with big sky and sand, BlogPaws logo/caption" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7MUQ4yC1ZquNMNKYtLbyxnlClq-HBI6U1muRH6IHb7MWFBwvHe89EGejZVvSWhxGMr6P3yNs2vmlQ73bREnGG3J6V9M5GpL46hMhF-mNfwM2DqkdT7IkMf8L2Tv1YZZlDC4_HUJTx6ak/s640/blogpaws+goals+tall+graphic+2+BUT+not+AND+pinterest.png" title="As a 5-time BlogPaws conference veteran, I've made a few goals-some better than others. Check out my tips for getting yours right." width="456" /></a></div>
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Note: That's the actual beach in South Carolina! I took the photo the week before Easter while on spring break with my family. The weather was beautiful!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BlogPaws Goals Are Not the Same as Life and/or Career Goals</b></span><br />
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OK, you know what? We need to have a talk--just me and you, with no one else listening. Pal to pal, and that means, I'm going to tell you straight-up:<br />
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<b>Do not make your BlogPaws goals any of the following</b>:<br />
<ol>
<li>To have the next celebrity pet sensation and make over $100k in royalties the first year.</li>
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<li>To land ambassadorships in the triple-zero-dollar range with every sponsor in the BlogPaws Exhibit Hall.</li>
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<li>To instantly gain a million (literal) followers on Instagram after listening to Ryan Carter (of Camping With Dogs)'s Instagram marketing talk in the <a href="http://sched.co/9XKg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Social Media workshop</a>* on Saturday morning.</li>
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<li>To get your own pet show on Animal Planet after brushing shoulders with Steve Dale or Amy Shojai or Andrea Arden or Karen (Doc) Halligan, for example, who've all attended BlogPaws and been on Animal Planet shows. </li>
</ol>
I could go on, but I don't think I need to. Do you see what I'm saying? These are NOT smart BlogPaws goals. And let's get real, they're not even smart life or career goals. One might aspire to achieve any of these end results, but expecting to achieve something so lofty from attending a single BlogPaws conference, is a promised disappointment. BlogPaws can get one started on a path to greater life/career goals, but expect to put in the work, over a longer period of time, to get there.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">BlogPaws Goals Are Best Defined Before the Conference</span></b><br />
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Have you already <a href="http://blogp.ws/2017RegPage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">registered</a> to attend? Or are you getting ready to (as soon as you finish reading this post, maybe)? Well, this is the best way I can tell you to start with your conference goals:<br />
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List the reason(s) you want(ed) to attend in the first place. BlogPaws is an educational and networking conference for those who have a stake in the pet industry--from professional bloggers to rescue stakeholders to small business owners and everywhere in between, there will be learning sessions and experts in attendance to address them all. Although, working in the pet industry is certainly not requisite for learning and/or networking. It just helps tremendously if one likes animals (as they will be everywhere).<br />
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You know this already.<br />
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My point is, only YOU know why you were compelled to buy that BlogPaws pass and book travel and hotel, and therefore, no one else can tell you what your goals should be. If you're going solely for the fun and cheesecake, then your goals should be centered around those things. If you're going because you're looking to start a pet-related non-profit, and you need to learn how to reach the locals on social media, or through website search engine optimization (SEO), then your goals should be centered around that. If you're a blogger who's ready to reach out to brands for sponsored opportunities, you'd likely benefit not only from getting in front of the sponsors whose offerings you feel good about promoting, but to attend sessions that teach mechanics of good sponsored posts and how to determine your worth.<br />
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No matter what your reasons for attending BlogPaws (there is no right or wrong reason), just make your goals SMART and pertaining to what will be available to you at the conference. (Hint: Have you seen the latest <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/agenda-and-speakers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">agenda</a> and <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/sponsors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sponsor</a> lineup? I assure you there is something there for you.) Smart BlogPaws goals (vs. those that are too broad and/or unrealistic) will ensure that you feel empowered and invigorated when you pack up to go home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIN0B9_eA8a7-WLf8KPpotbR43X7D0S5qpse6Srn25-emQote8B8SRTpUa5y2vGrTaJHoVZfq9WpKRtweMEdsMoQTYGdZWmKh0vMSKNWW4GXSMARaXiM6-WGR9M74szyOgeQ0bNMuchs/s1600/dogs+standing+in+crates+in+car.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIN0B9_eA8a7-WLf8KPpotbR43X7D0S5qpse6Srn25-emQote8B8SRTpUa5y2vGrTaJHoVZfq9WpKRtweMEdsMoQTYGdZWmKh0vMSKNWW4GXSMARaXiM6-WGR9M74szyOgeQ0bNMuchs/s640/dogs+standing+in+crates+in+car.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">We're going home already? Yeah, she forgot to bring goals. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My BlogPaws Goals Have Been Hit or Miss</span></b><br />
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So, I've never gone in with an unattainable #goal and missed, but I have gone in with uninformed goals and likely, missed growth opportunities.<br />
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My first BlogPaws was in 2011. It was a two-hour drive from my house that year, so the monetary cost of attending--without significant travel expenses, and reduced hotel stay--was relatively low. My blog was only a few months old and at that time, was just a fun hobby (zero income), I barely had social media presence, but I was very intrigued by the "influencer" possibilities. I also desperately wanted to meet all the blogger friends I'd made online, some of whom I'd never even seen a picture of. And, there were rescue and small business people going from my home town, so the prospect of getting to network with these people--when only a couple months previous, I was oblivious to the effects both could have on my life--made me feel excited for my future.<br />
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But I didn't look at the agenda beforehand and I had no plan.<br />
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OK, I take that back. I had a plan to text the only other person attending, for whom I had a cell phone number, so we could meet up in person. That was my blog idol, Laurie Eno of <a href="http://thedailycorgi.com/" target="_blank">The Daily Corgi</a>. I ended up texting her five minutes after I arrived, in a panic, because I was afraid to sit down at a table of strangers for lunch (I arrived at lunchtime on the first day; not the wisest move for a socially anxious introvert). She came and rescued me and my plan was done. The rest of the time--feeling much less anxious for having a buddy--I met lots of people, some of whom are my friends (and role models) to this day--but didn't accomplish much in the way of professional development.*<br />
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* I did (unplanned, but, I believe destined) connect with a brand (Petfinder) in the Exhibit Hall, which ended up taking me in a professional and life direction that has changed my life. That's one of the fringe benefits of attending BlogPaws: you never know what awesome, unexpected events/people might crash into your world and make it better.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">My BlogPaws Goals That Hit Were SMART and Purposeful</span></b><br />
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In the grand scheme of BlogPaws attendees (and sheer number of repeat attendances), one could call me a late bloomer. It wasn't really until going into my third conference (2014 in Las Vegas, and I pulled lots of creative measures to afford that trip from Virginia) that I had my professional sights on something concrete and several smaller conference goals to propel me in the right direction.<br />
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By that time I'd figured out that the networking component of the conference was what I really thrived on. And not only that, but I really, really enjoyed using my experience navigating the conference to help others like myself (introverts mostly) navigate it, too.<br />
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By the end of the 2014 conference, after checking off a few networking goals, I knew--without a doubt--I wanted to have a job working for BlogPaws at, and leading up to, BlogPaws. In the fall of 2015--after checking off even more networking goals at BlogPaws 2015 in Nashville--I made my case and got the job as newbies Ambassador for BlogPaws 2016! (Considering I'm back with the same gig this year, I think all those years of SMART goal setting paid off in spades. It can for you, too!)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbwAJBjHJIwjZinzo2pgjVFIz3vy-OTXGjwuXgmh3DcA3Gx8hWA99P6DRm3WABZJWuaxX3k_zkroxvbK4r4FKCyZgk7DsKUBPVu2fQ58ZQUHdWN0SW1lCtv85r5Tvg8z9n7OyBLjHF6k/s1600/dogs+on+bed+blogpaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqbwAJBjHJIwjZinzo2pgjVFIz3vy-OTXGjwuXgmh3DcA3Gx8hWA99P6DRm3WABZJWuaxX3k_zkroxvbK4r4FKCyZgk7DsKUBPVu2fQ58ZQUHdWN0SW1lCtv85r5Tvg8z9n7OyBLjHF6k/s640/dogs+on+bed+blogpaws.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jon Farleigh and Dewi's goal to sleep on the BlogPaws hotel bed was both SMART and purposeful.</span></td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, What, Specifically, Were a Few of My Previous Conference Networking Goals?</span></b><br />
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I get that my speaking in generalizations about goal setting isn't all that helpful, so here are a few of my previous specific goals:<br />
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<li>Get in front of and have a quality interchange of words with each member of the BlogPaws Executive team. Even if I'd met them in person before. I didn't get to speak to Tom Collins in 2014, so speaking to him in person was carried over as one of my goals in 2015.</li>
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<li>Introduce self to (a whole list of specific people) and have meaningful interactions with cat bloggers. I missed a couple of the names on my list (Robin Mudge was one whom I recall, and I told her so on Facebook after I got back home). 2014 was the year I decided breaking away from the "dog blogger" label to "pet blogger" was high priority if I was going to reach my overall influencer goals, especially on Facebook. I saw a tremendous learning and personal growth opportunity crossing the "species divide" among bloggers at the conference. (By the way, I don't know why that is? A species divide at BlogPaws [or anywhere]. Dogs and cats are both amazing little [and sometimes big], furry, mounds of love and joy to be cherished by all types of people far and wide. Cat blogger, dog blogger, horse blogger, turtle blogger, bird blogger--we're all animal people in the grand scheme. I hope, one day, we'll all just be pet bloggers when it comes to social interaction.)<br /><br />I digress, but I feel better now that I've spoken my peace.</li>
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<li>Sit with a first-time conference attendee at every planned meal (2015). Yep, I sat with newbies and it was AWESOME! I don't think I was sitting at an "official" newbies table, but if not, I was right beside one with the overflow. The experience totally confirmed what I already kind of knew (that I wanted to interact with and assist future attendees as a "job"). </li>
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That's just a sampling of SMART goals I've set for myself, and there are a few nuances (like how I managed to find and speak to all those cat bloggers) that I've left out, but I hope it's apparent that the tighter one's goals are, the easier it will be to check them off.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SMART BlogPaws Goals Come in All Shapes and Sizes</span></b><br />
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I'll end with this reminder (as mentioned earlier in this post): [SMART] conference <i>goals do not need to be complicated, impressive in themselves, or fancy</i>. (Standing alone, my goals are certainly none of those things!) Goals are relative to the person who's setting them.<br />
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No matter how different each attendee's goals are from one another, though, one thing is certain: accomplishing them is a wonderful feeling!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENg-oyyKaP4GtmsI7_HaOZ6iTC0WAv4RLoy360mxWXNM-gNGhI27qWIi02E9T_VrNJUvPzuyhQg0np9m5b7e0VM31uRR67zC25J49z-4HwPiSGWzHDevPKvmC5t3khrRYFOvUJx0FnlQ/s1600/blogpaws+2017+badge+Going.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="BlogPaws 2017 Conference I'm Going badge" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENg-oyyKaP4GtmsI7_HaOZ6iTC0WAv4RLoy360mxWXNM-gNGhI27qWIi02E9T_VrNJUvPzuyhQg0np9m5b7e0VM31uRR67zC25J49z-4HwPiSGWzHDevPKvmC5t3khrRYFOvUJx0FnlQ/s320/blogpaws+2017+badge+Going.png" title="I'm going to the 2017 BlogPaws conference in Myrtle Beach, SC!" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, how are you feeling? Have you made goals already? Has the process been challenging? Do you have anything to add, if you've attended BlogPaws (or any other conference) before?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.S. When setting your BlogPaws goals, don't forget to refer to the <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/agenda-and-speakers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">conference agenda</a>, <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/sponsors/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sponsor list</a>, other <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/agenda-and-speakers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">attendees who have registered in sched.org</a>, and if needed, the SLC <a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/courses/2017-conference-newbies/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2017 Newbies course</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">P.P.S. Do you still need to <a href="http://blogp.ws/2017RegPage" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">register</a> to attend BlogPaws in Myrtle Beach, May 18-20? OMG, hurry, before it sells out! <b>Here's a discount code so you can save 10% on the regular blogger rate full pass</b>:</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">BP17-10off-Ambassador</span></b></span></div>
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Once you've registered, RSVP to <a href="https://goo.gl/1ozrH5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the event</a> on the BlogPaws Facebook page to get breaking news and meet others who are attending!<br />
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And, of course, follow BlogPaws on social media for the latest tips and updates!<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/XuDAiT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/zk8TTk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/untT94" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/wf4E24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><div id="ti-pixel-tracker"></div><script type="text/javascript" src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/5ONMi/TX6Mz/p.png?p=zioKr" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"0b2ff5f6-ff55-11e6-8a29-22000a7d00a4","post_id":"c73e2c7c-1af3-11e7-9dc9-22000a7d00a4"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-58739466687617174812017-04-19T03:00:00.000-07:002017-04-19T11:25:55.580-07:009 Reasons I Might Be Crazy, Plus Enter to Win Over $375 in Pet-Friendly Prizes! #SpringFlingGiveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FbDoh75L9PChFsXfKFiSyW-zOrmvACA1tEHyqN_S26NS2M___uh5gcf0qo0UpqaItmaTFgStbs7cWwOOTq7-NDl7heQvblTkh-TN3WeRzUk968Ut3-9HscrT_9XYSR1B1pzFTpaTCVA/s1600/Giveaway+Tall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Spring Fling Pet Blogger Giveaway graphic with 10 participating blog logos and photos of three prizes" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2FbDoh75L9PChFsXfKFiSyW-zOrmvACA1tEHyqN_S26NS2M___uh5gcf0qo0UpqaItmaTFgStbs7cWwOOTq7-NDl7heQvblTkh-TN3WeRzUk968Ut3-9HscrT_9XYSR1B1pzFTpaTCVA/s1600/Giveaway+Tall.jpg" title="Enter to win over $300 in pet-friendly prizes in the Spring Fling Pet Blogger Giveaway!" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hey, y'all! Ahem. I said, HEY, Y'ALL! (Look away from those prizes, dangit!)<br /><br />So, you're here. That means at least one of two things: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You want to:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Find out why I'm crazy, and/or</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Get yourself entered in the Spring Fling Pet Blogger Giveaway...because </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">there are </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">over $375 in prizes</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">!</span></span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Note</b>: Although #2 is not contingent upon #1, if you picked #2, you're still gonna have to scroll down through the nine reasons I might be crazy. And not only that, one of the bonus entries is a QUIZ question. <br /><br />You might want to summon some patience, is all I'm saying. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But first, I need to tell you more about the giveaway!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For starters, I'm not in this alone!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I've collaborated with these nine other superstar pet bloggers so that we could make the prizes HUGE!</span></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Christina at <a href="http://www.thelazypitbull.com/spring-fling-pet-blogger-giveaway-2/" target="_blank">The Lazy Pit Bull</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Amanda at <a href="http://www.dogmomdays.com/win-a-250-amazon-gift-card-in-the-2017-spring-fling-pet-blogger-giveaway/" target="_blank">Dog Mom Days</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Kevin & Rachael at <a href="https://mydoglikes.com/2017-spring-pet-blogger-giveaway" target="_blank">My Dog Likes</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jessica at <a href="http://www.beaglesandbargains.com/spring-fling-pet-blogger-giveaway-2017/" target="_blank">Beagles & Bargains</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jodi at <a href="http://kolchakpuggle.com/2017/04/spring-fling-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Kol’s Notes</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">CK at <a href="http://www.stunningkeisha.com/2017/04/SpringFlingGiveaway.html" target="_blank">Stunning Keisha</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">April at <a href="http://tenaciouslittleterrier.com/2017/04/19/spring-fling-pet-blogger-giveaway-2017/" target="_blank">Tenacious Little Terrier</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Rochelle at <a href="http://www.thebrokedog.com/spring-fling-win-250-amazon-gift-card-pet-blogger-giveaway/" target="_blank">The Broke Dog</a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bryn at <a href="https://www.adogwalksintoabar.com/single-post/2017/04/19/Spring-Fling-Pet-Blogger-Giveaway" target="_blank">A Dog Walks Into a Bar</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>And these are the prizes!</b></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grand Prize: </b>(1)<b> </b>$250 Amazon Gift Card*<b></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>2nd Prize: </b></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blackanddecker.com/en-us/products/home-cleaning/vacuums/handheld-vacuums/pet-cordless-lithium-hand-vacuum-with-smartech/hhvj325bmp07" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Black+Decker PET Cordless Lithium Hand Vacuum</a> (approx. $100 value)**</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>3rd Prize: </b><a href="https://www.dogids.com/product/embroidered-nylon-dog-collars/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Embroidered collar</a> and <a href="https://www.dogids.com/product/nylon-dog-leash/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">leash</a> from dogIDs (approx. $44 value)**</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Y'all, I'd love an Amazon shopping spree and I know you would, too! You know what else I'd love? The cordless hand vac (for the corgi tumbleweeds) AND that leash/collar set! Yes, give it all TO ME! Alright fine; you can have it. I'll just be over here with fur all over my clothes, being happy for you when you win. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">* The 10 participating bloggers each contributed their own money toward the Amazon gift card.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">** 2nd and 3rd place prizes have been donated by their respective brands, Black+Decker and dogIDs.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">YOU CAN ENTER TO WIN ON ALL 10 PARTICIPATING BLOGS!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Yep! To increase your odds, simply visit all the blogs (linked above) and enter (but hurry, the entry forms will all close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, April 25)!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">One "finalist" will be randomly selected from each blog!</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Then all of the finalists' names will go into a drawing, during which three winners will be randomly selected to receive the prizes listed above.<br /><br />This is great news! That's because even if one of the 10 blogs has 467 times more entries than another, EACH BLOG will still get one finalist in the drawing! (FYI: Chronicles of Cardigan produced the 3rd prize winner in a previous pet blogger <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2015/11/adorable-corgi-cat-pics-deck-howls-holiday-giveaway.html" target="_blank">holiday giveaway</a>!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Ready to enter?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, you can, right after you see these </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>nine reasons I might be crazy!</b></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">(</span><b style="font-size: x-large;">Note</b><span style="font-size: large;">: By might, I mean I am. Just a little. And in a harmless way.)</span><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#1: Tigger</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> (at 17 years, doesn't make the litter box </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">every </i><span style="font-size: large;">time.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#2: Maddox</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> (stepped on my right eyeball last Saturday night after Lele charged him for entering her personal space. He was trying to lie down on my stomach. The pain was like a knife stabbing through my pupil. Thankfully, it subsided after I took the maximum dose of ibuprofen and I haven't had any issues since.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#3: Lele </span></b><span style="font-size: large;">(barks ferociously at my husband every day when he comes in from work--like he's an intruder--even though she knows and loves him. Gets into trash [bacon packages] and recycling [yogurt containers] and cat box if I don't lock them up.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#4: Lulabelle </b></span><span style="font-size: large;">(steals hair elastics and drops them all over the house. Sits with her head shoved through banister posts.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#5: Jon Farleigh</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> (yanks and tugs his own leash every time I take him out to pee and poo. Barks like a raving wild dog whenever I clean the kitchen counters, dust the dining room table and/or open the spice cabinet.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#6: Dewi</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> (barks 95.23% of his waking hours, in 249 different dog languages, most of which I don't understand. Likes deer poo...as an appetizer.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#7: Bertie</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> (drops his stuffed pheasant, Chewbacca mouse, and goldfish in the water bowl and then pulls them out (soaking wet) and drops them into the food bowl for me to find...every day. Also, YES, I take the toys away from him, but he finds them! He can smell them inside drawers!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">#8: Frances</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> (rubs all over my legs and feet when they're still wet from having taken a shower. Stands under my feet when I'm not looking and watches me nearly wipe out on the tile floor trying not to step on her head.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>#9: Bobby Flay O'Fish</b></span><span style="font-size: large;"> (turns on the kitchen faucet, steals the rubber drain collar for the garbage disposal, pesters Frances between 2-3 a.m., causing her to meow like an alarm, gets into things he shouldn't and eats them [which is why we have to lock up all of the things].)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heed his advice; he knows what he's talking about. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And there you go; nine REALLY good reasons, I'd say! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">How about you? Might you be "crazy," too? Give me one good reason why (in comments, please)!</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">* Crazy, as in crazy about your pets because if you weren't, they'd be in big trouble! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now, go forth and enter the giveaway, using the Gleam gadget below!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<center>
<a class="e-widget" href="https://gleam.io/lwdsY/spring-fling-pet-blogger-giveaway-ii" rel="nofollow">Spring Fling Pet Blogger Giveaway II</a>
<script async="true" src="https://js.gleam.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script></center>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, did you enter? Yay! I hope you win! Don't forget you can enter at the other nine blogs (linked at the top of the post) to increase your chances! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I'll post all three winners' names on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/chroniclesofcardigan" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page and <a href="https://twitter.com/ChroniclesCardi" target="_blank">Twitter</a> on April 26!<br /><br />Good luck!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><i>About the giveaway: </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>No purchase necessary. Giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents age 18 and older, except where prohibited by law. Giveaway will run from April 19 to April 25, 2017 at 11:59pm EST. Three (3) winners will be randomly selected and notified via email. Winners will have 48 hours to claim their prizes; failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the prize. Twitter and Pinterest do not sponsor, administer, or endorse this promotion. Participants must read and agree to Gleam’s Privacy Policy before entering and participating in this promotion. By entering this contest, participants grant permission for their email address to be added to the Chronicles of Cardigan mailing list. </i><br />
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<i>Each participating blogger paid an entry fee which will be used to fund the grand prize. The 2nd and 3rd place prizes were generously donated by the participating brands. Please be sure to visit their websites to see all the incredible pet products they have to offer.</i>Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com210tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-32667266262117786902017-03-30T08:58:00.000-07:002017-03-30T10:39:22.613-07:00How #BlogPaws Helps Me Embrace My Regularity (Not THAT Kind) and Do the Extraordinary<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-YRLWEQID6my9mYTKRFcVMcbT3Ln1Zg7Zv9RNBeAg1gm8XucVFVE5sucNetOuXO3fiy0fILDps82wVxzXOtWqzBkKwPX4RKRzi0qmqgx09Zucgzdrk_vEt_TakxuoFBWPGnJSsIRYQ8/s1600/dewi+inquiring+face+square+wm+blogpaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="blue merle corgi big face" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-YRLWEQID6my9mYTKRFcVMcbT3Ln1Zg7Zv9RNBeAg1gm8XucVFVE5sucNetOuXO3fiy0fILDps82wVxzXOtWqzBkKwPX4RKRzi0qmqgx09Zucgzdrk_vEt_TakxuoFBWPGnJSsIRYQ8/s640/dewi+inquiring+face+square+wm+blogpaws.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom says I'm extraordinarily regular. </td></tr>
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<i><b>Note</b>: By my regularity, I mean my true (un-fancy) self. If you're looking for the other kind of regularity, <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2015/10/how-feeding-dog-pure-pumpkin-is-good-for-pie-poop.html" target="_blank">try adding some mashed pumpkin to your diet</a>. </i><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'm a regular person who does regular things.</span></b><br />
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In the spring of 2010--after a 13-year wait, months-long breeder search, and hours of research and Saturday morning viewings of Eukanuba dog show reruns on Animal Planet--my family and I got two Cardigan Welsh Corgi puppies. We named the red fluff Jon Farleigh and the merle, Dewi.<br />
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Lots of people get puppies, though. In fact, as I type this sentence, I bet there are at least 1,001 families, somewhere, getting a puppy (or a grown dog; it's all relative). And I bet, just like my family and I were, they'll be smitten, and crazy busy, and before too long, they'll claim their lives have been changed forever.<br />
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Regular people's lives get changed by dogs all the time.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just two puppies in a crate with a kid, y'all. Nothing special to see here; move along!</td></tr>
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Not all people, though, are compelled to document those life changes on public blogs, for the whole world to see.<br />
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(OK, but let's get real: just because one has a blog, does NOT mean the whole world is going to see it. In fact, NO ONE in the world--besides one's immediate family, and only if one forces those people--is likely to see it. That is unless one advertises it to one's friends on Facebook, for example, or to other pet bloggers [in the comments of their blogs], or joins a pet blogger community [like <a href="https://goo.gl/YUWa5A" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws</a>], or writes about things that people frequently search for in Google, and Google deems that content appropriate to return in search results*.)<br />
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* Gross generalization. Google might not return one's blog at all (or if it does, not before the 500th page of results), unless someone actually reads it. Or, if the blog owner has suffered** through learning, and put into practice, search engine optimization (SEO) techniques.<br />
** Just kidding! SEO is only painful when one hasn't found the right teacher. Just so happens that it took me three and a half years to find mine (at BlogPaws 2015). <b>Hint</b>: She'll be back at BlogPaws this May, holding <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/agenda-and-speakers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">two separate SEO workshops</a>!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Writing a blog has pushed me <i>way</i> out of my comfort zone.</span></b><br />
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In the beginning, I wrote to a network of other (incredibly supportive and welcoming) Cardigan Welsh Corgi people, many of whom had their own blogs. I loved everything about the whole blog business: from reading them and growing my support network, to getting instant feedback on my own blog posts.<br />
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OK, I really loved getting instant feedback. People were laughing at my stuff. My<i> own family</i> had never done that. Turns out, two corgis and a blog were all I needed to <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2013/05/national-buffoons-animal-house-with.html" target="_blank">unleash the buffoon</a> that had been repressed in me for over 40 years. That's the truth, y'all. I'd written things before, but not ONCE did I think I'd write humor because it just came naturally.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Internet is small when one writes about pets. </span></b><br />
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Through interacting with other corgi blogs, I soon discovered there was a whole fascinating world of pet-focused bloggers, in which Cardigan Welsh Corgis were just a dot on the map. There were pet blogs about rescue, rehab, foster care, CATS, product reviews, veterinary medicine, service dog raising, healthy feeding, DIY projects, dog sports, training, general pet well-being, sightseeing with dogs, and yes, even a few, like mine, written purely for entertainment. (Bless the entertainers; I have been so inspired!)<br />
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And, there were the prolific writers. Those whose gift for prose made me question why I ever decided to make my blog public. I mean, who would ever take me seriously, writing about having to <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2011/10/life-lessons-learned-hard-way-by-jon.html" target="_blank">cut dingleberries off Jon Farleigh's backside</a>, for example, because he ate some hair and dragged his butt across the carpet? (Surprisingly, more people than I thought, thank goodness.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Pa0wrLpo0Xet-aZsKRaLeALqOC0zGEEDfprfNtywjI8CnyYTJI9Gd3gA1bg8IHrN7dl5BcX5iVm3KVHlw2Wkf9ME8KhxudxtEjiadivq5sTvpJjwhJ4BvtBtMF83aczATSSbJyKwnA/s1600/dogs+looking+at+pumpkin+in+kitchen+jon+expressive+eyes+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2 corgis with expressive eyes and pumpkin" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Pa0wrLpo0Xet-aZsKRaLeALqOC0zGEEDfprfNtywjI8CnyYTJI9Gd3gA1bg8IHrN7dl5BcX5iVm3KVHlw2Wkf9ME8KhxudxtEjiadivq5sTvpJjwhJ4BvtBtMF83aczATSSbJyKwnA/s640/dogs+looking+at+pumpkin+in+kitchen+jon+expressive+eyes+wm.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really? You're still talking about regularity? </td></tr>
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Those writers never ended up being the reason I quit writing, though, because I kept writing! DUH! Nope, they were (and still are) the reason I try to write better. Not different, but better (even nonsense should be well-written).<br />
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Thanks to community, I'm proud to write whatever the heck I feel inspired to write!<br />
(Including a comedy about <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/09/how-to-remove-embedded-tick-from-pet-bravecto.html" target="_blank">how to remove latched on ticks from one's pet</a>. Ticks might steal blood, but who said they get to steal our joy too?! Stupid ticks! <b>Side</b> <b>Note</b>: Have you ever noticed how puffed up ticks look like corn kernels? Never mind.)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Even though I'm an introvert and a little shy meeting new people in a social setting, I thrive on community and face-to-face contact. </span></b><br />
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<b>Note</b>: Being an introvert does not automatically make a person shy. Harry Potter is an introvert; is he shy? Nope! Anyway, shyness stems from social anxiety. Introversion is what one has when energy is drawn from within. While those with extroversion derive energy from other people. This doesn't mean introverts don't like human interaction. It does mean, however, that if you put them in a crowded room, make sure there's a path out to a quiet corner, where they can listen to their own thoughts for a while. (Click <b><a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/04/blogpaws-introvert-friendly-conference-tips.html" target="_blank">here</a></b> for lots of BlogPaws conference tips for introverts.)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The pet blogger community is my tribe.</span></b><br />
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According to the British dictionary at dictionary.com, a tribe is defined (informally) as: a family, esp a large one. <br />
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So, I have a large "family" of other pet bloggers. Not a twice-a-year-at-Thanksgiving-and-Christmas, reluctant, boundary-crossing, disapproving, drunken outburst-ing family, like in the movies, but a supportive, listening, teaching, fellow-animal-loving family of <i>friends</i>. The best bunch of pet-loving people a regular girl could ask for!<br />
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Too bad I've never seen any of them face-to-face. When one's tribe lives all over the globe, getting together for a girls' night is kind of a challenge.<br />
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That first part was a lie.<br />
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Oh gosh, I've seen LOTS of my blogger tribe face-to-face! At the annual <a href="https://goo.gl/UPlWfR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BlogPaws social media and pet blogging conference</a>! (<b>Hint</b>: Click that link and be whisked to all the details!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, you know that list of pet blogger types I listed earlier? Including the prolific prose writers who give me something to strive for?</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I've met them all at BlogPaws!</b> </span></span><br />
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Not every single pet blogger I ever met online, to be clear. But representatives from every possible type of pet-related blog--including those I've already come to know and admire online--have been to a BlogPaws conference at the same time as I have!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Regular folks, like me, can do extraordinary things. With the help of a strong support group.</span></b><br />
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<li><i>For me, getting over years of insecurity to embrace my true "voice" is extraordinary.</i></li>
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<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K_uFw2Fyy-fBzcJ4m-WzHiwjimyLcUEYiX0khXIIQTK9tQPAWTtwWzXIWq2Ka8ARZpU0xlUJaJrFuHfp2Gy3ZMdFTg6G_tcY18p_48Sti8AF1HGVWg96pdcBwQXPjsA35mkKr4dnszk/s1600/Ambassador-Badge-2017-350x350.png" imageanchor="1"><img align="left" alt="2017 BlogPaws Ambassador badge" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9K_uFw2Fyy-fBzcJ4m-WzHiwjimyLcUEYiX0khXIIQTK9tQPAWTtwWzXIWq2Ka8ARZpU0xlUJaJrFuHfp2Gy3ZMdFTg6G_tcY18p_48Sti8AF1HGVWg96pdcBwQXPjsA35mkKr4dnszk/s200/Ambassador-Badge-2017-350x350.png" title="Love pets? Me too! Learn how pet-friendly BlogPaws helped me embrace my unique voice and do extraordinary things!" width="200" /></a>
<i>Going from a scared-to-death newbie at BlogPaws 2011 to a two-time BlogPaws Ambassador is extraordinary.</i><br />
(Yes, I'm back at it again this year! <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Conference newbies, you are in good hands! Please join me--and your fellow 2017 newbies--in the </b><a href="http://community.blogpaws.com/lessons/introductions/" rel="nofollow" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">BlogPaws Social Learning Community</a> <b>today!</b>)</span></li>
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<li><i>Being asked to speak. Let me repeat: SPEAK as a panel expert at BlogPaws this year is extraordinary. </i><br />(<b><span style="font-size: large;">I'm speaking about Facebook marketing</span></b>--along with two other experts who will be speaking about Instagram and Pinterest, respectively--<b>during the <a href="http://sched.co/9XKg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Social Media workshop</a> on Saturday morning</b>. Here's the <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/agenda-and-speakers/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">official agenda</a>; feel free to RSVP that you're coming!)</li>
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<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgUoF4CO7RCjvPcDIYXzjjcj19i7YmBnCPvHTIsz3PX2Usitlqi1SqH59M7tBRSsEKIAjLDnQHvvikjWIlk5zx23jiUx9aDbS-YF4_mBTdnkJ0T9ik2LcYhHpekXlPKKq-9apMF_Ndgs/s1600/nose+to+nose+best+sponsored+post+badge+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img align="right" alt="2017 BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Award Finalist badge" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUgUoF4CO7RCjvPcDIYXzjjcj19i7YmBnCPvHTIsz3PX2Usitlqi1SqH59M7tBRSsEKIAjLDnQHvvikjWIlk5zx23jiUx9aDbS-YF4_mBTdnkJ0T9ik2LcYhHpekXlPKKq-9apMF_Ndgs/s200/nose+to+nose+best+sponsored+post+badge+2017.jpg" title="Love pets? Me too! Learn how pet-friendly BlogPaws helped me embrace my unique voice and do extraordinary things!" width="127" /></a><i>Being <a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/2017-nose-nose-awards/announcing-blogpaws-2017-nose-to-nose-award-finalists/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">a finalist for a peer award</a>, given for "best writing" in a sponsored blog post is extraordinary.</i><br /><b>Translated</b>: Somebody might give me an award for that cockamamie--but fun to write, and veterinarian approved--tick-removal post I told you about earlier. Oh, and I got <i>paid</i> for writing it. Hmm. Wonder why the Academy Awards aren't worded, for example, "Best Paid Actress in a Motion Picture?" Because you know NO ONE would tune in to see the all-volunteer actors' Academy Awards. Does anyone know of an actor who volunteered to star in a motion picture, for free?<br /><b>Fun fact</b>: For sheer enjoyment, I used to write commercial ad copy for make-believe products and brands when I was a kid. I never once got paid.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Let BlogPaws help you find your extraordinary! </b></span><br />
<br />
Do you love pets? And have an interest in blogging and/or social media to share your voice? Want to meet several hundred others who have similar goals and interests? Get tips and tools, do fun things, get a giant sack full of free stuff for your fur babies, and eat a bunch of really great food? At the <a href="https://goo.gl/8TsbtS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel</a>? With me? (OK, I <i>will </i>be there, but I won't follow you around the <i>whole</i> time.)<br />
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<a href="http://blogpaws.com/events/2017-conference/badges/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="2017 BlogPaws I'm Going badge" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz68W1puUtmpz5V1eqM0GO3lVFlm0frZ6QVMnikowy-zgF7iwCPLjESy4bioc5lZhI3T7Q_Puqvm5f66uISxZeAU5HAR3rzhYyp71vZqU22Ppt41RPj21zViRNdFh9Tz35zqjIGh1M5ig/s1600/blogpaws+2017+badge+Going.png" title="Love pets? Me too! Learn how pet-friendly BlogPaws helped me embrace my unique voice and do extraordinary things!" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Meet me in Myrtle Beach, SC, May 18-20, 2017!</b></span><br />
<a href="https://goo.gl/Wa2Sur" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://goo.gl/Wa2Sur" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><b>Register today</b></a> and <b>enter the following code for a 10% discount </b>on the regular blogger rate:</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">BP17-10off-Ambassador</span></b></span></div>
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Once you've registered, RSVP to <a href="https://goo.gl/1ozrH5" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">the event</a> on the BlogPaws Facebook page to get breaking news and meet others who are attending!<br />
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And, of course, follow BlogPaws on social media for the latest tips and updates!<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/XuDAiT" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/zk8TTk" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/untT94" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram </a>| <a href="https://goo.gl/wf4E24" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, are you going to the conference? Is it your first time? Let me know in comments!</span></b>
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<!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><br />
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<script src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/Vu6Zz/9NJz2/p.png?p=sNfj4" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"0b2ff5f6-ff55-11e6-8a29-22000a7d00a4","post_id":"4eab0d8c-0aba-11e7-b497-22000a7d00a4"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-72188636627790430982017-03-14T20:46:00.001-07:002017-03-15T10:59:01.499-07:00PetSmart Poised to Donate Over 60 Million Meals to Needy Pets; Here's How You Can Help!<b><span style="font-size: large;">Do you ever buy dog and/or cat food? Or would you, if you could donate it to someone who could use it? YES! That is your answer, because you are a good person!</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Well, LISTEN UP! I'm about to tell you how you can turn that purchase into an additional meal donation for a pet who might not know where his next meal is coming from! And you don't even have to cook or deliver it!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19vklbgowjshkrCFgX5zySpoxq8cDM155ifv17qYfTx6ppJ6qH8nk18Dm04Fqbk1nlS_qXGTxg5o-uozE0uI-31B5E_eNmPGTosTNjlENn3WSQ04JS2S51K1Jw1zsitty9XMFqqHKiNU/s1600/petsmart+philanthropic+campaign+disclosure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="50" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19vklbgowjshkrCFgX5zySpoxq8cDM155ifv17qYfTx6ppJ6qH8nk18Dm04Fqbk1nlS_qXGTxg5o-uozE0uI-31B5E_eNmPGTosTNjlENn3WSQ04JS2S51K1Jw1zsitty9XMFqqHKiNU/s640/petsmart+philanthropic+campaign+disclosure.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>BREAKING NEWS!</b> In a <a href="https://goo.gl/KRh0nU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">press release</a> from PetSmart...</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">PETSMART® EXPRESSES ITS LOVE OF PETS WITH BOLD MOVE TO HELP PETS IN NEED, ESTIMATES DONATING MORE THAN 60 MILLION PET FOOD MEALS IN 2017 THROUGH ITS NEW BUY A BAG, GIVE A MEAL™ PROGRAM</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">Additionally: </span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">In celebration of its 30th anniversary, PetSmart announced today the launch of its new Buy a Bag, Give a Meal</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">™</b><span style="font-size: large;"> program, where for every bag of dog or cat food purchased online and at all its stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, </span><b style="font-size: x-large;">the leading pet specialty retailer will donate a meal to a pet in need served by pet shelters, animal welfare organizations and food banks</b><span style="font-size: large;">.</span></blockquote>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Did you hear that, guys?!</i></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQdbk5GoSC9Y_dKHcud_Jssf2wUufW_jDVAIkN_WPpILPyMA_vdu6hdyq4BWHbMbpnMNrHSbCTErIsg-Epxst1mqi0VyzRLK3GBAW-YzYdY8QRu86ddbeztFlSiRbLQM2sMP7JWlVjao/s1600/startled+faces+collage+dogs+and+cats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="collage of four pets with shocked expressions on their faces" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNQdbk5GoSC9Y_dKHcud_Jssf2wUufW_jDVAIkN_WPpILPyMA_vdu6hdyq4BWHbMbpnMNrHSbCTErIsg-Epxst1mqi0VyzRLK3GBAW-YzYdY8QRu86ddbeztFlSiRbLQM2sMP7JWlVjao/s640/startled+faces+collage+dogs+and+cats.jpg" title="Did you hear? In celebration of its 30th anniversary, PetSmart announced today the launch of its new Buy a Bag, Give a Meal™ program, where for every bag of dog or cat food purchased online and at all its stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, the leading pet specialty retailer will donate a meal to a pet in need served by pet shelters, animal welfare organizations and food banks.Now through December 31, 2017!" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Clockwise, starting at top right: Jon Farleigh, (former foster kitten) Effie Trinket, (foster fail) Lele, (foster fail) Maddox</span></i></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Haha, I think they did! Check out this happy (short) <a href="https://goo.gl/qtU1rx" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">video</a> from the folks at PetSmart to learn more about this exciting (largest in company history) philanthropic effort!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Side note</b>: Did you hear them say "Richmond" in there? Well, they did, and that's MY HOMETOWN RVA! Heck yeah, we're gonna be the reason PetSmart gives away a mountain of meals! Think your hometown can top us? 😉 Here's a head-start tweet I made for you! Just click the link and you'll go straight to a new window in Twitter!</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>"</b>#ForTheLoveOfPets, buy ANY bag of dog/cat food @PetSmart (in store/online), & they'll donate a meal to a needy pet! https://goo.gl/KRh0nU<b>"</b> - <a href="http://ctt.ec/4fa7d" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click to tweet</a>.
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Did you know...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Up to 7 million pets enter shelters each year, but not all pets in need live in shelter--some live with pet parents who rely on food banks.</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every single pet I've fostered for local shelters over the last few years (there've been over 30) has depended on donations or subsidization of food for nourishment. Sometimes part of my job as a foster provider is to provide that food myself (and I'm happy to do it). The truth is, pet food is a big expense (we can all agree on that), and <i>any</i> break in cost is a help. But imagine what might happen if the expense of providing regular, healthy meals for your pet became impossible to bear. Thankfully, there are food banks in local communities (like mine), that not only provide human food for those in need, but pet food, too, so beloved pets can stay in their homes, with their human companions, and out of shelters. Some communities even have food banks just for pets. All of these pantries depend on donations by the public (citizens and businesses).</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhRpyKggiHUUKU7Yoas8Tm_G1Ffg8TqK8U4kpfwxoUZnf5k3GYVeyepHqymf_URTLfGurI6JnYl2m0tlLX-MCn4MK10Zt5P-tbJPCoUv-DWL8vnjM_oEZVJKtl3g7I-JIsYqsO7oIYeU/s1600/collage+give+a+meal+resized+600+1200+foster+pets.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PetSmart Buy a Bag, Give a Meal logo over collage of lots of foster pet faces" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdhRpyKggiHUUKU7Yoas8Tm_G1Ffg8TqK8U4kpfwxoUZnf5k3GYVeyepHqymf_URTLfGurI6JnYl2m0tlLX-MCn4MK10Zt5P-tbJPCoUv-DWL8vnjM_oEZVJKtl3g7I-JIsYqsO7oIYeU/s1600/collage+give+a+meal+resized+600+1200+foster+pets.png" title="In celebration of its 30th anniversary, PetSmart announced today the launch of its new Buy a Bag, Give a Meal™ program, where for every bag of dog or cat food purchased online and at all its stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, the leading pet specialty retailer will donate a meal to a pet in need served by pet shelters, animal welfare organizations and food banks.Now through December 31, 2017!" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">All those babies were <i>my</i> foster pets, y'all! Three of them (Maddox, Frances and Lele) still are; I mean, I never took them back, and now they're mine! They all had one thing (besides being mammals) in common: they LOVED to eat! (Fit right in with my perpetually starving corgis!) </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Will You Help PetSmart Give Pets Like These Some Free Meals?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's SIMPLE! Here are the steps, between now and Dec. 31, 2017:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Go to PetSmart (<a href="http://www.petsmart.com/give-a-meal-donation.html#page_name=global&link_section=header&link_name=autoship20&template_type=sitewide_banner&start_date=3-13-2017&end_date=3-19-2017" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">online</a> or inside a store).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pick out a bag (or bags) of cat or dog food--any brand, any size, zero exclusions.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Put it in your cart. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Pay for it.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BOOM! PetSmart will donate a meal* (for EVERY bag you purchased)! So easy!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">*Donated meals will be distributed by PetSmart Charities, not only to pet shelters and rescue groups, but also to food banks across the U.S. and Canada.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55ldE59JwxQMnWa1kXgBMGCDgcU49pKbKnc6fb1jISyhtg2UApX8V5DYQMWAg_W_jrwjt0NxZ_99Y2vPHZ8VcJOMd4ppnEmf-P3c-re_73B-rQKhxi05pB5NmcEz1mOPpS2JG0elLjRQ/s1600/lele+in+petsmart+cart+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="chihuahua in cart at PetSmart store" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55ldE59JwxQMnWa1kXgBMGCDgcU49pKbKnc6fb1jISyhtg2UApX8V5DYQMWAg_W_jrwjt0NxZ_99Y2vPHZ8VcJOMd4ppnEmf-P3c-re_73B-rQKhxi05pB5NmcEz1mOPpS2JG0elLjRQ/s640/lele+in+petsmart+cart+collage.jpg" title="Lele, my foster chihuahua, visited PetSmart!" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Perhaps Lele and I will see you at PetSmart?! </b>#ForTheLoveOfPets</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow PetSmart on social for the latest news and deals!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://goo.gl/F957ID" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/I5V5yE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/BCUWOS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRF1zScdwRo55kru5rVcBNh65dn0Q_fhN3oBEknBhhMECgMelmtQd1Hm9ScdjPD2m5Wz2i3aR-EiB3AW5x3ix0j7j7-XQfzxsBhuwOKsZQof0FLMNbT-kyU84mwuN-uyx2eUip-hhbxg/s1600/lele+face+in+bowl+close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzRF1zScdwRo55kru5rVcBNh65dn0Q_fhN3oBEknBhhMECgMelmtQd1Hm9ScdjPD2m5Wz2i3aR-EiB3AW5x3ix0j7j7-XQfzxsBhuwOKsZQof0FLMNbT-kyU84mwuN-uyx2eUip-hhbxg/s400/lele+face+in+bowl+close.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hmm, might be time for some more food....</div>
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<script src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/dnqf8/OZ9ik/p.png?p=UVGZY" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"bf6277da-fe27-11e6-9932-22000a7d00a4","post_id":"e03dcef6-0510-11e7-8ecf-22000a7d00a4"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-7806079616622528222017-02-01T12:54:00.001-08:002017-02-01T12:54:37.580-08:00How to Determine Whether Your Dog Really Wants What He's Begging ForWhen I'm in the kitchen, my dogs beg for everything I get out of the pantry, cabinets, refrigerator, off the counters, out of gift and grocery bags, from envelopes, out of coat and pants pockets, drawers...I think you get the picture. It dawned on me that they might not actually want to eat <i>all</i> of these things, but that they are simply taking their chances (aka betting, using their better-than-50%-odds gut instinct, which they learned from experience) that whatever the thing is that I'm retrieving is 1) edible, and 2) tastes good. Lest, they would be much more selective with their begging efforts.<br />
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To test this theory, I showed Dewi a selection of fresh, whole fruit, in rapid succession. This is what happened...<br />
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Mmmm, banana...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfr6M8pOX32gw0bw4_g7jjSIvHS4yFryqOcGGrmF3OxxY4MK6820B7puLT6B5zAxxcKvfoXkry5O4RYmigZK4XzVrX1d_d0XXbZW_MBL81Gxhi13SAv9q0d4Gfk9udcMS52wbbAFpr0E/s1600/P7111291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfr6M8pOX32gw0bw4_g7jjSIvHS4yFryqOcGGrmF3OxxY4MK6820B7puLT6B5zAxxcKvfoXkry5O4RYmigZK4XzVrX1d_d0XXbZW_MBL81Gxhi13SAv9q0d4Gfk9udcMS52wbbAFpr0E/s400/P7111291.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mmmm, tomato (Yes, it's a fruit.)...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhKHwD1fjs44JPyF4FDmBwFoDTLgApMxHa2AP0GdalSPIxZnVK_d22FOAKkLkdpU-M6eoadBKwB3juWydilJ1GAadZC0PKLoyy4Do2GFAxsyJjPczOOXuJC4mDdaTClSCPmylnqJUZII/s1600/P7111290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyhKHwD1fjs44JPyF4FDmBwFoDTLgApMxHa2AP0GdalSPIxZnVK_d22FOAKkLkdpU-M6eoadBKwB3juWydilJ1GAadZC0PKLoyy4Do2GFAxsyJjPczOOXuJC4mDdaTClSCPmylnqJUZII/s400/P7111290.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mmmm, apple...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nJr_OwT1tbpsh0IpE1WYgddUYgRlKmnYdHqXsZon7S5IWWU9S3UcHxoAk-QEHvIboJwgr-KfLfIr06j2b3kYLAbTW8j40ywra2oMMiD4ElLAf7vmRBTVAHGEnI2vOon98hkLlX07MDg/s1600/P7111284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nJr_OwT1tbpsh0IpE1WYgddUYgRlKmnYdHqXsZon7S5IWWU9S3UcHxoAk-QEHvIboJwgr-KfLfIr06j2b3kYLAbTW8j40ywra2oMMiD4ElLAf7vmRBTVAHGEnI2vOon98hkLlX07MDg/s400/P7111284.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mmmm, peach...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxGZv-qn5Z1qDdwXgqmui0KjFfawCkEyWGLWSubjrKWsMKAc0Ap2Ed9zljZEDwWm866dXznk2WTVYdHkJd7nwIkfy12OyHAVU_Z550CxinqXF4M-AGncaWb-cN-wrNwSXdE9V0oZtmJo/s1600/P7111293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxGZv-qn5Z1qDdwXgqmui0KjFfawCkEyWGLWSubjrKWsMKAc0Ap2Ed9zljZEDwWm866dXznk2WTVYdHkJd7nwIkfy12OyHAVU_Z550CxinqXF4M-AGncaWb-cN-wrNwSXdE9V0oZtmJo/s400/P7111293.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then I showed him this...<br />
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Mmmm, jar of unopened pickled jalapeno slices...Ha! <i>I knew it!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmnv97_TDEks05dE5ly9NFLtVvp_CISbDfzvV2BZFdIP86C-liIAZZQ5R0_3gFDCAZYUWTPWaVTqVOOCp3FbmB6VkspFDYZTopikrQe3rF70fVqVmso5HH0x28-jAzBKnHLrj-va5gBU/s1600/P7111289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmnv97_TDEks05dE5ly9NFLtVvp_CISbDfzvV2BZFdIP86C-liIAZZQ5R0_3gFDCAZYUWTPWaVTqVOOCp3FbmB6VkspFDYZTopikrQe3rF70fVqVmso5HH0x28-jAzBKnHLrj-va5gBU/s640/P7111289.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In conclusion: (My) Dogs know how to gamble (using time and energy as currency) and have no shame in doing so. I guess that makes me an enabler. </div>
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Does your dog <strike>beg for everything</strike> gamble in the kitchen, or wherever yummy edible things get "dropped" in his direction? Has he ever gambled and "lost" (like Dewi and the pickled peppers)? Do you always cave in and let your dog win the jackpot? Or, do you look the other way and eat ALL the cheese, for example, hoping your dog will not notice you didn't share? </div>
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Anyone want some fruit salad with a side of dog drool?</div>
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Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-43619219165043872242016-12-16T00:30:00.000-08:002016-12-16T12:27:33.600-08:00Ho Ho Ho, Fleas and Ticks Don't Die in Snow! (and Here's Where They Go) #12BravectoWhen I was in kindergarten, my class sang "Up on the Housetop" in the school Christmas program. I had to memorize the words and to this day, I remember many of them: ♪♫ "Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go? Ho ho ho, who wouldn't go-oh, up on the housetop, click click click; down through the chimney with good St. Nick?" ♫♪<br />
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Can someone tell me what the heck that means? I mean, who would go down the chimney with Santa, and more importantly, WHY would anyone be on the roof with Santa to begin with? And why does Nell get a doll in her stocking, but Will gets a hammer, tacks, whistle, ball and <i>whip</i>? I, frankly, don't even like the Santa in this song; he's creepy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvs60wacYHzETjvv9B8qt_ENaUNUvUDlG6ygJErEOf5AVAwMSI2DUrAR7yQU9O7vPpaKxFgiQVr39PqRA9aJYTWiN9J4hOA3tDyE-C6rGfrwgtDmJ-STyeyOz9G0yECbRwBgRERYaAt0/s1600/dogs+with+santa+TSC+caption+chimney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="two corgis sitting on Santa's lap" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvs60wacYHzETjvv9B8qt_ENaUNUvUDlG6ygJErEOf5AVAwMSI2DUrAR7yQU9O7vPpaKxFgiQVr39PqRA9aJYTWiN9J4hOA3tDyE-C6rGfrwgtDmJ-STyeyOz9G0yECbRwBgRERYaAt0/s640/dogs+with+santa+TSC+caption+chimney.jpg" title="Corgis on Santa's Lap" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearly, I am the only one with a problem.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But I digress. You see, that story has nothing to do with anything I need to tell you in this post about fleas and ticks NOT dying in snow (or frigid cold), except that it's what inspired the title. #theMoreYouKnow<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>FLEAS AND TICKS MIGHT NOT SURVIVE THE APOCALYPSE, BUT THEY WILL SURVIVE SNOW AND COLD</b></span><br />
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So, who's ever wondered whether fleas and ticks die when the temperatures dip below freezing and/or there's snow on the ground? (If not, <i>what exactly was it about the title of this post that hooked you?</i> [wink])<br />
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I certainly have! I've googled it at <i>least</i> once, but to tell you the truth, until I got into planning this post, I might as well have known NOTHING about the subject. If you thought fleas and ticks were genetically built for survival (aka, alien mutants from hell) before, wait until you find out how they outwit winter weather (and us, if we're not careful)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98LAt5RmWKefyuNJSwPJFDLp8B0qPeCqfk38YKwRhZA2unFkP5CmB23g-ljXiO-Mdili8-4Vpp8aj5NzIa073r6Hp-KYmWiBvnd6NNLqWXWo4A6u55xiPZMDWzuTENvR1eRTB0W3cjiY/s1600/jon+snow+fleas+ticks+caption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corgi standing on snowy ground " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh98LAt5RmWKefyuNJSwPJFDLp8B0qPeCqfk38YKwRhZA2unFkP5CmB23g-ljXiO-Mdili8-4Vpp8aj5NzIa073r6Hp-KYmWiBvnd6NNLqWXWo4A6u55xiPZMDWzuTENvR1eRTB0W3cjiY/s640/jon+snow+fleas+ticks+caption.jpg" title="Can you see the fleas and ticks in this picture (of snow)? Of course not; they're hiding! Find out where the bugs lurk in winter." width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO. But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO, please click <a href="https://goo.gl/acAj22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i><br />
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<b>Off-topic side note</b>: I don't believe I've ever mentioned before that when I need to research health-related things about my pets online, one of my trusted, go-to sources has always been the <a href="http://www.merckvetmanual.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Merck Veterinary Manual</a>. Seriously. It's not a substitute for an actual vet, but if one needs the straight facts, from experts in the field, it is one excellent resource. And this is a huge reason why I signed on as an ambassador for, and give my own dogs**, <a href="https://goo.gl/qym2kh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">BRAVECTO® (Fluralaner)</a>, a chewable flea and tick preventative (that lasts up to 12 weeks* in ONE dose)!<br />
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* <i>BRAVECTO kills fleas, prevents flea infestations, and kills ticks (black-legged tick, American dog tick, and brown dog tick) for 12 weeks. BRAVECTO also kills lone star ticks for 8 weeks.</i><br />
** <i>BRAVECTO is approved for use in dogs only. Ask your veterinarian about appropriate flea and tick prevention for your cat. </i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">THERE ARE PLENTY OF WARM PLACES IN AND AROUND YOUR YARD FOR FLEAS AND TICKS TO HIDE (OR RIDE)</span></b><br />
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Cold out? Snow on the ground? No problem, said the fleas and ticks in your yard! Here's where they're hiding (some in plain sight):<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>In warm pockets on the ground, carved out by grass and leaves.</b> And, when that first snow falls, it serves as a blanket, keeping bugs extra toasty. For real, they can survive all winter tucked in these warm spots!</li>
<li><b>In your garage, covered patio, wood pile, shed or basement.</b> Essentially ANYWHERE that there is shelter from the cold. They're tiny, y'all, and can crawl right in (and lay their disgusting eggs) undetected. </li>
<li><b>On the warm bodies of wild (and tame) animals.</b> That's right; think the squirrel gets a break from fleas? Probably not. And if your pet comes in contact with one of these flea/tick-ridden animals, they can get infested too. Unless, of course, they were infested already. </li>
<li><b>In your home.</b> Now, this is their FAVORITE place to hide during winter: on your pet where they can breed and lay eggs all over your home! (Click <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/07/how-to-avoid-flea-infestation-bravecto.html" target="_blank">here</a> to read about the time MY home was infested with fleas.)</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKRPsZAgqTxCvHs5aRNe87JTwReBlKl6BMGMptVm02tJDVMUj4cD4wbwjMOyaD2VM6UvrYtqAlRUT312JAUPVGtxVlSC0i7cpNTnztdl1T2R5_q0HYUAJIQ1fzSsvzshqoLTgVF1LsPM/s1600/lele+polar+vortex+caption+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chihuahua face wearing a hat with pompoms on it" border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdKRPsZAgqTxCvHs5aRNe87JTwReBlKl6BMGMptVm02tJDVMUj4cD4wbwjMOyaD2VM6UvrYtqAlRUT312JAUPVGtxVlSC0i7cpNTnztdl1T2R5_q0HYUAJIQ1fzSsvzshqoLTgVF1LsPM/s640/lele+polar+vortex+caption+hat.jpg" title="The Polar Vortex comes and goes, but fleas never die. (Fleas and ticks don't die in winter!)" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jedi wisdom. </td></tr>
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/10/fleas-carry-diseases-protect-pets-people.html" target="_blank">FLEA- AND TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES</a> ARE DIAGNOSED IN WINTER</span></b></div>
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Even in places where winters are long and hard. In fact, ticks will start looking for a blood meal when the temperature rises to only 39 ℉; that's COLD to me!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIVE YOUR DOG <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/11/why-you-should-give-your-dog-flea-protection-as-gift.html" target="_blank">THE GIFT OF A FLEA- AND TICK-FREE HOLIDAY</a>...ALL YEAR!</span></b><br />
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See your vet for BRAVECTO to not only ensure a pest-free home for the holidays (and a comfy, itch-free dog), but year-round. It can be done in less than five doses a calendar year!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>HAVE YOU EVER DEALT WITH FLEAS AND/OR TICKS BITING IN COLD WEATHER? HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO FORGO HAVING COMPANY OVER, OR TRAVELLING WITH YOUR DOG, BECAUSE HE HAD FLEAS?</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPZhlCh-FXgeOLdz41F_a9FnJHMRn8wGnQykb6ZTuVWfb3I4lLsTZ6rFTIknyCKilK_hnqYcBSrSXg6oWbBHXFQ_kIwBlxDNATGAE3I25X2Kegp6GYD6zdMLKhpXJ0bMmtlxv0B2jAbs/s1600/bravecto+logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPZhlCh-FXgeOLdz41F_a9FnJHMRn8wGnQykb6ZTuVWfb3I4lLsTZ6rFTIknyCKilK_hnqYcBSrSXg6oWbBHXFQ_kIwBlxDNATGAE3I25X2Kegp6GYD6zdMLKhpXJ0bMmtlxv0B2jAbs/s320/bravecto+logo.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>BRAVECTO is FDA approved and available only from a veterinarian or clinic</b>. <b>Ask your dog's veterinarian about it today.</b> (<a href="https://goo.gl/Nwd4Bz" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Locate</a> a veterinarian or clinic that carries BRAVECTO. P.S. It's accurate; I've used it myself!)<br />
<br />
Money-saving tip: Register at <a href="https://goo.gl/TaJfpF" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My Pet Rewards</a> for deals, such as cash rebates!<br />
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For the latest news and promotions, follow BRAVECTO on social: <a href="https://goo.gl/d7mqeP" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://goo.gl/yEBEJb" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Twitter</a><br />
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<i>Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published. However, it remains the responsibility of the readers to familiarize themselves with the product information contained on the USA product label or package. More product information is available here: </i><a href="https://goo.gl/wswPCI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://intervetus.naccvp.com/product/view/1047512?e=d97b22ed63e734e84c1a5910a9c8f531z1688</a><br />
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<b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Six years ago on <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2010/12/happy-holidays.html" target="_blank">December 29</a>, I published the following picture on this blog. It was my very first post. How far we've come, and at the same time, how little we've changed! Thanks for sticking with us! </span><!-- TapInfluence Comment Widget - Do Not Edit or Remove --><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMJZSw9iT3G5R0bwwBx-d2QCRdV7CH0YqPcF0TuQdKCnVjQ0r89Ojqbv8EzHEQf3O2_ujxlA1xOidUAuUVDu48TLgMSMMIV_bmLWFMhin8-jbrOuR94gSCoQz3VA3dQxrqZO105J7GYo/s1600/dogs+nutty+card+2010+with+wm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="two corgis in front of a lit fireplace " border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMJZSw9iT3G5R0bwwBx-d2QCRdV7CH0YqPcF0TuQdKCnVjQ0r89Ojqbv8EzHEQf3O2_ujxlA1xOidUAuUVDu48TLgMSMMIV_bmLWFMhin8-jbrOuR94gSCoQz3VA3dQxrqZO105J7GYo/s640/dogs+nutty+card+2010+with+wm.jpg" title="Nutty Corgis Roasting by an Open Fire" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Stay toasty and insect-free! Happy holidays, y'all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Elizabeth, Jon Farleigh, Dewi, Lele, Maddox, Tigger, Bobby Flay, Bertie, Lulabelle and Frances</span><br />
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<script src="https://influencers.tapinfluence.com/assets/cogs/core-v4.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <script>var ts=document.getElementById('ti-pixel-tracker'); var axel = Math.random() + ""; var num = axel * 1000000000000000000; var ti=document.createElement("img"); ti.style.display="none"; ti.src="https://tracking.tapinfluence.com/trk/dF8zd/tkBRJ/p.png?p=6ud0F" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "i=uEZJ6" + String.fromCharCode(38) + "ord="+ num + String.fromCharCode(38) + "s=" + encodeURIComponent(document.referrer); ts.parentNode.replaceChild(ti,ts); JSON.stringify({"program_id":"dc788e6e-1ebb-11e6-a025-22000a7d00a4","post_id":"9c47b2d4-b713-11e6-b0fa-22000a179fb3"});</script><!-- End Widget -->Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-43220251594377461832016-11-29T00:30:00.000-08:002016-11-29T06:54:02.549-08:00Why You Should Give Your Dog Flea Protection, Not Underwear, for Christmas* #12Bravecto* My family celebrates Christmas. If you don't, feel free to substitute any wintertime gifting occasion you like.<br>
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From the time I was about 7, until I was old enough to drive, my grandmother gave me underwear for Christmas. Sometimes I'd get some cherry cordials, too, but mostly, it was a professionally wrapped gift box full of high-end briefs (translated: granny panties). High-end, in that they were thicker, more adorned and softer than my standard issue Sears undies, and were purchased at Montaldo's, the local boutique department store that my family couldn't afford.<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihudC-VDAHl_371AwMEgdGwAjRYZ4X9zwS2apjE0nhdA3sGpsvPx2rea5UyH7uOdghDtv4h8Zarnl2gFerAJWYrpW6KqY5zd4Y3PX03WyYNmtKICsPnwgmgNFDmkAyT6eXHeWfUoDULzw/s1600/dogs+shredding+underwear+christmas+framed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihudC-VDAHl_371AwMEgdGwAjRYZ4X9zwS2apjE0nhdA3sGpsvPx2rea5UyH7uOdghDtv4h8Zarnl2gFerAJWYrpW6KqY5zd4Y3PX03WyYNmtKICsPnwgmgNFDmkAyT6eXHeWfUoDULzw/s640/dogs+shredding+underwear+christmas+framed.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In memory of my underwear. R.I.P.</td></tr>
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My two sisters got underwear, too, so none of us felt like we were grandmother's less favored, going on to suffer irreversible emotional damage or anything. It was just a fact of life: grandmother gave us fancy (if not two sizes too big) underwear for Christmas. And each year, on Christmas Day, we girls would sneak a glance at each other after unwrapping our Montaldo's boxes, snicker a little, and then go on about our day. I have no memory of whether I ever wore any of that underwear. </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">UNDERWEAR IS EASY TO GIVE, AND NECESSARY TO WEAR</span></b></div>
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Maybe it's the fear that one's offspring will get in a car accident (not major enough to be seriously injured, but bad enough that one needs to be placed on a stretcher and have one's bottoms cut off) and be caught by emergency personnel wearing nasty underwear that drives mothers and grandmothers to do it. Or maybe it's because it fits neatly in a stocking. All I know for sure is that when my kids got old enough to wear underwear (vs. a diaper) and read (in that order), I went and got them underwear for Christmas, too. Just like it had been done unto me. Except I got theirs at Target, and they wore it (because I threw their raggedy old underwear in the trash).<br>
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Please note that I won't be buying any future grandchildren of mine underwear for Christmas (because they might think I'm crazy), but I fully expect my daughters will carry on the tradition.<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HOW GIVING UNDERWEAR FOR CHRISTMAS IS LIKE GIVING ONE'S DOG THE GIFT OF YEAR-ROUND FLEA AND TICK PROTECTION</span></b></div>
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But first, a shout to my sponsor, without whom, I might never have told this story! They, and their product, which I give to all my dogs, rock!<br>
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<i>This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO. But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click <a href="https://goo.gl/acAj22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Answer this question: How do you feel about the idea of your dog running through a flea- and/or tick-infested field/yard/park/trail/whatever and being caught without any flea and tick preventative?</span></b></div>
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Or maybe he has preventative, but it doesn't protect from the type of tick that causes Lyme disease? Or you forgot to give him his next dose, that was due over a week ago?<br>
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And let's say a few fleas jump on him like brown on chocolate, <br>
</div><a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/11/why-you-should-give-your-dog-flea-protection-as-gift.html#more">Click here to read the rest!</a>Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-43325271669564698892016-10-28T00:30:00.000-07:002016-11-29T06:51:54.697-08:00Would You Rather Be Bitten by Dracula or a Deadly, Plague-Infected Flea? #12BravectoBefore you answer that impossible question, did you even know fleas carry PLAGUE? The disease* that wiped out millions of people in the Middle Ages, up to 60% of Europe's entire population, and remains the world's worst pandemic ever?<br>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgH1j_P0PlCjx3LaH8BNBtIqPGfQrBMGbLDc7IAVFAogAxFcsREId33nu1KAu3CiWaW2G7UKOlA93yyNgZtC9iGY7crAdPVgd8eSJawk3LM4nJvNxPBCsPuN0IRVsZK_rkm8bYjV9K5Y/s1600/squirrels+fleas+plague+sign+crop+overlay+text.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="warning sign at Grand Canyon National Park to not feel or handle rock squirrels because they bite and have fleas that can carry plague" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgH1j_P0PlCjx3LaH8BNBtIqPGfQrBMGbLDc7IAVFAogAxFcsREId33nu1KAu3CiWaW2G7UKOlA93yyNgZtC9iGY7crAdPVgd8eSJawk3LM4nJvNxPBCsPuN0IRVsZK_rkm8bYjV9K5Y/s640/squirrels+fleas+plague+sign+crop+overlay+text.png" title="Grand Canyon Squirrel Warning Sign: Would you rather be bitten by Dracula or a plague-infected flea? Think it's an impossible question? Read this post and learn why it's not (and why you should be afraid). Bonus: Dogs dressed as bad things!" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Y'all! My family came out to Arizona after </span>BlogPaws<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> this summer and we visited the Grand Canyon. As we approached the most visited overlook on the South Rim, THIS warning sign met us (five seconds AFTER I had already seen a tame squirrel on the path). I had not seen the word plague used in an actual present-day warning in my entire life. I didn't even know the plague was still a disease that people got! And to be honest, I wasn't convinced the National Park Service wasn't spreading tall tales just to scare the daylights out of people who ignore "do not feed the wild animals" signs! Until I googled "grand canyon squirrel fleas plague" on my iPhone...</span></td></tr>
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<i>And</i> that the disease remains<i> alive and spreadable</i> in the world, including the United States? And the fleas that carry it can jump off their hosts (frequently rock squirrels) and bite pets and people? And if it's not diagnosed and treated with antibiotics early...well, you know. [insert funeral music 💀]<br>
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* The bubonic plague, to be exact. The disease--caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis--led to gangrene (dead, rotting tissue) in human extremities, and was referred to as Black Death. (source: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/plague/index.html" target="_blank">CDC</a>)</div>
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But back to my question...What's it gonna be? Dracula or the flea? (Go ahead and take 10 seconds to think about it...)</div>
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<i>This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO. But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click <a href="https://goo.gl/acAj22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQl8bh1z1giJlZ0oNz2KBlweF9ldU-4S-PAA7j-Y5xJoUOxjuShyphenhyphen3AX9aTbOSkS10dY-4zVptNUsiocz5ya74m4yRS3RrI7rZ9WJZIJCBxO_yPQsJ-QdCJ-6JJhnDUgU56P4JZzx412I/s1600/dew+dogula+flea+collage+text+effects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="corgi on left dressed like vampire and a magnified photo of a flea on right" border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvQl8bh1z1giJlZ0oNz2KBlweF9ldU-4S-PAA7j-Y5xJoUOxjuShyphenhyphen3AX9aTbOSkS10dY-4zVptNUsiocz5ya74m4yRS3RrI7rZ9WJZIJCBxO_yPQsJ-QdCJ-6JJhnDUgU56P4JZzx412I/s640/dew+dogula+flea+collage+text+effects.jpg" title="Would you rather be bitten by Dracula or a plague-infected flea? Think it's an impossible question? Read this post and learn why it's not (and why you should be afraid). Bonus: Dogs dressed as bad things!" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one on the right is a <span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>fiend</b></span>!</td></tr>
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EW, look at the flea in that picture! Talk about a blood-sucking monster! SO nasty! The thought of those jumping all over my poor dogs (and/or cats) makes me feel sick to my stomach! (But not as sick as when I looked at <a href="http://phil.cdc.gov/PHIL_Images/09062002/00004/PHIL_2067_lores.jpg" target="_blank">this other</a>, much worse, blood- and plague bacteria-filled flea photo from the CDC while researching this post. [retch!])</div>
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Where was I? Oh yeah! The "would you rather" question!</div>
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But whoops. I might have swayed you with those scary images. So, you know what? Scrub them from your retinas! Check out this comparison chart I made and <i>then</i> answer the question!<br>
</div></div><a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/10/fleas-carry-diseases-protect-pets-people.html#more">Click here to read the rest!</a>Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-1888410263529199822016-09-15T00:30:00.000-07:002017-03-19T14:56:07.850-07:00How to Inject Humor Into Removing an Embedded Tick From Your Pet #12BravectoHi, there. I assume that if you're here, you've found a live tick on your pet, need to get it the heck off, and don't have a lot of time to shoot the breeze. So with respect to you, I'll keep this intro short. I appreciate your choosing to spend the next few simultaneously gross and good-humored minutes with me and my pets (as I realize you had pages of other choices in your "how to remove a tick from my pet" search results).<br>
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P.S. If you don't need to get a tick off your pet today, that's wonderful. You are welcome to remain; however, please be courteous to those who are on the verge of a full-on, spider-phobic breakdown and hold to the rear of the viewing area. Also, while humor is encouraged, please refrain from laughing AT other, more nervous participants.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNph5NA4DKOnInipsnn3FIgcB49U9Ii8-81JbFKvTW3wfIfzytgKEZvqk7yx2sjNWG-cNtBeaviwE-QnKs8EfoWhQ446W8Xv8GeO9KVLSvY_atXxarDZmj44FqXBd3kv6UDz2lrV-EcU/s1600/dogs+by+tall+grass+backyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgNph5NA4DKOnInipsnn3FIgcB49U9Ii8-81JbFKvTW3wfIfzytgKEZvqk7yx2sjNWG-cNtBeaviwE-QnKs8EfoWhQ446W8Xv8GeO9KVLSvY_atXxarDZmj44FqXBd3kv6UDz2lrV-EcU/s640/dogs+by+tall+grass+backyard.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really really really really hate pulling ticks off my pets. And I really really really really hate that the grass in the field next to our yard is taller than all of them. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHglVVp33jJAWeOEWpySIBm5SMfiJA0R6WtS3IQtbq5n1zXptGIfh65pGDeMBYI7ml_W-qRg4rmBp5hvlXKYKvCk4FjYvVuDpx-THqcs71qCYVQZE990mNVJ4MHqdMWjN5nRQ3vE5XND4/s1600/jon+way+in+tall+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHglVVp33jJAWeOEWpySIBm5SMfiJA0R6WtS3IQtbq5n1zXptGIfh65pGDeMBYI7ml_W-qRg4rmBp5hvlXKYKvCk4FjYvVuDpx-THqcs71qCYVQZE990mNVJ4MHqdMWjN5nRQ3vE5XND4/s640/jon+way+in+tall+grass.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, he's in!</td></tr>
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<i>This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO. But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click <a href="https://goo.gl/acAj22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.</i><br>
<i><br></i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">
HOW TO REMOVE A LIVE, EMBEDDED TICK FROM YOUR PET (with humor)</span></b><br>
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<b>Before you start</b>:<br>
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<li>I am not a vet; however, I do have experience with successfully removing live ticks myself (vs. watching my husband do it), during the summer of 2013*. And by success, I mean they came off still alive, in one piece, did not jump on me, or bite me in the process, and I did not sustain mental or emotional trauma. If you have health-related questions beyond the scope of this blog post, please consult your pet's veterinarian. </li>
<li>Get a latex glove (or a plastic grocery/sandwich/storage bag, if you don't have a glove) to keep from having to touch the nasty bug while you're removing it. Get some tweezers or one of those tick removing tools (I don't have one, but my vet sells them), and if you plan on saving the tick for your vet, a small jar filled with alcohol and a lid. If you don't plan on saving the tick, you can still kill it in the alcohol (after you get it off your pet). If you don't want to kill the tick with alcohol, alternately, you can wrap it up in some scotch tape (ew), or my favorite, flush it down the toilet. </li>
<li>Take your pet into a well-lit, small room, like the bathroom, and close the door. You need to be able to contain your pet and easily see the tick you are removing. It's also a good idea not to remove a tick over carpet (in case you drop it, which you won't). OH, and having a toilet nearby is a plus. In case you need to <strike>throw up</strike> flush the tick (as I mentioned previously) afterward. </li>
<li>Remember, removing a tick the correct way, in tact, is NOT physically painful (for the pet, probably the tick, nor you). You will not hurt your pet! (I have no idea whether ticks feel pain, but even if they do, you still have to do this.)</li>
<li>Engorged ticks look (and feel) like giant skin tags or moles shaped like whole corn kernels**. Do not squeeze them! The germs (disease causing bacteria) they transmit can be forced into your pet, or, if the tick is already off your pet, all over YOU.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmgZlLAojrkl2QBe9DMjzKhGHf6uBZeqOHDVDiwoAka0i3eiovJec2sH5-_mFBpn16uTm1hH5Jmmom_V-IV_7Dhz0VlUKnw5MIvOumFjJhr3kWCjCQJzx5xw8BvOlHPogLdANWQVS9rs/s1600/fake+dead+ticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirmgZlLAojrkl2QBe9DMjzKhGHf6uBZeqOHDVDiwoAka0i3eiovJec2sH5-_mFBpn16uTm1hH5Jmmom_V-IV_7Dhz0VlUKnw5MIvOumFjJhr3kWCjCQJzx5xw8BvOlHPogLdANWQVS9rs/s400/fake+dead+ticks.jpg" width="400"></a></div>
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* 2013 was the year <a href="http://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2013/10/can-you-pick-formerly-feral-domestic.html" target="_blank">I (literally) drove up on baby Bobby Flay O'Fish</a> (my ginger tabby cat, though, a nameless waif at the time) in the middle of a busy intersection. After miraculously capturing him in a Shoney's parking lot and getting him home, several days later (when he allowed me to handle him), I discovered several (3-5) engorged ticks on his tiny orange body. My husband was at work. What other option did I have but to free him of those vampires? The directions on Google worked like a charm! I did it for Bobby!<br>
** Not responsible for future corn aversions.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqinzZ-uwdPPZtaid2UQeGfYrYJCec4JLgG1cdToE5hhz3KaSd8IZQhFks1A24UDaDUYHrpfuG8RN16pJGSScOBO-xd7lkQTsWcklOU9dCIJqPdUpKMBKewXlSi7EJr3kvk9A6VZthes/s1600/dewi+how+to+remove+an+embedded+tick+caption+pin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corgi in grass with caption: How to Remove an Embedded Tick From Your Pet - with humor" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheqinzZ-uwdPPZtaid2UQeGfYrYJCec4JLgG1cdToE5hhz3KaSd8IZQhFks1A24UDaDUYHrpfuG8RN16pJGSScOBO-xd7lkQTsWcklOU9dCIJqPdUpKMBKewXlSi7EJr3kvk9A6VZthes/s640/dewi+how+to+remove+an+embedded+tick+caption+pin.jpg" title="How to Remove an Embedded Tick From Your Pet - with humor" width="640"></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/09/how-to-remove-embedded-tick-from-pet-bravecto.html#more">Click here to read the rest!</a>Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6616115718711383229.post-27332855818831909502016-08-22T00:30:00.000-07:002016-08-22T19:52:06.077-07:00Veterinarians Can't* Read Minds: Things to Ask About Flea and Tick Prevention #12Bravecto* I'm just saying mind-reading is not something one learns in vet school, so for the love of your pet's health, don't expect your vet to be a mind-reader. IF, on the off chance your vet says or does something in response to the thing you were <i>thinking</i>, but never said out loud, and it seems freaky to you, it is still 99.9999999999....9999999% NOT mind-reading; that is called a coincidence**.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyU_6SBPDw53I83yD7IABOHXRvyASR_zcHrnOv15jU77g3tJZk3kRfbpSbVZmioHQ1RdhNeUi7wB1m2QTTLusu3gPjDJwaaKlFvXkyorwU18WDELY7fohsCTuIpRy9M_mUpjvkLQN-KA/s1600/dogs+in+car+window+vet+captions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Corgis in car window with captions about going to the vet" border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvyU_6SBPDw53I83yD7IABOHXRvyASR_zcHrnOv15jU77g3tJZk3kRfbpSbVZmioHQ1RdhNeUi7wB1m2QTTLusu3gPjDJwaaKlFvXkyorwU18WDELY7fohsCTuIpRy9M_mUpjvkLQN-KA/s640/dogs+in+car+window+vet+captions.jpg" title="What to ask the vet about flea and tick prevention at every checkup" width="640"></a></div>
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<i>This post is sponsored by BRAVECTO® and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about BRAVECTO. But we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Neither Intervet Inc., nor Merck & Co Inc., are responsible for the content of this article and have not written, reviewed, or edited it in any fashion. For more information about BRAVECTO please click <a href="https://goo.gl/acAj22" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. </i><br>
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** There was a freaky coincidence with Lele's (my foster chihuahua) shelter vet and her flea/tick preventative. I'll tell you about it in a bit.<br>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I'VE USED A FLEABAG-LOAD OF COMMERCIAL FLEA AND TICK PREVENTION PRODUCTS ON MY PETS, BUT RARELY HAVE I ASKED MY VET ENOUGH (OR ANY) QUESTIONS ABOUT THEM FIRST.</span></b><br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfcFs1Qbg0gszJeCpZ_mYXFgFfx8OOhzCW7BBhOQAIuPaffGZHOhPF_svDuijVDQfr4oOTX6oOnYNJFf11wADayyfLefj4nTURP_eB5ChTyGRyYcUuaZ4PtTpPjx7kzzP7BXOjVYcDbk/s1600/dogs+waiting+for+vet+captions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGfcFs1Qbg0gszJeCpZ_mYXFgFfx8OOhzCW7BBhOQAIuPaffGZHOhPF_svDuijVDQfr4oOTX6oOnYNJFf11wADayyfLefj4nTURP_eB5ChTyGRyYcUuaZ4PtTpPjx7kzzP7BXOjVYcDbk/s640/dogs+waiting+for+vet+captions.jpg" width="640"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The vet's exam room, waiting...</td></tr>
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I can't even say why, for sure. But in reflection, perhaps it was a mix of 1) not wanting to sound dumb, 2) accepting that whatever product the vet suggests first is best, or (in most cases, at least in the last few years, as FDA restrictions have loosened) 3) I'd already purchased a product at the store, over the counter or online (and I didn't even bring up flea/tick prevention during routine checkups). <br>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">There have been consequences:</span></b><br>
<a href="https://www.chroniclesofcardigan.com/2016/08/what-to-ask-vet-about-flea-tick-prevention.html#more">Click here to read the rest!</a>Elizabeth Keenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07710489912663020646noreply@blogger.com9