Making the connection

by | Thursday | September 2, 2010 | 9 comments

I'm going to BlogPaws 2010 badgeBlogPaws West is only a week away! I can’t believe it’s coming up so quickly.

I’ve debated attending conferences like BlogHer or BlogWorld in the past, but they always seemed so far removed from what I do and what I want to accomplish. I don’t really pay attention to SEO and Google rank and all that stuff. I just like to write and blab about animals, forget all that technical mumbo jumbo.

But BlogPaws- a conference made up of pet bloggers? That’s right up my alley. I attended the inaugural event in April in Columbus and let me tell you, it was so much fun. I loved every single person I met there. The whole conference was so positive and fun and invigorating, and made me so proud to consider myself a part of the pet blogging community. We rock.

My work, as I think you all know, is a bit of a challenge at times. I find myself reading articles about burnout and nodding my head in agreement: yes, I feel that, mm hmm, it is hard to stay motivated sometimes when you spend so much time feeling disappointment. It is a career with tremendous highs and tremendous lows.

It is easy to convince yourself that you’re the weird one for caring so much in a world where so many people you meet are just ambivalent about the cause you are passionate about. That even if you do accomplish what you set out to do, no one would care.

Going to BlogPaws reminds me why I got into this in the first place. By refocusing the energy away from the negativity and towards a group brimming with positivity and a love for pets, I can come away energized and recommitted to my favorite causes.

I feel so fortunate to have connected with all of you online, and I can’t wait to meet those of you who are going to BlogPaws in person! I can truly say the last conference was one of the highlights of my year.

So are you going? Anyone meeting up with me at the raucous table again? (We are all about shenanigans.)

Filed: Blog, Daily Life, Musings Tagged:
  • http://somethingwagging.wordpress.com Pamela

    When you mention the highs and lows of your work, I thought of my own vet. She’s seen me through well puppy visits as well as horribly bleeding osteosarcomas in my dog’s jaw. Yes, I think it must be a very hard job.

    But I’m sure many of your human clients really do appreciate your help in caring for their creatures (even if some are in denial about their pets’ health, or fleas). If they sometimes forget to tell you, it’s probably because their busy enjoying life with their pets that you’ve helped to keep so healthy.

    Have a great time at BlogPaws and come back refreshed.

  • Cathey

    Well said, Pamela! Go with our blessing & have a great time – we need you revitalized. I know Brody & Koa will hold down the fort while you’re gone.

  • http://www.kimchicrafts.com kimchi

    in Denver?! If you have time to stop by the King Tut exhibit, it’s gotten rave reviews! and if you get a chance to stop by Fort Collins, let me know! :) Fanny (my dog) and I will be happy to show you around…specifically the local breweries!

  • http://willmydoghateme.com Edie

    I’ll be there and I’ll look forward to seeing you for more than a brief few words at the end of the one of the sessions (mine, when I was slightly nutty anyway). Do lead me to the raucous table; that’s definitely up my alley.

  • http://www.vetwisdomcafe.com Tammy

    I will be there along with Laurel, another of our blog’s authors! (Our offices are headquartered in Fort Collins, north of Denver. I have to fly in from Oregon!) This will be our first conference of this type, so we’re really looking forward to the classes, and to meeting a lot of great bloggers too! Hope to meet up with you while we’re there!

  • http://thegirlblogger.com Adri

    Dr. V, I hope you have a blast at BlogPaws and I can’t wait to see how the trip inspires you :D

  • http://www.bztat.com BZTAT

    Can’t wait to see you there. BlogPaws ROCKS!!!

  • http://www.myjoyofliving.com Karen

    I’m going to be there. Was bummed when I had to miss the one earlier this year. I am looking forward to learning a lot and meeting some cool, fun people!

  • http://thisonewildlife.com Kim Clune

    All your patients and readers care. While I have never met you, your posts always provide insight into the challenges you face doing the work you do and to who you are as a caring mother, wife and pet owner. Nothing is compartmentalized which I find so refreshing. Thanks for all you do because it goes so far beyond what happens in your office or home. You reach people. You make a difference.

    I hope the conference is as inspiring for you this time as it was the last. I doubt it will disappoint. See you there.

    PS: After your fire safety post, I ordered my window cling and it came the other day. Thanks for that.