Average Jane: Average Jane Is Going To BlogPaws!

I just found out last week that I'm one of the official BlogPaws Paws on the Ground bloggers. That means I'm not only going to the conference, but I'm part of the team helping to promote it from now until registration closes on August 26th. I've been wanting to go to a BlogPaws conference since they first started and I am very excited!

If you love pets and blog about them even occasionally, you'll get a lot out of the conference. There's even a full track just for veterinarians. If you can get your vet to sign up, they'll get 20% off their vet track registration and you'll get to attend the regular conference for free!

Even if your vet isn't interested, the regular conference cost is very reasonable and I can hook you up with a 20% discount (just email me or comment and I'll send you the code).

A portion of the attendee fees and sponsorship dollars goes to shelters and rescues. Also, at the end of the conference, one registered attendee will win a donation to the animal rescue group of his or her choice.

I talked to my cats about the upcoming conference to see how they felt about it, starting with Trillian:

Me: Hey Tiny, I'm going to a blogging conference August 25th through 27th that's all about pets!

Trillian: Uh, you're not taking me along, are you?

Me: No, no. I'll be flying there. You're more of a road trip kitty.

Trillian: Whew. Okay then. Well, have fun.

Me: I'll probably bring back some cool treats and toys for you guys.

Trillian: Whatever, as long as I don't have to go.

* * *

Dr. Jones was nearby and overhead my conversation with Trillian, so it made sense to talk to him next:

Me: I'm...

Jones: You said treats! What kinds of treats?

Me: Well, I don't know yet. But I'm sure they'll be good ones.

Jones: Are you bringing home any paper or cardboard? I love chewing on that stuff, too.

Me: If I bring home anything paper or cardboard, it'll probably be something I don't want you to chew up.

Jones: Can I have a treat right now?

* * *

Xena wandered into the kitchen, so I stooped down to have a little chat:

Xena: Did I hear you say you were leaving for a few days?

Me: Yes, at the end of August I'll be going to Tysons Corner, Virginia for BlogPaws.

Xena: You don't say. Well, I'll take care of my, I mean, your husband until you get back.

Me: That's very thoughtful of you.

Xena: If you want to extend your vacation, go right ahead.

Me: Well, thanks for that, but I'll need to get back and go to work after the conference.

Xena: Suit yourself.

* * *

Finally, Velvet and I had a chance to sit down for a bit:

Velvet: Can I go with you?

Me: No, it's best if you stay here.

Velvet: But won't there be lots of people there to pet me?

Me: Well, yes, I'm sure there will be lots of cat aficionados at the conference. But you'll get petted here and I won't be gone very long.

Velvet: I'm going to miss you SO much! I think I'm going to lick your hair for a while now.

Me: No! Please don't lick my hair. We've talked about that. No licking of hair. No licking of any kind.

* * *

So that went well.

But seriously, this is such a cool conference and the speaker list is, well, pretty much everyone you could hope for at a conference about pets, animal welfare, etc. There are a number of people attending and speaking that I already know and many that I've been wanting to meet for a long time.

As I mentioned before, the cost is rock-bottom and even the hotel rooms are only $119 per night; cheaper than that if you find yourself a roommate.

I hope you'll be able to attend. I'm really looking forward to going.