Has blogging gone to the dogs? Apparently it has for the hundreds of pet bloggers and writers from across the U.S, England, and Canada, who gathered in Columbus, Ohio, on April 9 and 10 for the first annual, BlogPaws 2010 Conference. The goal of the conference was to bring pet bloggers and writers "nose-to-nose" with those brands, services and causes that unite them. And of course, pets were welcome! The pet-friendly Westin (in this case a restored, 19th century hotel), hosted about 250 humans, 25 dogs, and yes, even five cats and a ferret for two days of workshops, keynotes, and networking.

The program featured business-oriented workshops such as blog sponsorship and advertising, building a blog strategy, a primer on conducting contests and promotions, leveraging social media, and that most sought-after skill, "search engine optimization". The workshops paired leaders in the pet blogging community with representatives of some of the biggest pet product suppliers (DelMonte, Wellness, Petco, PetSmart, FURminator) to help bloggers and pet writers best engage and serve their community of readers, and most importantly, their beloved pets. The line-up included 43 panelists and speakers, including Larry McDaniel, the top blogger for Purina care Pet Health Insurance, one of the conference sponsors.

Another keynote speaker, Andrea Arden, host of Animal Planet's Underdog To Wonderdog, stressed the idea that blogging creates "intentional communities"-communities of like-minded people where you can share and promote your philosophies. "These stories have the power to enrich and save the lives of animals, and create a better world for animals." According to the organizers, this is why BlogPaws was founded – as a resource to connect the pet writing community with the pet products and services providers, and exponentially increase education for and about our companion animals.

Carol Bryant, editorial and social media director of FIDO Friendly Magazine, said she came to the conference because the magazine wants to expand its on-line presence and said “what BlogPaws offered was extraordinary."

But the heart of the conference was about giving back, both in dollars and community building. A substantial portion of the conference proceeds, totaling over $10,000, was donated to three animal shelters nominated by the attendees: Pets Without Parents in Columbus, Ohio, Animal Friends in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Animal Haven in New York, NY. DelMonte also raffled $1,500 in food donations to three different shelters of the winners' choosing. Bissell raffled vacuum cleaners, and Kodak its cameras, and both, as conference sponsors, were available to demonstrate their products to the pet parent bloggers. To address concerns about pet care and wellness, the American Animal Hospital Association, whose organization provides accreditation for small animal hospital practices, was both a sponsor of the event and had an information booth.

Yvonne DiVita, one of the three founders of BlogPaws, is a social media expert and inveterate pet blogger who has spent much of her career empowering women in business. She met Caroline Golon, another passionate pet blogger who specializes in fundraising for animal shelters, rescues, and welfare organizations, at a women's blogging conference this past July, where they, and DiVita's husband Tom Collins, collectively saw the need to bring these communities together, both online and in person. DiVita says, "Everything we do is pet-focused. We are all about giving back – not only to shelters and rescues, who so need it right now, but to pet bloggers who bring their passion and devotion to everything they do." Pack leaders, indeed!

For more information on BlogPaws or to participate in the next conference, visit their web site.

About Joan DeMartin
Joan DeMartin is a writing instructor at the Columbus College of Art and Design, a freelance writer, and former attorney. She adopted Bocci from a local shelter in June 2008, and they have collaborated on the blog, Bocci's Beefs, since October 2009. Bocci's Beefs was proud to be named a "Cesar Friendly Blog" in January 2010!