Every year, I get excited about attending the annual awards banquet of the Dog Writers Association of America. The event – held this year on the evening of Feb. 10, 2018 at the Hotel New Yorker in New York City – is about so much more than accepting awards or cheering for winners (though that’s certainly a fun aspect of the evening).
Jen Reeder, DWAA President, with Rio and Peach.
The DWAA Awards Banquet is about hearing speeches that inspire us. It’s about celebrating the dog writing community with other professionals whose work centers around dogs. It’s about connecting with new colleagues who might become friends.
I’ve been lucky that way. One year, I happened to sit at a table with Carol Bryant of “Fidose of Reality” and BlogPaws fame. As I introduced myself, she exclaimed, “Oh! I was hoping to meet you! I admire your work.” It made my day – and now Carol is a generous colleague I’m lucky to call my friend.
Another year, my husband and I lucked into sitting at a table with Laura Coffey, bestselling author of My Old Dog: Rescued Pets with Remarkable Second Acts. I’ve since read the book and interviewed Laura for several different magazine articles about senior dog adoption. A few months ago, my husband I adopted a senior poodle who was rescued as a virtually toothless stray. I don’t think we would have considered adopting a senior dog if we hadn’t met Laura at that fateful DWAA banquet.That’s what I love about DWAA – you never know who will change your career or even your life! This year will offer exciting networking opportunities as well as a keynote speech from Dr. Marty Becker, a.k.a. America’s Veterinarian; book promotion tips from Laura Coffey; and a Hall of Fame acceptance speech by legendary dog show host, philanthropist and author, David Frei. (Plus, there’s chocolate mousse!) I’m looking forward to connecting with old friends and making new ones – hope to see you there!
For more information about the 2018 DWAA Awards Banquet or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://dogwriters.org/event/
Jen Reeder
President, Dog Writers Association of America
