Talkfest Blog

Featured image for “Jen Reeder, Celebrating Freelance Success”
Anne Marie Duquette

Jen Reeder, Celebrating Freelance Success

I was extra excited since it’s the first year this award has been offered. I love watching the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving with my dogs, and I love therapy dogs. In fact, the reason…

Spotlight | May 6, 2024

Featured image for “Pam Atherstone, Rescue Advocate”
Anne Marie Duquette

Pam Atherstone, Rescue Advocate

Rescue groups are a cause close to my heart, and I wanted to give back in a unique way to educate youngsters about them. Except for my horse, who was born in my pasture, all…

Spotlight | May 2, 2024

Featured image for “Paula Piatt, Lab Lover”
Anne Marie Duquette

Paula Piatt, Lab Lover

Labrador retrievers have been part of our family for almost 40 years, and we’ve seen their health issues, their quirks, and their unconditional love. Having been through so much with them and having the ability…

Spotlight | April 29, 2024

Featured image for “Angela Schneider, Capturing Emotion through the Camera’s Lens”
Anne Marie Duquette

Angela Schneider, Capturing Emotion through the Camera’s Lens

A camera has been a part of my hand since I was 12 years old. Among the first photos I ever took were of my rough collie Princess. As a young sports reporter in Canada,…

Spotlight | April 25, 2024

Featured image for “Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, Ph.D., BCBA, CSAT, CCUI, FFCP, Canine Behavior Analyst”
Anne Marie Duquette

Stephanie Keesey-Phelan, Ph.D., BCBA, CSAT, CCUI, FFCP, Canine Behavior Analyst

I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and have a doctoral degree in Behavior Analysis. At The Dog Behavior Institute (DBI), I work with my colleague and co-founder Ran Courant-Morgan to provide dog behavior consultation…

Spotlight | April 22, 2024

Featured image for “Susan Bulanda, M.A., C.A.B.C., Dog Lover and History Buff”
Anne Marie Duquette

Susan Bulanda, M.A., C.A.B.C., Dog Lover and History Buff

I wrote my book for a general audience, especially dog lovers and history buffs. I am a certified animal (dog and cat) behavior consultant with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. I also have…

Spotlight | April 18, 2024

Featured image for “Spotlight on DWAA 2020 Event Pet Photographer”
DWAA

Spotlight on DWAA 2020 Event Pet Photographer

Each year, the Dog Writers Association of America hosts its annual banquet and awards event in February. The 2020 event was a complete success and sold out over a month in advance. This year, the…

Spotlight | March 9, 2020

Featured image for “Spotlight On Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award”
DWAA

Spotlight On Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award

The Dog Writers Association of America is proud to shine the spotlight on our many special awards sponsors. It is because of these special sponsors that writers are awarded over $14,000 in monies. This year,…

Spotlight | February 6, 2020

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DWAA

Spotlight On The Grey Muzzle Organization

It’s time to raise the “woof” and celebrate an organization that cares deeply about senior dogs. At our annual banquet and award ceremony, the Dog Writers Association of America awards over $14,000 in special sponsor…

Spotlight | February 5, 2020

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DWAA

Spotlight On Fidose of Reality

The Dog Writers Association of America’s President, Carol Bryant, along with her wife, DWAA’s Banquet and Contest Chair, Darlene Bryant, are also sponsoring a new special award. Each year, the DWAA gives out Maxwell Medallions…

Spotlight | February 5, 2020

Featured image for “Spotlight On Dr. Harvey’s”
DWAA

Spotlight On Dr. Harvey’s

Dr. Harvey’s is one of the sponsors for this year’s Dog Writers Association of America awards. Every year, the DWAA gives out Maxwell Medallions and special sponsor award monies. This year, over $14,000 in special…

Spotlight | February 5, 2020

Featured image for “Spotlight On The Rio Award”
DWAA

Spotlight On The Rio Award

Jen Reeder is the past President of the Dog Writers Association of America. She is a dog lover and dog writer to her core. Jen is also the force behind the Rio Award. Each year,…

Spotlight | February 5, 2020