Talkfest Blog

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Anne Marie Duquette

Bad Writing Submission

“Mom” cautiously maneuvered through No Man’s Land; deadly Tuggy Tentacles, Slip-and-Trip Kongs, and The Terrifying Death Trap: ragged Nylon Bones that made stepping on Legos seem heavenly in comparison…but sadly, the wet potty pads did…

Bad Writing | April 30, 2025

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DWAA

Meet the Board – Lisa Begin-Kruysman

Meet Lisa Begin-Kruysman, author of fiction and non-fiction books that inspire, educate, and change the way we view not only our furry companions, but also ourselves. Her knack for writing heart-felt stories that make us…

Leadership | April 28, 2025

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DWAA

Meet the Board – Billie Groom

Meet Billie Groom, currently serving as Vice-President of the DWAA and Founder of The Institute of Canine Psychotherapy. Billie has dedicated over thirty years to her pioneering work with dogs over the age of six…

Leadership | April 25, 2025

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Cheyenne Lord

Rescue Dog Follows Her Heart into Agility World

Deborah Wachter, of Orange County, California, has always found that shelter dogs bring a one-of-a-kind experience to their adopted families. For her 8-year-old rescue dog Paisley, that was an introduction to the agility world and…

Agility | April 21, 2025

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Anne Marie Duquette

Doggie Duties

Hi. My name is Niko, and Mom and Dad and I lost our home. An earthquake split our house in half! I’m a miniature dachshund. I could have crawled through the tented floor inside but…

Flash Fiction | April 16, 2025

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Kathleen Kennedy

The Plan

Every night Murphy watched as Flair worked feverishly, right paw clawing at the crate, drool escaping from her lips. If she’d had a brow, it would be sweating. She would not give up easily. He…

Flash Fiction | March 28, 2025

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Leslie Brown

Growling at the News

Watching cartoons can be pretty boring. All the words are short and I already know what they mean. So I often watch the news with my human mother. But the news can sound so scary…

Flash Fiction | March 21, 2025

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Anne Marie Duquette

Sandy Kubillus, Dog Caregiver

I didn’t start writing this book until almost a decade after my dog Kaylee died from osteosarcoma. But all the while, I kept thinking, “I should write a book about my experiences with her.” At…

Contest News | March 20, 2025

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DWAA

Errata

Barb Magera is credited as the photographer of the photos which appeared on pages 7 and 10 of the Spring 2025 issue of Ruff Drafts. We regret the omission. To see more of her images…

Awards Banquet | March 18, 2025

Featured image for “Russ Swigart, Teacher and Lifelong Showman”
Anne Marie Duquette

Russ Swigart, Teacher and Lifelong Showman

We spoke with Russ Swigart, winner of DWAA Special Category “National Dog Show Presented by Purina Excellence in Writing/Producing Award” with the entry, “The Legendary Boomhauer.”…

Contest News | March 18, 2025

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Leslie Brown

Dancing in the Dog Library

When it started to get dark outside the Dog Library, Margaret, a very curly black poodle, closed the paw print curtains. Most of the dogs went home, but a group of dogs gathered together for…

Flash Fiction | March 14, 2025

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Anne Marie Duquette

Lynn P. Goswick, Shepherds o’plenty!

I have always been creative, and my Mom encouraged and guided my ability at a very early age. I dedicated my Award to her. She was my greatest teacher and inspiration to pursue art/writing/photography, as…

Contest News | March 13, 2025