Talkfest Blog

Anne Marie Duquette

Sally and Tom Reeder, Keeping Family Traditional Alive

We spoke with Sally and Tom Reeder, Sponsors of the Harrison Stephens Inspirational Feature Award.…

Contest News | March 28, 2026

Anne Marie Duquette

Merrie Meyers, Finding New Possibilities for Older Pups

We spoke with Merrie Meyers, sponsor of the “Second Chance Award” in the 2025 DWAA Writers Contest. This award goes to the best article, book, blog, TV segment, radio spot, video, column, or other creative…

Contest News | March 26, 2026

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Anne Marie Duquette

Dawn Secord, Author Illustrator

We spoke with Dawn Secord, winner of the 2025 DWAA Writers Contest in the “Single Photo or Illustration” Category.…

Contest News | March 9, 2026

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Anne Marie Duquette

Charles Weidig, Life Long Educator

We spoke with Charlie Weidig, winner of the Spoken Word – Any Other Topic category for his video, “Cavalier Easter Egg Hunt 2025.”…

Contest News | March 2, 2026

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DWAA

Inside the National Dog Show: Champions, Puppies & the Dogs Who Steal Your Heart

All rights to distribute are owned by www.watchbuddi.com and The National Dog Show.…

Dog Shows | February 27, 2026

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Anne Marie Duquette

Amy Shojai, Translating Nonfictional Knowledge into Fictional Fun

We spoke with Amy Shojai, winner of the Books – Fiction (Adult) or Humor category for her book, “Play or Pay: A Dog Lover’s Crime Thriller Suspense,” book #8 in the series.…

Contest News | February 26, 2026

Featured image for “Kim Campbell Thornton, Plans, Trains and Automobiles, and a Dog”
Anne Marie Duquette

Kim Campbell Thornton, Plans, Trains and Automobiles, and a Dog

We spoke with Kim Campbell Thornton, winner of the Written Word-Any Other Topic for her article, “Traveling with Your Dog Internationally—What You Should Know,” which appeared in Whole Dog Journal.…

Contest News | February 23, 2026

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Anne Marie Duquette

Anne Marie Duquette, the second time is just as good as the first

W spoke to Anne Marie Duquette, WGA, DWAA, Winner of the Second Chance category for her short story, “Oscar’s Story.”…

Contest News | February 19, 2026

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Anne Marie Duquette

Ellen Finnie, Lessons from a Life with Dogs

We spoke with Ellen Finnie, winner of the Book-Memoir Category for her book, “The Ten Perfections, Spiritual Lessons from a Life with Dogs.”…

Contest News | February 16, 2026

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MaryPat McManus

We Love the DWAA Writing Contest

The National Dog Show is excited every year to be part of The Dog Writers Association of America’s Annual Writing Contest with our sponsorship of The National Dog Show Presented by Purina Excellence in Writing/Producing…

Therapy Dogs | January 31, 2026

Stephen Griffith

Therapy Dogs Rule!

Everybody clap your hands for the National Dog Show Therapy Ambassador Team! The team is celebrating their 20th year as a cohesive unit! Back in 2005, the great Colored Bull Terrier, Rufus, won the Morris…

Therapy Dogs | September 18, 2025

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Madeline Male

One of a Kind

“He’s truly one of a kind,” the volunteer on the phone had said. As soon as I saw the little Weimaraner puppy, my heart melted, and I knew he’d be perfect for me. I’d been…

Rescue | August 27, 2025