Deep Dog Love: The Ties That Bind
I'm writing from Chicago at a conference about blogging. BlogHer is a big conference for women who blog. I'm here alone, don't know anyone, and there is not one session that is dog-related. Basically, I'm a fish out of water.
I'm extroverted, though, and can make friends quickly, but I feel most comfortable with dog people. I don't mean people with dogs, I mean *dog people*. People who enjoy dogs to their core.
BlogHer attendees fall into some broad categories, but the main ones are mommy bloggers, fashionistas, and foodies. I love to eat food — that's about how much I have in common with this crowd.
Or so I thought.
To my delight, I was in the middle of a session by some food photographers and videographers (storytellers, really), White on Rice Couple (http://whiteonricecouple.com/), when I suddenly found myself crying. Actual tears.
This couple are phenomenal storytellers — with photography and with video. And guess who starred in their own personal stories? Guess what recharged their batteries at the end of their long days?
Their dog.
They are dog people. There's no doubt that they GET dogs. The tears came unexpectedly. They were there before I even knew they were coming. The tears came because the way these folks told their story was exactly how dogs make me feel, too. It was like finding someone in a foreign country who speaks your language. It was bliss.
Coming to a conference that's out of my comfort zone is important, albeit difficult. What I'm getting while I'm here, though, is affirmation that I am living my passion. There's nothing I want to do more than help dog lovers — not just people who have dogs — enjoy their dogs even more.
For all my fellow dog people, dogs are the ties that bind. I don't care how much money you do (or don't) make, I don't care what church you do (or don't) go to, I don't care what political party you do (or don't) belong to. If you are a dog person and love your dog like he's family, we've got a lot in common.
And that makes me really happy.
I’m so jealous you’re at BlogHer. I took the road more travelled (at least in our circle) and chose to go to SuperZoo this week, but I really want to attend a non-dog centric blogging conference next year. Other than finding your kindred spirits there, was the learning worth it??
PS – I totally agree. Dog people just seem bonded in a special way other bloggers don’t. (Well, maybe Mommy bloggers)
Laurie, it was so great to meet you. Thank you for such kind words. We are bonded through our dogs, forever. And ever!
Good for you for diving into the big pool. I loved your comments about Todd and Diane, and went directly to read their blog. Tears here, too at photos of Todd, so tender with the new pup.
I loved your words in the previous post that blogging unites those of us who would otherwise have nothing in common. I find that so true. At a cocktail party (which I already hate) I seek out the person most like me. Blogging helps us “meet” those unlike us, but with whom we have a common thread. And thereby helping us stretch our boundaries, learn new things, and perhaps forgive “different”.
Bless you.
Dogs are indeed a great creature that can soften our hearts. They can help us release all our stress. And the best part about it is that they are the most faithful companions.