Earlier this month, BlogPaws announced a second conference for 2010, this one in Denver. The first conference, held in Columbus, Ohio, was amazing. Beyond the useful panel discussions and inspiring keynote speeches, I made lots of new blogging friends, which was completely invaluable. And I really want to go to BlogPaws in Denver.
Except.
I’m a little sensitive about BSL issues, and I work very hard with different organizations to combat bully misconceptions. Sadly, Ohio is one of the worst states in the country for BSL, so I was unable to bring Emmett, my sweet therapy dog/bully mix, to BlogPaws.
When I heard that BlogPaws West is held in Denver, I was appalled. Denver enacted BSL in 2005. According to KC Dog Blog, Denver has killed 1,600 pit bulls since 2005 – but as recently as last October city officials admitted that they’re not sure if the ban is even working.
I’m struggling. Should 100s of pet owners, bloggers, advocates, and people striving to “be the change” pour their money into the hotels and restaurants of Denver? I don’t think so. Animal advocates should be responsible for actually practicing what they preach, right?
So I’m torn. I loved BlogPaws, absolutely loved it. And yet.
What do you think? Is anyone else concerned about their choice of location? Will it affect your decision of whether or not to attend?
Adam says
05•10•10 at 12:31 pmI’m not familiar with BSL (at least by that name), but I get your gist. I’m almost of the opinion that there’s no better way to show the Denver government that they are wrong than to bring hundreds of well trained, well behaved bullies onto their home turf.
Scoop says
05•10•10 at 3:11 pmI know a lot of pet-loving-people who just don’t know what BSL is, or may hold common misconceptions about the bully breeds. I think you should come and take the opportunity to educate more people about BSL. Perhaps you could pull together a petition among those attending or something, and ask them to write about it on their blog. It could be a good “teaching moment” for you to take advantage of. Lets talk more offline, I have lots of ideas for you.
Plus, I want you to come so we can hang out :).
Maggie says
05•10•10 at 3:25 pmYes, let’s definitely talk! I had a brief DM exchange on Twitter with one of the founders, which I can fill you in on… but I definitely think this is the perfect “teaching moment,” as you said!
Rod@GoPetFriendly says
05•10•10 at 9:17 pmLooks like Scoop stole my thunder. With so much time between now and September – and sooo many great pet bloggers – I wanted to write that we have a chance to BE THE CHANGE in Denver.
Maggie says
05•10•10 at 9:22 pmYou and Scoop are both absolutely right. I have a few ideas brewing… No point in getting annoyed without DOING something.
Rod@GoPetFriendly says
05•11•10 at 12:03 amI wouldn’t expect us to change Denver law. But maybe we can energize/inspire/motivate Denver pet owners to change the law. Maybe @BoulderDog1 could help, too. Please keep me posted.
Scoop says
05•11•10 at 1:59 pmI am all about thunder-sharing, especially when it is a good cause! It is not just about Denver law, there are localities all over the country that are pushing this misguided policy. Having an educated corp of bloggers working together to educate the public could really make a difference.
Shauna (Fido & Wino) says
05•11•10 at 5:13 pmTo Rod’s point- hell, why not aim to change Denver law? Go hard, or go home, right? 😉
I like the thinking to go forth & educate- sometimes it is most impactful to make changes from within, rather than without (does that make sense, or does it just sound like I was spouting nonsense there?).
Amy@GoPetFriendly says
05•11•10 at 9:48 pmI’m with Shauna! Let us know what we can do to help.
Maggie says
05•11•10 at 10:47 pmWow! I’m so excited that you guys are all behind this. I’m putting together a few ideas this week, and will definitely keep writing about this.
Jane --Petfinder blogger says
05•12•10 at 7:48 amMaggie– petfinder’s a staunch opposer of bsl and I think the idea of turning this into an educational opp is great! Be sure to keep me in the loop with your plans. 🙂
Maggie says
05•12•10 at 8:35 amThanks, Jane! I’m going to be posting some of my ideas tomorrow. I’m hoping this can be a collaboration. With 300ish pet enthusiasts descending on Denver, I think we can make some noise!
Caroline, BlogPaws co-founder says
05•13•10 at 10:29 amDear Friends,
YES YES YES we encourage and support efforts to be the change on this issue. This is what I love about you guys – that you take opportunities to turn a negative into a positive “teachable” moment for the masses.
BlogPaws (the company) is actually headquartered near Denver, thus one of the biggest reasons for the location choice. It’s much easier to pull something like this off with local paws on the ground!
Let me know what we can do to support your plans. As bloggers we have a big voice. And lots of bloggers together have an even bigger one.
xo!
Maggie says
05•13•10 at 10:36 amThank you, Caroline! I completely agree: We need to be the change. And I believe that, as bloggers, we have the platform to be the voices for the voiceless animals. And as bloggers headed to Denver, we have the opportunity to educate and advocate against BSL. I’d love to chat about some ideas. Tomorrow I’m putting down all the thoughts swirling around in my head for campaigns, but I really want this to be a collaborative effort! I’m going to post all my ideas here with the hope of opening a conversation. Thanks, again!
Bev says
05•18•10 at 3:01 pmDenver will not take any notice if you boycott.
But if you travel to Denver and open a dialogue, you have a chance of advancing your cause.
I hope I see you there!
Bruce says
05•19•10 at 11:13 amI’m with Shauna! Let us know what we can do to help.