Cat Writers Hosts Awards Banquet
I have attended every Cat Writers Association event since the beginning that celebrates cat writing awards, and almost missed the 23rd Annual Conference and Awards Banquet this past weekend. Part of that was concern about my two aging pets. Magical-Dawg at age 10 and Seren-Kitty now 21 years old are not in ideal health, and I know my colleagues understand the pets must come first.
With some gentle purr-suasion, though, I was convinced to make an appearance. So I flew to Myrtle Beach on Friday for an overnight stay, to attend the awards banquet and some of the Saturday sessions before returning home. Boy, I’m glad that I did! With 240 entries and 42 awards presented, for writers like me, this is the a-CAT-amy awards.
One of the best parts of the annual event is reconnecting with colleagues and friends like PetWorldInsider folks (above), and networking with pet products companies. This year, I had little opportunity to visit the exhibit hall, but gave and received as many hugs and greetings as possible.
Shojai Mentor Award recognizes the CWA member who has helped someone else achieve writing/publishing goals.
Wins, Wins Everywhere!
Muse presented by Conference Co-Chair Sharon Melnyk
The Friday night banquet offers a chance to BLING UP. In addition to being nominated for several awards, I also sponsored and presented the SHOJAI MENTOR AWARD (above), this year given to longtime CWA member Paul Glassner.
Muse Medallion presented by CWA Contest Chair Arden Moore
MUSE MEDALLION WINS!
MUSE MEDALLION WINS!I was delighted to receive recognition for my Herald Democrat newspaper column, P’ETiQuette. These medallion categories are judged by three professional CWA members, and the highest of their composite score selects the winner. It always means so much to be recognized by peers.
My second Muse Medallion recognized a cat behavior blog contributions I write for PetSafe.com Paw Print Blog. This Bling, Bitches & Blood Blog also was nominated so actually, I got to compete with myself!
The prize didn’t fit in my suitcase so I’m still waiting for it to be shipped.
FEAR FREE PETS AWARD
I’ve talked about the Fear Free Pets initiative before and I believe so much in this program, I’ve become Fear Free Certified, too. The program inspired me to write one of my quick tips books MY CAT HATES MY VET: Foiling Fear Before, During & After Vet Visits–and that booklet last Friday night won the Fear Free Pets Award, mee-wow! The prize comes with a $2000 cash award, plus that whimsical mirror shown above (Peeping Toms, LOL!). I was excited to receive the award from Dr. Elizabeth Bales (left) and CWA President Marci Kladnik (left).
Dr. Ken Labrecht and “Bug” presents the AAFP Cat Friendly Award
AAFP CAT FRIENDLY AWARD
Not only did MY CAT HATES MY VET win the Fear Free Pets award, it also was recognized by the American Association of Feline Practitioners with the Cat Friendly Award of $500 and a certificate. The Cat Friendly Practice initiative seeks to make veterinary practices “feline friendly” to increase cat health visits.
To celebrate these honors, I’ve made the Ebook version FREE for the next few days (until Friday). So please tell everyone to get a copy of the free book here and get rid of the HISSES surrounding vet visits.
The Hartz Every Day Chewable Vitamin Award
Finally, an editorial about caring for aging cats received the Hartz Award of $500 and a gorgeous glass engraved trophy. Since I have a 21-year-old kitty, this is a topic very close to my heart. My friend and colleague, contest chair Arden Moore (below, left) presented the trophy that evening.
Next year’s event will soon be announced. If you love cats, it’s a conference and cat writing contest you don’t want to miss!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
Congrats on all of your awards! Well deserved! I’m glad you were able to go. Nice photos too 🙂
Thanks so much!
I am glad you were able to attend in person! Congratulations on your many achievements and awards.
Me, too. Hoping can return again next year, it’s always such a fantastic event.
Congratulations on all your wins! What a great night for you. (You look beautiful in your gown by the way) All that hard work pays off. Time to celebrate!
Thanks bunches! I fell in love with the dress…helped that it was on sale. 😛
Congratulations on all of your awards! Glad you were able to make it for the ceremony. Hope your furries are doing okay!
Thanks, was so pleased to be able to attend. The furries are maintaining, and that’s good.
Congrats on all the awards! Your dress is lovely. Any big plans for the prize money?
Thanks so much–and plans for the prize money? Well, paying bills, LOL! Isn’t that always the way? I think we’re programmed to never get ahead, but this will help reduce the credit card balance. *S*
Concats on all your well-deserved awards! You looked lovely as well.
Appreciate the lovely well wishes.
Wow so many awards and I have to say I absolutely LOVE your prize! I bet you are excited to receive it! Congrats on all of your grand accomplishments!
The mirror finally arrived! And Karma-Kat especially likes it, LOL! I need to post the video and pictures of it posted in my office.
Congratulations! You really shined at the BlogPaws conference this year. I’m so sorry that we didn’t get a chance to meet.
Me too, Heather. Hoping that next year I can spend more time at the event.
Awww…thank you Heather! Wish we could have met, too. Maybe next year!
It was so great seeing you at the conference, Amy, and congratulations on all of your wins! So well deserved, for sure. You are an inspiration to us newbies.
Awww c’mon, YOU are no longer a “newbie” and are an inspiration to your colleagues across the blogosphere. *s* Great seeing you there!
Congrats on your awards, that is awesome! Love your Pet World Insider photo too!
I know, that’s one of my all time fav pictures! Love Pet World Insider.
Congrats on your awards! It’s great to be recognized for your hard work and expertise.
Thanks Debbie. Yep, it’s only taken about 20+ years of hard work, LOL!
Congratulations on your great night at BlogPaws! It was my first time there and I felt like I was with my tribe. It must be what Trekkies felt at their first conventions. Thank you for the work that you do. And it’s great to see Dr. Ken up there! He works about five minutes from my parents’ home in Madison so I’m going make sure I drop by for a quick hi when I’m back in town.
Oh man, I’d love to visit Dr. Ken and Bug on their home turf. Glad you got your “paws wet” with a first conference and I bet you’ll be back!