Purina Better With Pets Summit Says #LetsLiveBig Together! #ad
Dan Kohler introduces the summit, wearing the Purina signature red sneakers.
This post is sponsored by Nestle Purina. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the Purina Better With Pets Summit, but BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD only shares information I feel is relevant to my readers. Purina is not responsible for the content of this article.
Angie Bailey, Janiss Garza and I at the event.
I was honored to again be invited to attend and write about the Purina Better with Pets Summit held October 18 in New York. What fun that I also got to connect with some of my friends and colleagues, including Steve Dale and Dr. Marty Becker. One of the highlights was meeting several of the researchers I’ve interviewed over the years, including Dr. Steven Hannah, Dr. Dottie Laflamme, and Dr. Lisa Freeman. Woot! I know famous peeps!
One of my fav Purina peeps, Dr. Dottie Laflamme.
There was a lot covered at the event, with probably a few hundred bloggers and media in attendance. I tried to type fast as I could, but balancing a laptop AND shooting pictures/video with my phone required juggling skills. So I hope these videos and recaps whet your appetite (pun intended!) to learn more.
Experts Everywhere…I’m In Heaven!
I arrived Monday Oct. 17 at the hotel and checked in just in time for an informal rooftop reception. Yes, there were four-footers and two-footers in attendance. We shared biz cards, pet stories and pictures, and enjoyed the view of the NYC skyline.
The next morning, we walked a few blocks to the event venue, and were treated to a lovely breakfast. Daniel Kohler (bloggers will recognize that name…and his red shoes!) introduced the president of Purina, Nina Leigh Kreuger, who opened with fascinating information about how Purina is shaping the future of Petcare.
Opening panel, moderated by Steve Dale: Demystifying Quality & Safety. With John Bear (senior vp of manufacturing) and Shaun Kennedy (assoc prof, Dept of Vet. Population Medicine, University of Minnesota)
The content and the speakers impressed me–not just from Purina, but from universities and organizations around the country (Mayo Clinic, North Shore Animal League, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Urban Resource Institute). One of the most inspiring panels, “How A Passion for Pets Builds A Better World,” covered partnerships with hospitals and shelters (people and pet shelters). Check out the videos for more details.
Here’s a very brief recap of the whole day (including what Karma-Kat thought!) but please watch the others for more details. I promise, you don’t want to miss them.
PURINA BETTER WITH PETS IN LESS THAN 2 MINUTES…
After the first two panels, we had lunch, and checked out the kitten and puppy therapy booths. Yes, Karma-Kat, Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty were thrilled to receive samples (treats & more!) when I returned home.
This year, one of the stations engraved ID tags while we waited. So Karma and Magic both got shiny new tags when I got home.
There also were several “partner” exhibits, with opportunity to pick up information and learn more. I took the opportunity to sneak a couple of speakers outside for a quick interview. This is something you do NOT want to miss…and probably will want to get a similar program started in your neck of the woods.
CO-SHELTER INITIATIVE: ABUSED PEOPLE SHELTER WITH THEIR PETS!
Experts Inspired & Inspiring
One of the best parts of the Summit was hearing the scientists get just a wee bit emotional and gushy. Pets do that to you–and when you discover that you’ve made a difference, a personal connection and impact–what could be better?
What Does The Future Hold?
Don’t you love predictions? How about this…LET’S EAT BUGS! (Karma is ahead of the curve, already munching crickets).
Share It With #LetsLiveBig — How YOUR Pet Allows You to Live Bigger, Together?
I’m sort of a science geek, at least when it comes to my pets. So the “Science of Innovative Nutrition for Pets” panels was my fave. Last year, I wrote about Bright Mind dog food–my Magic began munching that last fall after we received samples, and he’s done so well on it.
This year, I again interviewed a wonderful scientist about MCT fatty acids and the benefits to the brain, but the noise level in the hall prevented the interview from being usable. That said, I was fascinated by the promising studies mentioned regarding reduction of seizure activity in dogs fed diets containing experimental levels of these ingredients. I’m encouraged that further research into the direct effect nutrition plays in disease will have a positive, and lasting impact on our pets’ lives and those who love them. That old saying, “you are what you eat” is actually TRUE!
While at the summit, attendees were encouraged to share our experiences with the hashtag #LetsLiveBig so now it’s your turn. If you’re reading this blog, I know that YOU believe pets make our lives better (and vice versa). Share how your pets help you live bigger lives together…ready, set, GO!
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!
