Countless deadlines and obligations caused October to go zooming by in the blink of an eye.
With hardly a spare moment for relaxation or other leisurely pursuits, there’s
been little time to do many of the things I enjoy, such as updating
my blog. The month in which we close an issue (as October was), is always
hectic as we’re busily finalizing articles and editorial features, and assuring
submitted material such as ads meet spec. Of course, there’s always that last
minute image or bit of info you’re awaiting just before press which certainly
up’s the stress factor. Throw in a tradeshow that’s been scheduled a week later
than it usually runs (which you just have to go to),
thereby taking you out of town two weeks before your on-press date, and your
seemingly undoable schedule becomes even busier. Somehow it all falls into
place though, everything’s completed on time and press deadline is met. Our
much-anticipated Winter issue actually just came off press, is now out of the bindery
and being readied for mailings to subscribers and deliveries to newsstands. This is
the moment, where I sigh a sigh of relief whilst excitedly awaiting for our
advance copies of the issue to arrive. BTW, I LOVE our winter cover! Cover girl, Yvonne Strahovski and her rescued Dachshund, Wilbur
exemplify the connectivity that we dog lovers share with our own pooches. The
cover virtually glows with the warmth of their love!  Jam-packed with fun
and informative articles, recipes, training tips and advice, along with our
much-awaited Holiday Gift Guide, plus more photo contest winners and giveaways,
I hope you enjoy this edition as much as I do.  Let me know what you
think… I always appreciate your feedback.

To catch up, here are some photos that summarize October’s happenings:  

Attending the HH Backer’s Christmas trade show in Chicago is always fun and a great time to reunite with our pet industry friends. We walk the show aisles checking out all the latest the industry has to offer. Many of the products showcased in our winter edition are sourced from such shows. We also get a chance to meet in person some of the people we’ve only ever had a chance to chat with through email or telephone calls such as the guys at Wholelife… here they are at their booth.

 

PocketDisc’s colourful handmade frisbees (for indoor or outdoor use), make a brilliant and compelling display!

Dogs in strollers are a common sight… their humans don’t have to worry about them getting stepped on in the busy and crowded aisles and the stroller also provides a place to stash merchandise. This Bulldog cutie was enjoying all the attention being showered upon him!

A must-do is the annual Backer Christmas party. This year they awarded prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Pictured below is the Paco Collars crew looking distinguished and portly in their penguin costumes.

 

Modern Dog’s Sara Lima and Fizzion’s Terrance Reeve pose for a shot…

Back at the office, Mary Liu’s staff pick, an Eco Drop bed from West Paw Design arrives (check it out in the winter edition). As soon as it was unpacked, Esther, the editor’s dog,  decides to lay claim it and from her lofty perch oversees office goings-on.

For Halloween, Penny dresses up as a dapper French dog in her  striped tee and black beret  (from BarkingBaby.com). A squeaky baguette toy completes the scene.