Waffles' Top 5 Reasons to Send Katie to BarkWorld

WAFFLES:  Hey Boss! I've been thinking.

KATIE:  Waffles, you know that usually gets you into trouble, right?

WAFFLES:  So I think you should go to BarkWorld. You know, with Glogirly.

KATIE:  Waffles, are you trying to get rid of me?

WAFFLES:  Uh, no?

KATIE:  Waffles. Give me one good reason I should go to BarkWorld with Glogirly.

WAFFLES:  I'll give you FIVE!

KATIE:  Waffles, you can't even count to three.

WAFFLES:  Uh uuh. I'm a professional counter. One, two, three, chicken. See?

KATIE:  Yeah, I see alright.

#1  Meeting New Friends
The best part of any conference is meeting new friends and catching up with old friends too. There's something very special about gathering with like-minded, animal-loving, fun-seekers. As bloggers, we spend a lot of time huddled with laptops and sharing virtual conversations. So the opportunity to connect in person is a rare and wonderful thing.

#2  Learning New Stuff
Another huge highlight of the BarkWorld conference is the opportunity to attend a wide variety of learning sessions. The landscape of digital networking, social media and even blogging is a constantly changing one and there's always something new and exciting to learn. Even us cats need to keep on top of the emerging trends.

#3  Networking with Brands & Bloggers
Making connections is what it's all about. Often some of the most valuable time spent happens in-between the learning sessions. From learning about new products and the brands that represent them to comparing notes and exchanging ideas with fellow bloggers, time spent networking is time wisely spent. This is how Glogirly finds some of the cool stuff we're able to feature here on our blog.

#4  Inspiration to Become a Better Blogger
There's no shortage of creative inspiration at the conference. The free flowing of ideas and actionable insights on how to be the best we can be gives us energy, inspiration and a spring in our step as we excitedly return home to bring those new ideas to life.

#5  Rocking the Pink Harness
What's a fabulous conference without a little bit of bling? Katie's already got her wardrobe all planned out. And Glogirly's busy polishing the sparkle on her rhinestone cat ears.


Will You Help Us?
This blog post is part of a contest to win us a sponsored trip to the BarkWorld Expo Pet Blogging & Social Media Conference. The more buzz, comments and shares we can generate, the better chance we have of winning the trip. And if we do win, we promise to take you all along with us with daily posts and photos. Katie's firsts plane ride, a stroller tour to meet her fangirls and lots of on-the-road fun for everyone.

Thanks for your help, everyone! Paws crossed!

Waffles' Big Adventure, Day 7: Wafflelicious

Hi everybuddy, Waffles here.

Welcome to day 7 of my big adventure! Glogirly and I are at the BarkWorld-MeowWorld conference in Atlanta and today was all about spreading my Waffley love. I started the day with a spin through the conference in my Waffle Wagon. Other than a couple of tiny foster kittens, I'm the ONLY cat here. So that means it's even MORE important to make everyone's day Wafflelicious.

It's kind of hard to get all up close and purr-sonal with my ladies out here on the conference floor. There's dogs barking and people talking all loud... it's not really the best place for a mancat to make his best impression.

So I invited some of my girlfriends back to my hotel room. 

Jelly Bean Love
The ladies LOVE toes. So I had to make sure mine were all clean and pink for them.

Gee, your hair smells ... uh, not like chicken!

Before I left home, Gloman told me the ladies really like it when you say, "Gee, your hair smells terrific." I tested it out on Miss Julie from Sometimes Cats Herd You and it worked! Don't tell, but actually I think her hair would smell even MORE terrific if she used chicken shampoo. 

Photography 101 

This is my other girlfriend, Miss Lisa. She's from A Tonk's Tail and I was giving her some photography tips. Would you believe she didn't know that the pictures will turn out SO much better if you have chicken treats???! Well now she does.

Ok, just one LITTLE squeeze

And this is my other-other girlfriend, Miss Sue. Some of you may know her as the Yellow-Haired Lady from The Island Cats. She was dishing out the treats with BOTH hands so I let her give me a quick squeeze. I'm pretty sure she squealed. 

Tomorrow is the last day of the conference and on Sunday we get to come home! Glogirly says there's not going to be enough room in my suitcase for all the hearts I'm stealing.

xo,

Waffles

Special Blog Feature This Week!

Please join us all week as Waffles jet-sets across the country! From Minneapolis to New York City to Atlanta... We'll be following him every paw-step of the way. We've got some exciting plans in every city and you won't want to miss a single day! 

Don't worry about Katie... she'll be holding down the Townhouse with Gloman, kicking her feet up and enjoying not looking over her shoulder each morning at breakfast.

Waffles' Big Adventure, Day 6: Hello Ladies

Hi everybuddy, Waffles here.

Welcome to Day 6 of my BIG adventure. The BarkWorld-MeowWorld pet blogging and social media conference starts today. So yesterday I got ready by entertaining some of my girlfriends in my hotel room.

Don't worry, Glogirly was my chaperone on account of I'm only two years-old.

Photo by Lisa Richman, A Tonk's Tail

This is one of my girlfriends, Amy. You might know her as Bosox Amy on Instragram. She came all the way from Kansas just to meet ME. She even let me kiss her on our first date. 

She's got an orange cat named Harvey who's ALSO really handsome. I wonder if Harvey got to kiss her on their first date.

Photo by Lisa Richman, A Tonk's Tail

Amy and I shared a romantic snack. I think I'll ask her out again. 

All the ladies want to get my picture. They even created some special hashtags just for me:

#WafflesSighting

#BrushWithFame

#iThinkHeLikesMe

I wonder how many of my girlfriends will want to get a picture with me today? One? Two? Three? Chicken? 

Elebenty hundred? 

So many love letters, so little time. 

This handsome stuff is hard work.

Special Blog Feature This Week!

Please join us all week as Waffles jet-sets across the country! From Minneapolis to New York City to Atlanta... We'll be following him every paw-step of the way. We've got some exciting plans in every city and you won't want to miss a single day! 

Don't worry about Katie... she'll be holding down the Townhouse with Gloman, kicking her feet up and enjoying not looking over her shoulder each morning at breakfast.

Road Ready and Conference Bound

WAFFLES:  I'm ready for the conference, Boss. 

KATIE:  Waffles, the BarkWorld-MeowWorld Conference isn't until next week. 

WAFFLES:  Yeah, but I have to get ready. Glogirly says I have to get comfortable in my new Waffle Wagon. 

KATIE:  And WHY exactly do we need to have ANOTHER orange stroller in the Townhouse???

WAFFLES:  Because Glogirly says she wants me to have more room when I'm greeting all of my fans. This one has a king sized cat bed and a retractable sunroof. 

KATIE:  Why don't you just invite them back to your hotel room?

WAFFLES:  That's a GREAT idea, Boss!

KATIE:  I don't know, Waffles. This roof doesn't look like it's going to keep the rain out. 

WAFFLES:  Rain?

KATIE:  You never know.

WAFFLES:  I know! If it rains, I'll just climb on top so no water comes through my sunroof. 

KATIE:  What did I say yesterday?  ... I think it was something like, "That cat is not right in the head?" I rest my case.



Where's Waffles Going???
Later next week, Glogirly will be attending the BarkWorld/MeowWorld Social Media & Pet Blogging Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. This will be her third time at the conference and this year she's bringing Waffles. And a stroller. And a scratching post. And a litter box. And cat litter. And cat food. And cat treats. And cat toys. And her pillow that Waffles HAS to sleep on every night. Let's just hope she's got room for a change of underwear.

The conference offers learning sessions focused on helping pet bloggers be the best they can be. From writing to photography to technical stuff called SEO, attendees have an opportunity to pick and choose the topics they want to learn about. But the paws-down highlight is meeting up with other bloggers. Lots of dogs will be in attendance, but only a few cats. Something tells us this is going to be a Waffulicious conference!

Don't worry your furry little heads though... we're not taking a blog vacation. We're going to keep you posted with daily updates and photos from the road. This is going to be FUN!!!

Tail Therapy Gift GIVEAWAY!

Winner's Choice! Enter to win a Tail Therapy cap or water bottle. Purr-fect for kitty lovers on-the-go.  ...or even dog lovers, if that's how you roll. 

ENTER HERE

BarkWorld Exclusive: Petco #StarWarsPets Collection & Commemorative Giveaway

Hi everyone, Katie here.

Glogirly had the pleasure of attending the BarkWorld Social Media & Pet Blogging Conference last week in Atlanta, GA. The pawsome peeps at Petco stepped forward and sponsored her trip. She got the inside scoop on a cool new collection they're launching in stores September 1.

Imagine if the classic Star Wars movie had featured CATS! Well, Petco has the next best thing – The Star Wars Pet Collection! I know what you're thinking...a bunch of dog clothes & chew toys, right? Well they came through with light sabers blazing.

There are wand toys, mice toys, feather toys, Princess Leia collars, Jabba the Hutt beds and more! All for us cats.

Clockwise: Yoda mouse, Darth Vader mouse, Stormtrooper mouse,
Princess Leia collar, Yoda wand toy, Chewy plush mouse.
Katie not included.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Yoda ears and Princess Leia bun caps. Unfortunately we were not able to get our paws on the real deal so Waffles and I are wearing Photoshop versions at the top of the post.

Speaking of ears, Petco will be giving away a pair of Yoda ears to the first 50 customers in each of their stores on September 1. You'll need to bring your own lawn chair if you plan on being first in line. (Check with your local Petco store for specifics before you go sleeping in the parking lot.)

Petco's mascots, Ruff & Mews, were onsite spreading some galactic love. Even Flat Waffles & Katie got in on the action.

Part of the perks of attending the conference and schmoozing it up was a limited edition messenger bag filled with Star Wars goodies. Glogirly and I talked it over and decided we wanted to give one lucky GLOGIRLY reader the cool bag & swag! (Waffles was not part of the decision...he couldn't stop pawing the bag and whapping the tennis ball.)

So, what's in the bag???

• Hand sanitizer with a mini carabiner
• First aid kit on a string
• Tennis ball (Waffles' FAVE!)
• Commemorative acrylic graphic plaque, signed & numbered by Ben Foos, the Petco Art Director who designed so many of the cool graphics and elements for their campaign.
• Plus a few *surprise* goodies...like a GLOGIRLY pink pen & more!

How To Enter

Leave us a comment letting know you want to be included in the giveaway and tell us which Star Wars character your cat is most like.  Make super-sure we have your email.

Earn Extra Entries

Leave a separate comment for each extra entry:

1. Like GLOGIRLY on Facebook. (if you already like us, just tell us.)

2. Follow GLOGIRLY on Twitter & Tweet the giveaway.

3. Share this giveaway on Facebook.

4. Follow GLOGIRLY on Pinterest.

BONUS! 10 EXTRA ENTRIES!

Be the FIRST to identify the mystery blogger in this photo! 

Just leave a separate comment telling us the name of the blog.

Once Chewbacca's out of the bag, that's it.  

Deadline to enter:  August 30, 11:59pm EST

The Fine Print

Giveaway open to all readers, worldwide. Winner will be drawn randomly using Random.org. Winner will be notified via email and must respond within 48 hours with name and mailing address. Petco sponsored Glogirly's trip to BarkWorld and gave her this cool gift. But it was her decision to give it away to one of our readers.

This Suitcase Smells Like DOG & Airport Security Comic Relief

WAFFLES:  Hey Boss! This suitcase smells funny.

KATIE:  Funny-ha-ha-funny or funny beyond-expiration-date-funny?

WAFFLES:  I don't know. What do expiration dates smell like?

KATIE:  Well I know Glogirly said she was bringing home some special swag from the BarkWorld conference. You don't suppose...

WAFFLES:  You mean like something that BARKS???

KATIE:  She wouldn't DARE. Would she???

WAFFLES: *shrugs shoulders*

KATIE: You better go in. If you don't come back out, it was nice knowing you. *heh, heh...crosses paws*

Airport Security Comic Relief

Glogirly made it home from the conference safe and sound. Apparently it was touch and go for awhile at the airport. While she was going through the giant body x-ray machine in security...you know, the one that looks like a huge tube you walk inside and the rounded glass doors slide shut?

Example of security body scanner.
Photo: Zuma Press

Well she walked inside and stood on the little yellow footprints and then held her hands up in the air just like the sign inside shows. 

All of a sudden a tiny Asian woman, probably about 80 years-old and 4' tall, walked inside with her, holding her hands up high. The door slammed shut and they were both inside. Then there was that awkward "OMG, there's a little old lady in the x-ray machine with me" moment for Glogirly. 

If you don't believe us, just ask Sparkle. Her human was there and saw the whole thing. 

More To Come On BarkWorld

Be sure to check back...We'll be sharing more fun from the BarkWorld conference. Some cool stuff Glogirly learned, some fun plans she has and a swag giveaway!   

#BarkWorld Day 3: Flat Katie & Waffles' Narrow Escape From Giant Attack Dog

Atlanta, Georgia
Associated Cat Press

An unidentified giant dog is reportedly behind a near fatal attack on two flat cats at the BarkWorld Social Media & Blogger Conference in Atlanta, GA.  The unprovoked attack took place mid-afternoon, Saturday, while bloggers were enjoying peach cobbler snacks. It is not known whether the crazed dog had gotten into the sticky dessert or if it played a role in vicious confrontation.

The victims are identified as Flat Katie & Waffles from the GLOGIRLY cat blog in Minneapolis, Minnesota. According to onlookers, the flat cats were minding their own business during a snack break when the large dog unexpectedly stormed the cats.

Eyewitness to the attack

Eyewitness describes scene as terrifying.

"The dog was gigantic. He was going after the orange one...the orange Flat Cat.  The orange flat cat was helpless. He couldn't fight back, he couldn't even meow for help. And the black and white flat cat just sat there frozen, eyes wide open. It was terrifying."





WARNING: The following image is graphic and not suitable for kittens.

It is believed the giant monster dog grabbed Flat Waffles and threw him to the floor. The attack continued as the dog sniffed and pawed at the victim. Numerous eyewitnesses have reported horrifying growling noises believed to be those of the perpetrator.

Shortly thereafter, the still unidentified dog turned his attention to the other flat cat. As the altercation escalated, a good samaritan sprung into action, rescuing the flat cats before any permanent injuries could be inflicted. Reports indicate that the dog fled before the authorities could contain the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information as to the identity or whereabouts of the giant attack dog should leave a comment below.

Flat Katie & Waffles are scheduled to return to Minneapolis today, Sunday, and have been cleared by their flat doctor to fly. They could not be reached comment.

Special thanks to BarkWorld and our generous sponsor, Petco!  

Check back...we'll be sharing more exciting news and recaps from the conference.

#BarkWorld Day 2: Live Cat Sighting

FLAT WAFFLES:  Hey, Flat Boss?

FLAT KATIE:  Waffles, enough with the Flat Boss already. Just call me Boss.

FLAT WAFFLES:  Ok, so Fla.. I mean Boss?  Did you see the real-live cat at BarkWorld today???

FLAT KATIE:  You mean this cat? The one just to our right?

FLAT WAFFLES:  What's that lady DOING? Is she playing wheelbarrow? 

FLAT KATIE:  No Waffles, it's not a game. It's a cat grooming demonstration.

FLAT WAFFLES:  Cat grooming? So why's the cat not grooming herself? Is her tongue tired?

FLAT KATIE:  No, Waffles. This is Petunia the cat and she's getting a day at the spa. Danelle German is the president of the National Cat Groomers Association and she's giving a hands-on demonstration showing some of the techniques they teach at their institute and she uses in her cat grooming business.  

FLAT WAFFLES:  Wow, they go to school to learn how to groom? 

FLAT KATIE:  It's the world's first and only feline-exclusive grooming school.  Glogirly sat next to her at the Meow Breakfast today and was fascinated to hear all about it. Everything from a shampoo and blow dry to a comb out and mani-pedi. ...they can even do a "sani-trim" to keep things clean and tidy in those nether regions.

FLAT WAFFLES:  Do I have nether regions???

FLAT KATIE:  Glogirly was very interested to hear about the care and patience that goes into handling the cats and gaining their trust as well as some of the benefits a day at the spa can bring – no hairballs, luxurious and fluffy coats and just plain feeling-good.

During the demo she also trimmed the long hairs around Petunia's eyes and nose so she could see much better. With her breed the hair grows long and can cover part of their eyes.

FLAT WAFFLES:  Is Glogirly going to give US a day at the spa?

FLAT KATIE:  Well I think she's probably going to start combing us more. And we all know YOU could use a nail trim. For now though, I'd think twice about playing with your toys in the bathtub.

Special thanks to BarkWorld and our generous sponsor, Petco!  Be sure to come back tomorrow for more fun -  LIVE from BarkWorld.

Last Day! Kitty Lounger Giveaway

Don't miss our latest giveaway! Peach Industries is giving one lucky GLOGIRLY reader their new Kitty Lounger Mini. Deadline to enter is Saturday, August 24 @ 11:59pm EST.

Enter Giveaway Here  

BarkWorld Day One - Dog Bones On My Pillow & Fashion Faux Paws

FLAT WAFFLES:  Hey, Flat Boss?

FLAT KATIE:  Waffles, you don't have to call me FLAT Boss. Just Boss is fine.

FLAT WAFFLES:  Um, okay. Hey Boss?

FLAT KATIE:  What is it?

FLAT WAFFLES:  So why did they leave us these dog bones on our pillows? What are we supposed to do with them?

FLAT KATIE:  *sigh*  Why don't you go see if you can pawn these off on someone? There are plenty of DOGS around here. And while you're at it, turn off the lights on your way out. I can't seem to get any shuteye here.



BarkWorld Day One - Fashion Finds
Today was Day One at the BarkWorld Conference & Expo. Glogirly was up at 4:00am to get ready for her flight. I bet she's DOG tired. Get it?

I'm a little worried she didn't pack appropriately. My guess is she's feeling a tad underdressed. In fact these dogs look like they just walked off the cover of...well, the cover of something.

 Meet Sophia Loren. I guess she wears her sunglasses at night.

This pair of schnauzers knows that all it takes to go from day to evening is a simple strand of pearls. 

Wait a minute...are those "man pearls" on Mister Schnauzer???

Oh my. We have no words. How will Glogirly EVER compete???

Special thanks to BarkWorld and our generous sponsor, Petco! They've made Glogirly's trip and today's fashion spread possible.  Be sure to come back tomorrow for more fun -  LIVE from BarkWorld.

Kitty Lounger Giveaway

Don't miss our latest giveaway! Peach Industries is giving one lucky GLOGIRLY reader their new Kitty Lounger Mini. Deadline to enter is Saturday, August 24 @ 11:59pm EST.

Enter Giveaway Here