Animal advocates learning, networking, and ready to bring new ideas back to their communities

By Cathy Scott, Best Friends staff writer

British actress Samantha Robson celebrated animals and those who rescue them during an opening speech at the No More Homeless Pets Conference, hosted by Best Friends in Las Vegas.

“It’s people like you who give of themselves for the animals,” Samantha told a crowd gathered at a reception at the Alexis Park Hotel convention center.

With that, she introduced some of the stars of National Geographic’s “Dogtown” TV series, which showcases Best Friends’ work with abused, neglected and abandoned dogs. They included animal expert Sherry Woodard, trainer and assistant Dogtown manager John Garcia, trainer Ann Allums, Dogtown manager Michelle Besmehn and animal care operations manager Jeff Popowich. Karina, a rambunctious puppy whose training progress -- including learning how to turn on light switches -- was featured in a “Dogtown” episode this season, joined Ann at the reception. When Karina was introduced to Samantha, the now-trained pup offered Samantha her paw.

Earlier in the day, some 650 people converged at the three-day conference, which began Friday, October 24 and ends Sunday. It focuses on cutting-edge approaches and tried-and-true approaches in grassroots animal welfare.

Sisters Shari and Stephanie Timberlake flew in from Minnesota for the conference. “We wouldn’t have missed it,” said Shari in between conference workshops.

It was standing-room-only for many of the conference sessions, including the “Saving Pit Bulls” workshop. Sherry Moore, an independent rescuer from Golden, Colorado, told 80 people attending the workshop that it’s not about breeds when saving dogs, whatever mix they may be. To her, “They’re all shelter dogs.”

In the “How to Deal with Difficult People” workshop, presenters Makena Yarbrough and Denise Deisler offered the basics, including not taking things personally. “Don’t be part of the problem,” Makena told a packed classroom.

Attendees also learned how to write catchy biographical information and take better photos to help pets find permanent homes. Best Friends’ writer Elizabeth Doyle gave an example of a not-so-good dog bio that went “on and on about the dog’s allergies and skin conditions but never said how sweet she is,” Elizabeth said. “Emphasize the good things first. You know if it’s a well-written blurb when the dog finds a permentent home.”

Photographer Clay Myers offered tips for taking better photos. “Make the dog or cat feel comfortable,” he said. “Take the dog for a walk.” One thing he does to get a pet’s attention is to pant like a dog, which he said will perk up their ears and make them more photogenic. “Have fun doing it,” he suggested.

The conference continues Saturday and Sunday with even more workshop choices.

As for the first day, executive Paul Berry summed it up like this: “Feedback has been great. There’s a lot of energy here.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

Stay in touch with what is happening at the NMHP Conference through innovative social networking tools on the No More Homeless Pets Conference website.

For more information:
• NMHP Conference community
• No More Homeless Pets community

Posted by Jennifer Hayes, Best Friends staff
Photos by Clay Myers, Best Friends photographer