As some of you may know, Ivi went on a grand adventure last week to Phoenix, Arizona, where she met other pet writers and their furry friends at the BlogPaws conference. Before the conference even began, we traveled across the country – just a girl and her dog – to make it to Phoenix. While Ivi slept and played along the way, mom dressed in style all the way to BlogPaws in some of her favorite shirts from The Mountain®. For those who haven’t heard of this brand, they are one of the most iconic t-shirt makers today, creating licensed shirts and some of the most famous shirts out there of animals, including Three Wolf Moon®. As an avid lover of unique shirt designs, I couldn’t wait to show off my own fun fashion with a variety of fantasy and animal themed shirts during the conference.
Before I go into our conference experience, I want to say that I have loved shirts from The Mountain for years! Their shirts not only made from 100% pre-shrunk cotton, but each of their shirts are made using only environmentally friendly water-based inks and dyes. While this may not sound like a big deal, their manufacturing process protects the Earth, air, and water. As well, they are a US company, with all of their shirts created, developed, dyed, and printed in Marlborough, NH, and shipped from Keene, NH. Not only does this give them a very low carbon footprint (no cargo ships or international air freight required!), it makes sure they have a quick turn around and keeps jobs here in the United States. The Mountain products are also Oekotex 100% certified (one of the highest qualifications worldwide). This means their shirts are free of chemicals that have been proven to be harmful to your body. To see their full line of shirts, make sure to head over to The Mountain website!
When you head over to their site, don’t forget to look at the Dean Russo Collection. These colorful shirts feature adorable pets and breeds. While these shirts are truly adorable, the best part is what happens when one of these shirts is sold. With each of the shirts sold created by Dean Russo, The Mountain donates a portion of every sale from the Russo Rescue Collection to the Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. For those of you who have never heard of the organization, they are one of the largest, most amazing rescues I know of, and I am so happy that one of my favorite companies helps animals in need. Make sure to check out the infographic below from The Mountain to see how each shirt sale counts!
With The Mountain sponsoring Mom at BlogPaws, we had a grand adventure which first started with a pre-event at PetSmart HQ. While we weren’t allowed to take many pictures, Ivi got to meet quite a few dogs and some of the top names at one of the largest pet retailers in the world. She even got to play with other dogs there! Afterwards, she visited a local PetSmart where she was able to pick out some cute toys. Along with playing with kids and bloggers, she had a fun time playing with employees and showing off her cool new boots to protect her paws from the Arizona heat!
Once we got back to the hotel though, the fun didn’t end! Ivi and I were invited to a tea party, where she met many new friends and tried some of Mom’s treats. While she may not have enjoyed listening to the lecture too much, Mom learned quite a bit about the AAHA which she can’t wait to share with everyone – just as soon as she helps Mom type it up.
On Thursday, the first official day of the conference, we went to a special breakfast and then went off to learn. Since Mom was learning about boring things having to do with copyright and law, she decided to check herself into the dog park while Mom learned. There, she met a variety of friends, new and old, who were excited to play with our gentle giant puppy. After that was over, we went into the exhibit hall, where we met tons of new brands and friends. It was so exciting that Ivi could barely contain herself when she got to try so many new foods and treats!
Her favorite part though was being able to meet new friends – including Dexter from Fidose of Reality! They made great friends fast and were excited to cuddle while the humans talked about human things. Don’t worry though, it wasn’t too boring since both were happy to get belly rubs and treats!
After dinner, we were excited to meet some of our favorite brands, including PetSafe and the Red Roof Inn. Their humans were happy to give her cuddles or show off some of their latest products. Of course, she couldn’t leave the exhibit hall that night without giving everyone plenty of love and hops to show that she wasn’t ready to go to bed just yet when everything closed down!
On Friday, the day started even earlier, with us going to a special breakfast for Natural Balance and Nature’s Recipe. Not only did she get a special breakfast (which she shared with mom) but we got to learn about making a post go viral. To Ivi, the best part was that everyone was giving her attention and taking her picture! It went so well that they even interviewed her and mom later in the day since they heard we feed Ivi and Rylie Natural Balance. Hopefully everyone will be able to see that fun interview sometime soon!
After that, we took some classes, had lunch, and then went back to the exhibit hall, where she met some amazing brands! Some of them were brands mom already knew, others were brand new ones that were happy to have Ivi try their products. She was rather determined to try everything and delighted to drag mom around to make sure she met all the humans there. After dinner though, she was a bit “peopled out,” and decided to find the coolest place in our room for a nap!
On the last day, Ivi had lots of love to give, especially with Dad having flown into Arizona! While we had a fun day playing with everyone, the real magic didn’t happen until that night – the Nose to Nose Awards. Even though Mom wasn’t up for any awards, we dressed all out – with Mom wearing a kitty dress and Ivi wearing a special dress made for her. PetSmart also helped by dolling her up for the event with feathers and stick-on jewels. When she came on the red carpet, all eyes were on our pretty Alaskan Malamute as she showed her stuff down the red carpet.
As the night was ending though, Mom got a big surprise – she won an award! Of course, Ivi came up on stage as well, smiling at the audience and comforting mom as she cried on stage. To say the least, it was a great way to end such an awesome conference, where we met so many great dogs, friends, and bloggers who felt like family.
Of course, saying goodbye was the hardest part. Leaving so many of our new friends was hard, especially Dexter and Poppy (pictured below).
Luckily, we will see everyone next year at Myrtle Beach for BlogPaws 2017! If you would like to see Ivi’s adventure and the fun she had at BlogPaws, make sure to follow the hashtag #IviTravels. You can also see some of the awesome Mountain shirts I wore during the conference!
If you are thinking about starting a pet blog, make sure to buy your tickets for BlogPaws 2017! So, will we see you there?
Want to learn more about The Mountain? Check them out on social media!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Disclosure: Budget Earth received monetary compensation for this post. All opinions on this product are my own and may differ from our readers’ opinions.
Would you like to have your products featured in a giveaway event? Want to increase your social media exposure? Contact susan.l.bewley@gmail.com to see how I can help YOUR company today!
About Susan Bewley
Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.
What a great story!!
Donating even the smallest amount can help out a furry friend in need!
Theses dogs are so very cute
Ivi is so pretty! I love the pictures you post of her! Congratulations on winning an award. I had never heard of The Mountain brand before but I will definitely check them out now with their environment friendly and animal friendly product line! Thank you for the heads up! 🙂
Ivi’s such a beautiful-looking dog – I’d never heard of this breed before. Wonder if there are any in Ireland?
I know that Alaskan Malamutes are getting more popular throughout Europe. I can’t the exact name of the page but I think there is actually a malamute rescue in Ireland. 🙂
as a animal lover this is so wonderful that they do so much for our 4 legged friends
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing this post. I love The Mountain shirts and what they do to help animals.
This is really cool! I have never heard of a convention that was designed to include participation with your pets. I got acquainted with The Mountain after reading the recommendation on your site. I love being able to give back any time I get to buy a product. I get to make a donation to actress Annette Funicello’s charity whenever I buy on Amazon by clicking on the link from her website.
This sounds like an amazing conference. I would love to have seen all the beautiful dogs and their enthusiastic owners.
What a beautiful dog !And such an awesome cause.
How fun! Ivi is such a gorgeous dog! 🙂 Congrats on getting an award! It definitely looks like you both had fun as well!
What a great company. It sounds and looks like you both had such a wonderful time. I would love doing something like this, only I don’t know if my parrot would like it…..
I live in Edmonton, Alberta Canada and am proud to say we have 3 large animal rescue/home/adoption centres which are very effective..though not as extensive as this
It looks like Ivi had quite a time of it! Hope she gets to see her new friends again someday.
Congrats on the award!
This seminar and or retreat sounds like a wonderful way to share information and learn so much.. also the breakdown of what every dollar spent on a T-Shirt does is important to contributors.. Also as a side note your dog is magnificent…
I like the info graph break down of how the money helps animals, not to mention I love some of the designs of the shirts. And congrats on your award!
Wow, it sounds like both you and Ivi had a great time! Congratulations on getting an award!
This looks like so much fun! I am a big animal lover and wish we could help all those in need!
Beautiful dog! i want one!
Congrats on your award! It’s good to finally meet people and animals in person. Ivi is a beautiful dog!
This is so cute!!!! I am a sucker for dogs
It sounds like you and Ivi had a wonderful time! I love hearing about The Mountain and other pet-friendly brands that work so hard to provide great products that help animals. I really admire companies like that! Thanks for sharing your adventure. I can’t wait to hear about next year’s Myrtle Beach trip!
Congrats on the award! This sounds like a great company. I really appreciate seeing how the money goes to help the animals. And the shirt designs are great!
It’s good to see people helping our animals. We love our dogs to. Congratulations on getting the Award.
What a sweet gentle giant. 🙂 And hurrah for winning an award, woot!! Love too that those shirts are free of harmful chemicals. That really does matter.
what a great post. I’m a BIG dog lover and I really love that we can do something to save all these man’s best friends
Congratulations on the award! It sure looks like you and Ivi had a great time. Love Best Friends and all the work they do for the animals.
This is such a nice cause. I am so glad to see that you are taking a great initiative to helping these animals in need.
It was great to meet you! We bought two more shirts from The Mountain at a store on our way home! LOL!
Their shirts are so amazing! We actually bought more after BlogPaws too since they had such an amazing sale! I was so happy to see you and Bentley again this year. <3
I am so glad that there are people out there who care as much for animals as I do! They do some amazing work, and help.
How cool that you were sponsored by The Mountain! I love all their shirts, but especially the Dean Russo shirts.
Sounds like an awesome time and congrats on the award.
Congrats on your reward! Ivy is a beautiful dog. Thanks for the info.
I’m so jealous you went to Blog Paws. I would have loved to have gone. I love that so many pet product companies help rescue animals. I wish I could save them all. I do what I can – including driving rescue transports (I had five adorable dogs on the transport I helped with this morning).
i love the blog paw you do and he dogs would love to have the time do it
You are doing amazing work with this company. Blog Paws. Your dog is beautiful. Love the program and what you are trying to accomplished.
Looks like a fun time for you and Ivi. I’m interested in animal welfare and like what they are doing.
What an awesome trip and experience. I’d love to do this with my dog…unfortunately I don’t think she’d behave as well as your dog.
This is awesome. I wish other places would do this for their local shelters also.
As an animal lover, I applaud you! Thanks for helping animals.
I know you guys had a blast! I am glad to hear that some of the proceeds from the shirts goes to the Best Friends Animal Society. I have been donating and following them for years!
Sounds like a fun human/canine adventure!
Congratulations on your award. It looks like you all had a blast. Keep us updated
What a lovely post! I love animals 🙂
I’ve purchased shirts from The Mountain before but had no idea they donated money to dog charities~
It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. Petsmart is my dogs’ favorite place to visit. They get excited as soon as we pull into the parking lot.
What a great trip! You both had so much fun and Ivi looks like she had a great time. So glad to read about what all the proceeds goes towards and how it helps animals. I am checking out the shirts when done here. Thanks!
I really love the Tshirts that this company produces. I knew they did donate. I followed so many of you who went to blogpaws, it always looks like such a good tim. You look like you had a blast!
I enjoyed this article so much, Ivi is such a beautiful dog and reminds me of her big sister.
I absolutely love animals sand I am so glad there are other animal lovers who do everything they can to look out for their welfare.
I hadn’t ever heard of The Mountain before. I will have to check them out!
Congratulations on the award. It sounds like you both had a lot of fun! 🙂
I love companies that give back especially when they help animals in need 🙂 Pawsome! Congrats on your award 🙂 Blogpaws sounds like so much fun!
Ivi is so pretty and looks like an awesome dog. The Tshirts are awesome.
Sounds like a fun conference! I love products that donate when you buy. It’s an excuse for me to buy the item (“well, I am helping out a shelter”).
Congratulations on your award! 🙂 Its nice to receive something for all your hard work but as you already know, the real reward comes from being with your animals. I have 6 rescues myself and could never imagine my life without them.
Congratulations on the award! It’s amazing how a little money can change an animals life.
Thanks for giving us an overview of the BlogPaws conference. The review was interesting and the pictures of your doggy are cool..
This is such a good cause and you have such a gorgeous dog
Great story. It sounds so amazing and lots of fun things to do.
I am always so happy to hear about a company doing things to support animals. So great to read about your experience and meeting all the fun doggies!
Its wonderful that you all are trying to help and save these beautiful dogs. I think everyone should be helping.
Sounds like a blast for the dogs and their owners. I never knew until now that they had doggy conventions.Thanks for sharing!
I love stories like this. Your shirt is so cool!
What a beauty! And the dog is gorgeous too 🙂 Wonderful story.
You’ll have to do a post on what award you won, and then team up with the Mountain for a giveaway 🙂 Thanks for the article and congrats 😉 {My sister just adopted a rescue puppy; it’s a mixed breed but very cute :)}
What a wonderful story. Congratulation on the award!
I like to see people helping out to save animals despair. I once knew a great person who went out to help out rescuing animals in need, even in the middle of the night. Bless them!
Thanks for your article and for all the lovely photographs. Ivi is a beautiful dog and I am glad that you got to go to Arizona and check out all of the products. You and Ivi looked gorgeous on awards night. Congratulations!
Sounds like you had a great time! All for a great cause. I love organizations that help animals.
I have been thinking about adopting a rescue dog! It is amazing how far a little bit of money can go to help a dog!
your dog is amazing , you are both very lucky. the mountain is so super!
love the food puzzle and microchips
love the food puzzle and microchips. microchips are so worthwhile. food puzzle are so entertaining.
I like that company. Looks like you all had a great time at Blogpaws.
Congratulate Mom on the award! Love charities and such that help animals and children!
My dog loves his food puzzle and I like that is keeps his mind engaged. I also like the great selection of shirts at Mountain.
this sounds like great fun for the dogs and owners. I love anyone who loves animals and care for them
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful article. Thank you for providing this information.
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
It is not my first time to pay a quick visit this site, i am browsing this
web site dailly and get nice information from here daily.
Saved as a favorite, I like your site!
Superb, what a weblog it is! This web site gives helpful data to us, keep it up.
It’s difficult to find knowledgeable people on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Now I am going away to do my breakfast, after having my breakfast coming over again to read
other news.
Your way of describing the whole thing in this post is in fact good, all can easily understand it, Thanks a lot.