View from the ‘Our Wish’ mixing desk…
We spotlight one of the 2016 BlogPaws Nose to Nose nominees for Best Pet Blog Video. ‘Our Wish’ was a no-brainer for us, we had to choose it, because we want to honour their willingness to ask for and use submissions from the international pet loving and blogging community. The video creators set no borders on submissions; this was a subject bigger than any one country or state. Note:- We don’t usually use massive images but our lead image is so special, you need to see it in a large format!
While many know the ‘mighty handful’ that run the vibrant and lively blog A Tonk’s Tail blog, they may not know the talented mom who lies behind it, and her worldwide vision. We asked mom Lisa Richman about the creation of ‘Our Wish’……..
What inspired ‘Our Wish’ and its willingness to welcome contributions worldwide?
“Our Wish” was the result of a mashup between my blog and my career. In addition to being a blogger I have a “day job” – for which the cats are profoundly grateful, since they DO like to eat! I make videos for Hallmark. It’s a fantastic place to work. As Faraday would say … Seriouslies! What other company’s directive is to “make a genuine difference in every life, every day”? (not kidding, that’s our mission!)
It began last fall when I heard Hallmark had made a generous donation to Best Friends Animal Society. No surprise: hundreds of Hallmarkers are animal lovers – and many are active in animal rescue. Since part of my job is to engage with people in the flow of their life through video content that is meaningful to them, this seemed like the perfect opportunity to give animal lovers everywhere a voice, and a means to share their passion.
- So I reached out and asked them, “if you had a chance to envision the ideal future for companion animals – and you had the opportunity to share that with future generations – what would that message be?” I was humbled and blown away by the response. There was such eloquence and passion from everyone who participated.
What were the ‘behind the scenes’ challenges of assembling the video?
We first had to figure out how to get content from everyone! Some people were more comfortable than others. And it was important to me that anyone who wanted to contribute could do so without discomfort. So some sent in video, some lent their voices (through recorded audio), some shared photos – and some sent their wishes in written form, which we then voiced for them.
I learned that some iPhones can be stingy with their files!! Sometimes the 6th of 7th time was the charm. And everyone was incredibly patient with my requests to re-record a file, or to try sending it … yet again! The most surprising challenge of all? Best Friends Animal Society themselves. Not in a bad way, honest!! Just in an unexpected one.
Understandably, Best Friends has their own image, their own “brand” that they are very careful to preserve. And it’s one that strongly emphasizes positivity.
So some of the most powerful and poignant “wishes” sent in by fellow bloggers and animal lovers were actually nixed by Best Friends out of a concern they were too harsh for the general public. (They certainly weren’t for any of us avid animal advocates). I have to admit, that surprised me. As a result, I was asked to remove some great statements made by fellow bloggers as a result. May I share them here?
Linda Rodgers of Savannah’s Paw Tracks sent in this powerful statement: “I envision a world where abandoning an animal on a bike path, leaving it to die is considered a criminal act.“
And M.K. Clinton of Barking from the Bayou made an incredibly poignant comment that brings me to tears every time I listen to it: “Being homeless and unloved should not be a death sentence.“
- Aren’t those amazing? I understand why Best Friends asked me to take them out – but I miss them. And I swear – someday I’m going to release a “Director’s Cut” with those back in!
What was your favourite part of creating 2016 BlogPaws Nose to Nose nominee ‘Our Wish’?
Working so closely with so many animal lovers around the globe – and having the privilege of seeing and hearing their passion for animals, voiced as their hopes and dreams.
How would you describe the response from the worldwide animal community to your work?
That’s really hard for me to judge. I feel I’m so close to the video that I’ve lost all objectivity! I can tell you that it was one of the top 5 videos Hallmark released in 2015. I hope this means that many, many animal lovers saw something in it that resonated with them.
Finally, Do you have any blog posts that celebrate your video skills to show us?
Maxwell: *raises paw* Ahh, can I take this one Mama? Sure, kiddo. Knock yourself out.
Maxwell: *shoots mama an odd look* uhhhhh… Why would I want to do that? It sounds kinda painful ….
Faraday: yeah, yeah, yeah, Maxie. Step aside and let a real pro handle this question. You wanna know about blog posts that showcase my AMAZINGness. Amiright?
That would be —
Allie: NO, Brat. We’re talking video. Pleeeease. Not everything is about you, you know.
Maxwell: uhh, thanks, Allie. So back to the videos and stuff. I hafta say, I’m kinda partial to my BirdTV. I hear the music track’s pretty sweet, too. And did you catch our BirdTV channel logo? Yeah, definitely a Premium Channel!
Faraday: Seriouslies, Maxie, like anyo— mmmmpf!
Allie: *holds paw over Faraday’s (big) mouth* Go ahead, Mother. You close it out while I muzzle Mister Sassypants here. Ha!
Other than the occasional video we do for the blog, we usually just share some of the fun and games we have going on at the day job. If you’re into the current coloring craze, you might like a new series I directed that debuted recently. It’s called ‘Cocktails & Coloring‘. If you watch, I’d love to know what you think of it. It’s been a ton of fun to create! (Phoebe InstaReview >>> C & C is pawsome, go, see, enjoy!!)
Thank you Lisa and conCATulations on your 2016 BlogPaws Nose to Nose nomination!
Miranda Kitten
2016 BlogPaws Nose to Nose reporter
What a great video! Lisa ROCKS! It was so nice to see our blogging furrends in it too! Thanks for telling us about the creation of the video and the outtakes. I would really like to see the director’s cut sometime. I also really liked how Allie kept a rein on Faraday! We LOVE Tonks Tail! We hope they win!
Purrs
Marv and Mom
Oh Yes PS from Mommy – I like the 4 part header, I checked it out on my tablet, my phone and my PC and its easy to see! It also loads a lot faster!
Ooh we are so pleased you can see us now Marv. Thank you for your furry help!
We know the Tonk’s Tail kitties and pawrents. Their blog is always on the mark and such fun. We love them and are glad to have been involved in our small way in the Nose to Nose 2016
Purrs
It is such a wonderful video! I’m glad to have read a little more about the creator and the process.
This is just wonderful! Congrats on your well-deserved nomination! Good luck!
What an awesome video and a great interview too! Congrats on the nomination…well deserved!
Mom Paula’s voice recording was used in this video. This was a wonderful project. We’d love to the she uncut version.
Congrats on the nomination! What a fun video! I am hoping to be at Blog Paws for next year!
Cool video, really cool!!!
We are hoping to send the P.A. to the Blog Paws ‘do’ next year, sadly this year is clashing with another trip 🙁
Purrs
Basil & Co xox
I don’t think those statements were “too harsh.” We wish Lisa luck in the BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose awards!
This video is so cool! I’m glad that there were members of the BlogPaws community who got to take part. Helping further the cause of animal rescue is really important. Not only are people helping pets, but pets are helping people. Manna helps me through the daily challenges of my bipolar disorder. I can attest to how much a pet can help!
Really neat interview, I’m so glad this video made finalist, congrats!
What a great interview! It was such an incredible honor to be a part of this very special video.
What a fantastic video! And, I loved the interview. Congratulations to everyone involved in the making of the video 🙂
This was a HUGE project and so very well done. No matter what the outcome at BlogPaws, this video deserves tonnes and tonnes AND TONNES of congratulations, for sure. Purrs, Seville.
An amazing video and a great interview.
This was such an amazing project and we’re just thrilled that it’s getting the recognition it deserves!
That’s an amazing video ! Great interview, and good luck to Lisa ! Purrs
That is the best video ever!!! I hope that it wins. I love seeing and hearing all my friends being the voices of the animals that cannot speak. Linda’s quote brought TW to tears.
We argee 1,000,000% CK!
Mom loved participating….and we would love to see a directors cut. Great interview.
Congratulations on an amazing video
That was likely the most amazing interview ever!
Huge congrats on the nomination and I’m so glad you included this post in the weekend round up as I didn’t know the back story and loved learning so much about you, the inspiration for the piece and those involved – awesome and CONGRATS!
“Our Wish” is just such an amazing video. My human gets goosebumps every time she watches it.
Wow. What an interesting idea. And making videos for Hallmark? Awesome dream job. I’d love to see the director’s cut too because sometimes things have to be said.
Congrats! But, I agree with everyone! I loved those statements and think they you really need to do a director’s cut!
First of all, I want to say that I LOVE that picture of Allie so much!! Her personality really shines through.
I loved reading the beautiful and powerful quotes that Linda had to remove. I definitely think she should make a director’s cut!
Congrats to Lisa on the nomination, and good luck!
Congratulations on the nomination! I understand why they took those statements out… but I think they should have stayed in!
Congratulations on your nomination.
I was so excited to be part of Lisa’s video. I’m glad that she was moved by my words and I understand Best Friends sentiments since they are a fabulous no-kill organization. ? I can’t wait for Phoenix!
Fun interview, and congrats on the nomination!
AWESOME! and that is understating it. I wish Lisa could have done the whole thing as she wanted, as for us at least, that would have been the way to go…. Great interview Miranda. purrs ERin
Luvluvluv ‘d the interview with Ms Lisa and the Tonks Tail crew. We wish more of our photos had not been mixed by BFS too. We are still pleased to have helped.
I can see why this video was selected as a finalist. It’s wonderful!
We were honored and proud to be part of this amazing video!