Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Pet Blogger Challenge

I didn't have my blog at this time last year so this is my first year participating in the Pet Blogger Challenge hosted by Will My Dog Hate Me and Go Pet Friendly.  Hopefully, I do an OK job with the questions:



CHALLENGE QUESTIONS #1: FOR BLOGGERS WHO HAVEN’T PARTICIPATED BEFORE

1. When did you begin your blog?
I started my blog in March of 2011.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
I had been active on the Dogster website for a long time and while I really enjoyed creating my dogs and cats web pages I wanted to have a larger forum where I could talk about them, and about dogs in general.   Also in my "real" not computer life I have very few friends and acquaintenances with dogs and cats, and certainly none with as large an animal family as mine. I wanted be able to communicate with people who have a similarly pet focused life style.  Another reason I started my blog was that I have encountered many people who are baffled by how my husband and I manage to take care of five dogs and three cats in the city and work full time.   I don't find it all that challenging, if you love something its not work!  I wanted to share with people how I do it and I wanted to show people that urban dogs can have a quality life, even with  pet guardians who work.   Finally, my dog Tubby, our first dog, was about to turn 10 and I was having a real hard time with that number.  The aging of all my pets has been tough on me and I find myself worrying a lot about the time I  have left with them.   Plus Tubby  had just had a run in with mast cell cancer so I was doubly worried about him.   I want my blog to celebrate all of my dogs, those I have presently, and any  I may have in the future.  Since starting the blog I have been feeling better about my pets aging.
3. Is your current purpose the same?
My current purpose is the same.  I have found I enjoy blogging even more then I thought I would and my blog has grown more then I expected (in terms of my posts).  Currently, I cant see a time I would stop doing my blog I would love to keep it going for years.
If not, what’s different?
If so, how do you feel you’ve met your goals?
I rally didn't expect anyone to read my blog, aside from a few friends.  So that goal is met!  I think I have managed to show how special my dogs and cats are and that they have a rich and fulfilling life with me and my husband in the city.


4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
I don't have any sort of set schedule, but I usually work on it in the mornings before work and during my lunch hour.
If the former, how often — and what techniques do you use to stick to it?
I have no problem sticking to the blog, if anything I now spend too much time blogging.
If the latter, do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?
5. Are you generating income from your blog?
No
If so, how (e.g. sponsor ads, affiliate relationships, spokesperson opportunities)?
If not currently, do you hope to in the future — and how?
6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?
I have always enjoyed writing and I love that aspect of blogging.  I like posting about dogs in history and I like sharing recipes.    I am actually most proud of my posts that are about dogs, or animals in general, and not just my own dogs (though I love writing about them too.)
7. What do you like least?
I am not very good at the technical side of blogging.  I am not good at creating headers or customized layouts and am completely flummoxed with that aspect of blogging.
8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2012?
I would like to have more in my simple projects section, so I hope to strengthen my knitting skills.  I definitely want to try more pet focused knitting.   I would also like to develop more dog treat recipes to include on the blog.

17 comments:

  1. I love reading about humble beginnings. A fascinating post.

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  2. I really enjoy reading your posts! Keep up the good work. You can tell you enjoy blogging about your babies! How can you not! They are so darn cute!!

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  3. I really like reading about the history of your blog! You're coming up on your one year anniversary of starting it in a few months too... how exciting! I would absolutely love to see more pet focused knitting (as you mentioned)... I would love to have some inspiration when making things for my own pup! I make him dog treats all the time too, so those would be a great addition to your blog as well! Looking forward to your new postings in 2012 :)


    LizAnn

    All4UrPet Representative

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  4. I really enjoyed sniffing around your blog. And I'm reading "Rin Tin Tin" right now, so I was super excited about your book review. Wotten waven!

    I look forward to returning!
    Keep on wagging.
    Tootsie

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  5. Great post and welcome to the challenge. I cannot imagine caring for 5 dogs and 3 cats in the city! I guess I'll be back to figure out exactly how you do that. =)

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  6. I think all you pooches are adorable. Keep up the great work.

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  7. That is one of the great things about pet blogging -- being as over the top about your pets as you like and knowing that not only are people not judging you, they're right there with you, matching obsession with obsession.

    Thanks so much for taking part in the challenge. Keep up the good work!

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  8. Oops, we forgot all about this. We would have participated.

    Your pal, Pip

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  9. FaRADaY: *raises paw* Um....canz I request KITTY treats too? Just meowin'. *smiles*

    Maxwell: uh...pleez say hello to your kittehs too. (We'z kinda scared of doggies at our home...just cuz we've never met any!)

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  10. Very nice to meet you through the challenge!

    I'm just learning to knit, so I look forward to seeing what you come up with on that front!

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  11. "how my husband and I manage to take care of five dogs and three cats in the city and work full time. " - I agree, that does sound like a daunting achievement.

    I recently had 6 dogs here (and no cats!) for a week due to fostering and other stuff happening, and, gee, I was stuffed! I now have 5 and, that's still a bit unfun, but mostly because not everyone gets along.

    I'll look forward to scouting out your blog now, as I haven't visited it before. :) Nice to meet you.

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  12. I agree that dogs and cats can have a wonderful life in the city. So many people think dogs need a gigantic backyard because they intend to keep him out there to amuse himself. Then they're surprised when all the dog wants is to be with his people.

    Cities are full of sights and, more importantly, smells. Well-socialized, secure dogs do great in the city.

    Keep up the good work with your blog. You'll be amazed when you look back again at this time next year.

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  13. My Aussie mix, Linus turned 7 last year and we're hoping he has many good years still ahead of him. However, I'm always thinking about his age in the back of my mind (he's lying at my feet as I write this), so I'm sure I'll have the same feelings as you when he hits 10.

    I wish we could have 5 dogs and 3 cats out here, but unfortunately our county only allows us to have 4 total (dogs and cats). I checked out your simple projects section and hope to see more in 2012!

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