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.