Pet Blogger's Challenge

We thought we would join in the pet bloggers challenge today but actually found the questions quite hard to answer - mainly because it is more aimed at those who want to keep growing and improving their blogs while we are pretty happy with the status quo. But we will give it go anyway because it's just how we roll :)

1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone who is visiting for the first time, please give a quick description of the subject of your blog.
We have been blogging since the 6th of July 2009 and our blog was and is still primarily is about us - our daily lives, our adventures, places we go and things we do. We have tried over the years to make it informative as well as fun.

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?
Our blog pretty much stays the same year after year so we haven't accomplished a whole lot different than previous years. We occasionally throw a new idea into the mix but overall it just stays the same.

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why?

We don't really have any favorite posts - there are certainly some that appeal more to readers than other and that is just based on the number of comments we get on some more than others

4. A common theme from last year’s challenge was that many of us wanted to increase the size of our audiences. Whether or not we intend to monetize our blogs, it seems we’d all like to reach more people. It feels good to know that we’re connecting with others, sharing a laugh or supporting a cause, and it’s motivating to see those numbers grow! What is one thing you’ve done in the past year that has brought more traffic to your blog?

Our emphasis has never been on getting more followers we just love sharing our adventures and thoughts with others and making friends - our blog gives us a voice :)

5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular?
The most popular posts is when one of us sick - either Mom or ourselves - we always get so much POTP from others and it is that compassion for others that comes out full force and that we all share - it is what makes blogville so special

6. What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader?
We read all the blogs on our reading list and try to comment on as many as we can - we love each and every one of them for different reasons and we don't have any favorites - we just love you all :)

7. What resources do you rely on to enhance your technical, writing, photography, social media, or other skills that improve your blog?

Just the Mom's old creative mind  and the fact that our blog pretty much stays the same means we don't have to do a lot to it :) Over the years we have added Facebook, twitter, Instagram and pintrest but we rarely ever use those :)

8. What is the best piece of advice you can offer other bloggers?

Understanding that there are a few distinct types of pet blogs is key - the first is written in the 'dog voice' and everything is from there their perspective - it is all about the adventures in their lives. The second is the same as the first but includes promotion of items from retailers. The third is written about dogs but using the person voice - the owners write about their dogs. The fourth is the same as the third but also includes product sales. And then there are  combinations of the previously mentioned. Finding where you fit in that will help decide which direction you take your blog.

We know a lot of people think about monetizing their dog blog - it takes a lot of commitment  (time and effort wise) there needs to be an increase in social media knowledge and often quite a financial commitment  to begin with (having a blog designed for you and it's upkeep  can be expensive unless you are savvy enough to do itself.) You also have to ask yourself the tough question - what happens to the blog when your furbaby dies. We have known many people who just leave the blogging world after the event - not only because of the loss of their beloved furbaby but also because of the loss of what they use spend often hours each day doing. 

9. What is your vision for your blog in 2016? Do you have specific goals?

Just to keep having fun and sharing our adventures with others :)

10. You have the attention of the pet blogging community – is there one blogging challenge you’d like help with, or one aspect of your blog that you’d like input on?
Just to remember the real focus is on  our furbabies and what we can do to make their lives as enriched and as comfortable as we can. In comparison to our own human lives - furbabies are with us just a short amount of time - making every second of that count is what means the most to us.