Pet Blogger Challenge

Today I am taking the Pet Blogger Challenge. Thanks to the folks at http://www.gopetfriendlyblog.com for hosting it.

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.

I have been blogging since September of 2010. My blog started to help me cope with the overwhelming feels I had with getting a lot of dog in Hailey. It is now the lives of   my two dogs, Hailey and Zaphod and sometimes a little bit about our lives/travels. 

2. What is the one thing that you accomplished during 2015, either on your blog or because of it, that made you most proud?

I am proud that I had 336 posts last year. Blogging regularly (and I only miss several consecutive days when traveling) is my goal, so achieving this makes me happy. 

3. Which of your blog posts was your favorite this year and why? (Please include a link.)

Hmmmm, this is very hard. Looking back, I think the posts that featured Cinder were my favourite. I didn't start 2015 knowing for sure it would be the last year for awhile (if not ever) I would have a cat. The last post I wrote as a tribute to him can be found HERE.  I was also really thrilled with the participation at my Festival of Lights that raised money for Wounded Warriors PTSD service dog program. It can be found HERE. Using my blog to help others is beyond my expectations.

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?

I think by regularly reading more blogs and participating in Blogville events has helped. I blog because I love to write and I am a little obsessed with my dogs and it is nice to share them. I see it completely as my hobby. I am still thrilled every day that people, who are not my parents, sister or husband, care to stop by my blog. 

5. Which of your blog posts got the most traffic this year? Why do you think it was so popular? (Please include a link.)

This is where I fail as a blogger. I have no idea how to check this. I can figure out month or all time, but not 2015. I honestly rarely look at the stats, I am more interested in what people are saying. 

6. What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader? (Please include a link.)

Wow, this is a really hard question. I have about 100 pet blogs I try and visit as regularly as possible. I love them all for different reasons. If I was going to pick one to share with others, I would pick The Dog Who Doesn't Fetch.  It is also a Canadian blog. The pictures are beautiful. I love the "voices" of the dogs. Ojo and my Hailey have a lot in common. (We have decided they are "cousins"). 

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

Any improvements in these are inspired by other bloggers. 

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

Write it for yourself first and foremost. This will keep you grounded and honest and will attract other people. All my favourite blogs are honest if nothing else! 

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

I think it is about time for a blog make over. The graphic design is outside my wheel-house and interest really. I will have to figure that out. I always want to improve my photography, so that is something I may tackle. 

An even bigger goal is to meet some fellow bloggers at the Blogville Awesome Retreat. The idea of it is exciting and scary at the same time!

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?

I think the  "design" areas are where I am lacking - for example - creating headers, badges, changing the look, and fun photo editing. If there are idiot proof resources for that, I would love to have them.