This is my first participation in the Go Pet Friendly Pet Blogger Challenge. I’m excited to meet other great pet bloggers and hear their tales. I have just finished my first week of living in my motorhome, and owe my friends an update. I’ve been very busy getting my little house in order, so hang tight, I promise to give you some good stories. Thanks to Amy at Go Pet Friendly.com for getting all of the bloggers together, very fun!
- How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone stopping by for the first time, please give us a quick description of what your blog is about.
I’ve been blogging for only a few months. My blog has been neglected the last few months due to me moving out of my house and into my motorhome full time with my 2 dogs. I am a CPDT-KA, Certified Professional Dog Trainer that loves to study why dogs do what they do, and also how people react or interpret the dog’s actions and emotions. My blog focus is how to live well with your dog.
- Tell us one thing that you accomplished on your blog during 2014 that made you proud.
I attended Blog Paws in Nevada in May. It was eye opening and I hope to go again this year. Very educational and fun to network, I highly recommend attending if you are new to blogging.
- What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own blogs?
Speak from your heart, find your own voice and own focus. That’s the message that I’ve heard over and over. It’s a brave thing to put yourself on display for the world, so I have a lot of respect for all the bloggers of the world.
- What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?
I’m still learning this one. Sorry, I’m just too new to this great world.
- What was your most popular blog post this year? Did it surprise you that it was your most popular?
My blog on my beloved dog, Minnie passing. http://tailsfromtheroad.com/miss-minnie It was very popular as she was a memorable dog to those who met her.
- What was your favorite blog post to write this year?
I really like writing when I get myself on task. Announcing my new home, “The Minnie”, was my favorite.
- Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?
I have not done any reviews yet. Not sure when I will do that, but I like the idea. There are definitely products that I would endorse that I use with my dogs. I would only review products that I use and am passionate about.
- What’s your best piece of advice for other bloggers? Stay focused on your own path.
- What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?
To find my voice, reach more dog loving folks, make new friends.
- If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?
Still having challenges in getting Facebook page likes. Will continue to pursue avenues on that on. Here’s my Facebook page
New to our blog? Please introduce yourself and say hi. Let me know where you are located, maybe we can meet in person some day when I make it to your state. Thanks for Blog Hopping.
Hi Juliet, Love your header! We’re in NNY near Canada. If you’re ever near the thousand islands give us a ‘woof’.
Val, that is an area that I would love to see. You know I will give you a shout out when the boys and I make it there.
So very nice to “meet” you! I love the design and bright colors of your blog, especially your header! As for Facebook, my best advice is simply to keep plugging away at it. I’ve found that being consistent with your posting, and interacting with your followers – no matter how many or how few – is the best way to grow your FB following. It won’t happen overnight, but it will happen!
Thanks so much Christina! Very good advice. Will keep plugging away at it all. I adore your blog! Will you go to Blog Paws this year?
Yes! I will be there – will you? If so, let’s find each other and say hi! 🙂
I’m trying to figure out how I would get to TN in May. Wishing the event was in the west again. I don’t plan on going east this year. So maybe I would fly, but I’d have to have my boys taken care of. I guess I need to be thinking of how to make it happen.
I just hopped over to Like your Facebook page. One little tip–if you had put a link to your FB page right at the bottom of the post in your challenge answer, it would be really easy for people to do what you asked.
I’m thrilled to meet you so early in your traveling adventures. As you saw in my challenge post, we’re preparing our house to sell so we can move aboard a sailboat. There’s so much to do so I’m encouraged that someone else did something comparable and lived to tell about it. 🙂
And I second Val’s suggestions you visit the Thousand Islands. We’ve camped, sailed, and kayaked there (we live in the nearby Finger Lakes) and it’s exquisitely beautiful. Make a point of seeing it from the water. Most of the ferries that operate in that area are dog friendly.
Pamela, Thanks so much for the tips. I’m excited for your adventure. I’m still getting rid of stuff, been doing that for a year. So that would be my recommendation to you, start purging. There are layers of purging, you think you have got it all paired down, then there’s more to get rid of. I stopped by a thrift store yesterday with a pile of stuff!
I have heard great things about the Finger Lakes region and definitely want to get there. So maybe in 2016 we’ll get “out east”. My brain is full these days of trying to figure out how to live in a motorhome by myself, fixing things and organizing. I sleep like a baby at night!
Have you ever read “An Embarrassment of Mangoes”? I think that’s the title. It’s a wonderful book on a journey from the great lakes to the Caribbean in a sail boat. I loved it so much, I might read it again some day.
Do stay in touch!
Welcome to blogging! I added a Like to your FB page 😉
Thank you Taryn, sure appreciate it!
It was great getting to know you this year and I can’t wait to read about your RV travels. I am a wee bit jealous 🙂
You too Jessica. It’s already a true adventure after only 1 week!
We’re in Orange County, CA. I see you’re currently in Mesa, AZ. One of our guide dog puppies lives in Chandler, AZ. We usually go visit him at least once a year. If you’re ever out in Southern California make sure and ping us.
Happy travels to you in 2015!
Definitely will look you guys up. California is on the list to visit in a couple of months. Love what you do! I bet it helps a lot of puppy parents. Thanks for the note.
Thanks so much for participating in the Challenge, Juliet. I’m so excited for you that you’re following your dream and making it a reality! This year will, no doubt, be a big one for you. Finding your groove balancing the blog and travel will probably take a little time, so try to be patient with yourself. And, as for building your Facebook audience, my best advice is link your Instagram account to your Facebook page and share great photos. Then, treat the people who visit you there like friends – chat with them, ask them questions, share their photos. Be authentic and people will find you. Good luck!
Amy, You are so sweet. I am so inspired by you and Rod. Thanks for the great advice, will work on the Instagram for sure. Love what you do!