Tag Archives: blogging

January 12, 2016 · 2:55 am

2016 Pet Blogger Challenge

 

Here are the questions for the 2016 Pet Blogger Challenge:

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 2008. Our blog is about traveling with your dog(s) to pet friendly destinations, primarily in California (and also Nevada, Arizona and Oregon. And we have also covered other places). My dog Cici and I traveled for three years and reviewed 85+ pet friendly hotels, B&B’s, motels, lodges, inns in various locations and told the tales of pet friendly and pet tolerant cities and towns. We share our experience at pet friendly restaurants, wineries, stores, beaches and more.

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

as sick as I was in 2015 (breast cancer, concussion, blood clots on my lungs, lost the most important person in my life for 40 years the day after Christmas, etc etc)  and with all of the other difficulties that I have had to deal, (not having a home of our own) that I wrote any blog posts in 2015 is a miracle.

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

I thought it was fun to point out things we can learn about our dogs and how they would blog. There were other blog posts about how we were the best dog bloggers in the universe (only kidding) but we were picked as being in the top 10 or so and those were nice, too. But we did not pick ourselves. And if we did, Cici and I will never tell. Anyway, I am rambling. Dogs can teach us a lot about our world. And they can certainly train us how to blog, too.

http://celiasue.com/2015/06/26/how-to-blog-like-a-dog/

 

 

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 am not sure that it has brought more traffic to my blog, but I have expanded the groups that I have been connecting with and made new online friends including some outside the USA (Australia, Denmark, etc). Some of the groups have been alternative housing aka tiny home folks, homeless advocates, and seniors.

 

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

23 Pet Friendly Places in NorCal got the most traffic I think because people want to travel to Northern California and/or are traveling with their pets to NorCal and want to know the best places to take their pooches.  And we offer them a pooch side seat in the passenger seat to travel along with us exploring the pet friendliest places with dogitude (as opposed to the pet tolerant places that are not really pet friendly. You know the ones that charge pet fees (large or small), restrict dogs according to breed, size, or weight, do not have any or enough green areas, do not allow dogs to go anywhere, and/or do not provide any doggie amenities such as massage, toys, bowls, ID tags, pillows, beds, towels and/or TREATS / menu.  Pet tolerant places like Las Vegas, Nevada, oops, hotel casinos. Do not really want you to bring your dog BUT if you must, we will charge you, make you pay. Did you know that Harrah’s in Laughlin is $20 for you and $80 for your pooch? I kid you not.

http://celiasue.com/2015/05/03/23-pet-friendly-places-in-northern-california/

 

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.)

I like to read BADRAP’s blog. Amazing dog trainers and especially great info for and about pit bulls and their owners.

 

http://badrap-blog.blogspot.com

 

 

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

I am a research-a-holic, am on Google all the time, learning, reading, finding out what others are doing and what  find interest. I also use google-alerts to keep me up to date. I find a lot of the dog travel alerts to focus on the same old same old and some of the emails that I get, people want to write blog posts that I’ve written about many times. Enhancing reader’s interest, I try to use images, humor, as well as short blog posts (300-500 words) along with catchy headlines. It is also good to capture reader’s attention by tapping into controversial topics and providing tips, resources and practical assistance.

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

Keep on blogging, writing and reading other blogs.  Persistence pays off and so does keeping it fresh as you change, as your needs / focus / interests transform.

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

I want it to be more and more real, authentic and include other people and their stories, especially seniors with senior dogs. I have always tried to tell my truths, be honest, and I’ve interviewed others. I would really like more people to feel compelled to contribute their truths, too. I also want to include alternative housing (mobile tiny homes) since I am obsessed with finding, building, creating one for me and cici.

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 would like to expand the scope of my blog to include various topics such as seniors with dogs, difficulties of seniors in coping with life changes including alternative housing options and resources. I still will write about my dog and include living with my senior dog, issues that arise with a senior dog, and a senior person.  Do I change the name of my blog since I am changing the focus or just keep on keeping on ?

 

Challenge badge on your blog, did not work… I tried and tried and tried oh well 🙂

 

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July 21, 2015 · 5:29 pm

Best Pet Blogs

We have been selected as one of the best Pet blogs to follow by first site guide …  see below.

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http://firstsiteguide.com/best-pet-blogs/

It is always nice to be appreciated.  Thanks !

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January 27, 2014 · 8:48 pm

Love bites

love bites. Ok not talking about vampire romances or zombies dating. Am talking about the fact that there are people who get love marks on their necks (and other body parts) and I cannot think of the name of them at the moment. That is how out of touch I am with a love life.

My day revolves around a certain dog who wanted an encounter with a skunk this morning. No, thanks. Been there, done that. And in Cici-ville, you know all is upside down since that is her perspective from lying on her back looking at the world.

Photo on 2014-01-26 at 13.54 #3

Anyway, romance is not supposed to be dead for those of us over a certain age (50 or even 60). In fact, I wrote a press release for Dr Christiane Northrup, a wonderful woman’s doctor, who had proof that women get hotter and sexier as they age. And our peak sex lives are supposed to happen as we enter our Golden Years.

OK. well, as usual I guess I am missing out on the trend.  I never did get REALLY married (well, I did for four years) but I am talking about FALLING IN LOVE, TRUE LOVE marriage for 10 years PLUS with my Prince Charming, I have been divorced for 15+ years now and Cici has been my only companion. That is sad, don’t you think?

So to add a little spice to my life (and yours maybe), I am going to write about my romantic life or lack thereof, attempts to write about romance and singlehood as a pet guardian. I will also include travel into the mix. Just thought that I would warn you that I am going to be taking this left turn into a new topic arena. Just in case you are interested, have tips, advice and/or are offended by romantic/sexy topics. Not graphic nor erotic stuff. Do not want to invite voyeurs, perverts or child molesters onto this blog. Anyone with an unhealthy appetite can leave now. Thank you very much.

But if you are willing to go along on a new track with me, hop on the bus, Gus. And don’t fuss about it. And if you think Baby Boomers, seniors and old people do not have a love life, think again. Valentine’s Day is soon upon us and we expect flowers and chocolates. We will be posting about love gifts for your dog and for the pet guardians as well as romantic retreats that are also pet friendly (our annual Valentine’s Day gift guides).

I have been trying to get through writing ONE romantic comedy book for awhile now. Think Jennifer Crusie meets Janet Evanovich meets Ciciville. Well, I had some of the elements down that I want in the book. But so far, I have changed the locale four times, from Las Vegas, to a made up town in Arizona based upon an actual town in Arizona, to 29 Palms and now we have landed on Virginia City, NV. Back to Nevada.

The setting is because it is about a romance blooming in the desert. And it has ghosts, a haunted B&B, that was a former house of ill repute, and a dog that goes humping everyone’s leg in the night. The heroine has two romantic interests. One her boss, Editor/Publisher of the newspapers she works for. Oh no no, you did not. Yes I did. And a new reporter. The two of them are to write dueling columns about a topic, to bring the gender wars into focus, gin up controversy and to sell newspapers. She is not sure how she feels about any of it. And she has two old aunties, who raised her, who think she is getting married to a dog. She IS planning a BIG gala dog wedding to raise funds for the local animal shelter. But her aunties are Lucy and Ethel on steroids. So what do you think? Would you read a book like this?  If I can get passed Chapter 3, perhaps you will be able to do so.

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I am also working on the format for the California Travels with Cici guide I wrote, a new travel guide (much smaller) for the Southwest USA, and a chronic pain guide with a pit bull perspective. Perhaps one of these days, I will actually complete ONE of them or ALL of them. It would help a lot to have an agent. But in order to get an agent, I have to complete ONE book. Self-publishing is probably my best option.

In the meantime, if you have any thoughts about dating a dirty old lady (never mind), seniors dating, dogs dating, over the hill writers writing romance novels, (Grandma Moses was in her 90’s when she painted her first painting), then please feel free to comment below (keep it clean). thanks.

oh yeah, love bites… hickeys.  That is what I was trying to remember, the word hickey. Do you think it will be in the dictionary? When you were a kid did you look up all of the dirty words in the dictionary like we did?  what do you know, it was in the dictionary. Bad dictionary. Sit. Stay. Now Go Fetch me the rest of the plot for this book I am writing. Now I definitely have to include hickeys in it, don’t you think?

paw heart

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Filed under Adventure, all you need is a dog, blogging, dog kisses, dogs, romance, self help, travel with dog, travelwriting, true love, women with dogs, women writers with dogs, writing

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January 10, 2014 · 1:50 pm

Jan. 10 pet blog hop to it

 January 10 blog hop — a handy-dandy way to draw new readers over to your blog.  from Will My Dog Hate Me and Go Pet Friendly

***

PBC

1. How long have you been blogging? And, if you’re stopping by for the first time, please tell us why you started blogging and give us a quick description of what your blog is about.

It has been six years, how is that possible????  seems like only yesterday..

2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2013, that made you the most proud.

Well, one thing that was a lot of fun we went on a dog friendly press trip. It was both challenging and fun to meet new people and it was a whirlwind tour of SLO, a lot of activities for the pooches (although some scheduled play time would have been good, too). It was a trip to visit a place with other writers and editors (I think I was the only blogger). And I think we all learned a lot. Cici and I have always traveled alone so this was a nice change of pace to have the Visitors Bureau and PR reps set up the itinerary.

3. When you look at the post you wrote for last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge, or just think back over the past year, what about blogging has changed the most for you?

Am starting to wonder how much more I can write about dogs and dog travel, although there does seem like an endless amount of material living with a dog every day. As she ages, there have been some health issues. And sadly, it seems like we lost of a lot of dogs this year from Wallace, the world champion disc dog, to three of the former Vick dogs (Lucas, Georgia and xxx) as well as a whole pack of pet bloggers dogs. This has been a rough year. One happy note that did get resolved (FINALLY) was Patrick’s Law was finally passed in New Jersey with harsher fines for animal cruelty and neglect and Patrick’s adoption into the Scavelli family became official.

4. What lessons have you learned this year — from other blogs, or through your own experience — that could help us all with our own sites?

Alternatively, if you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re still having with your blog, what would it be?

I often feel like I’m just at the edge of the crowd, I do the blog hops and such but often feel like an outsider, do not really feel like I am IN with the other bloggers. This to me is old family issues and like high school. I feel awkward and am nervous about approaching the popular kids, etc. Sitting in the cafeteria alone. Insecurities. Does anyone else feel like they are standing in the sidelines watching everyone else have fun? maybe it’s just this time of year. Hardly can believe it has been another year.

5. What have you found to be the best ways to bring more traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

by promoting my blog posts on social media (Facebook, twitter) and just letting other people know about my blog (handing out biz cards, etc). I tell everybody, even people who probably could not care less. Giveaways are good, too.

6. How much time to do you spend publicizing your blog — and do you think you should spend more or less time next year?

Not enough time. I am much better suited to publicizing others than tooting my own horn. Just the way it is. There have been opportunities that have come my way in the past which has been nice but I did not seek them out. I should spend more time but do not know that I actually will. Thinking about getting t-shirts, also to raise money, that would be one way to do it.

7. How do you gauge whether or not what you’re writing is appealing to your audience? And how do you know when it’s time to let go of a feature or theme that you’ve been writing about for a while?

I will answer the second question first, when I am no longer interested and interest in the topic is dwindling. It is often difficult for me to know who is reading what. Sometimes there is a controversy and lots of comments. But mundanely, these are few and far between. I hope that when I share topics of interest to me and what happens with my dog that my readers think it is pertinent to them and are happy to not feel alone (and they seem to be reading).

8. When you’re visiting other blogs, what inspires you to comment on a post rather than just reading and moving on?

When I can relate to the topic and how the post is written, if I think that I can add something different to the comments. And sometimes I feel very moved and don’t say a word when I probably should.

9. Do you do product reviews and/or giveaways?  yes, I do.

If so, what do you find works best, and what doesn’t work at all?

I always do positive reviews. If I do not like or my dog does not like a product, I will let the people know that I will not be saying anything. And they usually understand. I may make a constructive criticism. I think being honest, within limits, works. If I bashed products, that would not work at all so I do not do it. Had a few contests, photos worked, but doing giveaways usually gets people involved, depending upon the products offered.

If not, is this something you’d like to do more of? What hurdle is getting in your way?

10. When writer’s block strikes and you’re feeling dog-tired, how do you recharge?

I just write anyway even if it is bad or I feel like I have nothing to say eventually I do. When I’m feeling dog-tired, I snuggle with my puppy girl and she makes me laugh or sleep and helps me recharge.

There is nothing like a big polka dot dog butt in one’s face on your pillow to make you feel better, inspire you and have happy dreams LOL

11. Have you ever taken a break from your blog? How did that go?

Not really. There are times when I only write one or two blog posts a week an other times I write more. Lately, I’ve been writing less posts (one or two a week). It has been difficult dealing with Cici’s health issues and other stuff that has been going on. So in that sense, I give myself a break from having to keep to any type of rigid schedule. That is what works for me. Maybe I have missed some stories but c’est l’vie. I do what I can do and I am certainly not perfect. I am a human bean and we are works in progress.

Have you ever thought about quitting your blog altogether? What makes you stay?

yeah, lately. When I am feeling down. But then I will get inspired by something someone has written or is doing related to dogs. I’ve thought about writing a writing blog but don’t know what I’d say. And I thought about doing a dating one, 300 dates in a year. Of course, I haven’t had ONE date in a few years. Can a 60+ year old woman find true love ??? sounds like a lot of trouble. Maybe a cooking blog? nah, have not found another topic that I could maintain. health, blah. maybe. pet communication, see?  have not run out yet.

12.  What goals do you have for your blog in 2014?

For my writing, I’d like to write more articles for pay in publications. For my blog, keep on writing. More interviews. More fun topics. More travel. I’d also like to actually get my ebook formatted so that I can actually sell it. It is based upon my blog and it has reviews of 80+ places in California that Cici and I have traveled to and stayed at with lots of tips, for fun travel with canines.

I’d also love to do more Blog Paws promotions. The Subaru one was a hoot.

***

Don’t stress — and don’t be afraid to ask for help! If you have any questions

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December 18, 2013 · 5:57 pm

Bloggers Hopping along

dogcrazy

hopping along the blogging trail…

me from high school to now…

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What’s your favorite non-animal related book?

I love to read, and do not do it enough.  I LOVE Swiftly Tilting Planet by Madeleine L’Engle even though it is supposed to be a children’s book, it is about changing reality … amazing book, so inspiring.  There is a dog in the book but not about the dog.

 

here are some other favorites: (some are funny books, hilarious, laugh out loud, others heartwarming and/or spiritual)   the dog training book is a romantic comedy that is roll on the floor funny in some parts. books that touch my heart, open my heart, make me feel something

the good earth by pearl s. buck

healing from the ashes by rabbi Yonassan Gershom

full blast, full scoop, and 12 sharp of stephanie plum series by Janet evanovich

 

The Enneagram by Helen Palmer

 

The Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov

dog training the american male by LA Knight

Fast women and other Jennifer Crusie books

 

 

What’s your favorite non-animal related movie?

I love movies and it seems that they have been putting them on all over TV again and again lately. #1 Love Actually.   Also, Ghost, Sound of Music, Groundhog Day,  Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle… again, the romantic comedies and movies with songs to sing a long to are fun too.

 

Who’s your favorite actor?

Hmmmm my favorite actor… (is this gender male or female?) well, ok,  male would be someone hot and gorgeous like George Clooney or Richard Gere or Robert Redford, oh well, guys who have integrity in the films they do and actress would be Meryl Streep, she is soooo good in everything she acts in, well mostly

 

What makes you feel fabulous?

Physically, may sound strange but I have been running in my sleep, since I cannot do so here in the physical world yet due to physical limitations (can hardly walk).  would love to do yoga again, ride a bike, ice skate, dance, all the fun things I used to be able to do…

Emotionally, giving, loving, creating something beautiful… heartfelt…

Professionally, personal connections with folks who appreciate my work is always good. And being able to inspire, encourage or help someone who will actually take the tips/encouragement and run with it, even in their own way.

 

What do you wish you were more skilled at?

I wish I could do more of the fun things I love to do. If I were more skilled at stuff I hate (math, techie stuff), I wouldn’t do them anyway LOL… I do wish my brain was friendlier and receptive to some things but a rose is a rose is a rose and an orchid an orchid, we each have our own individual special magic gifts to shine and bless others with ok, I guess I wish I could draw, paint more realistically… and take more photographs…

 

What’s your favorite holiday?

Well, I could say Thanksgiving since my birthday is either on it or around it… Xmas, my first one was 30 something years ago, it was very shiny and new to me then, now, hmmmm, I think July 4 is not it although I love the fireworks… perhaps my favorite holiday is Valentine’s day because I am a romantic person at heart and love love love LOVE… was just thinking of starting a new blog about Finding True Love, can a 60 something woman find True Love??? It is time for me to at least go on a DATE…

 

Favorite meal?

Chinese or Thai food… Pad Thai or chicken curry with egg rolls and rice. Yummy. Chocolate something for dessert of course.

 

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love beach volleyball, watching the players in the sand slam dunk. Mostly, my free time is spent watching  TV shows like Charmed, Masters of Sex, or NCIS, or movies

 

What one word would people who know you use to describe you?

I think most people think I am crazy. Hopefully though, they think I am funny, spunky and creative, too. My family (when they were alive) used to say I was too sensitive, my ex thinks I’m brilliant, other friends say I am pushy and I never wanted to be known as cute nor perky.

 

What is one thing you’ve done that you’re most proud of?

I’m very proud of the seminars and workshops I led, prayer warrior work I did traveling around the world for three years as well as the metaphysical meditation growth work (behind the scenes) and activism I’ve done over the years. It is all related to changing the world, creating a better more humane world to live in, one where EVERYONE is loved, belongs, is honored and cherished. We ALL deserve to be loved and respected and valued.

 

If you could change one thing about your life what would it be?

I would have a life partner to travel with in life and around the world.  True Love Companion. A human BFF.

 

Other than blogging, what are three things you do that bring you joy?

I love being in nature, whether that is with animals (dogs, cats, horses, dolphins, whales, whatever), connecting with other humans who like to have fun and laugh and share themselves, and of course chocolate makes me happy (nah)…

 

What’s one thing you could do to be more kind to yourself?

Stop focusing on what’s missing or wrong or bad in me and focusing on what is working, what makes me happier, solving problems instead of creating them with my fears and insecurities and anger.

Also forgiving myself and others.

 

Thanks, this was fun !  And this was a blog hop….  with AJ from I Still Want More Puppies, Jodi from Kol’s Notes, Mel from No Dog About It, Julie from The Daily Dog Blog, Jennifer from My Brown Newfies, Kim from CindyLu’s Muse, Lauren from Life With Desmond, Leslie from Bringing Up Bella, Jodi from Heart Like A Dog, Kristine from Rescued Insanity, Peggy from Peggy’s Pet Place, and Dawn from NEPA Pets.

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Filed under blogging, facebook, K9 approved, keep pets safe, pet blog hop, women with dogs, writing

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January 10, 2013 · 3:24 pm

Pet Blogger Challenge 2013

Welcome… If this is the first you’ve heard of the Pet Blogger Challenge and you’d like to participate, you can find the questions in this post.

Questions for Repeat Offenders

1. How long have you been blogging and provide a link to your post from last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge so we can refresh our memories.

I have been blogging about five years, how is that possible??? wow, and here is last year’s post…

http://celiasue.com/2012/01/10/pet-blogger-challenge-2012/

2. What do you consider the most important goals you set out in last year’s post?

having fun writing, every day, ok, well, been slacking on the writing every day blog posts but I did start a couple of other blogs this past year, too, so there… pfffttt to my inner critic…

3. Have you made progress toward those goals, or have your goals changed over the past year?

I think that writing good quality blog posts is important for my blogs and I’ve expanded the content/focus of what I’ve wanted to write about this year… eclectic… particularly important to me were political issues that popped up and felt important to me… so I added my voice to women’s issues that people were talking about and of course, the presidential election that went on forever. All in all, I think as a writer being flexible and willing to change, also as a human being at this time of momentous change on the planet, is important… so going with the flow of my passions and what needs expressing should be in there in my goals.

I now have between 300-500+ visitors a day, sometimes 1,000, my biggest day was 8,878 or something CRAZY (up from 200-300 a day) and I’ve definitely expanded the groups, people, I communicate with on a regular basis. And I’ve had a number of folks guest blog for me which is always FUN.

4. How often do you post?

As I said above, the goal has been to blog every day, but I have cut down to maybe 3-4 times a week, except when unusually inspired. Branching out to other subject matter leaves less time, too.

5. Has your opinion of blogging on a schedule or as the spirit moves you changed?

Don’t think it has changed much. As a writer, it is good discipline to write every day about SOMETHING.

If you don’t publish on a schedule, why? How do you think your decision affects your audience? How do you know when a topic is “post-worthy?”

6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your tips for staying on top of it all.

It ebbs and flows… average, I’d say it takes 10-20 hours a week writing and maybe 3-5 hours visiting other blogs.

7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)? Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?

Hmmm, good question. I look at numbers and comments AND I think how often do people interact with me (on a regular basis, every blue moon) counts too. Sometimes I am passionate about the topic or think something is hysterically funny or interesting and no one else does, ok, I can live with that. And there are always controversies that brew up and create lots of traffic out of nowhere. Sometimes that is a real pain frankly. And sometimes it is affirming. So quality depends upon who I am interacting with and how I value them.  Are they credible or some troll ?  Is it another writer/blogger or a fly by night visitor?  I LOVE that I have almost 200 subscribers and would like that number to increase, of course to 2,000, then I will know that I have ARRIVED… LOL…

I watched a movie about the author Jackie Suzanne last night. She wrote Valley of the Dolls in the 70’s and a few other books. What was inspiring to me as a writer was how she sold her books everywhere and made her book #1. She created her own opportunities and went for what she wanted in a BIG way. She had chutzpah and created a public persona. Ok, writing diva here I come, LOL…

8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

Another great question. I’d love people’s input on topics they find that generate the most comments/traffic at their blog. I prefer to focus on POSITIVE topics and not so much on cuteness of my dog… AND there is a time and a place for funny photos. where do YOU get your funny photos and pet news (besides from living with your furry friends)??? How can my blog be more relevant, I guess. Since Cici and I are not traveling much anymore, does it matter that I do not write that much about traveling anymore, do you care?  thanks.

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

My blog is helping to expand my writing opportunities (income and creative-wise). It is becoming more innovative and FUN to read. More pertinent and relevant. And I’d love to have my blog have more impact, positive impact, upon how animals/pit bulls are treated and seen by the public at large. It is important for me that Cici is seen as a great ambassadog, even when she is being naughty. And to make more friends with people who blog and writers who blog about writing/romance fiction.

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www.drharveys

Whew, we survived another Pet Blogger Challenge… now join the fun, thanks to Amy at Go Pet Friendly for this year’s …

http://gopetfriendlyblog.com/third-annual-pet-blogger-challenge/

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Filed under breed specific laws, pet adoption, pet blog hop, pet care, pet travel, pit bull, politics, wild women, women writers with dogs

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January 24, 2012 · 3:24 pm

Lucky dogs

am now blogging with Pet Pardons, too… check it out… They have 400,000+ Facebook fans… and I just reached 300,000 views right here at Have Dog Blog Will Travel… milestones…

Pet Pardons is a group of folks from Canada that help in the rescue of pets in shelters. They want to give pets in shelters a better chance at being Adopted. And they want there to be No More Homeless Pets by 2015. They want to educate people about the plight of America’s pets.

They created a Facebook app which enables anyone to post pets from shelters, and then enables others to share them on their walls with the click of a button, the Advocate button. You can install & view the app at http://apps.facebook.com/petpardons/

Pet Pardons Co-Founder Ashley Owen Hill takes in the pups of Mississippi that nobody else wants, including pit bulls through Lucky Dogs Rescue. Chris Hoar is Co-Founder of Pet Pardons and lives in San Diego.

http://www.luckydogrescueblog.com/

Ashley and her dog Rudy.  Read Rudy’s story at her blog. Bring the tissues.

here are three of my blog posts at Pet Pardons, there will be more to come…

a funny look at dog breeds, tiptoe thru the breeds,http://blog.petpardons.com/dogs/tip-toe-through-the-dog-breeds/

http://blog.petpardons.com/uncategorized/doggies-home-alone/ Doggies Home Alone… another article by yours truly

http://blog.petpardons.com/dogs/home-sweet-new-home-2/  Home Sweet New Home…

Cici’s happy as a polka dot princess can be at becoming an international star… LOL…

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January 25, 2009 · 5:32 pm

Interview with Raising a Green Dog blogger…

1) tell me a little about you (your background) and your dogs (Ages, breeds and how they came into your life) and how you got started your biz/dog blog… including what do people say when you tell them that you are a dog blogger?

My name is Leslie May, I am a marketing consultant to pet businesses by
trade (http://marketingmypetbusiness.com), here in the Indianapolis area. I
am fortunate enough to have two amazing dogs in my life, Johann (who we
lovingly call JoJo (pronounced YoYo)) and Gracie. JoJo is a four year old
sheltie who I adopted from the Southside Animal Shelter here in Indianapolis
at 12 weeks old. Gracie is a three year old border collie, who I adopted at
8 months. Gracie was originally rescued from a hoarder in a rural county of
Indiana. We also have two great cats in our family, Wolfie (Wolfgang), and
Wiggy (Ludwig), who are 9 and 8, respectively. All my pets are named after
classical composers.

Johann, Gracie and I love to do agility in our spare time. Johann is an
accomplished agility dog with many titles and qualifications to national
championships. And Gracie is just beginning her agility ‘career.’

When Johann was just about 5 years old, I thought it would be fun to create
a website for him, to share his life with his friends and create a diary of
his life. That site opened up a whole new world to me. Soon the main website
(http://JohannTheDog.com) was becoming popular and we began to offer products to other active dog families like ours. Johann also began to blog, first with his own personal blog The Days of Johann, an agility dog (http://blog.johannthedog.com) and then with Rescue Me
(http://helpingpups.com) , a blog that showcases a dog in need from a shelter or rescue every day of the week.

Beginning last year, we began to get a lot of questions from our blog
readers about our ‘green’ lifestyle. Dog lovers wanted to know how they
could be more green and get safer pet products. So Johann started another
blog, called Raise A Green Dog (http://raiseagreendog.com to share information about how a dog can be more green, live a happier, healthier
lifestyle and help the environment at the same time.

2) How has blogging changed your life?

With three blogs, blogging is a big part of my life, and I wouldn’t want it
any other way. Through blogging, we have met some of the most amazing dog
lovers, not only in the US, but throughout the world. We exchange laughs,
information, training tips and tricks, health and wellness information, and
have a great time together. I have made some of my now best best friends
through blogging.

3) Where do you get your ideas for blog posts?

A lot of my ideas come from Johann’s and Gracie’s life. We have a pretty
active lifestyle and there is always something going on to blog about.
Whether it be a new trick Gracie has learned, or what happened at our
agility training class, or agility trial, or what funny thing Johann did
that day, I am never at a loss of things to blog about. And we like to blog
about current events about dogs in the news, programs that are on television
that our readers may like, or tips, trick and information we learn from the
wide variety of websites and other blogs we read, that we would like to
share with our readers and friends.

4) Have you noticed a shift in attitudes towards bloggers, dogs, dog
travel ?

Some of my friends that don’t have dogs were somewhat skeptical of our dog
blogging. But once they saw the blogs, their attitudes changed dramatically.
They love our blogs, and now our non-dog friends come to visit our blogs,
they can’t wait to see what Johann is blogging about next.

5) What are your favorite blogs ?

I have so many favorite blogs that I like to read I couldn’t begin to
mention all of them. I would say that throughout the week I read over 100
blogs, visiting friends, finding out about their lives, and reading
information about dogs, tricks, agility, health and wellness, diet, and much
more.

6) Do you have any tips for pet owners and/or pet business owners or
pet bloggers?

That’s a big question. For pet owners: enjoy and have a lot of fun with
your pets while you have them, their lives are much to short. For pet
business owners: you are the lucky ones who get to spend their life helping
and providing for other pet owners like yourself. Enjoy every bit of it. And
listen to your customers, provide what they want and need and you will be
much more successful. For bloggers: be yourself, it’s the best way to be.

7) What types of articles on your blog receive the best traffic?

The types of articles I write for my blog that get the most traffic are the
personal ones – the ones about our life, what we’ve been doing lately, about
the hike we went on recently, what happened at our last agility trial, how
we organically fertilized our lawn, or safely clean our house, and the like.

8. How do you cope with juggling all of the various balls you’ve got
going in the air?

Well, juggling is never easy. I am lucky enough to work at home, so I can
adjust my time to work and my time to play with my dogs; and I don’t have to
take the time to commute to an office. And we have agility equipment in the
backyard for us to take a break from work or blogging and practice some
agility. But I admit, I work long hours.

9. As a dog lover, do you have a favorite product or service that EVERY dog owner MUST get for their pet (besides yours)?

I have a lot of favorite products that I use. I think the main thing I can
suggest to pet owners is buy the very best quality of food you can afford.
Not all pet foods are created equal, do your research and feed your pet the
most healthy food you can.

And another important and my most favorite thing to share is I encourage dog
lovers to find a special activity that you can do just with your dog.

Johann, Gracie and I have a sport (agility) that we love and just can’t wait
to do, together. And many of my dog loving friends also have an activity
that they love doing with their dog, whether it be learning and doing
tricks, running together, Frisbee, dock dog, obedience, or just taking hikes
together. There is an incredible bond that you form with your dog when you
are doing something special together, and I would love to see every dog
owner share in that special bond.

10. Have you noticed any trends in the pet blogging/pet business recently related to the economy? In other words, are innkeepers more open to pets (or less), are pet owners still buying products (or not)?

I’ve seen a real trend toward ‘green’ dog products and services. With the
recent and past recall scares and tragedies, dog lovers are very concerned
with the safety of their pet’s foods, toys and other products. Dog lovers
are seeking out advice on what is safe and turning toward organic,
all-natural, Made in the USA and fair trade products and services not only
for dogs, but other pets as well, to keep them healthier and happier.

gracieleslieandjohanncropped_cl

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January 12, 2009 · 11:55 am

Interview with PAWS…

Interview with Janine Franceschi, President of PAWS…  (Photos below: Beau driving and Janine and Beau in a Chateaux)…  http://www.luxurypaw.com/blog/1

1) tell me a little about you and your dog Beau and how you started your business and dog blog…

Beau, my Irish Setter came into my life about two and a half years ago. I woke up one morning and “needed” a dog and not only a dog, but an Irish Setter! Quite out of the blue… I searched on Petfinder.com, found an Irish Setter breeder in Missouri and was looking forward to the puppy’s arrival that coming weekend.

Beau is such a wonderful dog that my friends wanted me to name him “lucky’ because they’d say, “You got lucky with that dog!” buying him over the internet and all. But, I knew all along that he was the one! He adds so much joy to my life and I thank him every day for coming to live with me!

My business PAW: Pet-friendly Accommodations Worldwide began shortly after Beau’s arrival. Although, at the time I didn’t realize it was a new business, it started out more as a ‘hobby’ that grew to an ‘obsession’ and I realized I’d better do something with this information, otherwise I was just some crazy dog lady!

Friends and family were surprised when I told them about Beau and almost everyone said the same thing, “But you love to travel, who’s going to watch the dog when you travel? And you travel so much, can you really have a dog?” People assumed that I would have to choose between being a pet owner and continuing to enjoy travel adventures.

So the ‘hobby’ became searching for and compiling a list of luxury, pet-friendly hotels that would accept a 60 LB dog, that turned into a list, the list into a database, and the database into the only online pet-friendly hotel booking engine to exclusively feature luxury, pet-friendly hotels for booking. It also became the only site to allow the user to utilize their pets weight as part of the hotel search criteria, which can be a huge time saver.

2) When did you start your blog, and what inspired you to get into blogging?

The blog was a component of the website and a way for me to write in more detail about hotels, activities, or pet products I discovered along the way. Also as a vehicle to share information such as Pet Passport information.


3) What’s your favorite thing about blogging?

The ability for people to comment and provide feedback about what you’re writing.


4) Have you noticed a shift in attitudes towards bloggers, dogs, dog travel ?

Absolutely, I just completed a 13,000 mile, 30-state, 50-luxury, pet-friendly hotel cross country tour. (Janine and Beau live on Nantucket Island off the coast of Massachusetts when they are not traveling).  If I had a dime for every person who said, “I wish I had known this hotel was pet-friendly, we would have brought our dog!” I’d never have to work another day in my life!! People really want to have the entire family with them when they travel, for business or pleasure and are just starting to realize that they don’t have to sacrifice the level of amenity when they travel in order to bring their pet along…they can have both a great level of amenity hotel and their pet.


5) What are some of your favorite blogs ?

Well, yours of course!  (Editor note: OF COURSE!) 🙂

6) If there was one tip that you would recommend that pet owners and/or pet business owners or pet bloggers follow, what would it be and why?

Remember when you are out with your pet, traveling or even just walking around your neighborhood, you are an ambassador for people who live pet-centric lives. If people have a good experience with you and your dog they are more likely to generalize that pets provide a pleasant experience and that will open up more doors to including our pets in other areas of our lives.


7) How do you cope with juggling all of the various balls you’ve got going in the air?

I am an outrageous list maker! I’ll have about six lists going at once. I tell people all the time, “you do not want to be in my head….it’s a very chaotic place!” 🙂 LOL

8. As a dog lover, do you have a favorite product or service that EVERY dog owner MUST have for their pet?

There are four companies that I recently awarded “PAW – Top Dog awards for excellence in 2008”. ArfDog www.arfdog.com makes wonderful ‘louis vuitton’ style sleepover suitcases for pups complete with an embroidered bath robe. Bowser Beer, www.3 busydogs.com makes non-alcoholic beer for dogs and the concept is so well executed. Dog Lovers Wine Club www.dogloverswineclub.com donates proceeds to shelters across America and finally Dog is Good www.dogisgood.com who offers a great line of dog-themed people clothing.

Janine shares some luxury travel tips for traveling with your pup:

1. Always ask what is included in the pet welcome amenity so that you can bring whatever your pet needs to be comfortable in a strange place.

2. Always bring your pet’s normal food. The luxury pet room service menus are a lot of fun to try, but relying on them for every day dining is probably going to be too rich for your pet’s diet.

3. If the hotel does not provide one, create a paper or cardboard dog tag for your pup and put your hotel’s name and phone number on it as well as “Guest” – and your last name. This is great insurance in case you and your pup become separated. I wouldn’t put your room number on it, but your last name should be sufficient information.

beau-driving1

And here are PAW’s “TOP DOGS” in luxury, pet-friendly hotels from across the country in four major categories; Luxury Pet-friendly Resort, Luxury Pet-friendly Hotel; Chain and Individual, and Best Pet Welcome Amenity as well as the ‘Top Dog’ in the pet-friendly restaurant, activity, and resource categories. The winners are…

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ Luxury Pet-friendly Resort 2008

Calistoga Ranch, Calistoga, CA

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ Luxury Pet-friendly Hotel Chain 2008

First Place Tie: WESTIN HOTELS and KIMPTON HOTELS

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ Luxury Pet-friendly Hotel 2008

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica, CA

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ Luxury Pet-friendly Hotel BEST PET WELCOME AMENITY 2008

The Woodlands Resort & Inn, Summerville, SC – (Personalized Dog Collar)

Honorable Mention: Hotel Palomar, Dallas, TX (Goldfish)

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ in Pet-Friendly Restaurants 2008

First Place Tie: 50 Plates, Portland, OR – for the food

Fetch, UES NYC, NY – for the atmosphere

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ in Pet-friendly Activities 2008

New York Dog Tours, NY, NY

The PAW ‘Top Dog’ in Pet-friendly Resources 2008

Dining With Sophie, San Francisco, CA

beau-a-la-chateaux

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April 2, 2008 · 2:28 pm

Ding ding ding ding ding… 10,000 visitors … today’s the day…

12404675.jpg14709119.jpg16334788.jpg17341465.jpg  14732374.jpg

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