Tag Archives: social media

It’s Time for the 2016 Pet Blogger Challenge!

Join the Pet Blogger Challenge Jan 9th, 10th and 11th

Today I’m joining the 2016 Pet Blogger Challenge. This annual event, hosted by GoPetFriendly.com, encourages pet bloggers to take a look back at the previous year on their blogs to help gain insight for the new year. The Pet Blogger Challenge consists of 10 questions designed to make bloggers think about their blogs from a new perspective and share insight to help fellow pet bloggers. This will be my first year participating in the challenge and I’m looking forward to what it helps me learn. So without further ado, here are this year’s questions and my answers:


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 will be celebrating my 2nd Blogiversary next month, which means I have been involved in the wonderful world of pet blogging for two years now. My blog focuses on the life and adventures of my little Yorkipoo Sadie. I love to share photos of her adventures, discuss ideas about pet parenting, and review new products.


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

One of my most proud moments of 2015 was as a proud Dog Mom. My little Sadie is not very comfortable around other dogs and usually tries to avoid all contact with other canines. But at the BlogPaws conference it was pretty much impossible to avoid all other dogs all the time. We participated in one particular event, Pawject Runway, where I had to make a quick little costume for Sadie and parade her on stage in her homemade attire. Although we did not even come close to winning, my proudest moment was at the end of the competition when all the pets and their parents got onstage for group photos. Sadie sat on that stage right next to other dogs and allowed them to sniff her. She did not run or try to jump off the stage – she just sat calmly through the photos and then wagged her tail excitedly when I said we could leave.


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

It’s a tough choice to think of my favorite post from 2015. I’m proud to say there are a number of posts I’m extremely satisfied with, especially many of my product reviews, but since I have to choose just one, it will have to be the Ownership Contract. In honor of Sadie’s third Gotcha Day, I decided to have a little fun and write up a list of demands that Sadie would have made before letting me take her home. It was a fun blog post to write and I really need to let myself loosen up and write a few more silly posts in the new year.


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?

In 2015 I participated in a number of group prize giveaways with other bloggers. These giveaways were very successful in getting new readers and followers to my blog and social media pages.


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

My post in 2015 with highest traffic was actually a review I did of a pet identification tag. Generally ID tags aren’t the most exciting topic, but I believe I got the boost in traffic on this particular review because of my intriguing post title – Does Your Dog Have a Driver’s License Yet?


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’m a little ashamed to admit that there isn’t any particular blog I read religiously. I always enjoy what other pet bloggers have to share, but I can’t always find the time to be a consistent reader. In fact, in 2015 I actually cut back on my online time in order to focus on having more adventures with Sadie. Usually when I find the time to read other blogs, I just click on the photos that seem interesting from whichever blog hop I’m joining and then read a bunch of their blog posts to catch up on what I’ve missed.


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

My biggest resource in 2015 was the BlogPaws conference. I took so many notes at the conference last May that I’m still referring to them and trying to implement some of the strategies I learned.


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

Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and ask questions and interact with brands and bloggers and readers. I’m a very shy person and sometimes it’s hard for me to think of what to say, but in 2015 I built up my confidence quite a bit by initiating conversations with companies and getting positive feedback.


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

I base a lot of my blog posts on the photos I take of Sadie. If she’s doing a specific activity or using a specific product or going on a specific adventure, I make sure to take lots of photos so I can blog about it. But I have other blog post ideas in my mind that I never get around to writing because there are no specific photos that go with them. In 2016 I’d like to write more blog posts for the fun of writing or my interest in the topic and not worry so much about having the perfect photo.


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?

It’s frustrating that Instagram doesn’t allow clickable links with the photos. How can you convince Instagram followers to actually venture over to your blog post when there is no convenient link that will take them straight there?


Join the Pet Blogger Challenge Jan 9th, 10th and 11th


dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, dna testing

Wisdom Panel 3.0 – DNA Testing for Dogs

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, dna testing

Have you ever wondered exactly which breed(s) of dog you have? Did you know that your dog’s DNA can give you important information about the health of your dog? Many dog breeds are prone to specific genetic conditions, and knowing what to look out for can help save your dog’s life. The Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test by Mars Veterinary can tell you all that information and more!

wisdompanel2
The newest Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA test recognizes over 250 dog breeds and varieties and can be used on purebred, mixed-breed, or designer dogs. Your dog’s DNA sample is compared to over 10,000 genetic profiles in the Wisdom Panel database! The test provides breed information for three prior generations, meaning you’ll find out which breeds were your dog’s great-grandparents! This information is particularly helpful when training your dog, as many breeds excel at specific types of activities. It can also help you understand some of your dog’s instinctive behaviors, which can be greatly influenced by a dog’s breed ancestry.

 

The DNA test results will also include a projected weight profile which will explain the typical weight for your breed of dog. This can be very useful in helping your dog maintain a healthy diet. You should share your DNA testing results with your dog’s veterinarian, who can use this information to provide better, more specific care for your furbaby.

 

Also included with this new DNA test is MDR1 Genetic Mutation screening.  MDR1 stands for multi-drug resistance 1. This condition, which is especially common in herding and sighthound breeds, causes a problem with absorption of certain medications into a dog’s body. Dogs with this genetic condition can have severe reactions to some common drugs. By getting a Wisdom Panel DNA test, you can find out if your dog has this genetic mutation and can discuss the situation with your veterinarian to be prepared if your dogs needs medication. Click here to see a list of medications and dog breeds most affected by MDR1.

 

A Wisdom Panel 3.0 at home testing kit includes instructions, DNA cheek swabs, drying inserts for the swabs, and a prepaid return shipping box. You need one kit for each dog you want to test. The process is simple: you just swab along your dog’s gum line for 15 seconds, mail in the sample, and wait for the results. It typically takes two to three weeks to get your results once the lab receives your dog’s cheek swab.

 

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To find out more about the Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test go to wisdompanel.com. Or visit Wisdom Panel on YouTube for testimonials about the Wisdom Panel DNA tests. You can purchase the at home kit online for $84.99. You can also follow Wisdom Panel and Mars Veterinary on social media for news, updates and special events.

 

Or you can speak to representatives from Wisdom Panel in person and get great discounts at the following events throughout 2015:

(In person DNA testing is offered at the discounted price of $39.99 and at home kits can be purchased at these events for $49.99.)

  • GoPRO Mountain Games in Vail, Colorado
  • Amazing Pet Expo in Austin, Texas
  • Mars Pet Adoption Fair in Franklin, Tennessee
  • Amazing Pet Expo Holiday in Los Angeles, California

 

 

 

 

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Mars Veterinary Wisdom Panel 3.0.

 

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, blogpaws, blogging conference

Sadie’s First BlogPaws Conference!

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, blogpaws, blogging conference, seminar

 

Last weekend Sadie and I attended our first ever blogging conference, BlogPaws. The BlogPaws conference is geared specifically towards pet bloggers and features seminars and events on a wide range to topics for bloggers and animal lovers. During this three day event, there are also dozens of brand representatives present to meet and learn more about great products. This year the conference was held in Nashville, Tennessee and had over 500 attendees!
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Today I’d like to share some of the photos Sadie and I took during the conference to give you some idea of the good times we had.
Here’s Sadie keeping me company at one of the informative seminars.

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Sadie’s posing with one of the paw prints found all over the hotel, helping lead conference attendees to the various event locations.

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Here’s Sadie and I after our interview with Pet World Insider.

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In this photo Sadie is exhausted from all our fun activities.

dogs, designer dogs, sleepy puppy, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, blogpaws, blogging conference

Sadie and I being silly at the Mars PetCare photo booth.

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Hanging out with the person-sized VitaBone spokesbone.

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, blogpaws, blogging conference

Sadie’s homemade outfit in the Pawject Runway event. There was some tough competition! I really need to work on my creativity if I hope to be a winner next year!

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, blogpaws, blogging conference

And last, but certainly not least, Sadie posing with our mountain of swag!

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This post is part of the Thoughtless Thursday blog hop hosted by Ruckus the Eskie, Love Is Being Owned By a Husky, and M.K. Clinton.
Ruckus the American Eskimo Dog Blog

 This post is also part of the Thursday Barks and Bytes blog hop hosted by 2 Brown Dawgs and Heart Like A Dog.
Grab The Badge

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, cute, pets, profile picture, puppy, puppy picture

A Profile Picture Flashback – Flashback Friday #5


Thanks for liking us! Sadie and I really appreciate all the love!

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, cute, pets, profile picture, puppy, puppy picture

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo, yorkie poo, pets, cute, profile picture

This flashback photo comes from Sadie’s second day as a member of my family. You may recognize the more recent photo as our standard profile picture from various social media. It seems that right from the beginning Sadie has realized the advantage of this pose. She can lay down and be nice and comfy with a soft place to rest her chin, but still have full range of motion with her head so she doesn’t miss any action going on around her. Continue reading

Can’t Take Anymore, Again!


Thanks for liking us! Sadie and I really appreciate all the love!

 

dogs, designer dogs, yorkipoo. sleep, seo, social media

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Once again I’m up in the middle of the night working on SEO and social media stuff for this blog. Tonight alone I’ve signed up with Rebel Mouse (https://www.rebelmouse.com/yourdesignerdog/), BlogPaws, triberr, and Bloglovin’. And just like last time (see my earlier post Can’t Take Anymore!), Sadie has completely taken over my bed. Well not for long. Continue reading