Pet Blogger Challenge: crazy adventures
Amy at GoPetFriendly.com wrote a post about being “bullied by the blog.” Edie from Will My Dog Hate Me? wrote a follow up. This post, this “Pet Blogger Challenge” is in reponse to those posts. Thank you to Amy and Edie for inspiring this reflection.
I’m not sure I’m allowed to be called a pet blogger anymore, what with all my chatter about dessert and fear and hair and all other non-dog related things. But, my blog is called Fido & Wino so I’m counting myself in. It’ll be okay. AND I’ll include a picture of a dog at the very end to placate the doubters. AND there are at least 4 dog hairs on my keyboard right now… I’m pretty sure that means I’m in.
To the questions:
1. When did you begin your blog?
My first post was on June 1, 2009. It was a photo of one of my dogs, Mickey, and a very short “OMG!!!” post about how cute he was.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
A close friend of mind died 2 weeks before that first post. I needed a place to just… be. I didn’t necessarily want to talk about her or myself of life or death- I just wanted to have a place where I could do/say/post whatever I wanted. If I wanted to talk about her or Life with a capital “L” I could. If I wanted to just revel in the simple things I enjoy like my dogs or wine or the more beautifully complicated things like my family I could and no one could stop me. No one could make me. No one could tell me how to do it or tell me I was doing it wrong.
It has always been important for me to write my thoughts down. My first journal was a dainty pink velvet thing I received when I was about 8 years old. I wrote about spiders, and my boyfriend Ryan who didn’t talk to me (naturally), and Nancy Drew-like adventures with my best friend, Lynda. There were many journals (sans velvet) after that.
This blog is a natural, albeit more techy, extension of that first diary (I believe I started each entry with “Dear Diary,” back then. You’ll note I did not carry that format through to Fido & Wino. You’re welcome).
3. Is your current purpose the same? How do you feel you’ve met your goals?
I would say so, yes. My goal was always to record an honest account of what was going on with my day- not necessarily an exhaustive account, but an honest one. I’m getting more comfortable sharing real things about who I am and what I think. This is likely a reflection of getting more comfortable in my own skin- as I get older I care less about hiding from view my every insecurity and imperfection and care more about connecting and just being myself.
Less esoteric: My purpose is also for my traffic to go up. That is happening, so we’re good.
4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
I blog when the spirit moves me. For better or worse, the spirit moves me often.
5. Are you generating income from your blog?
Yup. On the right hand side of the page at the top there is a “Sponsored o!” section for paid links, and Reader’s Digest sponsored a post before Christmas.
I also had the chance to speak at an adoption fair, and model at an animal shelter fundraiser. Those weren’t paid gigs of course, but it was an absolute honour to be included in such great causes.
What’s that? You wanna advertise!? Wicked! Call me.
5. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?
I really like all the wonderful, supportive people I have met. I love reading the comments people leave after I hit “publish;” I love receiving emails from people on the other side of the country and the globe; I love knowing that people are reading and that if all else fails I can click and clack around on this keyboard and REACH OUT to human beings with thoughts and feelings and stories of their own.
I love it when people send me free stuff.
I like and appreciate having a venue to practice storytelling and a place to practice my mad photography skillz (work in progress). I really enjoy taking pictures, I think I am getting a little bit better (looong way to go) and I don’t think I would have found this creative outlet without Fido & Wino. At the very least it would have taken me a lot longer to find.
I am completely enamored with all the inspiring people I have met through the R.O.A.R. Squad- Rescue Owners Are Rockin! (Quick plug: I am looking for rescue owners across the U.S. and Canada! Are you a rescue owner? Join the R.O.A.R. Squad today! Find all the info you need to join HERE). Every single time I receive a submission it makes me smile. Every story is so unique.
6. What do you like least?
If it’s been a couple days and I haven’t posted anything I feel the kind of guilt I used to feel when I was in university and I would wake up in the morning with that Hmmm-I-Should-Really-Be-Doing-Something-About-That-Mountain-Of-Work-Rather-Than-Watching-Oprah feeling. So that part is a stick in my craw. But it’s self imposed, so I suppose I should suck it up.
7. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?
I see a little less “Fido” and a little more “Life-o,” although the dogs will likely always be my favoured captive subjects.
The R.O.A.R. Squad will be wrapping up in April (did I mention? I AM RECRUITING R.O.A.R. SQUAD MEMBERS JOIN ALREADY, PEOPLE) so something will be taking the place of that… I’m not sure what yet…
I have several stories in my head that I want to get out. Some about dancing, some about traveling, some about school…
I am updating the look of my blog- new design! Yeah! That will probably happen this week so I am really excited about that.
I see photography taking up more of my time as I try to learn more about this incredibly fascinating artform and science and I enjoy my fantabulous Christmas present from John.
I also see more interviews in my future. And icecream! And rainbows! And food! AND WINE!!!
And, as always: Dogs. Because just as these two critters kept me on target in the beginning of this entertaining, educational and crazy adventure, I know they will continue to do so.
Thank you, you guys. Thank you for reading, Amy and Edie, thank you for asking… thank you all for making me feel all smooshy before signing off and heading to bed.
Update to #3: I forgot to include a point on how my purpose has changed! The shift came when I started the R.O.A.R. Squad. You guys know I’m a Crazy Dog Chick. My friends and family know I’m a Crazy Dog Chick… but I wanted to show people that it isn’t only Crazy Dog People who adopt their pets (rather than buy from a pet store). By writing and sharing on topics other than dogs I hope to have a chance to attract and communicate with not-yet-but-maybe-someday pet owners and peer pressure them into adopting. It is all part of my evil plan for World Domination. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes.
I love everything you just wrote. I also loved your post about our friend’s birthday. You are a joy. Come to Hawaii NOW. xoxo
You are too funny – I’m pretty sure you’re a permanent member of the dog blogging club.
As always, I love the way you write. Your purpose in starting the blog really speaks to me – I’ve always been a journal-keeper too (and I know how hard it is to lose a loved one and how blogging can sometimes feel like my own unconventional therapy session).
I look forward to your future posts – looks like we’ll be learning about our cameras at the same time!
Oh my goodness. Those last two pics are precious! I always love reading your blog – whether you’re writing about fido or life-o – and I’m really excited to see all of your change and growth in 2011!
I always enjoy your blog! And I really enjoyed learning even more about you and your goals. It’s going to be fun to see what you fill in the spaces with. To Life-o to Life-o!
You have so much humor in your writing style, this blog always make me smile and laugh, whatever you write about. There is always a little twitch or a little twinkle. So if it is not that much about dogs anymore in the future, too bad, but I keep following if you promise to keep on featuring some dog pics
Now that I read this, I realize that I met you just as you started blogging. It’s wonderful how your blog has evolved, but enough of that talk – I want to hear more about ice cream and rainbows!
I am so glad to took part in all this. Your blog was one of the ones that inspired me to take all this a bit more seriously. That made me realize I am not a complete dork for being so passionate as to write about my dog. Seriously, I was all “hey, she’s really cool! Maybe I’m not a total freak after all!”
So thanks for that.
I love what you write and how you write and I love that you found such a great way to celebrate and promote pet adoption. I love that you don’t make fun of my run-on sentences.
Anyway, yay for a re-design, that sounds exciting. And yay for you!
@Angelina- Thank you, lovely! Wish I could see you in Hawaii… crash in some surf for me
@Pup- Yes! It is totally therapy sometimes! I even find editing photos therapeutic… watching how things come together.
I look forward to seeing how things develope with your photography too!
@Maggie- Thank you so much!
@Peggy- To Life-o!
This reminds me that I totally still owe you a ROAR. I’m on it!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I like your idea for world domination. I’m sure there are pet owners-to-be there who don’t know yet that they are meant to be pet owners and they need to be told of that.
I’ll be reading more from you on FB. Take care!
I have always loved the photography that you feature on your blog BUT I think that we need a little more “wine-o” I’d be interested in what your favorite grape drinks are
Thanks for the comment on the The Other Winnie Cooper! I love your writing style and sense of humor. Glad I came for a look.
Your plan doesn’t sound evil at all. In fact, the world would be a much better place if you just took over already. Won’t you?
Please?
Hugs and smooshies back atchya… And without a single captchya.
I’m that serious.
What fun. I’ve seen Fido & Wino on the blog hop but this is my first time visiting.
BTW, does Chris Guilllbeau know that World Domination is really about getting more people to adopt puppies?
Looking forward to seeing the new blog layout. Pink velvet anywhere in our future?
@Kenzo- Aww, thank you! I promise to keep featuring my dogs! Also, I post lots of dog stuff via the Fido & Wino facebook account… just sayin’
@Life- I remember when you first followed my blogger blog! Good times, good times
@Kristine- You are definitely not a freak cuz if you’re a freak I’m a freak… and… ummm… we’re not freaks? Of course not!
@Dr V- Yeah! Can’t wait to see your submission!
@Lavi- YES! Someone to join me on the World Domination front! Great to meet you!
@Karen- More wine… done!
@Alison- Thank you so much! So glad you liked my post
@Kim- Well alrighty then… I was hesitating a bit there but since you say no… ON IT!
@Pamela- I had to google Guillbeau… if he doesn’t already know I shall be all over him like jam on a sandwich.
@Debbie- My designer is going to kill me but maybe I should change it all to velvet and velour! Thank you for your creative input
Congrats on the increased blog traffic and sponsored post! I’m glad I found your blog and have enjoyed following along with your posts.
What you’ve done the past year with R.O.A.R. Squad is awesome. It’s such a fabulous way to highlight adopted doggers and their families.
Best of luck to you in 2011…I’m excited to see your redesign!
P.S. We’ll also be in Canada during our travels, so I may seek out your advice on places we should hit up!
It’s been great to get to know you through your blog and the odd occasion in Victoria! You go from strength to strength and I love to come and visit. You always manage a smile on my face even after a really hard day! Thanks Shauna
I had a great time reading your post! You really made me laugh and I think I can learn a lot from you!
that was a most enjoyable read! i love that you had a dainty pink velvet diary and wrote about spiders and nancy drew adventures [i'll just ignore the boyfriend bit]. in some ways, i think those hand held, page turning relics from the past were the best!
good luck with more of Life-o. who knows, one day you might once again come back to fido.
have a great day
Shauna – I love your blog! And hearing all you have to say – it has been wonderful. And your dogs are gorgeous!
This was a great way to learn more about you. I am touched by how your blog started, and with the first being just a photo! You’ve really come a long way, and it’s great that you’re able to generate income from it. I’ll now check out the R.O.A.R. Squad!
I can’t believe we have so much in common! How old is your cattle dog mix that has the hip dysplasia? Too crazy!
Elyse (and Riley)
@Lori- Let me know when you’re in Canada- love to help in any way I can! And thanks so much for the kudos
@blanket- Thank you so much, that means a lot! I hope to see more of you in 2011!
@Jen- Wonderful to meet you!
@Georgia- Thank you! I know there will always be all kinds of “Fido” around here… my poor dogs constantly have flash spots in their eyes
@Shawn- Thank you so much, back atcha!
@Hilary- Thank you very much! If you’d like to be part of the ROAR Squad let me know (ever the sales pitch
)
@Elyse- I know, crazy! Kayloo is 2 years and 3 months old now. She was diagnosed when she was under a year… maybe 9 or 10 months? She is doing really awesome now- no surgery yet, just shots & massage… lucky us, she can jump up on the bed now
Very much enjoyed reading your responses to the challenge. nice to meet you!
@Vicky- Great to meet you as well!