Pet Blogger Challenge 2014

I'm participating in the Pet Blogger Challenge for the first time, hosted by Go Pet Friendlyand Will My Dog Hate Me?

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

I started blogging in August. I think I was wearing the boyfriend out with various dog stories and I needed to find a more welcoming audience!

I blog about Mr. N and his various adventures. I'd also like for this blog to be a platform to show that small dogs are capable of doing almost everything (there are certain heigh limitations...). Mr. N hikes, competes in dog sport(s), fetches and does tricks. 

2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2013, that made you most proud.
Probably starting the blog! I debated over it for months before finally starting it in August. It took me way longer than it should have to come up with a name and I changed it once in the process. 

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?
I haven't blogged for a full year yet so I'll pass on this one. 

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?
The interwebs can always use more kawaii. My most popular post has been the one of Mr. N posing in the middle of a bunch of stuffed animals. 

If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?
What do they like about my blog? What topics would they like to hear about? What changes do they think I should make?

5. What have you found to be the best ways to bring more traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?
I join a lot of blog hops. I've discovered a lot of new blogs to me that way and some bloggers have found me that way.

6. How much time to do you spend publicizing your blog, and do you think you should spend more or less in the coming year?
Not much. I'll post things on Facebook ocassionally. I need to be more diligent about social media. 

7. How do you gauge whether or not what you’re writing is appealing to your audience? 
Usually comments. Although my picture posts seem to get the most comments so...

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 haven't been writing long enough to have regular features and/or themes unless you count blog hops. 

8. When you’re visiting other blogs, what inspires you to comment on a post rather than just reading and moving on?
Topics that I find interesting or that I relate to. Great photography.

9. Do you do product reviews and/or giveaways? 
No, but I plan to this year. 

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

If not, is this something you’d like to do more of? What hurdle is getting in your way?
It takes more time and effort to write those posts sometimes. Also Mr. N is kind of particular about toys and food which doesn't help. 

10. When writer’s block strikes and you’re feeling dog-tired, how do you recharge?
A walk with the dog(s) helps clear the cobwebs from my head. I also believe in long baths with a page-turner, high quality dark chocolate and baking.  

11. Have you ever taken a break from your blog? How did that go? 
No, aside from a few days around the holidays. 

Have you ever thought about quitting your blog altogether? What makes you stay? 
Not yet!

12. What goals do you have for your blog in 2014?
Hosting a blog hop (which I did last week).
I'd like to organize a blogger meetup. Cascadian Nomads and I were discussing holding one for Pacific Northwestern bloggers.
Attending a conference. It may not happen in 2014 but maybe 2015.
Possibly a blog redesign.
Better photography. Our camera still needs to go to the shop...

I'm teaching Mr. N how to "hug" on command