This is my 2nd year participating in the Pet Bloggers Challenge – The first was in 2014.

For the last five years Go Pet Friendly has challenged Pet Bloggers to open up, offer encouragement, advice and share what we’ve learned over the past 12 months.

It’s a wonderful community of supportive people who find a common place to celebrate accomplishments, share dreams for our blogs and ask for help.

It also gives our readers a chance to catch a glimpse of what makes us “tick” and pawhaps have a deeper understanding as to why we do what we do #passion

HERE ARE THIS YEARS QUESTIONS –

How long have you been blogging? 

I published my first post on May 30, 2011.  But I was clueless. #likethemovie  I was brand spanking new to the blogging community, and barely knew the definition of the word blog – let alone what to do with it. I started because Harley & Leo generated such a commotion wherever we went – it made sense to write about them.

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

Moving on and letting go. When I finally made the decision to change the look of the website and get on with the business of living, I truly felt reborn. Harley and I had moped around long enough. I was ready for a fresh start and a new puppy. This was a life altering decision for me – because after Leo’s untimely death (6/2014) I struggled to keep going. #nojoke

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

For me – without question it would have to be my series on Diary of a Middle Aged Puppy Mom – 

• The Beginning 
• Continues
• Crates

The last entry will post this month #theconclusion since he’s finally a year old. #Imadeit

I enjoyed writing these because the four year difference between the last puppy in the house was astounding. I was older. I was exhausted, frustrated, patient-less, but still hopelessly in love with this little guy. Sharing this experience was oh so therapeutic. #withwine

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?

Once I –

• Forgot about the money #thedevil 
• Forgot about the numbers #thedevilsbrother 
• And started listening to my readers

– the numbers started to grow and the $$ started to slowly show up #gofigure

I also pay close attention and respond to all the comments. Many times I find common interests in the comments (questions, observations, concerns, etc…) which creates new material. I learn so much about who I’m writing to. #sospecialtome 

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

A Pet Bloggers Nightmare…

This was a story for anyone who ever lost a project due to this ultra sophisticated techy world we now live in. When my blog went AWOL and I couldn’t find it, I thought I would have a heart attack. The big one! #sanfordandson

Dogs and Ice Cubes…

Jax is the first dog I ever had who loves eating ice. Not sure if it was safe or not, I searched for answers. When I shared my findings I found many people were also pondering the same question.

Diary of a Middle Aged Puppy Mom “Continues”…

I got such comedic relief laughing at myself as I tried desperately to adjust to new puppy life – it just made sense to share it. Apparently it was a Tyler Perry moment for others as well. #truthisfunny

What is one blog that you read religiously – other than your own – and what makes you such a devoted reader? (Please include a link.)

First I need to say that I read many blogs religiously. I may not comment always but trust me – I’m there reading. #promise

Here are just a fraction of those I enjoy – 

My GBGV Life  – Between Emma’s clothes, cooking episodes and life through her voice, I’m always smiling #doodlelarious 

Slim Doggy  – Challenges me regularly to look harder, and learn more about dog nutrition and exercise #doodleerobics

Pawsitively Pets – My menagerie of animals in one location. The “Jack & Gus” posts are some of my favorites #hamsterlove

Keep The Tail Wagging – A place where enthusiasm and conviction are expressed through writing. A treasure trove of information about raw feeding, litter mates and supplements – I’ve learned a great deal here. #furmomrocks

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

Not as many as I should – I follow a few of the internet guru’s, and enjoy various podcasts. This year I plan to attend the Blog Paws Conference in AZ. Purchase of another camera is on my 2016 list along with a Meet-Up class to study photography. Word Camp Charleston is a must! WordPresstraining 

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

Make sure you’ve got real zest about your subject. If your niche holds that special place in your heart – your sincerity will echo in every word you write. Your readers are looking for your honesty – as well as your experiences and/or expertise. When you find that – you’ve found the key #toitall

What is your vision for your blog in 2016?

We’re gaining a huge following of people whose only dog relationships happen to be a virtual ownership of Harley & Jax. #lovethis They tune in to learn more about their breed, laugh at their antics, and share their adventures. I want to continue to grow that audience along with all the other doodle lovers who’ve become our friends.

Do you have specific goals?

You bet your sweet Doodle I do!I plan to launch “The Doodle Spot” later this month which will take everyone on monthly tours of Charleston – a super dog friendly city. Together we will discover “Groovy Hidden Treasures” that both local friends as well as out of town readers can benefit.

I’ve been dabbling in a little writing (hashtags and all) and will release my first book on the website soon. #lookoutworld Harley plans to get back into his Therapy gig at several locations here in Charleston too!

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?

As painful and as frightening as this could be – I would love to know what other bloggers think I’m missing. 

For that matter I would also like to know what readers want to read more about. I write because I love to, and I’m fortunate to write about a subject matter which I adore. If there’s something specific – please let me know. #takingrequests!

Well there you have it – another year – another challenge. Paws up to Go Pet Friendly for hosting this again. 🐾

To my Pet Blogging family – I look forward to learning, laughing and “commenting” on your sites this year.

To our Doodleville friends – thank you so much for your continued support. Your loyalty is A-mazing – your comments insightful and caring and we truly want to know what you’d love to hear more of #wereallydo

Make this the best week of your year!

This is a blog hop – this is the absoDOODLEtutely the best place to get to know more about some of these incredible blogs.