I decided we’d take part in the Pet Blogger Challenge today because it just seems fun and I want to let everyone get to know us a little more. So here we go!
1. When did you begin your blog?
My first blog post was on Sunday, January 24th, 2010. I’m almost at my 1 year blogiversary!
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
I first started this blog after I found out about Riley’s hip dysplasia diagnosis. I originally thought she was going to have to have a Triple Pelvic Osteotomy (TPO) surgery when we found out about the diagnosis and I wanted to chronicle what having the surgery was like so other dog owners that went through a TPO would know what to expect. Riley didn’t end up having to have the surgery but I just kept going with this blog anyway.
3. Is your current purpose the same? If not, what’s different?
As I mentioned above, Riley didn’t end up needing to have the surgery done, so the purpose of this blog changed. Now I focus more on our day-to-day life and our adventures in being a therapy dog team. Riley will most likely have to have a Total Hip Replacement down the line sometime and I want to chronicle that so other people whose dogs have to have the surgery will know what it is like.
4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you? If the latter, do you worry about… well, whatever you might worry about (e.g. losing traffic, losing momentum)?
I don’t blog on a set schedule. I try to get about 4 to 5 posts up a week but I don’t always meet my goal. I don’t really worry too much about losing traffic or momentum. I know the people that like to keep up with us will keep up with us no matter how often we post. I don’t have any goals as to how many visitors or comments I want to get each week. I’m just happy that people are reading and following along!
5. Are you generating income from your blog? If not currently, do you hope to in the future–and how?
I’m not currently generating any income from this blog. I probably won’t want to in the future either. I mean, money’s nice and all, but it’s not the purpose for this blog.
6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?
There are a few things I really like about blogging. Number one is that I can keep up with what has happened in Riley’s life (I wish I would’ve started my blog when I first got Riley when she was 7 weeks old!) and I can quickly look back on my blog and see when we went to the vet last, when she had her nails trimmed last, and when she had a bath or therapy visit last without having to look through my paper records here at home. I also LOVE the funny comments we get from all the other pet bloggers! My whole family likes to read the comments because there are usually some pretty funny comments on each post.
7. What do you like least?
There really isn’t anything I don’t like about blogging. I don’t feel pressure to post every single day and I haven’t had any bad experiences with any of the other bloggers.
8. How do you see your blog changing/growing in 2011?
I’d like to get permission from people on our therapy visits and include pictures of therapy visits for everyone to see. I don’t currently post pictures of therapy visits due to privacy, but if I had written permission, I could. I also don’t post pictures of therapy visits because I’m the only one that goes with Riley on the visits and I don’t really have enough hands/attention to handle her and a camera and interact with the people we’re interacting with on visits. I’d also like to gain more followers in 2011!!