Pet Blogger Challenge

 Today I'm taking the Pet Blogger Challenge. It's good to stop every once in a while and take stock.

1. When did you begin your blog?

I began my blog in June of 2012 shortly after my birthday.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

My original purpose for starting the blog was to share different places around Hampton Roads that were dog friendly. I like to take my dogs with me as many places as I can; and I'm always looking for parks, walking trails, pet-friendly restaurants. I thought, if I'm always looking for places like that--others must be looking for places like that, too. So if I can help them out with showing the hidden treasures of Hampton Roads, that would be great. And ever since I could remember, I loved postcards. Love getting them and love sending them. This seemed like a way to have perpetual postcards!

3. Is your current purpose the same?

My current purpose is still the same. I think I've met my goals because I've had people email me or message me on Facebook and ask me more extensive questions about the places I've blogged about so that they can take their dogs to those same places.

4. How often do you post?

I try to post once a week. I walk my dogs somewhere--a park, a beach, a trail--almost every day but don't seem to have time to blog about every walk. And we walk at the same places sometimes so I don't want to blog about the same places over and over again. 

5. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

I don't publish on a schedule because I don't always have time. I usually publish something on the weekends. I try to make all my topics "post-worthy" by having some photos and finding out interesting facts about the places we visit.

6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your  tips for staying on top of it all.

I spend about an hour per week writing my blog. And I probably spend about an hour per day visiting other blogs. I usually visit other blogs on my lunch hour at work. I feel like I know some of the other bloggers that I follow--even though I never met them face to face.   

7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?

I think I measure the success of a post by how many comments/questions I get about it. I don't really look at the numbers very often. But when I do, I'm sometimes surprised by them. Some of the places I visit I think are really wonderful--and those posts sometimes get less traffic than places that I find mundane and everyday.

8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

I would like help with some of the gadgets. I'm still not sure what all the gadgets do.

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

My goals for the blog in 2013 are pretty much the same as when I started it. My goal is to visit a new place every week and post it on the blog. I'm sure my hounds will love it!