(Yes, that’s a Phil Collins reference. You’re welcome.)
Thanks to Edie at Will My Dog Hate Me and Amy at GoPetFriendly.com, I’ll be engaging in some introspection today. Edie and Amy have posed a series of questions – those of us participating in the challenge will be posting our answers to those questions today.
Rather than sticking to the numbered Q&A format, I’m going to take a narrative approach. Here we go…
Beginnings: I began this blog in April 2010. As you can see from my first post, I originally started the blog as a private affair. Many of my friends were starting blogs about their kids, and I thought it might be fun to join the blog-liferation, so to speak. The name of the blog started as a joke – at my age, you’re always getting asked when you’re going to start having kids. My stock answer? “I just want more puppies.” At that time, I wasn’t sure what I would blog about or how long my interest would last. Foreshadowing alert – the first post contained very little content, but it did have this:
So perhaps it was destined to be a blog about dogs from the start. I just didn’t know it at the time. (My musings continue, after the jump…)
Initial Purpose: I wanted to share things with my friends and family, and I wanted to do it in a space that gave me more freedom than Facebook or email. I don’t think I had a purpose beyond that. Although I wrote some posts about Bella (and other dog-related topics), the rest were all over the place. I posted about TV shows, posted some recipes, and even attempted the occasional movie review. While looking back at my earliest entries in preparation for this post, I found the ultimate example of how lost I was, topic-wise. At one point, I offered this disclaimer (before sharing a sweet video about a shelter pup): “You guys, I promise this blog isn’t going to be entirely about puppies, despite the name and my own fondness for puppy pictures.” I was really fighting the inevitable, huh? Score one for irony.
Changes: As I discussed above, I thought I started a blog to share things with my friends and family in a private forum. However, I wasn’t sharing things that were meant to be private, like family photos or a recap of my weekend. At some point along the way, I realized that the private thing wasn’t really working for me. I also discovered that there were plenty of other pet bloggers out there, and I wanted to join the fun. So, I made the blog public and began to indulge my desire to post more things about dogs. That’s not to say that other topics are off limits (non-puppy posts do happen), but my content is more focused now.
Current Purpose: I’m still working on this one, I think. To some extent, my purpose is to have a creative outlet (hence the punny pet names and other random musings). I also want the blog to be a fun and entertaining space that others enjoy reading, a place to post photos of Bella, and a way to promote animal causes and awareness. Like I said, I’m still working on it.
Mechanics: I don’t blog on a strict schedule, although I do try to post at least three times per week. (When possible, I like to post more often.) To make sure I’m adding some new content each week, I post on Wednesdays (now that I’ve discovered Wordless Wednesdays) and Fridays (aka No Frown Friday). I wanted to designate a day to post a variety of links, hence the Friday post – sometimes I try to tie all of the links together with a theme, but not always. In order to make sure I at least post on these designated days, I try to write posts in advance and keep a running list of possible themes and links to include. (Wordless Wednesday is easier – I’m never lacking in the Bella photo department!) I don’t generate any income from my blog, and I haven’t really given it much thought at this point.
The Good, the Bad & the Furry: The things I like most about blogging are the opportunity to be creative and the ability to interact with others who share my interests. I’m always learning something new or smiling after reading the posts of other pet bloggers (it’s a great community), and I think the creative outlet has been good for me. (I’m pretty proud of some of my posts, if I do say so myself.) My least favorite thing about blogging, on the other hand, is the (probably self-created) pressure to post. When I’m short on time, it actually stresses me out if I don’t have time to post. I do try to counteract that tendency by planning ahead and having some posts ready to go in a pinch.
To Infinity… and Beyond: In 2011, I’d like to maintain a consistent posting level. I’m also very excited about my new DSLR, which will likely affect the content here. I’ve loved photography for a long time, so I may add some posts on that topic or even a regular series. We’ll see. (Seriously… I’d love to have some sort of small photography business on the side. How much would I love to do pet photo shoots? But I digress…) I also hope to become more involved with local rescue groups – so if that happens, there may be some posts about that too. I’m not sure I have a well-articulated goal for this year – but I would like to maintain the blog as a fun and informative place that I hope you’ll continue to visit!
Want to read other entries in the Pet Blogger Challenge? Check out the full list at Will My Dog Hate Me and GoPetFriendly.
Wow!! This is great! You did an excellent job in this challenge!
Great wording and content!
(I am glad I got to learn more about your blog!)
It was great reading about your blogs history. It is neat how your blog just started as a private thing, and now you have 137 followers!
I'm with you on the DSLR…I've had mine for 7 months and am still trying to figure it all out. Would love it if posted regularly on photography!
A lot of us must be in the same boat with these DSLR cameras! I've had mine since September and still having got it figured out! Thanks for participating in the challenge.
I'm so glad you started blogging, it's always a great place to visit! Your writing is always fun with great content! Looking forward to your photography!
Hi! We took the Pet Blogger Challenge too! Our Mama says she gets asked a lot when she's going to get married and have kids cauze most of her friends started doing all that when they were REALLY young! MAma wants to have kids SOMEDAY but for now she is happy with us. You have aa nice blog, and puppies are a GREAT thing to blog about!
Thanks guys!
According to Gus & Amy – I'm still brainstorming on the photography angle, but I think it would be fun. Stay tuned. 🙂
You did a great job on this challenge! I just finished mine, though it's not up yet! I thought it was a lot of fun. You and I both started blogging around the same time… I didn't know that, but we had similar reasons for doing so… See you learn something every day!
I'd give your blog an award for best title, because I think that speaks for most all of us pet lovers–I always want more puppies, (kitties, bunnies, fishies too!) And of course your model couldn't be cuter!
Yay! So there are a lot of relatively new bloggers out there. That's great. For a long time I felt very green. I am so glad you finally caved to the inevitable and started posting puppy photos full time. That's the same answer I usually give to that dastardly "kid" question as well.
Isn't life a work in progress? I am so glad you participated!
Really, now, what could be better than more puppies? So far, you're doing better than I am with the shiny new DSLR! Even though I've had a film DSLR before, I'm horrified at just how much I've forgotten about how "real" cameras work.
Thanks for dropping by and for the encouragement! I did try to join the Saturday Blog Hop, but for some reason, the server kept giving me an error.
I'm also following your blog, it looks like you have a lot of nice stuff here.
Great post! My Tail Hurts From Wagging So Much started in a much similar way! Don't you just love when things happen unexpectedly? I get the same kids question, too. My parents have decided they will just go with the dog thing and actually introduce Toby as their "grand dog"
Hi,
It's great to discover your blog, funny you also started out as a low key blog…..it was fun reading your post, I love the light, bright, fun look of your blog 🙂
Do you have an email subscribe for your blog so we can keep up to date with your posts? Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place?
Hope you're having a great day 🙂
Annette and Snoopy
more puppies is a great goal for a blog 🙂 glad I found your blog through the challenge.
My parents introduce all of the grand pups as their Granddogs too, like Michelle said. They've given up on grand kids for now. It was great getting to learn more about you!
Elyse and Riley
Peggy – Thank you! What a nice compliment. 🙂
Rescued Insanity – Seems like there a lot of new bloggers out there. It's nice that we can all learn together!
Kathi – I'm so with you… I can't believe how much I have forgotten!
Michelle – My dad has also given in. He introduces Bella as his grandpuppy.
Annette – I didn't know how to add that feature to my blog, but I just figured it out in response to your question. There's now a link under Puppy Express (upper right).
Visiting you from the blog hop!
Wow, I loved your entry! Keep up the great work!
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
One of the unexpected benefits of the Pet Blogger Challenge is finding wonderful blogs like yours! I'll be back.
Stopping by on the hop – enjoyed the entry and discovering many other great ones here!
Carol's Critter Corner
I think you do a great job of posting and I find myself coming back again and again. And I will again!
You guys are so sweet… thank you very much!
I think blogging is a great way to keep track of your life! I started mine to have a way to remember all my fun experiences with Ellie and be able to look back at pictures all in one place.
Also, maybe I'm biased, but a blog about puppies is better than a blog about babies any day!
Hi there, that's a lovely story about how your blog got it's name!
I like that you post about the kitchen sink. I do that too sometimes. It's fun and after all, surely our dogs aren't our WHOLE life right?
When I have a bit more time, I'll come back to read more and especially, your recipes. Until then 🙂
P.S. Thanks for popping by.
If you don't have well articulated goals don't worry – they will likely change again. That's what's so much fun about blogging – it's fluid and we often fly by the seat of our pants. 🙂
Isn't it fun to stop and think about all you have done? This was a terrific exercise..
Great post!! Everything is very interesting!! Lots of love, Holly and mom
Hi Pup Fan! Thanks for stopping by Banjo & Millie for today's Pet Blogger Challenge. I love your blog, so glad to have discovered it! It sounds like I started Banjo & Millie much in the same way you started "I Still Want More Puppies" – it's very interesting to hear your perspective! Looking forward to reading more 🙂
I give the SAME answer to the kid question. And I just got a third puppy! 🙂 I feel the same way about the stress/pressure to post. Your Friday link idea is fantastic, especially since there are so many awesome blogs and helpful articles to call out every week!
Stacy and Ellie – I do have a puppy bias…
georgia little pea – not our WHOLE lives, of course. 🙂 Though definitely one of the best parts.
Life With Dogs – I totally agree. It's been really nice to reflect on my own blog, and to read about everyone else's!
Maggie – a third puppy? So fun!
I made a point of coming by to read your Pet Blogger Challenge answers. I love your blog and love reading about your baby, Bella, but I had no idea how your blog name came about! I love it!
I think you expressed what many of us struggle with… a focus for our blogs. I started off with blogging about my Daisy, but then I needed to expand and my purpose with No Dog About It Blog has changed over time.
I think what makes your blog fun is it's light-heartedness and variety. I don't know how it will change over time, but I look forward to more of your pictures (I love photography too) and stories and videos.
Hi! I gave your blog the Stylish Blogger Award. Don't feel forced to participate, but if you want to, you can find it on my blogs at http://bit.ly/eho0Xq and http://bit.ly/eo8jT7 . Have a fantastic evening! 🙂
~ Tina
http://parkavenuechihuahua.blogspot.com/
http://anotherdomesticdiva.blogspot.com/
Hahaha. I love your response to "When are you going to have kids?" My husband and I have opted for animal rescue rather than having children. These dogs, cats and birds are, in fact, our children yet people still ask. I think I love your blog even more now that I've read this. 🙂
I tell you 2011 is going to explode in Pet Blog Land with the best ever dog photography! Maybe we need a meme day where we share photo tips, lessons learned…. I learned this weekend to not lie in the snow taking dog photos more than 30min max lol
Isn't it funny how the best laid plans always turn into something better. We love your blog and everything about Bella.
I really like the way you took the questions and made them your own. You have a terrific writing style (oh, and I loved the post about commercial spokes-icons becoming sitcom stars).
With the greatest respect, however, I will disagree with your motto. Puppies did not equal serenity now when I came home to find Agatha and Christie had devoured my $1000 couch (back in the 90s when that was real money). : )
Keep up the good work!
Daisy's Mom, 24 Paws of Love & CindyLu's Muse – Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words.
Chihuahua Girl – Wow! I'm honored! Thank you.
Kim – I love that you get where I'm coming from! I used to get annoyed because it's an overly personal question… now I just smile and give my puppy response. 🙂
Miss Kodee – I love that idea! We all love taking photos of our pups, after all.
Pamela – You cracked me up with your comment. Maybe I need to add an asterisk to my motto – I didn't have much serenity either when I had to send Bella to puppy rehab (aka the in-laws) to mitigate her noise anxiety until I could get away from my terrible upstairs neighbors.
I totally know what you mean about the blog as a creative outlet- same for me.
Woot DSLR! I look forward to seeing what you learn! 🙂
Can I just say that the picture below the blog title is one of the best pet pictures I have seen! Absolutely adorable!! Thanks for stopping by my blog. Looking forward to reading more of yours!! 🙂
Erin (and Buzz, too!)
I really enjoyed reading your challenge answers and look forward to reading more of your writing in the future.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading my Q&A for the Pet Blogger Challenge. I really like yours so I will let the Phil Collins reference slide … and I'll visit again soon. See you on Wordless Wednesday – love your shots of Bella!
-Chandra at Daley's Dog Years.
Erin – thank you so much! I just added that photo to the header recently (wanted to use one from my new camera).
Chandra – I'm glad you decided to let the Phil Collins reference slide. For some reason, that song got stuck in my head as I was writing the post, so it became the title by default. 🙂
i love your blog! Looking forward to see the DSLR in use!!!
Best wags,
Steve @ gangs of new yorkie
I think you nailed it with the title of your blog. Me too. I still want more puppies 🙂
I got a new DSLR this (passed) year too! I love walking around taking pictures, pretending I know what I'm doing – that's the best! Looking forward to reading more of your posts!
So glad I got to know more about you! We definitely have lots in common and I want more puppies too! No kids for me either!
Diane and Cosmo
I don't know how I missed this the first time around. Loved learning more about you and how you came to blog. I want more puppies, too 😀
Thanks, Talking Dogs. More puppies for everyone! 🙂
Love the title of your blog – don't we all?! 😉 Enjoyed learning more about you. Will be following your blog.