So, I am a small-scale blogger….but having a great deal of fun giving it a whirl! Connections I have made with other bloggers,K9 folks, and outdoors lovers has been one of the unexpected consequences of this endeavor.  Here is my contribution to the GoPetFriendly.com Blogger Challenge of 2014!

And now, without further ado, here are the questions for Pet Blogger Challenge 2014:

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 the blog in March of 2013; my clever daughter has a wonderful blog about her weaving exploits, and she said that even a computer-dunce such as I am, could develop a good blog.

I had previously used my facebook page to post pictures and updates about our outdoor adventures with Gryphon,  my yellow lab mutt. Folks seemed interested in our canoeing activities, so when we had Edgar join our family last winter, I thought it may be fun to document our efforts to train him as a paddle pup, too. I also thought that via a blog, I could keep family and friends updated, without inflicting a multitude of information on my facebook page…if people want to read or see more, they can link to the blog. We named it “Ed-Ventures in Dog Paddling ( for Edgar),

The blog was great fun to write, and when canoeing season ended, my family encouraged me to expand it, to include our skijor, kicksled, and snowshoe activities.

2. Name one thing about your blog, or one blogging goal that you accomplished during 2013, that made you most proud.

I essentially taught myself, and learned as I went along…I am not inherently technologically gifted, so being able to write,  illustrate, and maintain my blog was a feat for me.

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 have had a great time writing; unexpectedly, the more entries I wrote, the more fun the blog became.…recognizing that your narratives can allow for creativity and fun.

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?

I would say “ Less is More”….long rambling narratives are not usually necessary—short, concise, informative and entertaining write-ups are more readable.

I also learned about blogging networks…such as the Outdoor Bloggers Network.

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

Deciding on frequency of posts? I tried for one post per week in canoe season, and aim for 2 per month in the winter…too much? Not enough?

I had originally intended to end the blog at conclusion of paddling season…then I could not decide of I should start a new Winter Adventures blog, or just amend the existing one…I don’t think I did a good job on the transition to the new area of focus.

 5. What have you found to be the best ways to bring more traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?

Facebook links, and Outdoor Blogger Network.  I have not really pursued an increase in traffic.

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? 

I don’t really publicize it much…it was designed for family and friends initially, and I am only gradually expanding beyond that.

7. How do you gauge whether or not what you’re writing is appealing to your audience?

I am not sure…probably comments ( though I do not get many)

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?

Hmmm..if it bores me, it certainly bores others. I trust my “family editor”to let me know.

8. When you’re visiting other blogs, what inspires you to comment on a post rather than just reading and moving on?

If I agree with the post, I am more likely to comment….generally, I do not follow blogs that are not reflective of our interests, and usually our philosphies.

9. Do you do product reviews and/or giveaways?

No

If not, is this something you’d like to do more of? What hurdle is getting in your way?

Maybe product reviews? Not in this for commercial or financial gain, but might be fun to do this. Not sure how to go about it.

 10. When writer’s block strikes and you’re feeling dog-tired, how do you recharge?

Go for a hike, paddle, swim, ski, etc….I usually will not start to write until I have a specific idea in mind..and photos to go along with it!

11. Have you ever taken a break from your blog? How did that go?

A week weeks off or so, not really planning on doing blog in the winter, but picked it up again after a few weeks.

Have you ever thought about quitting your blog altogether? What makes you stay?

It’s fun to write the blog, and my small circle of target audience seems to enjoy it.

12. What goals do you have for your blog in 2014?

Improved photography and video

More links to others’ great blogs and websites

Guest writers