Today we are giving you, our readers a little insight into Oh My Shih Tzu by joining in the 2015 Pet Blogger Challenge! The wonderful folks a Go Pet Friendly are hosting this wonderful event to get to know the some of the coolest pet bloggers around!
1. How long have you been blogging? And, for anyone stopping by for the first time, please give us a quick description of what your blog is about.
We started our blog in the spring of 2013 when our little man Mr. JoeJo was at the end of his little life. Diagnosed with Canine Cognitive Dysfunction we wanted to share some of our experience with others. Our blog now is about my crazy life with 4 Shih Tzus, a Peki-Huahua, and a crazy Malti-poo. Though we target other Shih Tzu owners, regarding health, grooming, care and agility, we hope that other dog breed owners find our messages informative and helpful in the lives of their dogs too!
2. Tell us one thing that you accomplished on your blog during 2014 that made you proud.
In 2014 I was a finalist in the Nose-to-Nose Awards for Best New Pet Blog at the Blogpaws Conference held in Las Vegas. We didn’t win, but the nomination and becoming a finalist was a huge accomplishment. I felt very grateful and honored.
3. What lessons have you learned this year – from other blogs, or through your own experience – that could help us all with our own blogs.
I am constantly learning every day. I think the most important thing to do is to develop your own voice and discover and write about, or in my case photograph what is true to your heart.
4. What have you found to be the most successful way to bring traffic to your blog, other than by writing great content?
For us highlighting other people’s Shih Tzu’s has been great. Last summer we started Super Shih Tzu Saturdays in which other Shih Tzu owners nominate their Shih Tzu’s to be our Super Shih Tzu of the week. We had to take a short break during November and December,but we will be kicking it off again next Saturday. It’s actually my favorite post to do as I get to learn about other people’s Shih Tzus and what makes them so special.
5. What was your most popular blog post this year? Did it surprise you that it was your most popular?
Our most popular post is It’s not just old age…signs of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. This does not surprise me that this has been so popular as many people don’t know the signs of this disease in their older dogs.
6. What was your favorite blog post to write this year?
Wow, this is kind of hard, but I believe my favorite post The Joy of JoeJo: Faces of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction. I was finally able to create a video of him and his journey with this disease. Though I still hurt and cry for him, the post was very healing for me.
7. Has your policy on product reviews and/or giveaways changed this year?
I am not a blogger who does a lot of reviews or giveaways. But this year I will be developing a new policy for reviews and giveaways. I believe in natural products, made in the USA and small business. Since I am a raw feeder and I generally make my own treats, the reviews and giveaways are few and far between.
8. What’s your best piece of advice for other bloggers?
I used to beat myself up because I didn’t seem to have the numbers as other people did. But once I created my business plan for my blog and established a mission statement, set goals, etc. I no longer felt the pressure I was placing on myself. Don’t try to compare yourself to others, just develop your own voice. Oh, and make sure to use a calendar and schedule posts well in advance, so that way if you are in a big accident or life takes you for a big turn your blog will continue on.
9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2015?
As soon as I am able to walk again, we will be starting a series on Agility with your Shih Tzu and all the sports little Shih Tzus can do. In addition to the following:
Fashionista Fridays: our semi-monthly fashion blog highlighting the wonderful designers from Etsy for your small dog.
Natural Health Care & Feeding – why we believe in feeding a species specific diet, supplements and homemade treats.
Super Shih Tzu Saturdays! – yup its returning as we highlight other Shih Tzu’s from across the globe.
10. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one challenge you’re having with your blog, what would it be?
I really don’t have anything to ask. Everyone has been so wonderful with the support I’ve received this past year. I would just suggest to other bloggers to reach out to one another. If you are an experienced blogger, take a new blogger under your wing. Believe it or not, but the friendships I have made with other bloggers has given me so much inspiration, especially when times have been bad. It’s so nice to have people there when you have Grumps, Gripes or just need to make some sort of Plots of Revenge.
Thanks so much for stopping by. We have enjoyed having you and being a part of this wonderful Pet Blogger Challenge.
When I started reading your blog I instantly gravitated to your unique style of photography and passion for your subject matter. You are spot on regarding why you write and it sparkles through every paragraph. I am a fan….
Great answers and advice! I agree it serves no purpose to compare ourselves to others. We all have our own voices and our own plans and ideas, and that’s what we should focus on. I look forward to what you have planned for the coming year!
Jan K recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – #52 Snapshots “Joyful”
I like your Super Shih Tzu Saturdays! Unfortunately, we do not have Shih Tzu’s in the house 🙁 What a great way to highlight your favorite breed! Maybe I’ll try something similar this year to highlight some of our service/guide dogs.
Best of luck with your blog in 2015!
Colby recently posted…Pet Blogger Challenge 2015
Amen to never comparing yourself. Great answers and I am so glad to know you! See you in May.
Carol Bryant recently posted…How to Find a Good Veterinarian
I’ve had wonderful mentors throughout my blogging career and always try to make myself available to other bloggers as well. Blogging is a wonderful, loving community and I’ve found if you have a question, all you have to do is ask.
I hope you mend quickly so you can get back to blogging.
Jodi recently posted…You Make Me Laugh – January 11, 2015
we have followed you from the beginning (even if we don’t always comment) and have always thought that what you do is great, “Plots of revenge?” Now that sounds rather ominous and scary!
Caren Gittleman recently posted…Book: JJ Goes To Puppy Class by Diane Rose-Solomon, Enter to Win!
Blogging friendships really are the best! Cograts on your nomination. And those favorite and popular posts sound fascinating…I’ll have to go read them. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction is such an important topic – thank you for providing info on it. Here’s to a great year ahead!
CindyLu’s Muse recently posted…Pet Blogger Challenge 2015
I think I read your “It’s Not Just Old Age…” post before but I just read it again. I am sorry for what you went through but glad you shared it with others so we know what to look for in our senior dogs. Aging-related diseases is something I am hyper watchful for now that Chester is 12. I love my little old man and it will be a sad day when he finally goes.
I love your advice to not worry about numbers and focus on your passion! So very true. I also appreciate your suggestion of reaching out to other bloggers and making connections. I have found that to be very useful in the pet blogging world – plus, everyone is so kind and friendly!
Chelsea Price recently posted…I’m Taking the 5th Annual Pet Blogger Challenge!
So sorry to hear you were hurt on your weekend getaway. Hope you heal quickly.
Congratulations on your successful year. After being laid low, I’m sure you’ll come barreling back once you’re able to return to agility.
Pamela recently posted…Pet Blogger Super Heroes – Pet Blogger’s Challenge 2015
Hi Y’all!
That seems to be mentioned on many of the challenge questions: “don’t compare yourself to others”.
Y’all come on by,
Hawk aka BrownDog
Hawk aka BrownDog recently posted…Y’all Come Back…
Darn you, Christine, for that picture of your finger! There is no way to un-see that.
Anyway, I’m really sorry about your accident and I hope you’re back to 100% soon! I love your blog design and enjoy your upbeat attitude. I hope 2015 is a great year for you … watch out for the waves! Thanks for joining in the challenge – it was great to meet you.
Amy@GoPetFriendly recently posted…It’s The 2015 Pet Blogger Challenge!
So much greatness on your blog! And I adore your themed Fridays and Saturdays!
I concur it’s not really about numbers. Blogging for numbers or money is… well, crazy-making. If we don’t enjoy the time we spend doing whatever it is, what’s the point? OK, I’m going to regurgitate what I wrote over on PuppyLeaks “for me it absolutely comes down to “what do you like to *spend your time doing*” – is it photos, videos, writing stories, drawing them, writing tutorials, “educating”, etc. Because unless you like doing whatever it might be, that there’s a point to it *outside* of whatever might be sponsored and crap, there’s no point in trying to make money at it. Unless it’s fulfilling as an activity (you feel like there’s a point to doing whatever it is), why bother because there are way more fruitful jobs out there than this. I think that’s so easy to lose sight of in the plight to “monetize” (which is almost silly because even when you do it’s so often the most low-paid-per-hour plight going, at least in the state of things right now). Dig deep to understand the passion, and do that. Do the blog right, first. If it ends up making money, great. If not, then at least you’re spending your time in a worthwhile way.”
I have to say that I love that this is a recurring theme that I see on so many blogs. I may be way off what others are feeling though!
Jen | DOGthusiast recently posted…Pet Blogger Challenge 2015: Changes for DOGthusiast, hopefully for the better
Love your blog! The photos alone are amazing! Your advice to other bloggers is dead-on – don’t worry about what others are doing, just focus on your own goals. That’s where success is created! Thanks for sharing! Happy New Year!
Christina Berry recently posted…Pet Blogger Challenge 2015
Thank you so much Christina, that means so much to me.
Great post, and great advice for other bloggers.
Mary recently posted…Pet blogger challenge 2015
Super shih Tzu Saturday – what a great idea. I have a mix, does he get to participate too?
Val Silver recently posted…Pet Blogger Challenge 2105
Sure!! Which reminded me I needed to attach the link to the post! 🙂