2013 Annual Pet Blogger Challenge

January 10, 2013
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Annual Pet Blogger Challenge

I can’t believe it’s time already for the 3rd Annual Pet Blogger Challenge, hosted by GoPetFriendly.com! This is our 2nd year taking part it the Q&A:

1. How long have you been blogging and provide a link to your post from last year’s Pet Blogger Challenge so we can refresh our memories.

Daisy and I have been working on our blog together since August 2011. Here’s our 2012 Pet Blogger Challenge Post.

2. What do you consider the most important goals you set out in last year’s post?

I was still just starting out, but my main goals at the start were to have fun and make it fun for our readers, learn as much as I could about blogging, help people find cool deals and save money on great pet stuff, and hopefully begin to monetize my blog.

3. Have you made progress toward those goals, or have your goals changed over the past year?

Definitely making progress, and the goals are evolving…but not really changing. I’ve joined a few really great blogger groups and have learned so much in the past 12 months. I’ve been struggling with time management, so I really need to add that as a new goal to make sure this all keeps being fun for me and everyone else!

4. How often do you post?

I post multiple times per day, 7 days a week. I had considered cutting back on the “deals” aspect of our blog, but looking at our stats, those are among the most popular topics and category so I feel like I’m letting people down if I don’t keep up with the great freebies, coupons and money-saving offers they’re looking for. I try to post 3 or 4 great deals and offers each day but some days there are more or less. In an average week I also post at least one product reviews and giveaway, an info post, sponsored post or public service announcement, Wordless Wednesday Photos of Daisy, a Sunday Pet Coupon Preview and  a Weight Loss Update since Woof Woof Papa and I are on the Nutrisystem program. We know the average reader doesn’t have time to read all of it, but we figure different topics are of interest to different folks and we aim to please!

5. Has your opinion of blogging on a schedule or as the spirit moves you changed?

Posting deals, coupons and freebies really doesn’t allow us to stick to a strict schedule. As I mentioned before, I try to look at what’s out there for the day/week and post about the deals I think people really want to know about or wouldn’t find on their own. I do use a schedule for my reviews and giveaways, and other topics that make sense to plan ahead like recipes, craft ideas, tips and guides. It’s always a balancing act.

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Pet Recall: Waggin’ Train, Canyon Ranch and Milo’s Kitchen Chicken Jerky and Treats

January 9, 2013
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pet treat recall chicken jerky from china

There’s breaking news today about a voluntary recall of some big name brands of dog treats including Waggin’ Train, Canyon Ranch and Milo’s Kitchen. Read about the pet recall information here.

As you may already know, there have been ongoing concerns about pet safety warnings relating to dog treats and chicken jerky including several well-known brands, some made in China and sold in the US. While the cause and facts remain in dispute and under investigation by the FDA and other groups, we’ve made a point of being VERY picky about what treats we feed Daisy. We’ve made the decision not to give her anything unless it’s made in the USA, and are also staying away from all chicken treats and jerky until more information is available. Be sure to read those labels! And, if you have questions or concerns about what to feed or treat your pet, the best source of information is to ask your veterinarian!


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8 Things You Need to Know When Shopping for Pet Insurance

January 9, 2013
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 avoid high vet bills with good pet insurance

Just like the humans in the family, our fur kids can get sick and need to see a doctor. We all want the very best for our pets, but the expensive costs of some conditions and treatments can lead to making difficult choices or decisions about their care. It’s upsetting enough when a furry family member is sick or injured, and the last thing you need to worry about is how you are going to pay for it.

Pet insurance helps reduce the worry of expensive vet bills by covering many unexpected expenses, often including tests, treatments, medications and more. You’ll need to do some research to find the plan that best meets your needs when it comes to balancing cost and level of coverage. Here’s what you need to know when comparing pet insurance policies:

1. Is it free to enroll?

Legitimate pet insurance companies do NOT charge an enrollment fee. Some may require you pay the first month or quarter upfront, but that payment will be applied directly to the cost of your policy.

2. Who is the insurance company’s underwriter and what is their rating?

As with health insurance for humans or even car and home insurance, you want to know about the financial health and credit rating of the company you are choosing to be sure they can afford to pay out the benefits promised if and when you need them. You can research insurance ratings online through A.M. Best Company or similar organizations.

3. Are prescription medications covered?

Coverage can vary by policy so be sure to verify. Some pet insurance plans only cover medication while others also include coverage for prescription pet food.

4. Can you choose your own deductible level?

While some pet parents like knowing that everything will be covered if they ever need it, plans with zero or very low deductibles are more pricey. Having a high-deductible plan for emergencies can be less expensive but still offer protection against unexpected expenses. It’s best to find a balance between the two that you are comfortable with so look for a plan that offers different options.

5. How does the plan define “pre-existing conditions” and what coverage is included/excluded if your pet has one?

This is one of those things that can be tricky, so do your homework. If your pet has been treated for an illness or condition in the past, you’ll need to do some research to see how future coverage is affected.

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Walk In Sync Humane Dog Walking and Training System: Fast, Easy and FUN!

January 7, 2013
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humane dog training

One of the most common challenges of being a good pet parent is teaching our dog good manners. Whether you’ve got a dog who pulls, jumps on people or lunges at other dogs, you know what a hassle it can be. Sometimes it can even make you not want to go certain places with your pooch…and that’s no fun! It’s also stressful trying to figure out what to do about it since everyone has an opinion.

One thing we learned early on with Daisy from her Humane Society trainer, is that choke collars are a big NO-NO. We all love our fur kids and it’s super important to use a humane and fun method to teach them good manners. It’s not only cruel, but also ineffective to use punishment, pain or force in attempting to train your dog. This applies whether you have a new puppy you are training as you raise them, a juvenile, or an adult dog who has developed some bad habits that need to be addressed.

I recently connected with veteran trainer, Alecia Evans, who introduced us to her fun and highly-effective humane walking and training system: Walk In Sync. We’re SO excited to be able to share this invaluable solution with our fellow pet parents! Here’s Alecia with an intro message from her training website to give you an idea of her friendly approach, and the resources you get with the system.

What is Walk In Sync?
  • The Walk In Sync Humane Dog Walking and Training System is pain-free for your dog and stress-free for you.
  • Designed for superior comfort with soft but sturdy webbing, fully adjustable girth and neck straps, and reflective tabs for night walks.
  • The expertly designed harness has a training clip at the front and a walking clip at the back to assist you in eliminating the pulling habit in minutes, without ever pulling, choking or damaging your dog or puppy’s neck, trachea and throat.
  • The exclusive Accu-grip leash design gives you the confidence and control to be the leader your dog has been begging you to be.
  • In addition to the leash and harness, you get full access to an exclusive “Members Only” video site which includes the Walk In Sync 3 Easy Steps and Puppy Training Videos.

walk in sync

Why You’ll LOVE Walk In Sync:
  • Walk In Sync isn’t just a harness. It’s a system that teaches YOU how to teach your dog!
  • Painless, fun, veterinarian recommended and dog approved!
  • Washable, light-weight and dries quickly!
  • Saves lots of time and money; no need to hire a trainer!
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!
  • Comes in 4 cool colors: Red, Turquoise, Chocolate Brown and Black!
Learn More and Save 30% When You Buy Walk In Sync:

The Walk In Sync Sport Harness & Leash plus access to the members-only videos is $52 at www.WalkInSync.com where you can also read more and watch video testimonials, too! As a special discount for readers, Get 30% OFF when you use Walk In Sync Promo Code: wis30 and order by 1/31/13!

Also, be sure to check out the NEW Walk In Sync Home Study Course and learn 6 Secrets Your Dog Wants to Teach You!

Connect with Fans of Walk In Sync and Get To Know Alecia Evans:

This is a sponsored post written by Woof Woof Mama on behalf of Walk In Sync.

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Happy Birthday Woof Woof Papa!!!

January 3, 2013
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Daddy and Daisy

 

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