2013 Annual Pet Blogger Challenge

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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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Giveaway: Win the Walk In Sync Dog Training System and Gear! {3 Winners}

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Walk In Sync Giveaway

Start the New Year off on the right foot (and paw) with the stress free, humane and highly-effective dog walking and training system from Walk In Sync! We recently let you in on all the details of what makes this gear unique and how the training system works. Whether you have a new puppy to train, or want to stop your adult dog from pulling or lunging on walks, Walk In Sync can help. Be sure to check out our recent post here for more information, video, and a special 30% OFF Discount promo code to save big!

We’re super excited to be hosting a giveaway and 3 lucky winners will each receive a fantastic prize from Walk In Sync, designed to jump start your leash training in a fun and dog-friendly way.

Prizes are:

1 Winner: Get A Grip Leash

1 Winner: Walk In Sync System

1 Grand Prize Winner: Walk In Sync System PLUS a Personal Phone or Skype Consultation with Alecia Evans, expert trainer and creator of the Walk In Sync System!

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

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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!


PetSmart Printable Pet Coupons and Deals: Innova, Blue Buffalo + More!

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PetSmart coupons and deals

I was just over on Facebook and spotted several new PetSmart Printable Pet Coupons and Deals including:

  • Save $.50 on any Catswell Treats
  • One free 13.2 oz Innova dog food can with purchase of any size dry dog food bag. (Max value $2.39)
  • One free 3 oz can of Innova cat food with purchase of any size dry cat food bag. (Max value $1.19)
  • Get a $5 coupon at the register when you purchase qualifying Purina and Hill’s Science Diet products.
  • Buy BLUE & Save $4.99 flat rate shipping on all Blue Buffalo dry food & litter

You can head on over and LIKE PetSmart on Facebook for access to these and more pet deals, coupons and freebies.

8 Things You Need to Know When Shopping for Pet Insurance

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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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