Pet Blogger Challenge

I decided to participate in a Pet Blogger Challenge brought to you by the blog Will My Dog Hate Me? to talk about...well the challenges of pet blogging. The idea is for a lot of pet bloggers to chat (via blog posts of course) about their blogs, share--and of course drive traffic! It was a great exercise in thinking about why I sit here day after day blogging to you, dear readers. The answers to the questions helped me understand better just what I am aiming to do by publishing this here blog, hope you enjoy my thoughts...

1. When did you begin your blog?
I began The Other Winnie Cooper blog in September, 2010.
2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?
I had been thinking about starting a blog about my love for animals with my shih-tzu, Winnie Cooper as the star, but I didn’t want it to be too cutesy or self-serving. So I decided to broaden the scope to all things animal/pet related that interest me and my pet family. So far this has included fundraising for animal shelters, pit bull education, reviews of pet related products that I like and of course, a lot of cute photos of Winnie Cooper! The ultimate goal is to be interesting, so that I continue to be interested in blogging as well as hopefully adding something fun and interesting to the internets and pet blogging community.
3. Is your current purpose the same?
My goal has been to keep it fun and not too much of chore (for me or my readers!). I think the blog has captured some of that spirit.
4. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?
I started out thinking I would put together a very specific calendar of topics and schedule when I would post…but I have found that it’s been easier to be creative on the fly and post when the spirit moves me. So far “traffic” has not been an issue, it’s a new blog and I am just happy that my Mom and boyfriend read it!
5. Are you generating income from your blog?
No, not even a little! I am excited to see what some other pet bloggers say in answer to this question. I would love to grow into a place where the blog has a greater impact, and I could generate income and donate a percentage to my favorite animal shelters.
6. What do you like most about blogging in general and your blog in particular (bragging is good!)?
The thing I like the most is being able to express my love and adoration for my pets. Simply put, I am crazy about them and it’s nice to be able to shout it from the roof tops, so to speak. I think the strength of the blog is in the sense of humor and compassion I try to bring to the writing and the photo captions. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, I think I have finally found the right thing to write about…”write what you know?” Definitely!
7. What do you like least?
I am not overjoyed at the template from blogger, but I am trying to decide when I should spiff it up with a custom look. The design and technical aspects are challenging for me, writing is definitely more interesting to me.
8. How do you see your blog changing or growing in 2011?
My goal is to get out into the real world (as opposed to the virtual world) and volunteer, interview, and generally be a part of my local animal/ pet care community so I can communicate it all back to my readers. I hope that will interest folks and the blog will grow accordingly.

So what do you all think about this? What would you like to see on The Other Winnie Cooper in 2011? What do you like best? and least (feel free, I can take it!)?