pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “A Conscious Cat”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop
Ingrid KingThe Conscious Cat by Ingrid King
Ingrid King is the author of Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher and the founder and publisher of The Conscious Cat, a blog that has been called “educational catnip for the cat lover”.  She is a former veterinary hospital manager turned writer. Her online magazine News for You and Your Pet goes out to subscribers around the world. The Conscious Cat is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Cat Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
I love that part of the question asks about what my pets have taught me – I’ve always felt that animals come into our lives to teach us, and I’ve been fortunate to have a number of these animals in my life.  Not surprisingly, in my case, they’ve always been cats!  I currently share my life with Allegra, an almost one-year-old tortoiseshell kitten who I adopted the the beginning of April.  She is teaching me what it’s like to live with a juvenile delinquent kitten!  I haven’t had a kitten in over twenty years, and it’s easy to forget how much energy kittens have!  It’s been great, because she forces me to take frequent breaks to play with her and entertain her, and she, in turn, entertains me.  It’s hard not to laugh at her kitten antics, even if I may get a little exasperated with her inventiveness when it comes to getting herself in trouble!  She has her own column on The Conscious Cat, titled “Allegra’s World,” in which she shares life from a kitten’s point of view.  I lost my beloved Amber in May after spending ten wonderful years with her.  She passed away unexpectedly after a brief illness, and I still miss her terribly.  I’m also sad that Allegra never really got a chance to get to know her.  Amber was a wise old soul in a feline body and the inspiration behind The Conscious Cat – she shared some of her feline wisdom in her “Amber’s Mewsings” column on the site.   And then there was Buckley, a joyful spirit who taught me so much that she inspired an entire book, Buckley’s Story:  Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher.
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
The Conscious Cat was inspired by Amber.  I started the site in March of 2009 as a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health and happiness for pets and their people, with a focus on cats.  It’s evolved since, and in addition to features on cat health, feline nutrition, and other holistic health topics, I also share book reviews and author interviews, all of them with a primarily feline focus, as well as other feline lifestyle topics.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Find your niche.  There are thousands of pet blogs out there on the internet, and I think you have to find a unique voice to make yours stand out.  Be consistent about blogging.  If you can’t commit to blogging at least three times a week, don’t start.  I think there’s a statistic out there that someone starts a new blog every twenty minutes, but that most blogs are abandoned within the first two months of being started.  Most of all, have fun with it.  If you’re passionate about what you blog about, you will draw an audience.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
Cat health.  I bring twelve years of experience working in various facets of the veterinary profession to the table, and I love staying on top of the latest advances in feline health.  I’m hoping that by sharing this information with cat parents, I can contribute to cats’ health in general, and to a greater understanding of how humans can make the most of their relationship with their feline family members.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Educate yourself.  Research the type of pet you’re planning on bringing into your family to make sure that it’s a good fit for your lifestyle.  For example, don’t adopt a rambunctious young kitten if you want a mellow, laid back cat who is content to sit in your lap while you read or relax.  Be aware of the cost of owning a pet – this includes veterinary care, food, supplies, and more.  Understand that your pet will be a member of your family, and be willing to accept this with all the joys, but also the challenges, that come with it.  Most of all, open your heart to the amazing lessons these animals have for us!
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “Champion of My Heart”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop
Champion of My HeartChampion of My Heart by Roxanne Hawn
Trained as a traditional journalist and based in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA, Roxanne is a full-time freelance writer for magazines, websites, newspapers and private clients. Champion of My Heart is a living memoir of life with a very fearful border collie named Lilly. You can follow their adventures online, including when they succeed and when they fail. Life with dogs, it seems, is always a work in progress. Champion of My Heart is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Dog Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
Currently, I share my home and my life with two dogs – Ginko (a lab-greyhound mix) and Lilly Elizabeth (a smooth coat border collie and the canine heroine of our Champion of My Heart blog). My husband and I decided long ago that two dogs is our limit, both in terms of what we can handle inside the house (since we both work mostly at home) and also financially (since our dogs always seem to need expensive veterinary care).

Ginko has taught me the joy of saying “yes!” He is totally a yes! dog. No matter what you ask him, his answer is always yes! He turned 10 this spring, so we have high hopes that he’ll continue to say yes! for many more years.

I always say that being Lilly’s mom means I’ve earned my PhD from the University of Dogs With Issues. Lilly is a clinically fearful dog. That means she isn’t just shy. She is deep-down, full-on fearful of just about everything in her world.

It’s really a three-part reality for us. (1) Lilly is probably in the 10% or so of dogs who are naturally (and probably genetically inclined) to be fearful. (2) Lilly likely had a very deprived puppyhood, with little socialization. We adopted her at six months old, and she had already been in two shelters and a foster home. (3) Lilly was very sick as a puppy, with not only parvovirus but also terrible kennel cough that turned into pneumonia. Our behaviorist from the Colorado State veterinary school told me years ago that if you take those three things, you’ll get a dog with Lilly’s personality every time.

So, Lilly is brilliant and sensitive. She is driven to please, yet terrified. She is an amazing dog who needed a family who understands her unique needs. I’m so thankful we found each other. I have learned so much about dog behavior, dog training, compassion, patience, and teamwork from her. She truly is the Champion of My Heart.
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I’ve been a writer my entire career. I wrote all the time as a child, and I’m very lucky that I make my living as a writer. So, for me, coming from a newspaper and magazine background, blogging is simply a new medium for a craft I adore. People talk about “new media,” but it’s really very much like “old media” in terms of the skills and processes of the work. I saw blogging as a new way to play with the narrative form.

I began the blog on a Friday the 13th in April 2007, so we just finished our third year and are already into our fourth year of blogging. I typically post five days a week.

My goal is to someday (soon) get a book deal, where I can tell the full story of Lilly in one place.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
As a journalist, I think many new bloggers (not just in the pet niche) risk copyright infringements or ethical problems.

For example, a realtor in the Pacific Northwest liked an article I wrote for a big-name dog magazine, so she took it nearly verbatim (changing just a few local references) and posted it on her blog. She mentioned my name, which a Google alert picked up and reported. That’s how I knew what had happened.

Here is the thing. Just attributing it to the original author isn’t enough. Typically, the content (either online or in print) belongs to someone (in terms of copyright). Sometimes that owner is the writer. Sometimes, depending upon the contract, it’s both the writer and the media outlet. Sometimes, it’s entirely owned by the publication. Either way, using it without permission or without payment is a big no-no.

I emailed her and pointed this out, and she took the post down.

You certainly can quote small portions of something with attribution (called fair use), or you can link to the original piece and comment about it on your own blog, but to take someone else’s work in full (or nearly in full) isn’t a good idea.

From an ethical perspective, there are all kinds of things some bloggers do that, as a working journalist, I don’t do, but that’s a whole other thing that we don’t have time/space here to discuss.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
Well, clearly, I’m a dog girl. Crazy, cannot-live-without-them…dog girl.

Because of the many lessons I’ve learned from Lilly, I would have to say that, for now, dog behavior and dog training are my real passion. So much information out there is completely bogus, debunked, outdated, inhumane…you name it. While I cannot change that, I can be one voice, telling our story, and hoping to teach people a few things along the way.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Wow! That’s a tough question. There is so much to learn. Even though I’ve had dogs my whole life, I honestly don’t think I knew how little I knew about so many things until somewhat recently. I guess I would suggest finding yourself a really good dog trainer and finding yourself a really good veterinarian. Trust me, you will need these people as lifelong partners in dog care.

And, remember, dog training isn’t just something you do for 6-8 weeks when a dog is young. It’s really a life-long process, filled with love and bonding and understanding. Instead of thinking about dog training as a way to “control” your dog, think of it as ongoing cross-species communication that yields great rewards. Dogs can only do what you ask if they understand what you want.

One of my local dog training and dog blogging friends wrote recently about her dogs being in that perfect zone, where the antics of puppyhood are over and the concerns of elder years aren’t yet upon them. I think I’m at that place too.

Sometimes, I just sit and marvel at how well Lilly and Ginko fit into my life. I truly cannot imagine life without them.
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “Petiquette”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop
petiquette blog jim burwellPetiquette by Jim Burwell
Jim Burwell has professionally trained 20,000 dogs and counting. He is both locally and nationally known and has been featured on NBC, MSN Dog Central, Hitched Magazine, Texas Magazine, Houston Business Journal and more. Jim and his wife Leila live with their four dogs and Petie cat in Houston, TX.  Petiquette is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Pet Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
Sammy our black lab, Ginger our golden retriever, Sophie our littler terrier mix and Cooper our little 3 legged terrier mix. Each in their own way has taught us perserverance, trust and unbridled joy. Each of these dogs had either been thrown away, literally, or abandoned. But they all persevered in living their lives until they were rescued. It was amazing to see how quickly they were able to trust and love even though they had never been treated well in the past. They approach each day with joyful glee waiting to see what each new day brings.
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I have been professionally training dogs for 20+ years and wanted the opportunity to share my knowledge and have the ability to help people realize that dog problems can be fixed it they, the owner will understand how to positively communicate with their dog and set the dog up to succeed. We started our blog about 4 years ago.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Make the goal of your blog to help people, make them smile and give them a resource to great quality information.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
Dog training of course. Specifically helping dog owners who have behavior issues with their dogs and new puppy owners to they will begin life with their new puppy understanding how to set the puppy up to succeed in their home.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Begin training with a positive reinforcement trainer immediately. Be as comfortable with the trainer of your dog as you are the teacher of your children. And remember: “Opportunity Barks!”
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “My Himalayan Cat Goma”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop
my cat goma blogMy Himalayan Cat Goma by Sachie Tani
Sachie is Goma’s mom. She is a Japanese transplant, moved to the US about 10 years ago and currently resides in Vermont. Sachie considers herself the world’s craziest cat lady/graphic designer/professional blogger. “Imagine your typical cat lady and and multiply her by 100. That’s Sachie!” My Himalayan Cat Goma is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Cat Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
My pet is Goma is a 3 1/2 year old Himalayan cat. Goma taught me how to love others. I really don’t think I knew how before I met him. Love feels good!
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
My Cat Goma Blog was started on May 2007 and I am keeping it real ever since. I am from Japan and I live in the US alone. My family are all back in Japan. Goma was the first cat I ever owned, and I was super excited. I wanted to share that everyday excitement with my family with photos and videos. That’s how I started my blog. Now more than my family can come see Goma’s adventures everyday. It is so much fun!
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
1. Find things that are unique to your blog. For example: I have a Gomacam™ running 9-5 weekdays on my blog. It is a live webcam people can watch Goma live.

2. Connect with fellow pet lovers, bloggers, and the community. Be active talking to other pet lovers. Building a great relationship with them makes your blog more fun.

3. Take advantage of social networking sites: Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, etc. Goma has all of them, and they are updated daily. Goma’s Youtube channel is off the hook! We have 95+ videos of Goma on there.

4. Build trust with your readers that you are genuine, authentic and real. Just absolutely love what you write.

5. Never do it for the money because those site are lame and people can tell.

4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
I am most passionate about Goma. I am also passionate about animal welfare, we often do fund raising for unfortunate cats and feature abondoned/lost cats to be adopted. We just raised about $900 for very sick kitty name Junie.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Just enjoy the each moment you spend with your pet. This is very important. Document everything that your pet does so that you can look back all the good memories. And maybe start a blog about your pets.. You totally should!
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “Raising Ruby”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop

raising ruby blogRaising Ruby by “Ruby’s Raiser”
Raising Ruby is the account of a service puppy in training, Ruby, as she works toward becoming a partner to an individual with a disability. The blogger goes by the nickname “Ruby’s Raiser” as she raises and trains Ruby for Canine Partners of the Rockies in Colorado. Raising Ruby is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Cause Related Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
My pet dog is a 12-year-old female Shepherd/Chow mix named Kiva. When we received her at 8 weeks old, we were told that she was a “deep thinker.” To this day, it is the truest description of our girl. She is deeply thoughtful with an incredibly upbeat and positive personality. She has an endless supply of patience; her tolerant and gentle nature guides me each day. She has also taught me the most important lesson I have learned in my lifetime: Live in the moment.

Ruby is a Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever mix and she is just over a year old. As a service puppy in training, Ruby is allowed full public access, so we go everywhere together – stores, restaurants, museums, cultural events, etc. I’ve learned a tremendous amount in regard to public perception while I’m out and about with Ruby and I believe that service puppies are in public to educate as well as be educated. With Ruby by my side, I’ve been able to speak with many people who may not have previously understood the role service dogs have in our society.

2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
In July 2009, Canine Partners of the Rockies gave me an adorable, spirited, 10-week-old service pup to raise and train for the next year and a half. I knew at once that I wanted to chronicle our puppy raising journey. I thought it might be useful as a resource for others who may be considering raising a service puppy – what’s involved, where to go, what to do…and maybe what not to do! Also, I felt that keeping a personal account, or “diary” of Ruby’s puppyhood and training might someday be a wonderful gift for her partner. In addition, I thought a blog would be a great way to reach a larger number of people than I ever could in person, so I could help raise awareness for service dog organizations.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Take lots of photos, just keep shooting! During those times when you’re just stumped for a blog post topic (it happens!), it is so helpful to have a extensive file of photos to browse through – you’ll find a photo to spur your creativity and you’ll always be able to come up with something cute or funny or interesting to accompany that shot. Also, if you’re really going to commit to blogging, you may want to invest in a backup camera so you can make sure you have one nearby at all times. You might keep a tiny camera in the car or in your purse or pocket, or keep one upstairs and another one downstairs at home. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on expensive equipment, I’ve gotten some outstanding shots from my very inexpensive little point and shoot camera.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
My heart is devoted to raising awareness for service dogs; I’ve been a volunteer with various service dog organizations for many years. To witness the love and trust of a team, the beauty and fluidity of a partnership, is to understand how honored I feel to be part of Ruby’s journey. The relationship of a person and service dog who share life’s challenges is completely unique. Service dogs not only help to bring independence to individuals with disabilities, they provide the kind of social and emotional support we all receive from our pets, but on a whole other level.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Have lots of patience and lots of fun!
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “Pawcurious Vet Blog”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop

pawcurious blogPawcurious by Jessica (aka Dr. V)
Dr. V is a small animal veterinarian and intrepid blogger from San Diego, California. She started Pawcurious in 2009 as a way to reach out to other pet enthusiasts, and has since enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship of the pet loving community. When she’s not at work, on Twitter or Facebook, she’s enjoying the beautiful Southern California sunshine with her 2 dogs, her 2 human kids, and her husband. Her current obsession is teaching dog Brody how to surf. Pawcurious is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Pet Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
My pets are:

1. Brody, a one year old Golden Retriever. He has taught me I was correct in thinking puppies are way more work than adults, that some dogs really are harder to train than others, and some people actually think I would sit down with a hot crimping iron in order to make his ears all crimped. (They’re naturally that way, I promise!) He’s also taught me the divine power of a photogenic dog.

2. Koa, a 7 year old Labrador Retriever who was adopted from rescue in March. She has taught me (well, reminded me really, since I already knew this) that perfectly amazing and wonderful dogs wind up in rescue through no fault of their own. She’s also taught me that some dogs really do need dental cleanings three times a year, that dog kisses have magical healing powers, and duck dog food creates gas that could be harnessed and used as a weapon of mass destruction.

3. Apollo, an 11 year old cat. He has taught me that the hysteria over black cats is way overrated, pets over 8 do suddenly develop food allergies, and wet food really is a good long term choice for felines.
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I’ve been blogging in various formats since 2001, but I didn’t start a public blog until January 2009. I’ve always written about my life and my work, so this was a natural extension of that hobby. I’m fortunate to have a husband who enjoys taking photographs, so he’s the official pet photographer of the blog.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Find your voice. Don’t be afraid to be yourself- that is what is going to differentiate yourself from all the other people out there doing the same thing. Learn to take great photographs, or have someone around who can do it for you. Comment on other blogs and reach out to other pet bloggers- it really is a thriving and supportive community!
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
As a vet, I see the consequences of poor decision making on the part of pet owners, so I use my blog to be a pet health advocate online as I do at work. I am also a huge advocate of pet rescue and Be the Change for Pets, a grassroots organization that encourages bloggers big and small to make a difference in their own activities.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Find a great vet and make sure you follow their advice on preventive care. Getting your pet protected against preventable disease and on a high quality diet goes a long way to getting them off to a good start with you. If you have a dog, get them in training- no matter if they are young or old, or if you are experienced or not- going through a basic obedience class is a must for all new dog owners!
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “FIDO Friendly Magazine”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop

Carol Bryant Fido FriendlyFIDO Friendly by Carol Bryant
 Carol Bryant is FIDO Friendly’s Social Media & PR Director as well as being a writer and blogger. Hailing from northeastern Pennsylvania, she has authored educational content and her prose can be found in magazines such as FIDO Friendly and VESTITURE while her short stories and flash fiction have won numerous awards. She is working on her first novel and involved in FIDO fun and rescue.  FIDO Friendly is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Dog Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
I once read that you don’t pick a dog; that the dogs in your life pick you. How very true that resonated on December 19, 1993. The moment our eyes locked amidst the barking and chaos, I was hooked. Brandy Noel ignited the passion I have for dogs in every way possible. My little girl lived 15 ripe years and we battled many illnesses together. I decided on a home-based career to be with her. Since her passing in October of 2008, little Dexter has come into my life. Dexter and Brandy are both cocker spaniels. I love them dearly and see the world through the eyes of a cocker: spunky and full of life. Oh, and I like my tummy rubbed, too.
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
The magazine I work for (FIDO Friendly) did not have a strong social media presence. I came on board to create one. In addition, I am a writer, active in dog rescue, and eat, sleep, and breathe dog. My dogs rescued me. I’ve been writing as long as I’ve been speaking basically. I’ve been blogging about 6 months steadily.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Don’t wait for people to come to you. Go out and interact. If you blog from home, that does not mean never leave the home. Mingle, network, connect, interact. Attend events. Go to conferences you can afford. Look for animal-related activities in your community. Talk to people at the dog park. Stop to smell the roses and hand out a tummy rub or two. Most of all, have a sense of humor. Look for topics daily and befriend people with similar interests. Guest blogging rocks, too. You learn a lot and expand your network. Try new things.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
Traveling with your dog. At FIDO Friendly magazine the mantra is “Leave No Dog Behind®” and I live that. I love fresh hot topics but my heart goes out to people who rescue pets, give them homes, foster animals others ‘threw’ away, and those who are underdogs and fight for the small victories of life.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Be the kind of person your dog(s) thinks you are. Live that creed and you’ll never go wrong. Always get a second opinion in times of illness if you are unsure. Don’t believe everything you read and just because they wear a white coat does not make them right. Dogs depend on you for everything. You are their world.  Share it with them and share the love.
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

pawscoop Pet Blogger Series: “Sparkle The Designer Cat”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop

sparkle book

Sparkle the Designer Cat by Sparkle the cat
 Sparkle is an award-winning author, advice columnist, supermodel, cat expert… and a cat.  She has been online since 2003 and is one of the earliest known cat bloggers.  She also may be the only cat ever to have her own Amazon Author’s Page.  Sparkle the Designer Cat is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Cat Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
Being a cat, I don’t have pets. I do have two roommates – a tortoiseshell named Binga and a Birman mix named Boodie. Binga has taught me to watch my back! She is rather ill tempered. Boodie, according to my human, is the dumbest cat she has ever had, so I haven’t learned much from her. Thing is, we cats (Boodie excepted) are born geniuses, so we tend to be teachers, rather than be taught. For example, I have taught my human how to cater to all my whims, from my finicky taste in food to my need for the finest cat toys. Now if only I could get her to stop kissing me so much…
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I never intended to blog. My human brought me home when I was four months old, and two months later she threw me on the internet. That was back in January, 2003. So you might say I was conscripted! In fact, I was underage, so you might even consider it kitten labor. But I had the last laugh – I have gone on to have two books published (my latest, Dear Sparkle: Cat-to-Cat Advice from the world’s foremost feline columnist, just came out). My human hasn’t been anywhere near as successful an author as me.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Be part of your community. I am fortunate in that the cat blogging community is so big and so friendly! Post often on your own blog. Compile a list of your favorite blogs and comment frequently on them. Those bloggers (and their visitors who see your comments) will very likely come visit your blog, and that’s how good relationships (and good blog traffic) starts.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
Without a doubt, helping cats in need, especially helping rescue cats from high kill shelters. One of the most gratifying experiences I’ve had was being part of a group of online bloggers who teamed up to save a friendly black kitty from certain death at a Georgia animal control facility. Now known as Freya, this cat was adopted by a family in Little Rock, AR. This would not have happened without a bunch of us blogging and getting the word out, and some very helpful people local to GA and AR who were willing to transport. As a bonus, several other kitties were saved from this high kill facility because of all the word of mouth.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
We pets are living, breathing, caring beings and we depend on you for food and shelter. We are not “things” that can be tossed away when you get tired of us. Please, before you adopt a pet, consider the responsibilities, and the lifetime commitment pet ownership requires. If you are not up to the job, then don’t adopt – volunteer at your local rescue or humane society instead. If my blog, written from a cat’s point of view, can help to get that point across, so much the better.
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “FUR by J Mikel, The Canine Curator”

Posted on August 18, 2010 by pawscoop
FUR by J MikelFUR by J Mikel, The Canine Curator by J. Mikel Sacher
Located in New York City, J. Mikel is a canine curator with a pedigree in beauty. She searches for high profile things for the pet set and their people. FUR by J Mikel sets out to find all the “furbulous” items dogs want, need and deserve! FUR by J Mikel is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Dog Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
I always had a dog growing up and have always loved all animals. I currently live in NYC with my 16-year-old Westie named Zak. He has taught me so many things….

(1) Responsibility – I am obsessed with walking him and sometimes I just scoop him up and kiss him.

(2) Pet Health Tips and Tricks – we were on Dr. Oz.

(3) True Joy – I light up just looking at him, we were on a PBS special and we were cast as soul mates – how cute! I never put a label on what we are other than a very lucky girl and a very lucky dog that live well together!
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I think blogging is such a creative and expressive way to share my pet-point-of-view. As you may now, I created a luxury line for pets – FUR by J Mikel with my knowledge of the beauty industry to make a better quality and highly efficient product for pups. As I sell my line, I am in and out of amazing pet stores and love learning or scooping other product stories. My blog is super new and I am really having so much fun sourcing new items, vet tips and creating original videos like Doggie Extra Credit. I have been on twitter for a while – so micro blogging led to the real blogging! I also have a FUR dogs facebook group that I post on as well.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
Have an original point of view and stick to it. Share well with others and never stop learning.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
Beauty, fashion, food and events – because I love how the good pet life is so rich and layered and mimics real life.
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
Take a stay-cation to be at home for ten days or as long as possible with your pup. During this time, you can potty train, socialize and comfort your dog. With the correct training – all dogs are sublime.
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series: “Catladyland”

Posted on August 17, 2010 by pawscoop
catladyland blogCatladyland by Angie Bailey
Angie is a Minnesota writer, word game junkie, creative project dabbler, music love, food enthusiast, wife, and mother to two humans and three cats. She spends her days enjoying her family, blogging, playing Scrabble, laughing at her cats’ shenanigans, and finding the general silliness in most everything. Catladyland is a 2010 Pettie Awards nominee for Best Cat Blog.
1. Who are your pets, and what have they taught you?
I have three cats: Saffy, Cosmo, and Phoebe. Saffy has taught me that being nice pays off and to fully enjoy every meal. Cosmo has taught me to relax and enjoy a snuggle now and again and that it is possible for a human and a cat to share the same pillow. Phoebe has taught me that persistence pays off and to never leave sticks of butter on the kitchen counter.
2. What inspired you to start blogging, and when did you start?
I have always been a cat lover and have enjoyed writing since I was a little girl. Cat behavior fascinates and entertains me; I can’t help but laugh at their daily shenanigans. I have a habit of imagining them in funny — often human — scenarios and the thoughts that drift across my mind send me into fits of giggles. I thought, “Why not invite others to my crazy-party?” Thus, I began blogging in January of 2009.
3. What tips would you give new pet bloggers to help them start out on a path to success?
I suggest being clear in your blog’s point-of-view. I have found that it’s easier to draw and keep readers when my writing is consistent and somewhat focused. I also recommend blogging regularly — it keeps me disciplined and gives the readers fresh, regular material. Additionally, I think it’s vital to connect with other bloggers who write about similar topics; networking provides opportunities to share information and form connections of all kinds.
4. What pet topic are you most passionate about and why?
I write pet humor so I am definitely passionate about enjoying my cats, laughing, and savoring life with my pets. Life is too short — relax and play!
5. What advice do you have for new pet owners?
You don’t need to buy expensive cat toys and Taj-Mahal-style cat villages — just save your shoe boxes and milk jug rings and your cats will be just as happy and playful (if not more). Catnip now and again doesn’t hurt either.
Share
Posted in pawscoop Pet Blogger Interview Series | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment