Holy Crap! I was hesitant to put my feelings and concerns out on the table and ask you to be our Compass. It turned out the response, insight and support I received was overwhelming. I almost couldn’t respond as fast as the comments were coming in.
I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who took time to share your thoughts. I learned a great deal from you.
I learned that I should continue to share what I am passionate about and not worry so much about the details. If I follow my passion it will attract the people that want to share that passion with me and find value in the things I have to say.
I learned that hiking, fitness for your small dog and sharing our travel adventures are really three different angles on the same subject – small dogs doing things that people might not expect.
I am most passionate about health and fitness for small dogs but even athletes need their down time to travel. I enjoy sharing our adventures with you.
I learned that what I have been doing is working. I heard from a few of you that our stories inspire you to try new things and get out and be active. Some of you said that you share our blog with other small dog owners to show them that their dogs are not fragile, “non-dogs” and that they can enjoy many of the same things that bigger dogs do. THAT is our ultimate goal and it feels good to know that we ARE making a difference out there.
You also reinforced something I learned along my journey as a blogger. People want more photos! I started out only using one or two photos per post. The horror, I know. Now I sometimes have a hard time keeping it under 10 
All of your encouragement to post photos has helped me justify spending more money on camera gear. I am not sure my Fiance will that you for that one though. Ha, ha.
Since a big part of what you come for are the pictures I don’t feel bad about posting just photos on the days I don’t feel inspired to write
Most importantly, you encouraged me to be myself! That is the most generous gift you can give someone. We all want to be accepted and appreciated for our unique personality and view on the world. THANK YOU for giving me that gift.
Our friends over at 2BrownDawgs echoed my dream by saying ” you need to quit your job and just go on all kinds of hikes and take tons of pictures. ”. That would be amazing. If I could spend every day hiking, traveling and playing with Chester and Gretel I would.
I could write even more great stores and post even more great pictures. So, if any of my independently wealthy readers want to support my dream by paying me 75k a year to blog that would be awesome. Ha, ha. For now I will just have to settle for sponsored ads to compensate me for the 35+ hours a spend a week working on this thing.
One of my biggest takeaways here is the confirmation that I should share of my feelings with you. I lean toward the analytical. The overwhelming response to my post reaffirmed for me that you want to read stuff you can relate to and connect. I want connection too. I think all of this will come across more if I take off the training wheels and start putting more unrestrained heart into my writing.
Have no fear, we will continue to share our adventure stories and photos. First and foremost, that is what we are about. I don’t expect who we are to change much but we do hope to grow into a better version of ourselves.
Thank You. Jessica, Chester and Gretel.
You got such great feedback. I’m glad it’s giving you the encouragement you need to follow your passions.
I heard Lena West speak at BlogPaws 2011 and she said something that stuck with me. The poor paraphrase is to not worry about the people who aren’t interested in what you do or feel the need to criticize it for not being something else. You want to hang with the people who “get you” and appreciate the unique things you have to offer. All the other people can just go pester someone else.
It looks like Blogville is telling you the same thing.
Pamela recently posted…Something Swagging This Way Comes 2012 – Play the Match Game
Yeah. I believe that too but I still want to try and bring more value to the readers who already follow. I felt like I needed some feedback to help me out.
I think the fact that you want to grow and expand is a good sign that you’re feeling confident and comfortable with yourself as a blogger. I do love seeing your adventures, whether they’re hiking or checking out dog-friendly places in your area. You got some great advice and feedback from everyone, which is another sign that people really like you!
houndstooth recently posted…Party Like It’s The Fourth Of July
Yes, the feedback I got made me feel more confident that I am doing the right thing. Who knew a few hiking stories posted on the internet would turn into this huh? Ha, ha.
I have to say, part of what initially draws people to your blog has got to be the name. When you google “Dachshunds” and get 1000 results, “youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com” is just naturally going to be one of the first 5 you click on – at least, if you have any sense of humor at all!!
Yes, that has actually been one of my keys to popularity. Ironically, I don’t think I was given a lot of creative genes so how I managed to be that genius is beyond me. Ha, ha.
Your post made me smile, as do your pups, and we all know smiling is good medicine!
Teri and the cats of Curlz and Swirlz recently posted…Happurry Independence Day!
Thanks Teri. All of the heartfelt responses made ME smile. I almost teared up at one point
Yes…putting a SMILE on your followers faces is utmost important I have found…and…you have done that. People have enough drudgery in their lives and to visit it on a post can be a turnoff…I have found that out only a couple times on my blog…so…forward HO I stay clear of bringing anyone down. Hope that helps and creative keyboarding is interesting too…use new ways of saying things!
Ron…Sophie’s assistant
ron & sophie…^5 recently posted…Many Thnaks, I mean Thanks!
You are right on Ron. People come to the internet, and blogs, to be entertained and uplifted. They want a happy story and some humor that gives then a break from all of the bummer stuff that is out there. You definitely do a good job with that on your blog
You made us smile! I’m so glad you decided to continue what you’re passionate about! That’s the best part of blogging
Amanda and Nola
Dachshund Nola and Her Mom recently posted…New Harness and BLING
Awesome post. Blogging can sometimes be really tough, and a break and some direction is all that’s needed to get back at it. I’m looking forward to more adventure stories and tips and tricks too.
Well, we certainly took our break and then got some direction….so off we go
I do have to figure out what I am going to do for the three and a half weeks we are gone to Europe for our honeymoon. I am thinking of a picture and a thought a day.
Isn’t the pet blogging world amazing? I am floored by how kind and welcomming it is every day. I don’t know what it is but animal people just seem to get it and are the most encouraging people I have ever met.
I am so glad you found the answers and the inspiration you needed to keep going strong!
Kristine recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – Let it Rain
Yes, I have found a wonderful group of people in the blogging world
Can’t wait to see what the future brings! Ps I LOVE that Chester pic!
Katie recently posted…Wordless Wednesday XX.
Thanks. I am pretty excited about the possibilities too.
How wonderful to have received so much support! This community is amazing. I have been asking myself a lot of the same questions and although we don,t have exact lines of interest we do share many. I believe there is a need for what we do so DO it!! especially if you love it. I would say best of luck – but I don’t think you need it! You have passion and talent!
The title of your blog drew me in without a doubt
but your photos and stories are what keeps me coming back!
Beth recently posted…Fetching!
Glad you got such great feedback. And I was serious about you quitting your job…not really…but you do have many fantastic photos!
2 brwon dawgs recently posted…Monday Mischief – Vacation Mischief?