This past year feels like it drug along. When I recap it in my mind though it feels like a blink in time. I have been doing some reflecting lately about this blog and I thought I would share with you what the 10 most popular blog posts were for 2013.
10. The Cozy Hound Fleece Dachshund Jacket Review
9. Inside the Soul……of My Hiking Backpack
8. 6 “Unknown” Dog-Friendly Trails Near Seattle
7. Who Are These People Who Don’t Pick Up Their Dog’s Poop?
6. One Way to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth Without Brushing
4. 7 Signs Your Wiener Dog Might Have Wet Belly Syndrome
3. Jackets That Fit Dachshunds
2. Which Subscription Dog Goody Box Is For You?
And THE #1 blog post of 2013 was…
1. I Don’t Brush My Dog’s Teeth. I Did This Instead.
Chester’s teeth after anesthesia-free teeth cleaning
So what does this tell me?
Well, first, I am not the only one out there that doesn’t brush my dog’s teeth. My personal experience out there in the dog world actually told me that a long time ago. There are “the best ways” to do things and then “the best we can do”. I don’t think it is realistic for pet parents to expect themselves to do the absolute best, all of the time. Really, I think we all do some “best” and some “good enough” and no two dog owners have the same habits that work for them. I am willing to bet that most of our readers are taking better than average care of their pets and that is a good thing in my book.
Not surprisingly, a good number of our fans (if not the majority) are Dachshund owners or fans. I love all dogs but Dachshunds are what I end up writing about most because, well, that is what I own. My intention has always been to share Chester and Gretel’s stories while entertaining you, teaching you something new, or giving you a new way to look at things.
It also tells me that at least some of you hike (or want to). Yay! I love Chester and Gretel to the moon and back but hiking was my first love. If I did not have such a great love for hiking, I never would have taken Chester out into the woods and discovered that he loves it as much as I do….and started this blog. I’ve always wanted to make hiking with your dog a significant part of what this blog is. I am happy that other people like that part too.
So I asked myself, is this what I want the blog to be known for? For the most part I can say yes.
I would like to talk a little more about the grand adventures of other hiking dogs (not just Dachshunds, and of all sizes). I will admit that I am not sure how you, our readers, would feel about that. Maybe you only come here because I write about Dachshunds? I just think that a lot of what we have to share applies to dogs of all sizes.
I would like to write more about hiking tips for both dogs AND pet parents. Our adventure stories have always been, and always will be, the center of our blog. I don’t want that to change. However, I want to share more tips and products that make hiking with your dog more enjoyable, safe and fun.
In my mind, it’s just as important to address things for dogs as it is for the people hiking with them. I want to take the product reviews beyond those for dogs (although that will be the majority of them) to things like backpacks, shoes, clothes and gear for people. Again, I am not sure how you guys would feel about that since the blog has been primarily dog-centric to this point.
I would like to know your thoughts. Every post I write is for you guys and I want to make sure this blog can grow while still keeping the core of what keeps you coming back. It would help me if you could leave a comment about your favorite parts of the blog and anything else you would like to see (and, maybe even more importantly, what you DON’T want to see).
Thanks.
Jessica, Chester and Gretel
Roxy the traveling dog says
First, that picture of Gretel is hilarious! This kinda goes back to the post I wrote last month about were I want to go in blogging. People find blogs all kinds of ways. If they like what they find, they return and hopefully subscribe. Your readers are no different. We come here to see what the adventure wieners are doing. Maybe learn a thing a two along the way. Were you have been, and were you are going makes everyone want to be here and share the adventure.
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks Mary. I guess in the end all a blogger can do is write about their passion. I think it is the passion that attracts people the most to whatever it is. By broadening our subject matter we might lose a few people but we might gain some people along the way too. I appreciate your comment though because I always have my reader’s interest in mind no matter whatever I write about.
Kate says
Buster and Willie and I have been following your blog since just about the beginning (in fact, Buster was a Guest Adventureweiner!), and what drew me to it was that it addressed one of our favorite activities – hiking with dogs. We had just inherited Buster, our first ever dog that was not a Lab, and were still in awe of his stamina on the trail. At that time, we had never seen anyone else hiking with a dachshund, so I was super excited to discover you and Chester and Gretel! As a hiker, I would LOVE to see the blog expand more in that direction, including reviews for people products (I know you are something of a “gear-head” like I am!) I liked the Guest Adventureweiner concept, too, although it doesn’t have to be weiners. It would be interesting to hear people’s stories of their adventures, and share tips. That said, though, I think all of us will read anything you write, as long as it is accompanied by pics of the dogs ; )
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Kate. I really appreciate your comment. It helps to know that at least two people (you and Mary above) would still read the blog if I expanded the scope. Ha, ha. I went back to check on Buster’s cameo appearance and was surprised that it was almost two years ago. My how time flies.
Yes, I am a “gear head”. I would like to start reviewing some of my favorite packs, hiking boots, jackets and such. I am also putting my feelers out for guest posters who want to send in a story about their favorite place they hike with their dog (not just Dachshunds either). I think the Seattle are is pretty amazing for hiking but I would like to learn about some more places around the country. I think some of my readers would too 🙂
Thanks again. Jessica, Chester and Gretel
Kate says
Has it been TWO YEARS already??? Wow!
I would love to see the community respond with their favorite dog-friendly hiking spots. We have lots of beautiful places here in CA, although I think Seattle is mother-lode of dog-friendliness. I’ll send you some pics and a description next time we go somewhere cool. : )
Jessica Rhae says
Sounds good Kate
Golden Woofs: Sugar says
So glad to see on your list a “poop” post. It seems Dog’s Health is the trending topic. You know why its #1 because you also created a Page for it. From your list, it shows that you got lots of Doxie readers.
Thinking to do the same post next year because its funny to find out what people search and they go to our page.
Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar
Jessica Rhae says
I regularly look at what search terms people are using to find my blog posts. It can be pretty funny. It also helps you to know your current audience by looking at the most popular posts.
Kimberly Gauthier says
My favorite was the one about dog poop. It was very well done and I discovered a new walking trail and was so excited after our first walk to not see any dog poop. The second visit, I saw more dog walkers and a couple of “forgotten” piles. *sigh* – hope that people, for the most part, pick up after their dogs there, because many trails have been ruined because of piles of dog poop.
Jessica Rhae says
The dog poop ones are always fun to write too. I think it is important information and I like to share my “technical poop knowledge”. Ha, ha. I also think it’s attention grabbing because not a ton of people write about it.
Montecristo Travels (Sonja) says
I have a question: How did you define “most popular”? By hits and views? by comments and exchanges? Just curious to know (and I love this idea!).
For me the teeth brushing and poop picking up articles remain ones that made me laugh. Isn’t it funny how sometimes the ones that are not what the blog sets out to be can end up being the most popular? My 3 part series of pet fashion – with only a hint of a travel mention – is still hugely popular … it makes me wonder sometimes. *sigh*
Jessica Rhae says
I defined “most popular” by the greatest amount of page views. You make a good point that “most popular” could be defined by other things but I stuck with the traditional “eyeballs”. It IS funny how weird, random and seemingly “off-topic” posts can turn out to be the most popular. I think your dog fashion one might have been so popular because it is one that a lot of people can relate to – not just travelers. I know that is the case of my “dental health” posts. That post could appeal to anyone who owns a dog, not just those with hiking or active dogs.
Oz the Terrier says
Hi Miss Jess! Well, as a Terrier who loves adventures in the great outdoors including hiking, camping and canoeing, I would love if you expanded your hiking adventures to include all sorts of dogs and yes, even people! I would love to read about the gear you use for both you and the dogs as well since hiking gear can also be used for our other outdoor activities. It would be great to have a guest hikers series so we can learn about great hikes from both near and far!
Keep up the great work! You know I love coming to visit!
Oz
Jessica Rhae says
Thanks for the yay vote on expanding the scope. I have over 10 years experience in the outdoor retail and service industry so my hope is that I can provide a somewhat knowledgeable voice 🙂 I would also love to “get paid” *wink* to write reviews of outdoor gear I can use. Why should Chester and Gretel get all the glory? 🙂
snoopy@snoopysdogblog says
Hey Jessica
We all love hiking here, so we’d love to have tips and info for humans too, Mum’s looking for a water bottle you can put water into from anywhere and it filters it and ideally the filter doesn’t need replacing (if that’s even possible), so if you decide to review water bottles we’d sure love to read that! 🙂
I hope you’re having a fun day,
Your pal Snoopy 🙂
Jessica Rhae says
Hmmm…I have not heard of one of those bottles where the filter doesn’t need replacing. I actually don’t think they Do exist. I am pretty sure Camelbak makes a water bottle with a filter.
Jodi says
I like hearing about hiking experiences you’ve had as well as learning about products that help you during the hike. I think you must follow your heart, if you love what you are writing about it shows and that will bring readers.
emma says
Awesome! We think a nice mix of topics is the best. We love adventures, but some tips and reviews are great too in the mix.
Linda - Alfie's Blog says
Its kind of funny how our dogs are so incredibly different and yet your blog is the one most relevant to our activity level and interests 🙂
I loved your article about the best clothes (for humans!) for dog walking and I’m always on the lookout for human dog related products so I’d definitely be interested in more of those sort of reviews. I seem to always be on the look out for the perfect rucksack (still haven’t found it) and the perfect hiking shoes, not to mention emergency snacks and gloves that keeps you warm but with enough control to hold on to a leash. Looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the new year.
Jessica Rhae says
Well, my hope is that people with all kinds of dogs can find at least some of my post useful (I know that a good part of them are geared towards small dogs). Thanks on your feedback on my ideas for the year ahead. I hope you continue to find some good stuff here.