New Year: New Look. That’s the plan for Dogtrotting.net. As we slide boldly into 2019 without fear (just kidding), I’ve got a lot of plans in store for this blog including weekly postings and an e-commerce initiative that’ll become a big announcement later. (Hint – think dog stuff).

But first, here’s a little exercise we apply to project at my day job: What will dogtrotting.net start, stop and continue this year?

START

This is fun. Here’s what dogtrotting.net will start doing in 2019:

Posting weekly during the winter and bi-weekly during the summer when dog-friendly fun picks up.

Each month will include at least one post about pet products, one about DYI such as pet treat recipes or crafts, and one about a dog-friendly place, accommodation and/or festival that will inspire travel plans.

• Monthly contests
• Expanded list of Canadian Dog-friendly events, fundraisers and festivals … along with an extensive list of USA Dog-friendly events and festivals. One stop for your comprehensive list of dog fun’s – and the most popular part of dogtrotting.
• Make Media Kits readily available.
• Become an Indigo Affiliate – we’ll be reviewing great Pet Books available in Canada too

STOP   

Stopping seems odd to admit, but here goes: First, as a writer, blogger and content developer, one thing I will stop is dreaming about blogging full-time from home – and that’s not a cop-out. I need to make a decent full-time living to cover all life’s expenses and having a reasonably well-paying flexible job with benefits and pension is something most people dream of – so essentially, I’m already living the dream: a full-time salary and two pet blogs? Awesome.

Second, monetization is not the primary motivation of creating. “Don’t expect your creative pursuits to make you a living” is some of the best advice I gleaned from reading Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert (Amazon affiliate link). If you haven’t read Big Magic, I recommend it. It will help you stop a lot of nonsense.

Also, dogtrotting.net will stop posting guest post from those who just want link-backs. Just kidding, we’ve never done that. (And won’t).

CONTINUE

Dogtrotting will continue to explore as many dog-friendly travel locations and events as our budget and time away from work will allow. Any suggestions, please send them our way. (See form below).

Here’s our plan for 2019:

• The Westminster Dog Show in New York City (of course) along with the annual American Dog Writers’ Luncheon
• RV Camping at any Canadian National Park – Yes, this is the year we try it.
• Dog-friendly Philadelphia – this city’s been on my list and this is the year likely during Dog Days of Summer in August
• Dog World Expo in New Jersey (back to NYC essentially)
• more popular topics such as waterfall hikes, dog-friendly beaches and RVing with pets.
• PTBO Pet Summit in Peterborough, Ontario to expand our coverage of pet health
• SuperZoo 2019 in Las Vegas … again. (Love SuperZoo – and Vegas)
• Dog Bowl in Frankenmuth, Michigan
• And speaking of Michigan… watch for our upcoming series about ultra-dog-friendly (and car-free) Mackinac Island.

Any dog-friendly suggestions? Let us know:

Looking for more guidance? Checkout National Geographic’s Dog Lovers Guide to Travelling with Dogs (Amazon.com affiliate link) around the USA and Canada – We’ve got our own reference copy.  or buy it in Canada here (Amazon.ca affiliate link)