It sounds like such a cliche. Well, actually, it is a cliche. But here it is: Cancer changes you. Maybe it’s something about facing your own mortality (because, really, don’t we all feel invincible?) or maybe it’s just the perspective you gain from sorting important from trival. But something changes.
Now that I’m feeling like myself again, emerging from the fog of the last year, combined with a total reexamining and realigning of my priorities, I’m itching for change, for adventure. Perfect timing to move to a new part of the country, right?
I’m also taking a look around here, blowing the cobwebs off of some unused sections of this website, tweaking a few things here, deleting a few things there…
This site went live May 5, 2009! Four years of writing about all things dog. Can you believe it? My obsession with dogs hasn’t waned in that time… if anything, it’s grown!
So, putting those thoughts together led me to an overhaul to OhMyDog!
A few things:
First, I launched a whole new design! I’m still making a few behind-the-scenes tweaks, but I’m loving the direction. This is a precursor to someday getting a custom site, of course! What do you think?
Next, you have probably noticed that, on occasion, I post a Sponsored Post. These are posts that I charge for, and I’ve used that money to pay for the hosting and registration of this site. However, in trying to align more closely with my core values, I’ve decided to do two things to change the Sponsored Posts:
- raise my rates (!!) because
- those sponsored posts are going to pay for the sponsorship on an adoptable pit bull every month.
I haven’t picked specific dogs yet, or even specific shelters, so if you have suggestions please share! Most likely I’m going to start with the three different rescues where my boys all came from, but I’d love to hear other ideas. And, of course, I’ll be sharing the profile of the adoptable dog each month.
Also, what are you guys doing about the phase-out of Google Reader? I switched to Feedly, which transitioned super easily. However, if that’s not for you, I added in a few things that’ll make it easier to keep up with OMD! You can click on the RSS subscription button (upper right orange radio icon) or subscribe via email (the box right below the social icons on the right side). I wanted to make sure all that functionality was in place before Reader bites the dust… Incidentally, am I the only one who was horrified by that news?! I love Reader! Sigh…
And, finally, and this is the most important, I need to thank you. I can’t ever, ever, EVER express how much your comments, emails, FB messages, tweets, and good wishes have meant to me over this last year. Seriously. The community that we have is precious, thoughtful, vibrant, funny, and good. How lucky am I that I get to chat with you guys here, on social media, and – on those very lucky, very special occasions – in person?! You are fabulous, each and every one of you, and your dogs are so lucky to have you!
So, from the bottom of my heart: Thank you.
That’s great Maggie! We live in a rural little town 1 1/2 hrs north of toronto,our internet isnt the greatest, so I rarely go on the computer, I just use my phone, blog looks good, I’ll have to get online when I get home to check out everything. Can I suggest Instagram for posting pictures of the dogs as well. I like Instagram because much like twitter people that aren’t necessarily in your friends or subscribed list can see your picture post using a hashtag search. I also like Instagram because you can post simultaneously to twitter,fb, 4square and you are not limited by the 140 characters like you are with twitter and because you are posting using pictures, we’ll all get to see more pics of your boys.
Ooooh, what a great idea!! I’ve never tried Instagram… It seems like something that I could totally get carried away with 🙂 Off to check it out now. Thanks for the suggestion!
When I moved from Google Blogger to WordPress I was terrified. I was basically going from a free blog to my own blog. I didn’t want anyone but me to own my content. Change is good!
I also donate 100% of the monies I receive from all my sponsored posts to my local pet charities.
Will miss you at BlogPaws!
I’m so bummed to miss you at BlogPaws, too! But I’m super excited to attend BarkWorld. We’ll have to catch up there for sure!
Good job on the changes. I overhauled my design recently and plan on going to a custom design in the future too. Good luck with everything.
I love your design! I love how it feels like a magazine instead of a threaded blog. So cool and modern! Good luck with your custom design, too. So exciting!
I love the new design, and I love the adoptable pit bull sponsorship. Change can be scary, but also very good! So glad you are feeling like yourself again, and taking new things on.
I had never used Google Reader, lucky for me, since I’ll have nothing to miss! 🙂
Also, congratulations on four years of writing!!
Thanks, Jan!! 🙂
The site looks great, Maggie. Congratulations on four years of blogging, that’s a real accomplishment. And, it’s so good to hear that the past year is behind you and that you and John (and the dogs and kitty) are on to a new adventure. Too many people don’t realize how short life is … you’ll be a great example!
Thank you for the kind words, Amy! And I’m crossing my fingers you guys pass through LA so we can see you again!
I love your new look. Very clean and stream lined. And good for you, raising rates and sponsoring pitties!
Thanks so much!
The site looks fantastic! I’m glad to hear that you’re doing well. 🙂
Thank you for the kind words!
My little 4 year old niece had cancer – what a difficult thing to go through! – hope you’re ok Maggie!
I’m so sorry that your little niece had to go through all that. It’s not easy as an adult, but as a kid… I can’t even imagine how hard it was for her and your family. Best wishes to you and your entire family!
Hi Maggie! So many great things from this post! My favorite is definitely your project to sponsor adoptable pit bulls. What a creative and, well, amazing way to use your talents as a blogger. I am working on a similar project, here in NYC, where I’ll volunteer my time as a photographer at a shelter this summer and create portraits of as many adoptable pets as possible. I haven’t started but am super exited!
All the best!
What an inspiring project, Daniel! I can’t wait to see the portraits!