Meet the Pet Blogger- Peggy from Peggy’s Pet Place

This week’s featured blogger doesn’t just blog, she’s a published author too! Along with 2 books, you can find Peggy’s work in places like Guideposts magazine (a favorite of my mom’s) and Chicken Soup for the Soul books (a favorite of mine) as well as a variety of other publications. 

Meet Peggy from Peggy’s Pet Place

Share a little bit about yourself and your pets.

Peggy with Kelly and Brooks

Hi Dawn, thanks for including me in Meet the Pet Blogger.

Most days I can be found at my desk, writing for Guideposts magazine, Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and books about dogs– Dieting with my Dog is my first book. Heart to Heart, Hand in Paw is my new book. I’m also staff writer at Be the Change for Animals. When someone’s able to drag me away from my desk (usually the dogs, wanting a walk!) I like to relax with my family, and watch the birds at the birdfeeder.

Right now we have two dogs. Kelly is our 10 year old cocker spaniel-long haired dachshund mix. She’s a very dainty type who likes to be waited on and adored. And she loves posing for the camera. We just adopted golden retriever Brooks, he’s 11 years old. He’s a big old goof who loves playing with tennis balls. Whenever I pat him he just melts into me, he’s so sweet.

How did your love of animals start?

My childhood dog Happy, a rescued beagle-lab, was my pal from kindergarten through high school. We had such a connection; you’d have thought he could read my mind. My mom loved animals too, so stray dogs and cats, a neighbor’s rabbit, my grade school class guinea pig, all ended up living at our house.

What made you decide to start a pet blog?

I was writing a twice monthly column called Pawsitively Pets, and I wanted to find more ways to connect with a community of pet lovers. I’ve met so many wonderful people this way, and that is really the reason why I keep on blogging, and loving it!

How long have you been blogging?

I’ve been blogging for about 5 years. Originally I called my blog The Writer’s Dog but I couldn’t figure out my focus. Was I to write about writing? Or dogs? Or dogs writing? It took a while of tweaking before I got things right.

How would you describe your blog to a first time visitor?

My banner reads: Tips and trends from a pet columnist…under the dogged supervision of her furry co-worker.  I try to write from the heart. I like stories about hero dogs, compassionate pet parents, and people who make a difference. Sometimes we talk about food and health. Every Wednesday I do a roundup of interesting pet news from newspapers, websites and blogs. I also like to let readers know about books—my own and others’—that touch your heart. Brooks now has his own feature on my blog– Brooks Books—where he does pet book reviews! I like my blog to be a place where pet lovers can get together and chat. I love it when readers comment and share their own experiences.

Peggy’s Pet Place

If a reader could only read 1 post on your blog which post would you recommend?

Tough question! Recently, I wrote about a question I’d been struggling with: Should your dog be an only dog? I wrote about my feelings, struggles, guilt, and resolution. While knowing that no one answer is right for everyone, I tried to offer helpful suggestions. I think a lot of people are struggling with the same issue.

What has been the best part and what has been the hardest part about blogging?

I think you probably hear these same answers pretty often: The best part is connecting with a community of like-minded people. For example, when Brooks recently needed surgery for an intestinal obstruction, I shared it with readers and felt their concern and loving support.

And the worst part is not having enough time to devote to social media. It frustrates and overwhelms me trying to write engaging and compelling posts every day, to thoroughly read and make thoughtful comments on blogs while discovering new blogs, and to be active on Twitter, Pinterest, my Facebook pages, LinkedIn, Google+, Klout, triberr…and to wonder, what else am I should  be doing?!

What have you learned from blogging?

If I write from the heart, people will respond. If a post hasn’t connected, maybe it’s because I got lazy and phoned it in.

What is 1 piece of advice you would give to a new pet blogger?

Allow your blog time to evolve. It’s okay if you don’t know what you’re doing in the beginning. Just do it!

Where can readers find you online?

My Website

My blog: Peggy’s Pet Place

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeggyFrezonBooks

Twitter: @peggyfrezon

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Peggy-Frezon/e/B005F75V34/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Watch for more interviews from some great pet bloggers from around the web!