Why do Bear and I like blog hops and linky parties?
- We've met so many incredible new friends we'd never find otherwise. For the majority of blogs Bear and I visit on a regular basis, probably eighty percent of them or more we found through participating in blog hops.
- With the variety of blogs that participate, there's so much to learn for those of us who can never know enough. Not to mention that there are a lot of touching, fascinating, or otherwise unique stories to be told outside of one's "niche."
- They are great ways to build relationships within the blogging community. When Momma recently went through a tough time emotionally, our blogging friends were our best supports. So building relationships with other bloggers isn't just about increasing readership, but also connecting in meaningful ways that can often be lost behind a computer screen.
In keeping with the tradition of this particular linky party, my three favorite link ups from the last Showcase follow.
Help! My Dog Stinks! - I Love My Chi
This post covers the various ways a dog might smell ... less than lovely. In the ten years I've had Bear Cat, I've gotten to know the silent killer (stinky fart) well ... by the time I smell it, he's long gone. You'd never think THAT SMELL could come from something the size of a cat ... but OH, IT CAN! Pet food doesn't smell good coming out of the bag or can ... so imagine it marinated in a warm mouth for a little while ... and BINGO! doggie (or kitty) breath. Because of Bear's dental issues, I brush his teeth every day, so I get off easy on this one. But I'm reminded of something my vet said way back when Bear required his first dental cleaning and extraction (at two years old): cats and dogs suffer from the same dental problems as humans when their dental health isn't addressed (unfortunately for Bear, even with daily brushings he STILL loses teeth). The most surprising thing I learned in this post is that a dog's fur holds onto moisture (thus, "wet dog"). I've always been told a cat's fur (the oils) repels moisture, so I assumed a dog was similar.
So, You’re Visiting Our Humans... - Feline Opines
So, You’re Visiting Our Humans... - Feline Opines
Generally, I try to avoid choosing one of our co-hosts as a featured post ... but this is the best post (read: FUNNIEST and TRUEST) I’ve read anywhere in a LONG, LONG time. And I have to laugh because my guests would understand. My brother was here last week and Bear clawed at the door to the guest room any time it was closed (which was all the time since Bear’s a little thief and will make off with anything that tickles his fancy and he can carry). I recommended my brother keep the door closed and Bear was SURE there was all kinds of fun closed within. I also enjoyed this post because I got to know each of Anita's Tribe of Five a better ... and they are HILARIOUS!
Soft & Sweet – 10 Things I Love About Samantha - Wag 'n Woof Pets
Janet (of Wag 'n Woof Pets) does a fantastic job writing uplifting and positive posts. She talks about Luke's reactivity and the health issues of Cricket and Sheba; these posts have taught me a lot. But she also writes posts of Sheba's life lessons, and ten things she loves about each of her fur babies. I love the focus on the positive. I love that readers get a good overall view, and can't help but fall in love with, each dog, and Samantha. This post is her entry into what she loves about her gorgeous feline, Samantha.
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Welcome to the Pet Blogger Showcase! This is the place for you to show off your favorite family friendly pet related posts, find other great posts to read, show some love to other bloggers and maybe be featured on one of the host blogs!
Meet the Hosts Behind the Showcase
PetFaves- Living the pet lover lifestyle
Heart Like A Dog- The good, the bad, and the Oh My God of living with dogs
Felines Opines- The world from a feline point of view
Momma Kat and Her Bear Cat- The humorous and touching tales of a formerly homeless, yet always extraordinary, feline and his Momma, who's just along for the ride.
About the Pet Blogger Showcase
Twice a month, On the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month, you have the chance to link up one of your blog posts to the linky party link-up. Then visit 3 other blogs that joined the party and leave a meaningful comment. Feel free to share with your followers on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, etc. Then each week the hosts will feature their favorite 3 posts from the previous Linky Party on the new party post.
Pet Blogger Showcase Rules
1. Share a pet specific post, past or present, from your blog in the linky below. Family friendly posts only. (We love reading about other topics and niches, but posts that are not pet related will be deleted this includes any posts that don’t mention pets even if they are on a pet blog or if the post could pertain to pets.)
2. Spread the Love! Leave a quality comment(more than just a few words) on at least 3 other posts from the linky party. Tell them why you love their post, encourage them, share on social media.
3. Check back for the next linky party to see if you are featured on one of the hosts’ blogs.
*Note: By adding your post to the linky party you are giving the hosts permission to use an image from your post if your post will be a featured post on their blog to help encourage people to click through to your post. The image may be used individually or as a collage.
ALSO ... please link to a specific post from your blog instead of to your blog's homepage. Since each co-host chooses three posts from the last Party to feature each week - you increase your chances of being chosen by giving us a specific post and not the more general homepage.
ALSO ... please link to a specific post from your blog instead of to your blog's homepage. Since each co-host chooses three posts from the last Party to feature each week - you increase your chances of being chosen by giving us a specific post and not the more general homepage.
That’s it! No need to RSVP. No need to bring a covered dish. No need to add the linky to your post. No need to include a button. Just come join the party and PAWTY ON!
Aw, thank you so much for including my post and for your very kind words! I also especially enjoyed the Feline Opines post, since having company is always a dramatic event around here too! :)
ReplyDeleteJan, Wag 'n Woof Pets
We're thankful you linked up last time!
DeleteGreat picks! I'm very thankful that our dog does not stink. He has hair, not fur, and I've found that dogs with fur stink more, like my mom's dog. But I didn't say that!
ReplyDeleteI didn't hear anything ;)
DeleteThose were goodies. Thanks for the nice roundup!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by!
DeleteHEY Bear
ReplyDeletethank you for you kind comments about the hop for Sammy. It was my honor to be able to pay tribute to a sweet ginger man cat.
Hugs madi your bfff
You did a fantastic, fantastic job!
DeleteHi Bear, Thank you for leaving nice comments on my blog!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there was a link up here. I'm always glad to show the cats waiting for homes at PAWS
in Norwalk CT.
Maggie, Mickey Mouser, and Rufus the Red
We LOVE PAWS. There are so many incredible cats ... and we especially like the pension program. If I lived within a reasonable distance ....
DeleteThat all sounds like a good idea. We like your posts a lot and you have a good blog. Have a great week end.
ReplyDeleteThank you! That means a lot to us :)
DeleteWe always forget that. I'm sort of bummed at blog hops since no one but cat bloggers can be bothered visiting in return.
ReplyDeleteI get frustrated too. There are some cat blogs that I LOVE that I visit even though I never get a return visit. It really wears me down sometimes and hurts - but I TRY to take comfort in knowing that I support the people and blogs I like even when I get nothing back in return - just because they make me happy. Notice the "TRY" ... some days are easier than others.
DeleteWe love hops too....because we get to met new friends!
ReplyDeleteThat's how we met you!!!
DeleteHops are the best way to meet new blogging friends.
ReplyDeleteThat's how we met you!!!
DeleteThose picks are great, Bear Cat and Momma Kat. We have some hopping and meeting to do! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting, and big hugs to you both.
Thank you for joining up!
DeleteAh yes, killer pet smells. Talk about taking the luster of a loving fur-ball. Then I realize we all are apt to suffer from passing gas from time to time and try to grin and bear it. Even if my eyes are watering!
ReplyDeleteI can never figure out how a fourteen pound cat can clear a room ... but I guess he's had plenty of practice by now :)
Delete