Sunday, August 15, 2010

100th Post!

When I first started this blog, I had no idea what I was going to do with it... or even if I'd post regularly! Well, I've clearly made blogging a habit, and one that I quite enjoy at that! As for content, I thought it would be mostly a chronicle of personal stories about Maisy with limited appeal to others. Instead, it's morphed into part personal stories, part information and education. And I'm constantly surprised by someone new commenting.

Today, I'd like to celebrate what this blog has become by hosting my first ever giveaway! I'm really excited about this, because Jessi of Cholula Jewelry has agreed to provide a custom, hand stamped dog tag to the winner! Her jewelry is gorgeous; please go check it out.



The winner of this contest will win their choice of either the paw print tag seen above (see more views here), or a bone tag (see it here.)

As an added bonus, Jess, a dog trainer in Southwestern Minnesota, is offering any Lupine collar in her store so you can show off that gorgeous tag properly!

Alternatively, if you win and already have a tag and/or collar you just love, you can elect for a surprise dog toy to be sent to you instead.

To enter, all you have to do is comment below! Although it's not required, I would absolutely love it if you'd give me some feedback in the process. Tell me which post of mine you enjoyed the most, or what types of posts you'd like to see more of in the future. Make sure that I will be able to contact you- either by having your email address in your blog profile, or by leaving the address in the comment. I will choose a random commenter on Monday, August 23rd.

Thanks, everyone! Your comments and feedback have really challenged me and helped me grow. You've encouraged me and cheered me on! I have really enjoyed the blogging community, and look forward to another 100 posts!

UPDATE!
Thanks to everyone who entered my contest. I chose a random number:

And found the matching comment:

So, congratulations to Krecik, our winner! Incidentally, Krecik makes gorgeous plushies. Go check out the puppies she's made- they're amazing!

Thanks to everyone who entered. The next 100 posts are going to be amazing thanks to your feedback!

15 comments:

onecollie said...

congrats on your 100th post ! :)) I've been a lurker for awhile, I actually have you on my own blog list. I too have a reactive dog...we've come a long way & I enjoy reading about your seminars you have attended as well as any medications you find that work....
my boy is not as reactive in the same way as yours, but it is still good to know other people are out there dealing with issues as well.

Ally and Eclipse said...

How great! Congrats on the 100th post! I agree with onecollie, it's nice to know others are dealing with one form of reactivity or another and while I've had my reactive golden home as my pet for only almost 6 months the amount of support available for reactive dogs and their owners is growing and growing and your blog is a great resource! I love seeing the progress as well as the mistakes you make with Maisy! Congrats again and awesome giveaway!

janaARIES said...

I am a new reader (the last few months) but have so enjoyed absorbing the information here, both in your sharing of personal stories as well as the resources you've passed on. Thanks!

andrea said...

how very cool - so glad I found you in time to celebrate your 100th post (and giveaway too!)

I found your blog through some random blog surfing this summer - I love reading - this summer most of my reading has been blogs .. not my usual but most enjoyable

I, being a foster mom to many critters enjoy the thought provoking posts the most probably - the ones where there is something that makes me think - the training posts are of interset to me too - as there are so many ways to get where we are going but I appreciate anybody fundamentally positive willing to discuss being positive - at times I have felt quite alone ;)
but I just enjoy your blog over all - keep up the excellent work (and cross paws I get a cool tag!! hehehe)

Anonymous said...

Congrats! I read your blog to keep up with your personal training progress/stories with Maisy. The discussions, well, I get enough of those elsewhere. :)

Katie said...

Congratulations on 100 posts! It's amazing the way blogs morph and change on their own over time, becoming something other than what you originally intended. Mine did that as well.

You've created a fantastic resource here Crystal. Cheers to you and to the amazing Miss Maisy.

Anita said...

Wow, 100 posts already? Great job!

One of the things I like the most is your writing style. It's very smooth and easy to read. Your entries do not seem forced but flow naturally.

I have really enjoyed reading about Maisy's progress and your lightbulb moments. You're also not afraid to talk about your mistakes, which can be difficult to admit, but is really helpful to the readers.

Raegan said...

I'm a pretty new reader, but I haven't found another blog that deals with reactivity as well as you do! I really enjoy the medication series, although I don't medicate Gatsby it's something that's been brewing in my mind and I like how you cover so many different approaches.

Cinnamon and Mint said...

Congratulations on your 100th post! I love reading your blog. I found your blog just when I was getting very frustrated by the lack of progress in our training to further reduce Cinnamon's reactivity after seeing progress just enough to get her through CGC assessment. It is really nice to be able to read how other people are tackling the challenge. I am learning a lot from you.

Cinnamon's mum

Dawn said...

Congrats on the 100th post! My favorite part of your blog is seeing Maisy become stronger and more confident. I see it every time we are together too.

M.T. said...

Happy 100th!!! I'm not posting for the contest, so i apologize in advance for not listing out posts etc. as instructed :P Too little time and too many things i want/need to do! However, i did want to post and say that not having your blog would definitely be a loss!!!!! So, i hope to see many more "100th" post anniversaries to come -- 200th, 300th, 400th and on and on and on! I think all your posts are awesome, simply because you write it with much love, passion, and the spirit of sharing and discussion!

trillium said...

Congratulations! I just got off a 16hr graveyard shift and my brain is mush or I'd have something more profound to say. You've put a lot of work into your relationship with maisy and it inspires me to try harder to find more time to do the same with my girls. So it's not just one type of post that keeps me coming back. I think you have my address but its trilliumjs@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Congrats Crystal and Maisy--both on your 100th blog post and your progress as a team.

I love the thought-provoking posts RE "labeling reactivity" etc., but especially your notes on seminars and recaps from events.

I do events with my reactive dogs and its always nice to see how others handle their obstacles and issues as well. I very much liked that you posted the video of Maisy in the ring when she reacted to the dog and disabled handler (sorry, thats what I think it was) coming in. Again, its helpful to me to see how others react and handle that type of scenario. (Which you did very well by the way!) It happens to all of us at some point--admitting and analyzing our failures only makes us better next time.

And, I would like to enter the contest! :)

MurphyDog said...

Congratulations! 100 is a big number! Mom was super excited when we hit 100...she really likes your idea of a give-away as a way to celebrate!

wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog

MurphyDog said...

Just wanted to swing by and tell you to check out my blog post...I left something for you!

http://dogcatgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/versatile-blogger-award.html

wags, wiggles & slobbers
Murphydog