John here. Maggie is on her way to Chicago for a pet expo, so I decided to take over her blog for today and tell you my side of the story!
When Maggie first decided to start a blog I was excited because I knew that she really needed a creative outlet. More than that, she needed something that was all her own. We have lots of things in common and enjoy doing many things together, but everyone needs that is just theirs. And so Maggie started this blog.
What started out as something to do just for fun has blossomed into an amazing career for her. She’s gotten involved in rescue organizations, has built a loyal readership (thanks!), and has found one of the most supportive and fruitful networks one could ask for. She’s now going to conferences, getting pitched products, guest posts, and is being asked for her expert advice. I’ve been so happy to see this blog grow and I hope that I’ve been as supportive to her as I have been in my mind.
I’m sure you’re asking yourself what it’s been like for me. Probably not, but I’ll tell.
Friggin’ awesome.
And stressful. Sometimes weird. But mostly awesome. Since Maggie got this blog going, here are a few things I’ve gotten to do:
– Handed out anti-BSL postcards in Denver (I remember the late nights printing and organizing the HUNDREDS of postcards that came in through that)
– Participated in countless photoshoots with Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations, Mardi Gras beads, grilling equipment
– Tested countless toys, grooming products, dog beds, cat carriers, vitamins, and really cool technology (Newt’s collar cam, the water fountain from PetSafe, etc)
– Talked more about dog allergies, poop consistency, canine oncology and chemotherapy, and all the horrors that are the “what-if” situations
– Listened to Maggie on various radio and internet sites talking about the things she’s passionate about
– Read her amazing work, from posts to e-books, to the hilarious things she says on Facebook
– Watched her travel several thousand miles with Emmett to be in the Pinups for Pitbulls 2015 calendar and associated book (order yours today!)
– Met some of the coolest, nicest, funniest people on the planet (you know who you are, ladies! Rod, too)
Bust most of all, I’ve gotten to support Maggie being Maggie, and watch her do exactly what she wants. I look forward to the next photoshoot, the next conference, the next round of free dog and cat stuff (what can I say, I’m cheap like that), and the next anything. If it weren’t for Maggie and this blog, I’m not sure I would have kept Newt, I’m not sure we would have fostered Molly for as long as we did, and I’m not sure we would have been on the email list for the organization that brought Cooper home to us. So, Maggie, keep doing what you’re doing. I can’t wait to see what comes next.
Why he won’t sit
Awwww, jeez! This is so sweet! Embarrassing, but sweet.
What an awesome post!! It is so refreshing that you support Maggie!! I read her posts everyday, and never fail to be delighted. I feel like I know your family 🙂
Thanks, Kathy! She makes supporting her quite easy! Glad you love her blog!
Oh that was a great post, we never get to hear from the other half. she is a lucky girl….blush blush….
stella rose
Thanks, Deb! Now I’m the one blushing!
Thanks for sharing her with us. 🙂 Your wife is a gem. And I can’t wait to see you this week, Maggie!
She really is a gem, Flea! I’m continuously amazed at how much she rocks! Have fun in Chicago!
Nice to hear from the other side!
It was a lot of fun to write, and easy! When I was writing that it made me wonder if other bloggers and their significant others have similar experiences.
I hope to one day meet you! Wish I was at TPE with Maggie – I know she’ll have an amazing time!
That would be great! I’ve only been to one event with her. With our herd, and my work schedule, it’s hard for us to coordinate travel together. Maybe one day!
Such an amazing post; I love that you’re not only supportive but you have no problem sharing such great aspects of married life with a blogger. Supporting someone’s creative outlet is wonderful. Very nice to hear from the other side.
Thanks, Jen! While at times things have been stressful, scary, etc., we always find a way to make it work. And we usually have a pretty good time doing it, too!
John, we’ve never met but I’ve heard a lot about you. This is a lovely (and surprisingly touching) post about one of the most spectacular ladies in the pet industry. Coming from the PR side of things, I appreciate what a great person and professional Maggie is. Cheers to both of you!
That’s so nice, Ashlee! Maggie is pretty great and SUPER professional, though she’ll never admit it!
John, you’re not a regular blogger so I’ll give you a piece of advice. You may not want to tell everyone your wife is out of town before writing a sweet and supportive blog post that caused women from all over the world’s ovaries to jump.
Just saying.
I will be sharing this post with my husband. His rare guest posts cover poop-centered snow balls and human-flesh eating dogs. I need to train him better.
I’ll be looking forward to Maggie’s tips on that when she gets home. 🙂
You know, Pamela, every day I get up with personal goal of making SOMEONE’S ovaries jump. Going global with that? That’s the best. I could write volumes on poop, so I can understand where your husband is coming from.
And yes, Maggie’s gone for the weekend! I like the finest boxed wine money can buy! It’s usually around $15 or $16 bucks at Kroger or Target. Just saying.
that was really sweet!
Thanks! I was going for honest, but sweet somehow slipped right on in!
Oh my goodness, what a great post. I always wonder what goes on in my husband’s head when it comes to my blogging…though right now it’s really more of a hobby than anything else. It’s pretty amazing what opportunities can come from pet blogging, isn’t it? Awesome guest post, John! 😀
Thanks a lot, Chelsea! At first, helping out with photo shoots, giveaways, and all other blog-related things were a little outside of my realm and I really had no idea what I was doing. Now, when we get close to any major holiday I think so myself, “We should really wrap all of the decorations around someone.” It’s just how it is now, and I love it!
This is so sweet!
Thanks, Rebekah! She’s way sweeter than I am!
What a great and supportive post. Maggie – he’s a keeper.
Ha! Thanks! You should probably remind Maggie of that AT LEAST a few times a day. She never gets tired of hearing that! (I’m totally kidding….)
I’m sure it makes things easier for Maggie having such a supportive husband, and that has helped her reach the success she has.
My husband is supportive, and proud of what I’m doing, but doesn’t really want to get involved much….just getting him to help me with photos can be a project! There are days I could use an assistant, and he’s just not interested in the job!
Have you tried clicking and treating when he DOES help with something like photos? 🙂
I hear easy cheese works like a wonder!
Spouses/Partners have a very important role in any entrepreneurial venture. Its great to see such team work – encouraging for others. Good wishes to you John & Maggie.
John, I had to read this one out loud to Rod. It’s not every day a fellow blogger husband gets a shout out, so this is pretty special. If Rod would write a post, I’m afraid it would be more of the “poop in snowballs” genre that Pamela’s husband tends toward. This is a super-sweet post. The next time we get together, maybe you could give Rod some tips. =)