Search Engines and New Product

In the past two weeks I’ve loaded over 100 products to my website. I was hoping that my web traffic would pick up, but it’s the same. I can’t get to the top of Google or any other search engines. When people search on keywords specific to my product, I’m on page 4 or 5; that’s if... I haven’t paid for Adwords. There’s so much advice out there about how to improve SEO but I’m not sure any of it works. In my opinion, people who get on page one pay for it. Either they pay search engines for advertising or a consultant to work the system. From my experience with Adwords …..paying for it just isn’t profitable.

Enough complaining; let me tell you about the new additions. I’ve added Miniature Frame Magnets to the collection; they are the most adorable things I’ve ever seen. They are only £3.99 each, which I think is a bargain for what you are getting. They hold a small picture; can be displayed on flat surfaces or used as a magnet. I’m sure when I go to shows they will sell well; don’t think people will be able to pass them up. Unfortunately the manufacturer has discontinued them, so if you like them, get them ASAP.

I’ve also added more Large Frames, which are a much bigger version of the miniature ones and can hold 3 ½” x 5” or 4” x 6” photos. These are excellent to display a regular sized coveted photo. One customer bought the frame for a pet that died and put his photo in it. I thought that was a lovely way to remember them.

As for Christmas Ornaments; there are five varieties: the Dog Kennel (my favourite), Santa Pals, Dangly Legs, Personalisable and Soldier Dog. 

Santa Pals are little dog heads peeking out of material stockings, they are lightweight and make great stocking fillers. Personalisable ornaments can be hung year round; these are the least Christmassy. Sizes vary slightly depending on the dogs head. I like them because you can put add a message. Maybe something funny like ‘Who farted?’ if it’s a pug, ’It wasn’t me’, ‘Walkies?’, or ‘When’s Dinner?’.

Dog Kennel ornaments are the most versatile, there is a magnet on the back and it has a flat surface so it doesn’t only have to be hung. There is a place for personalisation but it’s small; I would leave it blank or put a memorable date there. If they don’t sell this Christmas they are going on my refrigerator; I’m sure my husband will be pleased.
Dangly Leg ornaments are comical; the dogs head is really big and the little hanging legs are hilarious. Someone suggested cutting off the legs, but I think that's a bit harsh.  Don’t know if these are for everyone so I only got a few breeds.
Soldier Dog is the most expensive at £9.00 and I only sell the Pug and Dalmatian right now. Even if you don’t have a Dalmatian this ornament is Fa Bu Lous.  They stand on flat surfaces, so they are multifunctional, but they might be more popular in America.

This isn't a sales pitch (well I guess it is really)....If you like them BUY Early because I don’t have a lot of stock and don’t know how often I will order more. Shipping from the US is very expensive so I have to make huge orders; won’t restock if I only need one or two things. Also, if you like something but I don’t have it in your breed let me know so I’m prepared next year!

Dogs in Need

Every so often I think that we should adopt another dog. My husband and I work from home so we would be around to keep them company. But Lenny and Nancy are getting old and it might be too disruptive for them; there is also the expense.

Anyway, once in a while I look on rescue sites to find a perfect match. It is so upsetting to see all the animals needing new homes. On the oldies club for instance there are many pets over 10 years old. WHAT IS GOING ON? What has happened to the previous owners? How can anyone leave their pet after all those years? I keep seeing Change in Circumstances....I JUST DON’T GET IT!!!!!!
Am I missing something? If you want to see the oldies in need for yourself visit
http://www.oldies.org.uk/

Other than dying there is no excuse.
If you are physically unable there is help http://www.cinnamon.org.uk/
If you are homeless there is help
http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/az/v/veterinaryentitlementcard/default.aspx

The Berlin Zoo and Knut

Visited the Berlin Zoo last week, the weather was beautiful and the animals were sunning themselves. At the side entrance on the right were alpacas and elephants.

It wasn’t until leaving that we noticed the rhinoceros laying in the sun on the left. The zoo aesthetics were beautiful; there were no bars and it looked like you could walk up to the animals. It had been a long time since I visited a zoo so at first glance it appeared pleasant.

Around the corner the elephant house smelled awful and the enclosure was small but today they were outside.  One of them was separated from the rest, it was sad. Signs were in German so it wasn’t clear why the zoo had done this; maybe it was to make the elephant easier to photograph. Poor thing just walked around in circles; even though I felt bad, I took some photos. The giraffes also had a small space, these large and gentle creatures are my favourite.

The goats probably had the nicest enclosure, they were happy to climb and chase each other around. Generally the smaller animals appeared to have more room, maybe because they are smaller.  The lion cages reminded me of a Circus, they were all in separate cages pacing back and forth like crazy people. It was feeding time so and watching them made me feel really terrible, so I got out of there. Couldn't find their outside so can't comment.

                    This otter seemed to be enjoying his food.

Don’t know what this bird was but he wasn’t moving and I got a lot of pictures.


It was hard to find everything because the zoo was spread out and signs were scarce; sorry to the apes, bears, monkeys and all the others not mentioned.

One of the biggest draws for the Zoo is Knut, the polar bear. Today people were watching the bear and mourning the second anniversary of his care taker Thomas Dorflein’s death. Flowers were left in the bushes by the enclosure with a picture of Knut and Thomas.  Born in captivity at the Berlin Zoo, December 2006, Knut quickly became a world famous and much talked about bear. His parents were moved to the Zoo from a Circus in East Berlin after the fall of the wall and they produced two offspring. When his mother killed the female cub, the Zoo assigned Mr Dorflein along with other zoo staff to nurse the bear. Dorflien was the first person to be seen in public with Knut and was his primary care giver putting him in the public eye. Ironically, his mother is now in the enclosure with Knut, she is in the back and doesn't seem to like the well wishers.

It was a wonderful day and I enjoyed walking around and watching the animals; but I have to wonder if Zoo’s are good for the animals.  It would be nice to get some other opinions, for more zoo pics go to Dogs Etc on Facebook