Vetcetera How to start and grow a top pet health site...with love

Today’ post is inspired by Tripawds.com and Maverick's Story, two pet health sites dedicated to a couple of individual dogs and their diseases.

Tripawds is all about Jerry, an osteosarcoma patient who lived well after amputation. But it’s also about all the other pets who may lose limbs, live with cancer and survive their diseases comfortably with the assistance of their humans.

It’s a site I’ve been championing since I discovered it a couple of years ago. Since then, at least four of my patients have received amputations after their owners discovered Tripawds and adopted the position advanced by Jerry’s family, Jim and Rene: “It’s better to run on three legs than to limp on four.”

Maverick’s is much newer site. It’s dedicated to Maverick the Weimeraner, the first canine patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia to receive a bone marrow transplant cure. His site is dedicated to canine leukemia and lymphoma patients whose owners seek some of the same kind of hope Maverick’s family received.

It never fails to impress me, this kind of dedication to the lives of our pets expressed through the power of new media. But building and maintaining these sites is not for everyone. After all, it’s expensive to bring a story to the masses. And if you’re like Jim and Rene at Tripawds, you’ll soon find that your popularity can have serious consequences.

Now that Tripawds has outgrown its hosting plan, it’s looking to its readership to help pay for more server space. And it’s not cheap. That’s why they’re raising about $4,250 for Tripawd’s continued life beyond Jerry’s demise.

Because it’s no longer about Jerry––not really. Now it’s more about all the lives Jerry can still influence beyond his death through his family's dedication...and the support pet people like us can provide them with our donation

Maverick’s site still has a way to go before it hits Tripawds level, but I’ve been in contact with Marna and Howie about how much good their site can do should they take their own dedication to the next level and grow Maverick’s fan base...by following the Tripawds model.

***

Though Dolittler’s still a small blog by world-class standards, I too understand the travails of growth and the ups and downs of running a site on a shoestring and sweat. My server gets 80,000 hits a day. And though that sometimes seems like it’s getting close to breaking the bank, I make it happen knowing that 1-I couldn’t NOT do Dolittler every day and 2-one day Dolittler might receive a sponsorship I can live with.

When all else fails, I think of it this way: Other people sink their earnings into boats (a hole in the water into which to dump your cash) and I get by begging for rides while sinking MY money into a labor of love that grants me more than a simple guilty pleasure.

I think that’s what drives these other pet site-runners, too. Like Gina over at PetConnection. Like Heather Houlahan and Megan and Barbara and Stefani and all the rest of you who keep your pet sites up and running in spite of a down economy and the nagging feeling that your dollars might be better spent elsewhere. But in the end, it’s all about love (OK, and maybe a little obsessiveness), right?

PS: Help us help others by donating to Tripawds and Maverick’s causes. These sites can’t continue to do their excellent work without YOUR help. Please give as generously as you can.

March 29th, 2009

Add Comment19 Comments

So many people do things extraordinary for pets. it's encouraging.

I know a woman who by herself has trapped, tamed, and rehomed many ferals very successfully. When her mother died, she kept her mom's condo to home a bunch of cats in that couldn't be adopted out yet since they were not tame enough.

All my ebay auction money goes to the continued support and care of a group of kittens I rescued almost 2 years ago that I never expected to keep, but did on the advice of my vet due to an virulent outbreak of FIP amongst them.

I know another dozen stories just like that. Something about animals inspires certain people, like yourself to try and share their stories and through their stories, themselves.

I've read so many people's blogs now, and started my own with it's three followers.

I think that open and honest fund raising through web sites, stories and groups is fine, it is those that are not so clear about what the goal is that I object to.

sponsorship is good if you can control whom you choose....and I suspect that is a part of the problem. I'm sure when the timing is good, you'll find the sponsor you want. As long at it comes free of expectations on their part, if you "have " to write, it might not be quite so enjoyable.

http://lorrim-fip.blogspot.com/

LorriM March 29th, 2009 10:54:25 AM

Thanks doc! Really, we can't thank you enough for helping us spread the word about our efforts to help canine amputees and their people.

tripawds.com March 29th, 2009 11:02:35 AM

Wanted to add, that I visited Tripawds, Maverick & Cody's page, all terrific.I like the personal and layman terms, along with the specifics, makes for widespread appeal to a large group.

LorriM: This is the first time I've seen "you" post a link too. Your FIP journal is informative, heartwarming, and heartbreaking...with wonderful cat pictures, and I've sworn off kitty posts for awhile! (and yes, your speculative environmental post was food for thought)

Barb A./NH

Pocket's Story from NH March 29th, 2009 10:48:14 PM

Barb,

thanks...it's been a long time in creating...and I've been somewhat noncommital about promoting it. trying to figure out what to share and talk about, it's a lot of doom and gloom so hence the pictures and the diversion from the FIP sometimes. at the risk of sounding tongue in cheek, it's my pet project...and it does help me heal a little as well. Thanks for visiting it.

LorriM March 29th, 2009 11:40:42 PM

Why the highly sophisticated medical treatments and the enormous expenses for our companions when the veterinarians and their association consider them "PROPERTY"? Are your perspective clients aware of your philosophy concerning animals' status before you ask you them to put their hands deep in their pocket????

<p><a href="http://alabamavetboardwatch.110mb.com/Asp-index.htm">Asproolee’s Story</a>

Fotini March 30th, 2009 11:20:23 AM

Fotini: I'd like to extinguish this debate right now, since you already know that my position on this issue is not that which you claim is held by all veterinarians.

Most veterinarians do not view pets as property, despite their legal designation as such when it comes to seeking non-economic damages for the loss of a pet. A growing number of us would like to see both veterinarians AND pet owners conform to a higher standard of treatment for animals, which includes awards and penalties for a higher price than the animal is worth on the open market.

Please, now, let's leave this debate aside for this post. It has no place here.

Dr. Patty Khuly March 30th, 2009 12:15:53 PM

Fotini,

I'm the biggest sceptic out there and I have never seen Dr. Khuly anything but compassionate towards animals. I fully understand your anger, but in this case, you're barking up the wrong tree.

I've seen as many neglectiful and abusive owners as well...it's a problem both sides suffer from, but you can't punsih all for the sins of a few.

LorriM March 30th, 2009 01:49:38 PM

LorriM

<p>I merely asked a question and it was in no way addressed to Dr. K. whom I have found to be one of the few honest veterinarians. However, for those veterinarians who believe that animals are more than "mere property" come forward and argue their status with AVMA.

Fotini March 30th, 2009 02:19:55 PM

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