Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Todd Williamson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Todd, thanks for joining us today. Who is your hero and why? What lessons have you learned from them and how have they influenced your journey?

Can a hero be a dog? Well, I truly believe they can be. My hero is my first female red Golden Retriever. Her name is Natalie Anne. Natalie entered my life July 8th, 2007. She was my first dog outside of a family dog when I was a teenager. I was working three jobs and it was a very tough time in my life. As an adult I always wanted a dog but I wasn’t convinced that this was the right time for me. I battled with not having enough time to devote to her and if I could handle this new huge responsibility. My girlfriend at the time thought otherwise and that I would adapt to the time and changes needed, I just needed the push to do it. Long story short, that relationship ended, but I was so grateful for Natalie when she came trotting into my life!

Natalie was the best thing that could have ever happened to me; little did I know that she would completely change my life FOREVER! Natalie taught me to slow down, to enjoy life, to live life not in the past or future, but to live life in the moment. She showed me true unconditional love and in return taught me to love better. Watching her grow and live her life by my side truly gave me a secret comfort and a private peace. But one of the most important lessons I learned from her was how to be a better human being. Sounds a little crazy huh? It’s true though. We can learn a lot from dogs if we are not afraid to truly pay attention to what they have to teach us. Natalie died on July 17th, 2018. As much as she changed my life while she was alive, she changed my life even more when she unexpectedly passed away. This July will be five years that she’s been gone. She is still teaching me things and communicating with me in ways that I definitely notice, but that’s a story for another time. Natalie Anne Williamson I miss you so much and love you more than words can describe. You are forever my hero!

Todd, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Todd and this is my beautiful Golden Retriever Penelope Anne. She came into my life at nine weeks old and is the same bloodline as Natalie Anne. Penelope and I started traveling the United States together when she was 10 months old. During our travels I started taking pictures of her and posting them on Facebook. After several posts on my personal page, the idea came to me while overnight in Nebraska to create her own Facebook page so we could share her journey with family and friends. As the days went on and we were on the open road thoughts came pouring into my mind, like writing an educational children’s book series about her adventures across the Country, maybe a TV series, product line, commercials… you name it. Penelope could visit schools and children’s hospitals to accompany teachers and volunteers while they read her books to the kids. Naturally she would be happy to take pictures & sign autographs (paw-tographs). The next day we went to work and “The Adventures of Penelope Anne®” was born. I created a website for her, which was my first and only. Approximately 10 months later she auditioned for a reoccurring role in a new original TV series and she got the part. We, ok maybe I was sooo excited!! A short time later I created her own brand name product line. Penelope’s been very busy, she’s done a commercial for a well-known hotel chain, a product video for a newer dog toy company, she’s doing a multitude of videos for a map making company and she’s been cast in a movie which is currently in production. I’m also working on a couple other projects that hopefully I will be able to announce soon. Penelope’s brand has affiliations with other companies that offer discounts if you use her specific code for that business. I am very proud of what she and I have accomplished over the past few years. I have never created something this big, detailed, and exciting before. It has been an absolutely amazing experience! I’d like to mention that 10% of her sales from ”The Adventures of Penelope Anne®” gets split in half, 5% goes to O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) an organization helping to rescue and save children from human trafficking and the other 5% goes to a different local animal charity (products are available through her website).

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Penelope (aka “P” that is what most people and I call her) has brought new meaning and so much happiness into my life. Her love for me and her adventurous spirit has allowed me to go outside my comfort zone. I’ve done things I have never thought I could or imagined myself doing before I had her by my side. My mission is to give Penelope the most memorable experiences throughout her life that I can. She is such an amazing and friendly dog. P is so outgoing, exudes happiness and is a beautiful red Golden, people flock to her and we enjoy meeting everyone we interact with.

I’ve always had the desire to travel the country. Having Penelope with me on this journey has been life changing. Penelope and I have been to 48 States. It would be amazing for us to finish out the United States by visiting Alaska, Hawaii and all U.S. territories and to one day travel the world together. One of our many goals is to continue to post pictures, write about places we’ve been and our experiences along the way. Our passion is to share our adventures and knowledge we’ve learned with others.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Penelope’s social media audiences were initially family and friends. Through my hard work, perseverance and willingness to learn new things, The Adventures of Penelope Anne® has grown in popularity slowly but steadily.

For those just starting out on social media platforms, be yourself, don’t get discouraged and never give up. Slow growth is still growth!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theadventuresofpenelopeanne.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadventuresofpenelopeanne/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theadventuresofpenelopeanne/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-williamson-27290019/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIEWVhXxIEODJzw8HzpZ37w

Image Credits
Todd C. Williamson and The Adventures of Penelope Anne®