Amy Shojai's Blog, page 102
April 11, 2014
Rediscover “Lost” Loves with #HillsPet
Rediscover “Lost” Loves with #HillsPet
Awww, now that made me cry! When you think about dog weight loss or cat weight loss, one rarely thinks how this impacts the loving bond we share, but this video about Bear drives home the point. “I gained a friend,” says Bear’s dad. Those four words explain the importance of keeping pets slim.
To see a beloved pet in such pain and discomfort, and make that awful but ethical choice to stop the suffering–and THEN instead to regain your friend with something as easy as a diet change–now that’s something to howl about! That’s why I’m so pleased to bring you this information.
Lenny BEFORE on Day 0 at 14.6 pounds. Lenny is the “clinic cat” at Fundy Veterinary Animal Hospital, and “helped himself” to food that was always available. Cat images courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
It can be frustrating when our pets pack on the pudge, and can’t get rid of the extra poundage. After all, many of us love to “love” our pets with treats (you CAN treat your cats and your dogs with healthy treats!), and it can be difficult to deny them this kind of special attention. Even when we try to do the right thing and slim down Tubby Tabby or Rotund Rowdy-Dog, the challenges continue and we feel like heels when pets look at us with pleading eyes. The overweight pet can’t interact like he used to. Walk time becomes a chore for you and your pet so there’s less time spent out and about. Kitties that aren’t lean-mean-playing-machines sleep more and we miss that c’attitude we fell in love with.
Lenny lost 1.3 pounds AFTER eating the Metabolic…meee-WOW what a difference 180-days make! He’s inspiring other clients to slim down their tabbies, because it was so easy.
Unhealthy overweight pets just aren’t happy when they can’t physically spend quality time with us. It’s like we’ve lost our best friend. That’s what happened with the dog in the video and maybe that’s what’s happening with your cat or dog, too. Has your pet’s extra poundage impacted how you interact? Details, we want details! Did the dog used to beg to fetch the ball, and now has no interest? Does the kitty have trouble staying spiffy because it’s hard to pull off those kitty-yoga moves for good grooming?
Even cats and dogs without the severe weight issues like Bear can benefit from a bit of slimming to get to a healthier weight. It not only improves the pets’ quality of life, it enriches your relationship, too. That’s because eating Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution changes an overweight animal’s metabolism to act more like that of a lean animal, so that even after the target weight is reached, this higher efficiency metabolism continues.
Magical-Dawg loves his treats! and an empty bowl offers opportunity to offer sad puppy eyes and say, “I’m starving…fill ‘er up, pleeeeeze!” Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Do you have an overweight pet? Have you tried to slim him/her down? Older pets reluctant to move might be enticed by placing the food bowl at the top of the stairs or on a cat tree, so they must move their furry nether regions to get fed. But what goes in the bowl matters, too, and you’ll see a difference in only 60 days by feeding the Metabolic. I want my pets to stay with me as long as possible–and be happy and healthy at the same time–and keeping them slim can add to both quality of life and length of our companionship, so to me it’s a no brainer.
6-year-old Suzie BEFORE, when she weighed 82 pounds. Image courtesy of Hill’s Pet Foods
If your pet has a weight problem, have you asked your veterinarian about Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic Advanced Weight Solution? Last month I blogged about how it works and why it’s such a great product here. And you can read testimonials here (type in “metabolic”) and learn more about product here as well.
Today’s blog, though, captures the true benefit–LOVE.
Now, to get the legal stuff out of the way: This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic Food, but Amy Shojai’s Bling, Bitches & Blood Blog only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. is not responsible for the content of this article.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
April 9, 2014
Strays Cast Recording
I’ve posted this on the STRAYS page as well, but want to share my excitement in a post. The musical will be performed in October, and in preparation for that, we held a Staged Reading with actor/singers Aaron and Diana Adair, Johnny Flowers, Gil Nelson, myself and my co-author Frank Steele. That fine group also lent their voices to record the songs. This is performed with only six voices–imagine how it’ll sound with a full cast and chorus!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
April 8, 2014
National Dog Fighting Awareness Day!
National Dog Fighting Awareness Day!
Yes, I’m blogging a day early–but it’s important. April 8 (today) has been declared National Dog Fighting Awareness Day by the ASPCA. That’s appropriate since the entire month of April is National Prevent Cruelty to Animals Month and I can think of no more heinous crime against dogs (and other critters) than dog fights.
Image courtesy of ASPCA
Yes, I said “other animals” because even non-fighting critters may be victims of this cruel practice as “training tools” for the fighters. I wrote about a visit to the Crime Museum in Washington, DC last year, where the ASPCA hosted a display of dog fight paraphernalia and information about this horrible practice. The veterinary CSI’s had even excavated the skeleton of a cat that had been killed and buried in conjunction with training the dogs.
Sadly, there are still many myths surrounding the crime. It’s not an isolated practice–dog fighting happens all over the country, in cities, urban settings, and in the country. Perhaps in your community.
I know it happens where I live. Here in North Texas and Southern Oklahoma, dog fighting and the associated guns, drugs and other crimes occur with great frequency. Yep, kids are involved–bring those kids up while exposing them to such things as “normal” and guess what happens? Urk!
So mark your calendars and iPhones for a Google+ Hangout tonight, at 7-8 pm New York Time. I’ll be there. Will you?
Now…I gotta go pet my Magical-Dawg, Seren-Kitty and Karma-Kitten and thank doG that they’re safe!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
April 7, 2014
Monday Mentions: Working Dog Aps & Tricky Rats
Monday Mentions: Working Dog Aps & Tricky Rats
Looky looky! I’m wearing my bunny-slippers-with-teeth again, as I continue the work on the latest thriller SHOW AND TELL. Lots of stuff a-percolating about the story, too, almost too much good stuff. The trick will be how to get everything to come together.
But it’ll happen. *s*
I’m already getting help and ideas from my Sweet Peeps on Facebook (are you my friend/follower yet? 
). And as in the past, there’ll be new characters to name so I’ll let y’all know when the next NAME THAT CAT/NAME THAT DOG contest happens.
Meanwhile, I’m back in the desk-treadmill-saddle and walking about an hour a day. Okay, I skipped Saturday, while I finished up orchestration on the newest (and final) song GOTCHA DAY for the Strays show. (Soon I should also have samples of the cast recording to share.) But otherwise, I’m doing my best to get-and-stay as healthy as possible. It’s amazing the increased energy I feel when I’ve walked my quota.
Here’s a chance for some of y’all to get a PAW-tographed copy of the 2nd thriller HIDE AND SEEK. I’m giving three copies away through GoodReads and you can sign up directly in the form, below. Good luck!
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Hide And Seek
by Amy Shojai
Giveaway ends April 18, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the amazing videos below, too! For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Pamela Wray, The Great Pretender here’s a serial plagiarizer you won’t believe!
Writers League of Texas Agent Conference
Oklahoma Writers Federation Conference (yes, I’ll be there! first weekend in May)
BlogPaws Social Media Conference for anyone who writes about/loves pets!
Thrillerfest in July! you won’t want to miss this (yes, I’m going!)
PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
“I Love You Smell Much!” a study that shows familiar smell lights up a dog’s pleasure centers in the brain
Shame On Winnie The Pooh, pooh-pooing science?
2014 Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE Awards) Nominations Open!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
April 4, 2014
Cats Under Attack! TNR, TB, Toxo & Talkback
Cats Under Attack! TNR, TB, Toxo & Talkback
Managed feral cats can live healthy lives. Image Copr. Sapphire Dream/Flickr
No, I don’t mean my cats have turned on me, although Seren and Karma have yet to call a truce. Actually, the past week or so has been filled with an array of articles, posts, and flame-war discussions denigrating cats as well as those who attempt to help them.
This isn’t new. Cats have been the scapegoat for many of the world’s ills. Perhaps it’s because our felines have such great success surviving what would fell lesser creatures. After all, there’s a reason that “9 lives” myth has been repeated for eons.
Cats, particular the issue of ferals and TNR, seem to bring out all the trolls. For more on TNR, read this blog post from last year.
News outlets eager to sell stories and get more eyeballs on their venues often duck fact-checking and opt for hand-waving sensationalism. So cats are blamed for:
rabies (despite the fact that wildlife reservoirs–bats, raccoons, foxes–are the more likely host)
“crazy brain disease” and being baby-killers due to toxoplasmosis (despite the fact most humans harbor this without any problem, as a result of eating rare meat–and it’s easily preventable with just modest hygiene)
Bird predation (despite human destruction of habitat and other critters–like rats and snakes–impact birds at much higher rates).
And now, a scare that cats transmitted tuberculosis to people, via contact with badgers. (?!) “We don’ need no stinkin’ badgers!” (sorry, couldn’t resist but it’s NOT funny)
The anti-TNR folks point to these issues to convince us lethal means–usually poisoning–of feral cats should be implemented. That’s worked SO WELL over the past 100+ years (NOT!). The results have been ineffective, inhumane and costly.
My owned cats Seren and Karma stay inside, not to protect the wildlife from them, but to protect them from the wildlife. I agree that companion cats merit protection. But so do feral felines, who through no fault of their own, live life on the wild side. And truth be told, both Seren and Karma were but one paw-step away from living that wild side life, and being the targets of cat haters.
Sound harsh? So sue me.
TNR is not a “single” thing. It’s an all-encompassing effort that not only trap-neuter-returns but also adopts out the adoptable “strays” that wander in or get dumped, places kittens able to adapt as pets, euthanizes the un-save-able, and helps relieve the burden for local animal welfare organizations. So according to some, TNR is a “failure” because cat colonies don’t go away simply with the trap-neuter-return portions of the equation.
Hmnnnn.
Is TNR perfect? No. Is killing cats a perfect solution? No. Are there valid arguments on both sides? Of course. That’s always the case when the situation isn’t black and white, but instead all shades of gray, tabby, calico and more.
Here’s my response to one thread of comments:
“I’m delighted there are so many here who claim to have the best interests of cats (shelter, stray, feral, pet) at heart. And I’m saddened that rather than working together to help the situation, great pains are taken to denigrate any effort. It’s very easy (on both sides) to pick and choose the “facts” one wishes to spotlight in an effort to support an argument and point fingers how WRONG WRONG WRONG the other party is. Rather than allow emotions to run the show, it’s a much more difficult — and ultimately rewarding and ethical –stance to offer a balanced look. Rather than point out the shortcomings and condemning a particular practice based on the FAILURE, why not look at the successes, analyze why they worked and how to improve these efforts?
That might actually make the positive difference all parties purport to want.
Thank you to those who truly do want what’s best for the cats. Your passion could indeed make a positive difference for cats. They’re the innocent victims in this tug-o-war.
And as far as I can see, cats and cat lovers (on both sides) lose the battle when all that matters is who can shout loudest. True journalism, it seems, is dead and advertorials have inherited the hand-waving space.”
I’m tired of having to quash the bad information each time it’s resurrected by folks who ignore reality. And I’m sickened by those who use these issues in a war against companion animals who argue that it’s more ‘humane’ to trap and kill feral cats, rather than to manage colonies in which healthy cats unable to accept human companions live for a decade or longer. Properly cared for feral colonies provide a protective barrier from diseased animals (and other cats)–because as we know, kitties chase away “stranger danger” and only reluctantly accept in newbies to the fold. Seren drives that home every day with her c’attitude toward Karma. Of course, the operative words there are “properly managed/cared for.”
Here are just some of the recent stories, with commentary, that have been published. Some make valid points, although I don’t necessarily agree with the conclusions. There also have been some solid rebuttals.
The Evil Of Outdoor Cats is the story that started the recent furor, and here’s the author’s follow up with some more response and a nicely composed Response from CWA Member Anne Moss and from well known pet expert Steve Dale.
TB Caught from Cats and a vet’s warning about More To Come (notice how the vet says it’s low risk–but the headlines trumpet something else.)
No Evidence to Support Killing Feral Cats offers a great response from Peter Wolf with facts and figures to back it up
I’ll let y’all decide for yourselves. Some of my colleagues have speculated we’re in the middle of an orchestrated PR campaign against TNR and cats in general. What do you think? Do our responses to these stories fuel the fire? Are we preaching to the choir without any chance to change minds?
Oh, and I have no doubt the trolls will come out in force. So in advance, y’all can refer to my comments policy here.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
April 2, 2014
Food Aggression in Dogs is No Laughing Matter!
Food Aggression in Dogs is No Laughing Matter!
Thank goodness Magic isn’t food aggressive–he even lets Karma munch from his bowl (but I do my best to keep ‘em separated at meals). Not good tempting fate. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
This video that’s suddenly gone viral, makes me incredibly sad. Despite the “LOL!” shares and comments about “how cute” this behavior is, plain and simple this is a disaster in the making.
Resource guarding is NOT a joke! And the owner of these two dogs are incredibly fortunate the larger canine is willing to put up with this, or they’d have a bloody mess on their hands.
Let’s put this in perspective here. Instead of the the big dog–imagine him as a teasing/bullying ten-year-old little boy. And instead of the tiny pooch, imagine a three year old terrified little girl.
Waaaay funny, right? 
The owner has set up these dogs to practice bad behavior. Dogs that resource guard not only do this to protect food and toys from other dogs, they also often direct this behavior toward people–and toward children. Even a tiny dog this size can do damage should a child drop a piece of candy on the floor, and reach to retrieve it.
And a larger dog that resource guards food, toys, the car, the bed–the owner!–can be a huge liability if he uses his teeth out of fear. People get hurt. Property can be damaged.
And dogs lose their homes–and their lives. Who’s laughing now?
Learn more about resource guarding and what to do in this new article.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
March 31, 2014
Monday Mentions: Cat Wigs, Dueling Cellos and April Resolutions
Monday Mentions: Cat Wigs, Dueling Cellos and April Resolutions
Should I invest in a wig for one of the fur-kids? Image Copr. PlaneTrudy/Flickr
I couldn’t resist sharing this PAW-some picture. Seren would be offended if I presented her with such a thing, Magic would tolerate it but look like he’d been beaten.
And Karma? He’d EAT IT! That kitten hasn’t stopped eating. Wow. Before long he’s truly going to be in need of the Hill’s Metabolic Advance Weight Loss food discussed here.
I’ve sort of “pudged up” this winter, too. It comes from sitting many hours a day in front of the computer and exercising only my typing fingers. Oh, I have a desk treadmill now. Just need to use it more. So I’ve resolved to eat MORE of the right stuff (and stop skipping meals), and walk the treadmill daily as well. Soon it’ll be time to get the garden back in shape, too. How do you stay in shape when your job consists of sitting 8+ hours a day?
Anyone can make a New Year’s resolution. I’m making an April Fool’s resolution (so is it real, or not? *eg*) to be nicer to me, provide better food, healthier activity, and see if I can increase my energy levels. Because I have a boatload of writer-ly work to get done this spring, including the new thriller, at least one new nonfiction title, and another audio book. I’ll try to report in here weekly, and probably also will complain celebrate successes on Facebook, too.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the amazing videos below, too! (Talk about a workout routine, LOL!) For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Content Bubble & 8-cent EBooks
Do You Know ALLi? find out more about this indie-author association
Do Poets Need Literary Agents? a great post by Writer Beware
Books Bound in Human Skin?! Ewww….at Harvard no less
Don’t SHOUT, Just LISTEN great tips for using social media from a professional actor
PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
Cats with TB Transmit to People now this is a first–and incredibly rare–but also a great plot for a thriller, don’t you think? Probably you’re safe unless your cats are friendly with TB-carrying badgers, urk!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
March 28, 2014
How to Leash Train Cats
Seren feels calmer when wearing her harness. Image Copr Amy Shojai, CABC
Seren learned to walk on a leash when she was about five months old. I got her one of those tiny dog H-harness contraptions and had to adjust it down even farther. That of course was nearly 17 years ago, and times have changed. Today there are new options for kitty harnesses that are much more comfortable for the cat, and less likely for the pet to wriggle out.
So I took a look around when Karma came to stay. Although Seren only rarely went outside on walks and never without her harness and leash, I suspect Karma may be more interested in an occasional ramble. Why do this? Well, for a couple of reasons.
Karma is still adjusting to his halter-vest. Image Copr Amy Shojai, CABC
First, I want Karma to be comfy wearing the equipment–and it actually seems to calm him down somewhat so that’s a plus! Also, wearing a harness gives me added grab-icity (something to hang on to) if he decides to wriggle around. I’ve found this to be very helpful with Seren during vet visits as she’s not a very happy patient. Finally, because of the way Karma came to us–wandering up onto the back patio–there’s a chance he got away from someone. Yes, he’s now microchipped just in case that ever happens again. But ultimately, I want Karma to be very familiar with the immediate area surrounding our house, so he knows and can recognize HOME.
“Hey, I really can move in this thing!” Image copr Amy Shojai, CABC
Lost cats rarely run far away from their house even if they get out, but they may hide–and if chased by a strange dog or (gulp!) coyote, they might race far away from familiar territory. This actually was part of the plot point in my most recent thriller HIDE AND SEEK, where the main character hung up a variety of wind chimes around the house that also served as audio signposts to the pets.
Do your cats ever go outside on leash (or otherwise?). How do you ensure they stay safe? Have you created scented or audible or special visual signposts to aid a new pet to know that THIS is home? Does allowing them outdoor access “create a monster” so they beg to go out? I found that happens with some cats, but never has been a problem with Seren. We’ll find out about Karma. Here’s an article I wrote about leash training cats.
By the way, the first two times I put on his vest, Karma pulled the old OMG I’M PARALYZED! routine and fell over on his side and lay there. Even my standard technique of teasing him to move with cat wand toys failed to get him up and moving more than two or three wobbly steps. So I took off the leash, and walked into the other room for something and….IT’S A MIRACLE! he raced in after me, stopped as if caught in his act, and sauntered on into the room. Now he’s rocking his kitty vest!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
March 26, 2014
Why (and How) Pets Drink from Toilets
Why (and How) Pets Drink from Toilets
Do your pets drink from toilets? I found these videos and they were just too good not to share! I’ve written before about why they choose to slurp from that “porcelain thrown” but not the “how” it’s done.
Did you know that cat and dog tongues not only are designed differently, but they work in ways you’d never expect to drink. I suspect there’s a reason cats evolved as desert creatures able to manage to conserve their water–because they are NOT particularly efficient at drinking.
But neither are dogs. The video explains why some dogs make such a mess of drinking. I always thought they scooped water forward–but get a load of that slow-mo!!!
So are your pets messy slurpers? Do they drink from the toilet? Do tell!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
March 24, 2014
Monday Mentions: De-Coding Prairie Dogs, Bone Regeneration & Spam-alot Fun
Monday Mentions: De-Coding Prairie Dogs, Bone Regeneration & Spam-alot Fun
How about that picture?! Doncha love Photoshop? *giggle* Those paying attention may have already noticed the addition of a new kitten-on-lap in that upper-right-hand photo here on the blog but I wanted to show it off a bit more. Today, I’m also announcing the update to my website at www.Shojai.com. It’s cleaner, brighter, easier to navigate (and up to date!). It’s a balancing act to create a web presence that features all the furry hats that I (try) to wear, from fiction to nonfiction to performance. Let me know what you think.
This past weekend we presented the staged reading of STRAYS, THE MUSICAL and had a blast! Here’s the BIG news: we will hold open auditions this fall and produce the full show October 23, 24 and 25 at the Honey McGee Playhouse in Sherman. So if you have an urge to channel your “inner dog/cat” please come out for the show–I promise, there are parts for lots of “furry” folks!
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the amazing videos below, too! For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday. NOTE: you can still enter the FREE pet food give away for pudgy pets here.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Got Spam? if you’re a blogger/journalist who gets lots of unwanted “pitches” you have GOT to read this amazing response (do not drink beverages whilst reading…) Thanks to Caren Gittleman for sharing
Blogger Tips a round up of important info for pet bloggers (applies to everyone, though)
Killing Publishing’s Sacred Cows–Indies Can’t Get Into Bookstores
The Business Rusch more on running an Indie publishing biz
Stephen King’s “The Shining” On Stage
PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
10 Signs You’re Obsessed With Your Dog
Jackson Galaxy Live Google Hangout 4-4:30 PST March 26 your chance to ask him cat behavior questions about your own “cat from hell!”
Animal Behaviorists Soon to Have Devices to “Talk” to Animals??? check out the prairie dog video below, too!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. Do you have a new kitten and need answers? I’m a new Brand Ambassador for The Honest Kitchen and you can get FREE samples here, check it out! (Karma loves this!). Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Pet-centric Writer-icity & Thrillers With BITE!
