Amy Shojai's Blog, page 103
February 19, 2014
STRAYS, THE MUSICAL!
Today’s blog is late because honestly, I didn’t know this news would come so quickly and I wasn’t prepared. Karma thinks he should be our spokes-cat.
I’m so very pleased to announce that our next show STRAYS, THE MUSICAL is ready!
As some of y’all will recall, our preview cast presented several of the songs in a 20-minute sampling at the 20th Annual Cat Writers Association Conference last fall in Dallas. Now the script is finished, more songs added, and the full orchestration complete. We’ve lined up a stellar cast to present the complete script and songs for the first time in a Table Read–that’s with script and music in hand.
Thank you to Webster Crocker, the Administrative Director of Sherman Community Players and director of the Theatricks program. He’s opened up the calendar to give this original show its debut. Who knows? We may even get to mount the full show sometime in the future.
A table read allows the writers and cast to figure out, with the help of the audience, what works and what needs finagling, so the show can be improved when it’s finally performed. That means YOU can be a part of the process. Besides that, it’s free!
And all the actors are cats or dogs. What’s not to love?
The fully mounted show likely will include a much larger cast including a chorus, and is appropriate for any age actor (or audience). For the table read, you’re invited to join Frank Steele, Amy Shojai, Gil Nelson, Johnny Flowers, Diana and Aaron Adair on Saturday evening March 22 at 7 pm at the Honey McGee Playhouse, 313 West Mulberry Street, in Sherman, TX.
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!
February 17, 2014
Monday Mentions: Church Dogs, Werewolf Cats & Troll-ology
Monday Mentions: Church Dogs, Werewolf Cats & Troll-ology
Les Castro of Faithful Friend Ministry visits Trinity Lutheran Church in Sherman with his canine partner Pepper. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Yesterday I made a point to get to church an hour earlier than usual, because I knew that Pepper would attend. Oh yeah, so would Pepper’s human partner, Les Castro, the founder of Faithful Friend Ministry. The room was packed! Makes you wonder how many more folks might peek through the church doors if dogs were always allowed, LOL! In fact, Les and Pepper make a point of going places most of us avoid–like jail, to speak with youthful offenders. In fact, our Grayson County area is blessed (yep, I used the B-word!) that a K9 Program has been launched to teach these kids how to train dogs for our veterans suffering from PTSD. PAW-some! More about Les Castro and his program in the future, but I had to share this picture and a teaser-preview. BTW, to get off the furry ground, donations would be welcome.
Now, I wonder how I can get Magical-Dawg and/or Karma-Kitten invited to church. Seren sleeps in on Sundays.
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 fun video at the bottom, 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
Author Solutions, One Victory (more needed)
An Entertaining Read from JA Konrath (Again)
WANACon, the online writers conference, is this coming Friday and Saturay–NO hotel expense, NO travel cost, and lots of great info. The sessions this time focus on romantical-schtuff (in honor of V-day) for writers wanting to take that next step with their writing career.
Blogs, Etc. from The Business Rusch, always a must-read!
Studying Internet Trolls oh my goodness…I think that I’ve got a profile for my next bad guy!
Copy Edits & Style Sheets who gets final say?
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
A new breed…the Werewolf Cat. Like it? hate it? Do tell! Click the image for more info. Image courtesy of Lykoi Cat Facebook Page
Kitty Urethral Bypass Surgery saves cat’s life, wow!
Pet First Aid Classes mark your calendars for March 8, 9 or 15 (in DALLAS) for hands-on certification class in first aid from Arden Moore.
Valentines for Pets & People my guest blog last Friday 
DON’T LET YOUR CAT SEE THIS! or s/he’ll want the same thing, LOL!
The Dog Decoder App a way to learn canine behavior, looks like fun!
2nd EDITION of PARENTING WITH PETS just released, I read and loved the first edition. If you have both the two-legged and four-legged kiddos, check out this book.
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!
February 14, 2014
Celebrating Valentines the Furry Way
Celebrating Valentines the Furry Way
Seren rarely plays anymore and instead prefers to sun worship. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Happy Valentines Day! Do you have anything special planned–for the cats and dogs, that is? What do they have planned for you? How do your pets show love?
I get a boatload of pet products at various events, conferences and through the mail from folks who ask me to try them out. I’m very grateful, even if I’m not always able to review them–it’s best NOT to send unless you ask first. At times it looks like a pet toy box exploded at our house.
Sort of embarrassing but Magic almost prefers dirty laundry to high dollar toys, Seren loves to play “hide the kitty” under silky scarves and used paper bags, and Karma thinks the 15-year-old Ping Pong ball in the bathroom is da bomb. Cheap thrills, right? Pets don’t care what you spend, as long as it’s TIME with them!
We don’t wait around each year to have a special day to gift Magical-Dawg or Seren-Kitty…and won’t with Karma-Kitten, either. The storehouse of cat toys that Seren has ignored for 17 years has become a treasure trove for Karma, and Magic thinks it’s keen to steal cat toys. So I’ll be watching out for sparkle-ball doggy poop once again, and pet-proofing to run interference for death-defying kittens. That’s one way Valentines Love is shown at our house. What about you?
I’ve written before about how cats show love and how dogs show love. But how do you return the favor?
For the furry-centric folks, I suspect every day is Valentines Day, and showing the love is returned by the pets. In no particular order, here are some ways that the Shojai’s show Valentine’s Love all year long to the pets, and how Magic, Seren and Karma reciprocate.
AMY’S (incomplete…) LIST
Nutritious food for Seren’s kidney health, Magic the aging athlete and Karma’s kitten energy
Yummy treats for after Karma’s medication, Magic’s prompt trick, and Seren’s URI (L-Lysine)
Grooming for good health and feel-good scritches
Vet care for routine, preventative and even ER visits (dang those pesky bug sting reactions!)
Exercise, aka PLAYTIME with Frisbees, stuffed squeakies, catnip, feather wands, paper bags, Ping Pong balls and more
Adopting two furry waifs-on-the-doorstep, and researching/planning/waiting-2-years for the third
Schmooze time…the best of all!
Magic loves cat toys–and here, brings one to offer his new buddy Karma. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
MAGIC’S LIST
Barking–at strangers, strange noises, the new cat, for treats, during vet visits–all to protect his people
Sniffing–to protect his people from dangerous coyotes, rats, bunnies, cats and dirty socks
Peeing & poop marking–to warn away dangerous coyotes, rats, bunnies, cats and dirty socks
Playing fetch and tug–to teach his people how to have fun by sharing joy with slimy balls and tattered stuffed toys
Killing squeakies–to demonstrate a good-dog’s ferocious ability to protect
Sleeping with his people
SEREN’S LIST
Meowing–at Magic and her people, to continue the conversation and get the last meow-word
Cheek rubbing–to protect her people and the house from (hiss! spit!) interlopers
Hissing & growling–at Karma to drive the dangerous critter away from her house and people
Lap sitting–to make her humans smell better, the way a cat should, and to guard the lap from (hiss! spit!) Karma and nosy Magic
Head butting–to declare and mark her humans “owned” and to show trust
Purring–to sing of cat love, devotion and declare “I am yours and no threat.”
Karma doesn’t “lap sit.” He “body lounges.” Bliss! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
KARMA’S LIST
Teeny-soft-mews–at Magic and his new people, to get attention and admiring glances
Scratching cat trees–to tell the world he’s home
Playing with Magic–to declare his trust and affection
Chasing–toys, feet, dog tails, anything, to show what joy looks like
Following Seren–to convince her to like him back
Snuggling with purrs & paw-neck-hugs–so his people won’t ever dump him again
Sleeping with Magic and his people–knowing he’s safe and loved
Now, add YOUR list in the comments!
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!
February 12, 2014
Balancing Act: New Fur Kid, New Schedule
Balancing Act: New Fur Kid, New Schedule
Valentine’s Day is Friday, so love is in the air, right?
Right???
*sigh*
I’m used to how Magic and Seren get along–or at least, respect each other. Sure, it took Seren a few years to learn to tolerate the Magical-Dawg, and it took hard-headed Magic the same length of time to stop testing her “boss-icity.”
Now a new clueless fur-kid has joined the family. That’s thrown both pets for a loop. And they’re not the only ones having to adjust. Oh, I’m in love all right, and Magic is smitten and the kitten is gloating and Seren is hissed off. And MY schedule’s in tatters and likely will remain so for the foreseeable future.
Bliss!
Magic can’t get enough sniffs…and Karma seems to enjoy the game. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Balancing the needs and demands of Karma with what the resident pets have come to expect takes skill and patience. Probably it’s good for me. I need to be more flexible but in reality I’m much more like Seren-Kitty and love routine.
Magic, on the other paw, enjoys having something new and exciting to break up the day, so he’s enjoying kitten antics. When Magic first arrived, we had to set waste baskets on countertops to keep him from grazing the soiled tissues and shredding or scattering other “fun” edibles from the trash.
Countertops don’t stop Karma. It’s actually sort of fun trying to guess what new trouble he’ll find. When I lecture about cat personalities I like to describe the broad types as “Shrinking Violet” and “Christopher Columbus” cats. Before now, I thought of Seren as the Border Collie of cats, always busy and finding things to do.
Karma trumped her antics. He steals the dog’s toys. And he has the gumption to invite Magic to play and then flop on his back and paw-smack the dog’s paws to get a rise out of him. Oh please help me…My to-do list has become the to-don’t list, or maybe the “Deal-With-Karma-Then-To-Do List.”
Seren remains watchful, and above it all. That’s as it should be for the Queen, don’t you think? Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
No doubt about it, Seren comes first and then Magic. It’s not that I have favorites, it comes down to individual critter needs. Simply put, Seren’s old and takes coddling. Magic is potentially lethal–even if he is a teddy bear behind that ferocious 91-pound body–and he was here first.
Pet world is not a democracy. People make mistakes trying to treat their fur kids equally. Karma needs to understand his place in the household not just to keep the peace with the other pets, but to protect him–and them.
Karma is like the Nermal character in Garfield.But cute will wear off as he becomes a mature, handsome fellow. Adult pets like Magic and Seren do often seem to recognize baby-behaviors and make allowances. Once Karma is grown up, everyone needs to respect each other, though, because I want this fur-gang to be together and get along for years to come.
THE NEW REALITY
Karma touched my heart in a very different way than the other two. While Seren is prim and proper, Magic is a play-focused bruiser. Karma is all juvenile delinquent but so dang cute you can’t stay mad at him. My three furry stooges each bring me joy in a very different way and I find myself laughing more watching their interaction and growing relationship.
I’d forgotten just how active youngsters can be. Seren used to chew up paper from my fax machine and answer the phone, and at least he’s not learned to do that yet.
Karma weighs a bit over eight pounds and really makes the stairway thunder when he tornadoes up and down with the “zoomies.” He’s discovered the joys of attacking the roll of toilet paper. And he’s a bottomless pit eager to munch anything that smells like food–even Seren’s kidney diet (she is NOT amused) and including Magic’s kibble (he’s been tolerant, surprisingly so.) I need to get a picture of Karma STANDING in the dog’s water bowl while drinking.
WHAT’S WORK GOT TO DO WITH IT?
At this point, I can’t leave the three alone together. Supervision is a must, but I can’t work and run interference with the furry crew at the same time. So my schedule had to change.
Now I spend the night with Karma and Magic. After we wake up and take care of the business of Karma-Kitten’s food, potty and exercise, the rest of the morning belongs to Seren and Magic. I read the paper and we all eat breakfast, before I start the work day–and Karma spends time alone in “his” room. Break time during the day for Magical-Dawg is another good time to check on Karma and allow some free-run playtime. Usually Seren continues to sleep. And then back to work for another few hours before shutting down work for the evening and riding herd on ALL the pets out at once.
Eventually my schedule will change again, once all three have accepted (or at least learned to tolerate) the new reality. For now, we’re taking it very slow. Seren’s a bit more active these days, watching for that “evil interloper” and (dare I suggest?) enjoying the opportunity to school the new kid.
Personally, I’m having a ball.
How have you handled introductions of new pets in your home? Did the resident critters fall head over heels in love–or hate? Do tell!
By the way, today is the LAST DAY to nominate blogs (maybe even this one? )for the Nose to Nose Awards. Details here (hint-hint!).
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!
February 10, 2014
Monday Mentions: How’s Trix & Writer-icity Schtuff
Monday Mentions: How’s Trix & Writer-icity Schtuff
Trixie won the NAME THAT DOG contest…well actually Kristi Brashier won the contest with Trixie’s name. So Trixie came to visit at the book signing event and I think wonders why HER picture isn’t on the cover! (She’s in the book, though…)
I had a PAW-some time this past Saturday at the Sherman Petco. After several days of bad weather, folks were ready to get out and about with their pets, and there was a crowd of two-legged and four-legged folks. It was great fun meeting some of my Facebook Sweet Peeps.
The lovely folks at Petco have invited me to come back to do another talk and signing–maybe I’ll even do some cat-training demons, what do you think? The new Karma-Kitty could be up for some face time by then. (If Seren-Kitty lets him live, LOL!). Stay tuned for more Karma, Seren & Magical-Dawg adventures in the future.
OMG–LAST MINUTE UPDATE! I’m up late reading with the fur-kids beside me and decided to check Facebook. And a colleague posted congratulations for a DWAA award. What? Well, the Dog Writers Association of America’s Awards Banquet takes place the Sunday night before Westminster Dog Show each year. I knew that two of my pieces had been nominated but–well, the other nominees are so outstanding, I didn’t honestly think mine had a chance. Low and behold, this year I won TWO DWAA Maxwell Medallions, one for my Herald Democrat PETiQuette newspaper column, and the other for a tongue-in-cheek humor piece Dogs vs Cats: 10 Reasons Puppies Are Better (don’t tell the cats!). Congrats to all the nominees and winners!
Oh, and on that note…only TWO MORE DAYS to nominate blogs for the Nose to Nose Awards. Details here (hint-hint!).
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. 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
Amy’s Self Pub’ing Advice for Nonfiction Authors yes I wrote a guest blog here, what do you think?
he’s changed his name but not his evil ways…
Ways Pinterest Helps Indie Authors
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
H1N1 Flu Virus Killed a Cat?! it appears so…here’s a plot for a thriller
Kids Reading To Cats A Win-Win
CatDance Film Festival this looks PAW-some!
Prevent Kitty Infections When You Rescue this is timely advice with my new kitten invader! (Oh, and some of the pictures are mine!)
Cutting-Edge Pet Care wow medicine at it’s finest! Would you do this for your pet? Looks like I may need to update my cutting edge pet book
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!
February 7, 2014
Nominations Open for BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards!
Nominations Open for BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Awards!
I’m late posting this–have been busy with the new book, new appearances and SQUEEE! new cat. As a member of the BlogPaws Pet Influencer Group, I’m pleased to announce the 3rd Annual BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Social Media Pet Blogging Awards.
Last year, I was honored to be one of the judges of this contest, and helped select the best-of-the-best in pet-astic blogging! This year the BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD BLOG is eligible to be nominated, since the torch has been passed on to other great judges.
WHAT ARE “NOSE-TO-NOSE” AWARDS?
BlogPaws is all about educating bloggers to improve their craft. The Nose-to-Nose awards recognizes the best examples of outstanding blogs in the field of pet-blogging (cats, dogs, horses, ferrets, hamsters, birds, bunnies…iguanas…I know I’m missing some!), and this year there are 12 categories that will receive one-of-a-kind trophy awards (and bragging rights *s*).
These awards are particularly meaningful because YOU–the readers of the blogs, colleagues, other bloggers and pet lovers–YOU get to nominate your favorites! No comments necessary, no votes or campaigning required, even the silent “lurkers” have the ability to get a paw in and nominate your pick of the blogging literati.
The judging is conducted by a panel of experts who evaluate candidates based on creativity, expertise and performance. Last year, the competition was ferocious and very difficult to judge because there were so many terrific nominees…so I’m glad that I don’t have that decision this year!
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
Nominate! Then nominate again…and again and again. Woot! You can nominate as many of your favorite blogs as you want, in any of these 12 categories. DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 12th!
Of course, I’d love it if some of y’all chose to nominate BLING, BITCHES AND BLOOD for one or more of the categories, but don’t stop there, nominate whole clowders and gaggles, and packs of blogs in these categories:
Best Cat Blog
Best Dog Blog
Best Blog Post
Best Humor Blog
Best Pet Blog Photo
Best Pet Blog Video
Best New Pet Blog
Best Design
Best Other Pet Blog
Best Pet MicroBlogger
Best Cause Blog
Best Use of Social Media by a 501(c)3
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE MAIN NOMINATION PAGE, WITH MORE DETAILS
HOW TO NOMINATE BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD
If you decide to honor THIS blog with a nomination (blush) thank you very much! They’ll ask for these details in the short-and-sweet nomination form:
Contact Name for Blog Owner: Amy Shojai
Contact Email for Blog Owner: amy@shojai.com
Blog’s Homepage Link: http://amyshojai.com
My Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/amyshojai.cabc
Amy’s Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/amyshojai
This blog can be nominated for many of the categories, you pick–but some probably won’t be a good fit (I don’t write about iguanas too often…). All you need for BEST CAT BLOG and BEST DOG BLOG are the details listed above.
DETAILS: A couple categories request you to provide links to a specific favorite blog post or photo or video. If you recall one just use the “search” function on the sidebar to see if you can find it. I was curious (this is the first time my blog is eligible) so I took a furry walk through past posts to see what some of the most popular ones have been, and they may be your favs, too.
BEST BLOG POST (click here for form!)
KARMA COMES HOME: http://amyshojai.com/2014/02/07/karma...
WHY TABBY WEARS AN “M”–A CHRISTMAS CAT STORY: http://amyshojai.com/2013/12/25/why-t...
MAGIC MARKERS & SEREN SPOTS: TREASURE SENIOR PETS: http://amyshojai.com/2013/11/13/magic...
HELP! MY PET HATES MY DATE: http://amyshojai.com/2012/12/07/help-...
BEST HUMOR BLOG (click here for form!)
PETS NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS: http://amyshojai.com/2014/01/01/pets-...
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PET WRITER: http://amyshojai.com/2013/12/04/a-day...
BEST BLOG PHOTO (click here for form)
TITLE: KARMA STRIKES A POSE
http://amyshojai.com/2014/02/07/karma...
TITLE: MAGIC AND THE CHICKEN
http://amyshojai.com/2013/11/13/magic...
TITLE: SEREN SUNBATHING
http://amyshojai.com/2013/11/29/thank...
TITLE: SEREN & STAINED GLASS
http://amyshojai.com/2013/04/24/pet-g...
TITLE: PUPPY KILLS SANTA
http://amyshojai.com/2013/10/07/monda...
TITLE: SEREN GROOMING:
http://amyshojai.com/2014/01/10/why-c...
BEST PET BLOG VIDEO (click here for form)
ASK AMY: WHY DOGS ROLL IN NASTY STUFF: http://amyshojai.com/2014/01/29/why-d...
ASK AMY: HOW TO TEACH CLAW ETIQUETTE: http://amyshojai.com/2013/12/06/ask-a...
ASK AMY: WHY DOES MY DOG HUG AND LEAN? http://amyshojai.com/2013/12/11/ask-a...
HELP! MY PET HATES MY DATE! http://amyshojai.com/2012/12/07/help-...
RAINBOW PETS: http://amyshojai.com/plays/strays/
Thank you to ALL my special Sweet Peeps, Sweet Tweets and colleagues who do so much for the pets we love, whether through writing about them, reading and sharing good info, rescuing and simply loving cats and dogs (and other critters). Youse guyz are the best!
Now…go nominate some great blogs!
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!
Karma Comes Home
One afternoon over a week ago, Magical-Dawg bolted upright from his doze to stare out the patio door windows. I’d seen a flash of motion, too, but figured it was a field rat (they’re huge!), and never would have bothered to investigate without his interest.
Not a rat. A cat. Specifically, a lynx-point Siamese type kitten.
The temps that day were mild, but forecast to turn bitter cold. This youngster wanted inside in the worst way, even when nose-to-nose (through the glass) with Magical-Dawg.
Cue Music: “I’m Just A Stray, Running On My Own…”
The blue eyed stray had a blue collar, so I figured the youngster came from a neighboring home. The shivering kitty wasn’t full grown–a bit bigger than Seren (but she’s only 5 pounds)–and looked like coyote bait to me. Anyway, I planned to bring the stray inside at least for the night, and find the owners who surely must be frantic missing the little thing.
Magic barked when I opened the door, and sent the cat racing away. Well dang, that solved the issue! But just in case, I called for the pretty thing.
“Here kitty kitty kitty….”
No response, until I meowed. The kitten not only answered my meow, but came running and let me pick him up. The handsome boy-kitten had no ID on the collar and still had his jingle-bells (ahem). He immediately began face-rubbing my chin.
Do you think he could read the “sucker” label on my forehead?
“Looking For A Home, A Place to Stay…”
I had several concerns. First, I couldn’t allow Seren-kitty to come in contact with this unknown feline, without risk of her getting sick. My first responsibility has to be to my own pets. Second, Magical-Dawg respected Seren-The-Boss but might not feel the same about this kitty interloper, so I had to protect the stray. Third, I had nothing to feed the kitten because Seren eats a therapeutic kidney diet not at all appropriate to a young guy.
Thanks to the BlogPaws trip last spring, though, I still had lots of food samples from some terrific sponsors including several packets of “prowl” dehydrated whole chicken kitty food from The Honest Kitchen. The “newbie” couldn’t get enough of the food, and snarfed it all down almost before I could get the bowl on the patio floor. When I shared this story later with Kate Fenner from the company–I’d just met her at the San Diego book signing–she offered to send some trial boxes of food. (Ain’t cat and dog people the BEST?!)
While “newbie” ate, I ran back inside to move Magic out of nose-sniffing range, and then transferred the visitor into the laundry room along with the bowl of food. Then I ran upstairs to find the extra (too small) clean litter box that I used to store a variety of extra pet paraphernalia, raced back downstairs with the pan, litter, a bowl for water, and a scratch object, and got the little guy ensconced. Once offered the water, he drank the bowl dry–and then drank another half a bowl as well when it was refilled. That told me he’d been outside for more than a day, since cats typically drink sparingly.
“Along the way, Someone took a glance…”
I posted some of photos to Facebook, but nobody recognized him. I called my husband to warn him about the temporary house guest and not to open the laundry room door. Once he got a look at the newbie, he felt someone surely would want such a gorgeous cat back–but wondered could we maybe find a similar looking cat for ourselves?
Sucker, once again?
Meanwhile, Magical-Dawg camped out beside the door while the newbie kitten played paw patty-cake driving him nuts. Seren slept.
“…Offered me a chance, a place to stay…”
The next morning I took “newbie” to my vet’s office and had him scanned for a microchip. Nothing. On the way home, I stopped at the neighbors to ask if they were missing a super-friendly boy kitten. Huh uh. I called the city shelter and ask if a cat fitting his description had been reported missing. Nope. Every day I checked the newspaper. Zip.
The third day with us, Magical-Dawg got to meet “newbie” through his doggy gate, and struck up a nearly instantaneous friendship. I think the dog would like any critter that let him sniff butt–but the kitten seems to have been around dogs and likes Magic equally well. Who in holy heck wouldn’t be looking for this missing gem?
“Now can’t you see? You belong to me.“
We moved “newbie” to the master bedroom bathroom because the doggy doors in the kitchen next to the laundry wouldn’t hold him and put him too close to Seren’s dining room domain. As the days progressed I struggled not speak his name aloud, the one he’d whispered to my heart the first night we slept together.Yes, he sleeps with us (and Magic). We’re a dang fine kitty B&B!
“It was meant to be! Anything I’ll do.”
Finally this past Wednesday I told myself that Friday would be THE day. And if he’d not been claimed by Friday, I’d make the vet appointment because he must have been dumped, and I can’t risk having an intact boy kitty become “too” mature, all over our walls.
And as much as I’d like to slap the dump-ee up-side the head–this cat came SOOO CLOSE to dying, guys! But, I think I’d also like to thank ‘em. Yes, I’m smitten.
Seren probably wouldn’t, though. She’s “met” him from a distance and offered her typical crotchety old-lady snub. It took her months and months to learn to tolerate Magic but she’s mellowed since then. And you see, seventeen years ago, Seren was the dumped kitten, “…running on her own, looking for a way home, a place to stay…”
When Seren was dumped and found sleeping on a friend’s back porch it was lucky that we found each other–and so she was named Serendipity. Therefore it feels very appropriate to welcome the lucky boy cat version into our lives. By the time y’all read this, “newbie” will be at the vets getting examined, neutered, vaccinated…and microchipped.
Today, Karma comes home.
And if he could sing, I think both Karma and Serendipity (and all of the “strays” out there) would sing the final lines of the song lyric together:
“All I can give, I’ll live the life you live.
Anything forgive. Just to be with you.”
(Lyrics from the title song of STRAYS, THE MUSICAL! copr. Amy Shojai/Frank Steele)
I hope some of y’all will come out to see me tomorrow from 1-3:30 at the Sherman Town Center Petco for my Valentines & Pets free talk–I’ve even more “pet love” to celebrate! I’ll explain how I’ve been intro-ing the furry wonders, and of course will be happy to paw-tograph a book for you or your special pet. You might find the “stray” love of your life to adopt there, too. Maybe the next book will have a new feline character…named Karma!
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!
February 5, 2014
Valentines Goes To The Pets & Book Signing!
Valentines Goes To The Pets & Book Signing!
Have you chosen a Valentine’s gift yet for your significant other? Will the gift make ‘em PURR with pleasure, or HOWL with hate? Recent surveys show that if you want to please the two-legged love of your life, you should pick a present with pets in mind. (say THAT fast three times, LOL!).
For those of you in the North Texas area, please stop by my VALENTINES & PETS talk this Saturday from 1-3:30 at the Sherman Town Center’s Petco. I’ll have EIGHT different titles available including both of my dog viewpoint thrillers. I’d love to paw-tograph a book to the special pets (and pet loving humans) in your life. Bring your questions, too, and learn about all the fun, sweet, crazy and aggravating ways cats and dogs show love.
Surveys have shown that 21 percent of adults would rather spend February 14 with their pet than their spouse. After all, the cat cuddles on your lap while watching your fav TV show and never demands the remote control, and the dog actually LIKES you to leave dirty socks on the floor! One poll from the American Kennel Club (AKC) revealed that 90 percent of women wish their boyfriend or husband was more like their dog, and men wished the ladies would be in a good mood more often like the dog.
Dating experts agree that a puppy is a powerful “babe magnet.” And guys, if you REALLY want to turn on the romance, admit that you love cats–it takes a real macho secure guy to appreciate (and admit) to feline fascination.
Even better, if your human love shares his/her pillow or lap with a pet friend, Get A GIFT FOR THE PET! I’m no relationship expert for two-leggers, but can tell you gifting your girlfriend’s cat may stem any green-eyed-fur-monsters that have got between you and your Valentine’s plans.
What about the pets? Of course we know they love us–but the ways they show love probably surprise you. They demonstrate love with purrs and play, and even pee and poop. Understanding what they say and knowing how to fix problems goes a long way toward creating a house ‘o love.
Even my thrillers LOST AND FOUND and HIDE AND SEEK explore the deep, abiding bond we share with our pets. You can of course get any of these books by ordering directly from Amazon or asking local bookstores to get them for you. Sadly, the realities of publishing mean these books won’t be on bookstore shelves, another reason I’m delighted to make them available to y’all this weekend February 8.
Oh, and maybe you and the love of your life are ready for a new furry friend–Stop by Petco in Sherman on Saturday to see me and check out the adoptable pets! My friend Lynette George will have kitties available and there may be puppy-licious options as well. Oh…and I’ll give you a discount on the book of your choice at the signing for anyone who adopts a pet that day.
I’d say everyone could be a winner on Saturday, especially the pets needing new homes. Please tell all your pet-loving friends about the event–and share this blog so if folks can’t come they might still get furry ideas for Valentines. Hope to see you Saturay!
PS: NOSE-TO-NOSE AWARDS!
By the way, if you want to show some Valentine Love to this blog *s* you can nominate BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD for a BLOGPAWS NOSE TO NOSE AWARD. I’ll get details posted in another post soon (the deadline to nominate is Feb 12…so dang, I better get my furry tail in gear!).
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!
February 3, 2014
Monday Mentions: Book DNA, Plagiarism Fix & Badware Blog Hijack
Monday Mentions: Book DNA, Plagiarism Fix & Badware Blog Hijack
by NowSourcing.
Explore more infographics like this one on the web’s largest information design community – Visually.
The past two weeks or so, this blog has had a bug. Who knew someone would want to HIJACK the Bling, Bitches & Blood Blog off to phish-land. Never fear, those who arrived via one of the direct links or subscription never saw this and I wouldn’t have known except a friend “googled” my name and the blog came up listed as “#1 Financial Answers!…” It seems that some two-legged jerk with too much time on his virtual hands figured a way to re-direct some of my blog posts to a phish-scheme site, to the point the blog got black-listed by Google. YIKES!
What to do? well, after much tooth-gnashing, I did a number of things:
Updated the WordPress software
Deleted unused WordPress themes
Un-installed and then re-installed current theme
Contacted my service provider, and they referred me to http://google.com/webmasters to get the site white-listed again. Further info here: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2008/08/hey-google-i-no-longer-have-badware.html
Searched HTML code on server for code, especially plugins, headers and footers (found nuthin!)
Deleted several plugins and then re-installed. Still nuthin. By now my eyeballs are bleeding…
In my google search for help, ran across Sucuri.com, paid them $89 (good for a year and re-do’s) and within three hours, the blog was CLEAN! Hallelujia!
Followup: installed the free Sucuri Security wordpress plugin that came with the fee
Installed auto-backup
Changed ALL passwords. Within two days, Sucuri caught half a dozen failed attempts at logins from all over the world.
Whew! But wait, there’s more!
Remember that case of plagiarism? It’s been resolved. I sent three notices (comments on the site) with no result, and finally went to my colleagues and ask for help contacting the person. Within ten minutes I had the Facebook account of the offending author, messaged her THANKING for the mention and link back but explaining the situation. She immediately responded, thanked me for the note, and removed the article. And we just “friended” each other.
See? It pays to play nice and be cordial. She noted having received an email from someone with the links/info and I suspect it may be a case of a PR rep not being clear in a message. Hoo boy.
There’s a lot going on here in Shojai-Land, so stay tuned for the rest of the week’s furry-licious content. For those in the Sherman-Denison area, I’ve a book signing scheduled next Saturday at the Sherman Town Center Petco from 1-3:30 (watch for more details on Wednesday). And on Friday, I hope to have some WAY KEWL kitty news to share.
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 skate-boarding cat, kitty-love and fav Super Bowl videos at the bottom, just for fun. 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. For now…enjoy the YouTube cute-icity at the end!
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Writers League of Texas Manuscript Contest
Sizing Facebook Images from the terrific Lisa-Hall Wilson
Marketability & Readers from The Business Rusch if you’re a writer, you need to subscribe to this blog!
Facebook Usage Data from Pew Research
The Reality of Hybrid Publishing
Indies Reaching NetGalley Reviewers
Publish American Changes Names to America Star Books good info from Author Beware
Getting That Twitter “Blue Check” from the always enlightening Susie Lindau
International Markets for Your Books
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Hero Cat Summons Help for Stroke Victim
Cat Allergies? Study Recruiting Participants
Contagious Cancer in Dogs Leaves Prehistoric Paw Prints
Dental Implants in Pets? UC-Davis Vets Say “No!”
The Body Against Itself: Immune-Mediated Hemolytic Anemia a Webinar Feb. 11 from Morris Animal Foundation
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!
January 31, 2014
San Diego Cat Show Fun!
Isn’t this a lovely girl! (Can you guess how I know she’s a girl?) Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Last weekend I spent in San Diego at the “Food & Water Bowl XXII” Cat Show, where the most glorious pedigree cats attend . . . and also bunches of adoptable lovely “mutt” cats, cute kittens, and gorgeous cat jewelry and various vendors. I shared a book signing booth with my colleagues and awesome writers/artists Arden Moore and Janiss Garza. All of us had books to paw-tograph. Janiss has a cat she edits, but Sparkle the Designer Cat is the author! And Arden (a Master Pet First Aid Instructor) brought her right-hand (paw?) cat, Zeki, the Safety Cat, a kitty that helps her demonstrate pet first aid techniques during Arden’s classes.
That’s me with my newest thriller HIDE AND SEEK (with a Maine Coon and GSD on the cover!), and Janiss in the center with her cards and books, and Arden in the red. Zeki’s on the poster, above. Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Arden also presented (with Zeki) in the Education Ring to teach folks about some basics of pet first aid. It’s the kind of information you hope never to need but may save your pet’s life. And yes, all three of us also have dogs (shhhhh, the cats wouldn’t like that!).
Check out some of the other pictures and don’t miss out on the two videos at the bottom. You’ll hear me in the Education Ring talking about cat pee-and-poop (hoo boy…) and then some SQUEEEE! cute kittens playing. Don’t miss Lisa-Maria Padilla’s trick trained Abyssinian kitten “rolling over” on command and more. Enjoy!
Joan Miller, an expert in all-things-cats and lecturer on cat breeds and more, with Arden preparing Zeki for their pet first aid talk. Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Yep, there were even some lovely dogs at the show! (Don’t tell Magic!). Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Lots of vendors at the show offered all kinds of temptations. I settled for several pairs of Laurel Birch cat socks…and this glorious ceramic wall panel. Looks like Macy from my thriller book HIDE AND SEEK! Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
There are some perks to being a famous author…Janiss gets to schmooze a young Maine Coon kitten. Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC
Zeki (a certified therapy cat) was the most popular attendee at our booth and managed to woo and charm everyone who stopped by. I’m not sure who is happier with this encounter. Image copr Amy Shojai, CABC
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!
