Amy Shojai's Blog, page 106

Ask Amy: Why Do Cats Sleep Under the Bed?

“You can’t see me!” Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

For many of us, it’s the cats that sleep ON the bed with us…and on the pillow…and on your head…that crowd us out of dreamland that prompt quizzical looks. But today’s Ask Amy addresses those felines that prefer the company of dust bunnies to humans. What’s up with that?

Do your cats have weird sleeping spots? What’s the oddest place your cat likes to nap? Seren-Kitty (as I write this) is cuddled up in her blue bed on the table beneath the stained glass lampshade. These days she prefers warmth and soft surfaces, but in her youth Seren hung out on damp towels on the tile tub surround in the bathroom. Oh, and do your kitties argue over prime sleep spots? I think Magical-Dawg is lucky that Seren hasn’t kicked him out of his favorite dog bed!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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.

Ask Amy: Why Does My Dog Hug & Lean?

There was a bit of controversy last year over a big pet products brand that promoted “Hug Your Dog Day” and got a lot of flack over it (including from me!). But what if it’s the DOG that does the hugging? What does it mean when your pooch leans against you (some can knock you flat!). Today’s Ask Amy addresses the question.

Does your dog lean on you? How about hugging? Adolescent pooches may want to hug your leg (ahem!) but that’s a subject for another Ask Amy. More dog behavior answers are found in my ComPETability: Dogs book, too, but how do you handle the situation?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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.

Monday Mentions: Ice, Ice and…oh yeah, Ice

The current four inches of sleet turned to solid ice on the drive keep us homebound…and some has melted.

Finally it’s melting!

  Morning, Sweet Peeps! I’ve been stuck in the house since Thursday with Ice-ageddon here in North Texas. Nowhere to go, lots of soup being made (and eaten), and Magical-Dawg bored out of his furry skull. There are LOTS of links today since I’ve been saving up.

Did I mention, my husband also home during this time? Five days. All day long. With the TV on…oh, my. Since I work from home, and actually continued to “try” to work, it’s been a weeee bit of a challenge to have someone here. I have made headway on my revisions for LOST AND FOUND sequel HIDE AND SEEK, but not nearly as much as hoped. Oh, and now I have a cover for the book, thanks to my wonderful publisher and feedback from some of my Facebook fans! This time there’s a Maine Coon cat on the cover, along with Shadow, the GSD! Yee-haw! (see, if you “like” that page, you’ll stay up to date on some breaking news schtuff…)

Stay tuned, because once the revisions are completed I plan to reach out to y’all for some pre-publication reads for possible reviews both here on the blog and from Facebook Fans and newsletter subscribers. YOU are the reason the first book was a success–and I want you to get first look at the sequel. (Winners of the Name That Dog and Name That Cat contest get the book first, of course!).

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. Lots of videos today, including a moving horseback ride, Pug-icity, and a way-kewl fun music video at the bottom for all you theater and Wizard of Oz lovers, don’t miss it! Check out the THRILLERFEST 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

SCRATCH Jane Friedman’s new Webzine on how writers can make $$

Author Media Kit How To Info

All Classic Books Scam, Writer Beware!

 ”So Yew Want Tew Be A Riter?” some hilarious outtakes from published novels, courtesy of the always entertaining Colin Falconer.

Make ‘Em Good–AND Bad  the duality of character traits from Becca Puglisi

Mokule’ia Writers Retreat--Hawaii anyone? *s*

Designing Book Covers that Sell Books

 Password Guidelines for Online Protection

 2014 Writers League of Texas Agent/Editor Conference

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

New Dog Bite Study Confirms Husbandry A Major (Preventable) Factor

 My Life With Snoopy a book review from Dakota’s Den blog (Shelties know good literature…) You’ll recognize the author, too.

How FIP Affects Cat Immunity

Now “Bird Brain” Is A Compliment check out this parrot intelligence study from Harvard

Jackson Gallaxy, host of MY CAT FROM HELL has launched a new weekly “Cat Mojo” YouTube series, starting TODAY! Here’s the trailer:

Get your Kleenex read for this AMAZING RIDE, bareback and bridleless, a true partnership…in memory of the man who taught her how:

2010 Thrillerfest Interview

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!

Ask Amy: How Do I Teach Cat Claw Etiquette?

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Seren “owns” this old chair. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

Will you welcome a new purr-fect cuddly kitten into your life this holiday season? One of the most common questions I get as a cat behavior consultant is, “How can I stop my cat from clawing the furniture?”

Well…you won’t stop the clawing, but you can redirect to a “legal” target. Today’s Ask Amy has some tips. What other techniques have worked for your fur-kids? Please share!

And for all the must-knows on kitten care, check out my Complete Kitten Care book (or “gift” it to someone who needs help with their new kitten!).

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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.

A Day In The Life…Of A Pet Writer

“What’s wrong with this picture….IT’S EMPTY!!!” Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

This morning as I stared into the face of my grinning German shepherd and dodged his bruising tail flagellations, I envied him. And I envied my Siamese wannabe who still hadn’t roused herself from her daily 16-plus-hour sleep marathon. I mean, I really had a moment of green-eyed angst that Magic lives a dog’s life and Seren lives in a dream-world (literally!) while my husband and I bust our buttons keeping them in kibble. But is this a fair assessment? Just for fun, here’s a comparison.

Dog’s Morning: Runs through the field baptizing everything in sight. “Helps” collect the newspaper at the front gate. Eats breakfast. Takes a nap.

Cat’s Morning: “Helps” make Amy’s bed. Relocates to printer. Sleeps.

Seren is determined to break her all-time sleep record. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

Human’s Morning: Slaps bug bites from tromping through field after the dog. Collects newspaper while keeping dog from lunging at morning traffic. Fills dog bowl, reads paper. Eats breakfast. Fends off doggy begging for leftovers. Fills cat bowl—wonders where cat is. Showers, checks email, writes. Twitters. Writes some more. Checks email again. Facebook posts. Writes. Answers phone, hangs up on telemarketer. Stares at computer screen.

Dog’s Noon: Barks. It’s Frisbee time! Goes outside, plays fetch. Plays fetch some more. Baptizes stuff. Runs into tank. Comes inside. Shakes off stinky water. Plays tug with towel. Naps.

Cat’s Noon: Moves from printer to front cat tree perch. Checks food options. Sleeps.

Amy’s Noon: Applies bug bite ointment to shins. Wipes down walls, floor, appliances from dog shake-off of dirty water. Fixes lunch. Fends off begging dog. Fends off begging cat. Writes.

Dog’s Afternoon: Barks. Time to play—Frisbee? Ball? Chase the hose? Car ride? Yes yes yes YES!

Amy’s Afternoon: Checks email. Takes dog for car ride to check snail mail. Argues with dog about driving. Goes to gas station. Argues with dog about staying in car. Goes into post office. Comes out of post office. Makes dog move from driver seat. Drives home. Wipes dog drool off car windows. Fills the dog bowl. Writes. Writes some more. Grateful for dog naps.

Cat’s Afternoon: Checks food bowl, nothing’s changed. Crunches several bites. Empties bowl. Checks dog toys. Checks empty dog bowl. Checks dog bed. Revels in dog absence. Hears dog coming home. Races to second cat tree to glare. Sleeps.

Dog’s Evening: Hasn’t played in HOURS, going through serious play-withdrawal!

Amy’s Evening: Shuts down computer. Runs dog outside. Tries to wear dog out. Fails. Brings dog inside. Dumps dog toys, one by one, off of lap where dog deposits them. Tries to eat dinner.

Cat’s Evening: Wakes up. Checks empty food bowl. Meows. Meows some more. Looks for dog, and meows again to get dog’s attention. Hisses when dog approaches. Cat smile when dog gets in trouble. Leaps to Amy’s chair to check her dinner. Human food sucks. But dog wants it. Dares dog to approach. Hisses.

Dog’s Night: Brings balls (thirteen different kinds), four stuffed toys, three Frisbees and five chew bones into living room. Thrusts them one by one into human’s laps. Again. And again. Waits with expectation. Can’t believe nobody understands the play invite. Humans aren’t very bright. Sighs. Grabs consolation bear and sucks like a pacifier.

Cat’s Night: Glares at dog. Races around up and down stairs. Thumps toys. Scratches—loudly—on upstairs cat tree. Riles up dog. Success! Only cats know the right way to play! Dog gets in trouble. Cat’s job is done. She sleeps.

Amy’s Night: Dreams about Frisbees, writing, and lap-purring cats.

Would I really trade places with my fur-kids? Hmnn. Maybe the better question is would they trade with me? After all, I’ve got thumbs to open doors and food bags, scritch hard to reach itchy spots, drive cars and flip Frisbees.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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.

Cyber Monday Specials for Writers! DIY Ebooks & Cat Writers Discount

“You make books on this thing? Really?” Image copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

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 THRILLERFEST video at the bottom, too, as well as a fun cat viewpoint video.  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.

 Today’s a little different, though, when it comes to the WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF. I took several days off for the holiday and don’t have nearly as many links today, but it’s quality not quantity. Since it’s CYBER MONDAY, here are some you-don’t-want-to-miss writerly opportunities.

CAT WRITERS’ ASSOCIATION “MEOW WORLD” CONFERENCE SPECIAL today only you can get the conference for an amazing $59 (that’s more than half off the regular rate)! This is our first year partnering with BarkWorld so whether you write about cats, dogs, pets…or anything else…this event in Atlanta October 30-November 1, 2014 will have you howling with delight. Last year, I gave the seminar on Ebooks (below)…now offered as a Webinar.

Did you complete NaNoWriMo? Are you lined up at the starting gate, ready to pull the trigger on a spanking-new baby book? Whether you plan to DIY Ebook, hire POD done, or choose a la carte services for cover design, publishing and more, LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES. Discover the options and make educated choices. Because do-overs sucketh big time.

EBOOK FOR WRITERS WEBINAR Dec. 7, 2-3:30 NY Time

Next Saturday, December 7, 2013, join my EBOOKS FOR WRITERS Webinar from 2-3:30 NY time for all the must-know options for publishing in today’s digital age. It’s only $40 (but you’ll get $10 off with the code GO INDIE). Register here.

No hotel, no travel, no makeup required. I love Webinars because I can wear jammies and have a cat or dog on my lap (well, as much of the dog as will fit). The recording makes it possible to revisit the session later—especially helpful for those with a time conflict who live in, say, Australia. Or the wilds of Manhattan. And, if you aren’t yet ready to pull the trigger on your book, the session helps you figure out next steps when you ARE ready. (Hint: Might be a cool early holiday gift for a writer in your life. PLEASE SHARE!)

The live Power Point presentation includes lots of SQUEEE! cute animal picture illustrations, answers your questions and gives you a life-preserver to keep you afloat as you dive off the self-publishing cliff. You will learn:

Pros & Cons of Ebook Publishing compared to “Traditional”
Options Available from DIY platforms to for-hire services
Kinds of costs involved
What you can (and should) do yourself
What you should hire professionals to do
Resources for helpful self-publishing software, editorial assistance and cover design help
Practical step-by-step how-to “Kindle-ize” your manuscript
Formatting tips for illustrations, covers, sidebars and table of contents
Promotional must-knows including DO’s and DON’TS!
Includes valuable links to further information, available as a down-load/handout.

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

 New Cat Species, the Tigrina

Ann Rice (below) has great advice.

2010 Thrillerfest Interview…and BTW, Lisa Scottoline has two gorgeous Cavs, check out her facebook page.

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!

Thanksgiving–The Pet Writer Way

Magical-Dawg age 8 weeks…the first day he came home! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

It’s the day after Thanksgiving and I plan to take the day off, for a change, and enjoy spending time with my family. This blog post revisits a similar one from a couple year’s ago but is no less true now. Hope it’s appropriate to share my THANKS list with those of you who also love pets. And I hope you’ll add to the list of thanks by posting about your blessings in the comments.

I’m thankful to be home with my family—furry and human—rather than traveling. For many years I spent the weekend before Thanksgiving at conferences and so I’m grateful that can’t-miss event has been moved to an earlier date. I’m thankful that I’m not on the bumpy road and bumpier plane. I’m thankful my human family, though miles away, remain close-knit and loving. And I’m thankful all remain healthy.

I’m thankful for veterinarians who make life better for the pets we adore. I’m thankful for researchers who work to find diagnoses, treatments, and cures for our ailments, both for pets and for people. I’m thankful for the animal welfare volunteers who do the work of the angels when others somehow let pets down.

Seren still loves her sun baths. Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful that I have the best job in the world, sharing information about the cats and dogs that have become so important to our emotional and physical health. I’m thankful for publishers, editors, magazines, newspapers, TV and radio shows, websites, bloggers and email lists that share these important resources to benefit cats and dogs and the people who love them. And I’m thankful to writing organizations, teachers, agents and all those who promote the craft of good communication and help others pursue this rewarding craft.

Nekkid tummy after spay–when Seren came home with us for good! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful that I found a dumped kitten sixteen years ago and brought her into my home and heart. I’m thankful that Seren-kitty still acts like a kitten and stays so healthy–despite her arthritis and recent bout with schneezles. I’m sure my veterinarian also is thankful Seren remains spry, since she is not a happy patient and the clinic staff likes to keep their fingers intact. I’m thankful she’s given up playing “gravity experiments” with my fine breakables, and has decided it’s okay to nap on my lap nearly every evening. I’m also thankful that she’s decided the dog is a boob and great fun to torment.

Momma dog “Greta” with Magic and his siblings (can you guess which one is Magic?). Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful for responsible breeders who ensure purebred dogs and pedigreed cats have a healthy paw-start in life. I’m thankful that Magic-dawg at age seven has become a bit…just a bit…less driven. I’m thankful for water hoses, and tennis balls, stuffed teddy bears and Frisbees that wear Magic out without exhausting me at the same time. I’m thankful my roughneck dawg hasn’t had any injury this year, and that his limping swollen paw turned out to be bug-sting reaction easily diagnosed and treated. I’m thankful Magic is smart, funny, a comedian, and a wonder to train—and doesn’t argue but has accepted that the cat is the boss of him.

I’m thankful that although he never grew up with pets, my husband loves Seren and Magic as much as I do. I’m even more thankful they adore him back (that could get awkward!). I’m thankful for my church family—pet lovers or not—who also support my furry notions. I’m particularly thankful to the Cuchara Gang (you know who you are) and partner in musical-play-writing crime who lift me up with friendship and love.

Finally, I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog or any of the other venues mentioned. Without you, I would not have a career, and my life’s passion would remain unfulfilled. Without you, your pets wouldn’t have the wonderful love and care you provide. Without you, there wouldn’t be any reason for this heartfelt—THANK YOU.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving. And please share all your special thanks in the comments–let’s get a THANK-fest going!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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.

Ask Amy: Why Does My Dog Suck…Pillows?

“My name is Magic–and I’m a suck-aholic.” Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

Has your dog ever had an obsession with a particular toy or object? It’s not at all unusual for kittens to nurse on their own toes, or the tail of a sibling. Just like with human infants, the behavior seems to be self-calming.

Dogs also can find stress relief by nursing on objects. Blankets, pillows and stuff toys are common targets. Licking or sucking can become an obsessive/compulsive behavior. For instance, Dobermans seem to indulge in “flank sucking” behavior and other dogs may lick-lick-lick a paw or toe until it becomes raw.

But in the case of puppies and even adults that indulge intermittently, it may not be a problem. (Magical-dawg told me to say that!). Now it’s your turn–what kinds of items does your pet target with licks? Do tell!

Of course, with THANKSGIVING tomorrow, there are lots more tasty things for dogs to munch. Just be sure they’re safe–a small amount of “treats” is fine but some can prove dangerous. Check out this article on people food for puppies to see what’s acceptable and what’s not–or even poisonous!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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.

Monday Mentions: Purina, Better With Pets & Writer-icty

Sandra Lyn, Purina behaviorist, speaks about the true nature of cats.

Last week I was invited to attend the Purina Better With Pets summit–and had a blast! There were 16 speakers, each presenting on stage in front of a huge screen (think TED for pet lovers). Not only was the event hugely entertaining, it was inspiring to hear how many of these movers-and-shakers of the pet world came to be involved in championing animals. I’ve also blogged about it at puppies.about.com and will in the coming weeks expand my notes and future interviews into full length articles. Here’s just a taste…Purina promises that the full videos will be available for everyone to view soon!

Brian Hare of Dognition talks about canine cognitive abilities–and how this chimp solved the peanut problem!

Beth Stern fosters kittens–and husband Howard names them.

Joseph Wakshlag discusses the connection between rehab and nutrition.

Marty Becker shares secrets of how “the bond” works–and is upstaged by his canine partner.

Robin Downing, veterinary pain expert, explains that age is NOT a disease…and there’s no excuse for letting pets hurt.

Judy Finnegan offers an uplifting talk how Puppies For Parole saves dog lives–and the dogs also rehab the prisoners (win-win!).

Canine architecture…some wins, and some very bad losers! Stay tuned!

Everybody’s favorite YouTube cartoon, Simon’s Cat drawn live by Simon Tofield.

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 lots of fun videos below, including the THRILLERFEST 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

 Audio Book Sales Double  And, if’n you’re interested, there are audio versions of my Complete Kitten Care, ComPETablity-Cats, ComPETability-Dogs and the dog-viewpoint thriller Lost And Found. And yes, sales are quite good!

Writers Digest Annual Survey–Let Your Voice be Heard!

How To Sell More Books at Christmas and yes, it’s got my tips for “bundling” books. I’m offering a three-book-deal for cat lovers and a four-book-deal for pet lovers.

Three Ebooks for $9.99

Four Ebooks for $9.99

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

 Tidy Cats Paw-tographed Cat Collars Auction a charity auction benefiting the spcaLA and featuring 32 celebrity-signed kitty collars including from Denis Quaid and Matt LeBlanc, check it out! For the pet lover (and cat) that has everything.

RECALL! True Raw Choice Treats (Canada) due to Salmonella contamination

Manhattan Rat Hunters Extraordinaire where city dogs get to chase and kill rats, wow.

New “Barn Hunt Association” for all sizes of dogs…testing rat/vermin finding ability. (Note: no rats are harmed, they’re confined in aerated PVC pipe containers). What do you think?

Speaking of singing…Yes, I’m a proud member of ASCAP, and register all my music there. Great video!

2011 Thrillerfest Interview with RL Stine

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!

Ask Amy: Cat Wants Pets When I Get Up & FREE FOOD ANNOUNCED!

Today’s the day Seren announces the winners of the #HillsPet food treat baskets! On November 15 the blog invited folks to comment why their cat(s) deserved treats for a chance to win one of 20 give away food baskets. I’d planned to have her sift through the names, and paw-pat her choices.

And what do you know…since we only had 12 comments, EVERYONE who added a comment has won a gift basket from Hills! Sorry, Seren, you don’t get to choose after all.

I’ll send an email to Jean Meyer, Brenda, Frank Steele, Constance Marie, Patricia, Karyl, April R, Lisa F, Sue, Lynette George, Diane Cannon and Kim (from GoodReads). ConCATSulations!

Today’s Ask Amy video has to do with a different kind of kitty treats. Does this ever happen to you? What do YOU think is going on? How do you handle it? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? 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. Don’t forget to vote for your and character choice in the forthcoming HIDE AND SEEK!