Amy Shojai's Blog, page 113

Back To School for Pets

Dogs need their family–and miss us when the routine changes after school starts. Image Copr. MelissaMethamphetamine/Flickr

What do you do when the kiddos return to school? Breathe a sigh of relief? Miss them desperately? All of the above? My in-box is FILLED with all kinds of back-to-school offers for kid clothing, electronics, cameras, and more. Heck, this weekend (I’m writing the blog ahead) it’s “TAX FREE SHOPPING” here in Texas just to help out parents with the extra cost.

What about the pets? For many cats and dogs, the summer vacation means more time spent with their beloved “human-pups” playing and training, and having a wonderful time together. If you got a NEW baby dog or kitty this past spring, the 24/7 time together may be all they’ve ever known.

So what happens when school starts? And if you have a child leaving for college, that can REALLY put the pet’s tail in a twist. A couple of years ago when I quit writing (for a while) and taught school for a little over a semester–Magical-Dawg and I both suffered separation anxiety!

Separation behaviors are not unusual when routine changes. These tend to affect dogs more readily than cats. Cats with separation anxiety may end up pooping on your bed…but dogs may try to go through doors, walls or even windows and really hurt themselves. You can find a detailed article on dealing with doggy separation behaviors here.

Providing good alternative behaviors helps enormously. If you know the routine will change, start transitioning pets now. Use products like Comfort Zone with DAP or Feliway to soothe dog and cat angst, and provide some puzzle toys or cat trees to keep claws and teeth occupied. Check out the newest ASK AMY (below) for more ideas.

What have I missed? Do your dogs and cats get all stressed when school starts? How do you manage? Please share!

 

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!

Monday Mentions: Cute Animal Pictures, Writing Scams, Trademark Woes & Thrilling Videos

I’m a “sometimes” photographer and am completely blown away by the timing of that capture (above). Real life is filled with such moments that come an eye-blink at a time. My camera never seems to be within reach, or the battery is dead, or my skill lacking. But even though the camera may freeze the moment, but the memory leaves indelible paw-prints in the heart.

What “eye-blink” moments do you carry in your heart that you wish had been captured in film? Do tell! And don’t miss some of the other PAW-some cute animal pictures in the link, listed below.

You’ll notice that any picture posted on this blog includes a Copyright notice, usually with link back to the online source, having ensured it’s okay to use that image. When there’s no notice, that means I own the image. But did you know you can also get in trouble for using WORDS without proper attribution? Late Friday night, I received this Email cc’d to the sender’s attorney. I didn’t read it until the next day because it went in my spam folder since the subject line was blank:

Hello Amy,
I believe we spoke a the cat-writer’s event….and I am writing today about my trademarked term, PitchCraft. In preparing my trademark renewal, I see your name and Pitchcraft can be Googled, and this is actually a violation of trademark law, dangerous because trademarks must not be used by other parties, it waters down the brand, and allows for even more use from other writers, even where there was no intended violation or damage. And we all need to value copyright and trademark in our industry. Let me suggest – other than simply removing my trademarked term from your website….be certain to add Pitchcraft is a trademark owned by Katharine Sands. That way, it will appear on Google, and my trademark will be protected. And you will not be a writer who publically scoffs at creative theft. Katharine Sands

I was surprised, to say the least, and conducted my own search to find the single instance (in describing one portion of my Media Training for Authors Webinar) in which I used her trademarked term without the requisite notification. I removed it, and rewrote the description, and then replied:

Hi Katherine, Thank you for the warning. I was not aware the term was trademarked/owned since I have not seen it used with the (TM) designation in any of the 15,000+ google listings. I wish you the best in containing the flood. The term has be removed. For what it’s worth, I take creative theft very seriously and find your characterization that I scoffed at your ownership surprising but very pointed. I will certainly share with colleagues and followers how you protect your property.

So this begs the question–in your blogging, writing, creative-icity endeavors, do you search for trademark terms and include the (TM)? Have you ever received a notice like this? Perhaps I should have trademarked the terms I made up years ago that now fill the blog-osphere, terms like PETIQUETTE and COMPETABILITY, and…heck, WRITER-ICITY, HISSED-OFF and FICTION-ING. I’ve a feeling my future blogs will be peppered with appropriate initials every time Seren-kitty gets the the sniffles and needs a Kleenex(TM) but most certainly not a Tylenol(TM) or I make a Xerox(TM) of my manuscript filled with Post-It(TM) notes or edit marks from my Sharpie(TM).

I’m having a bit of fun here, but it is a serious business. While I’m a bit hissed-off at the tone of her last sentence, she has every right to protect her property and use whatever means necessary. She uses the term to market her own work and terrific speaking engagements–not about media training per se, but still close enough that whiskers got singed. My bad.

What do you think?

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. I’ve also included another Thrillerfest video from last year’s panel as well as an interview with the terrific James Scott Bell . 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.

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WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

Writer Beware! All Classic Books et al a roundup of nefarious links of related book publishing scammers, yikes!

 Surveying Readers from the great thriller writer Alma Katsu

Some of the WORST Social Media Tips I’ve Read what do you think? The premise that “social media” doesn’t work…well, here’s why. How many things can you count that this person suggest you do WRONG?

Word On The Street Festival & Author Solutions

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

Shout-Out to fellow Cat Writers’ Association Member Patricia Fry’s Debut Mystery, CATNAPPED available in Kindle conCATSulations!

Dog Hero Awards Time! VOTE VOTE VOTE for your pick-of-the-litter (all are winners, of course!)

36 Purr-fectly Timed Animal Pix thanks to Piper Bayard for this gem! (that top picture is from the list…)

Morris Animal Foundation Answers To Dog Bloat: Dr. Rozanski will discuss her promising research findings on Wednesday, August 21 during a public webinar. Register here for the webinar.

Turtles, Dogs & Kid Life Lessons a touching and spot-on blog from Myndi Shafer

Bissell Pet Foundation Helps Animals

Red Star To The Rescue! the American Humane Association’s program makes a huge difference

How to Stop Cat’s Scratching from certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger (she has a terrific cat behavior book, too!)

Summer Travel With Your Cat a guest post from Vicki Fisher the prez of The International Cat Association

From last year’s 2012 Thrillerfest

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!

Solving Allergies to Pets

Allergies to cats happens year round…and shouldn’t get in the way of the bond. Image Copr Maria Magnus/Flickr

Hot weather may mean more time spent indoors avoiding the sun for both people and pets. It’s also the time of year for pollen, mold and dust, so allergy sufferers double up on the dose of misery. Two days ago the blog discussed tips for pet allergies, and today it’s time to figure out what to do if you’re allergic to the pet you love. Even if you aren’t directly allergic to your cat or dog, they act like furry dust mops that trap and hold allergens that do set you off.

The last figures I heard guestimated that about 40 million Americans suffer from dog and cat allergies. Nearly 30 percent of cat owners are allergic to their cats.  Symptoms include itchy eyes, coughing, wheezing and/or hives.

Sensitive people don’t react to the pet hair at all. Instead a specialized protein found in the saliva and skin causes the reaction. Any pet may provoke an allergic reaction–there’s no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” pet, despite marketing claims you may hear.

LIVING WITH PET ALLERGIES

Washing the pet weekly in plain water dramatically reduces allergic reactions by rinsing away the dander. If like my dog Magic, your dog may welcome a dowsing with the hose to cool off in this hot weather. For cats, use a wet washcloth and wipe them down, since they tend to object to dunking. Your own physician can guide you about human health concerns. But there are steps pet owners can take to feel better, without having to give up their special cat or dog.

Create a “pet free zone” such as the bedroom, and make it off limits to the cat or dog. That gives you eight or more hours a day of reduced exposure.

Brush and/or comb your pets thoroughly to get rid of hair otherwise shed in the house. Have a non-allergic family member take care of this duty. I love the Furminator grooming tool. It pulls off 90 percent or more loose fur, and with a German shepherd, I know from shedding! It works on the cat, too. Different sizes are available at pet products stores.

Cat people may react more to the dusty litter than to the cat. This is a great excuse to have one of the kids take on pet potty cleaning duties, so the allergy sufferers avoid exposure.

Allerpet® can help by cleaning a pet’s coat of dander and other allergens such as dried urine and saliva, common irritants that trigger human reactions. After a thorough brushing to extract dead hair, Allerpet is applied to the animal’s coat and does not harm the pet or leave a residue on furniture or clothing.  The product is a gentle emollient that is non-toxic and safe for use around small children, plants and animals. Allerpet®/D is designed for dogs and Allerpet®/C is designed for cats, but can also be used on ferrets, rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice and other furry critters. Both products are available over the counter at pet products stores.

There are some individual cats that may be less “allergenic.” Siberian cats, for example, are known to produce less of the Fel D1 protein that people react to. But of course it’s not the FUR that causes allergic reactions, it’s the dander (dried skin secretions containing Fel D1, combined with dried saliva, urine, etc) so a hairless kitty isn’t necessarily the solution.

How do you manage your pet allergies? Maybe having someone else groom the cat or scoop the litter (the dust can set you off, too!) may mean you can tolerate more close encounters of the kitty kind. Please share your experiences. What would say/do if a human loved one became allergic and the doctor said, “get rid of Fluffy.”

Not gonna happen in MY world, what about yours?

Here’s a video that got a lot of response when it aired (FYI, those kittens are now adults living with loving families).

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!

Soothing Itchy Dogs

I’ve been told by some veterinarians that West Highland White Terriers “put their kids through college…” because of the allergy issues the breed is prone to. Image Copr. Amy Shojai

When I asked about topics for future blogs, my friend Tammi said, “Dog – allergies: causes, cures (esp homeopathic), and (belch) anal glands – continued problems. Been to vet multi times, tried everything. Fur baby is miserable.”

So sorry your fur baby is having this issue, Tammy. An itchy pet makes the whole family miserable. Here’s a basic primer on dog and cat allergies, with links to more information–and a couple of videos with additional tips.

DOG ALLERGIES CAUSES & CURES

Pets suffer from the same kinds of allergies that people do. Food allergies (probably the least common in dogs) happen when dogs react to certain proteins in the food. Major culprits are meats like beef or chicken–and even lamb, if the dog has eaten it before and become “sensitized.” It can be complicated–here are some more details about dog food allergies.

Food Allergies

How do you cure dog food allergies? Well, you don’t…but you can manage them. The first step is diagnosing exactly WHAT causes the reaction and only a veterinarian can do that. See, commercial foods contain a smorgasbord of ingredients, some in tiny amounts, and while you MAY find one your dog tolerates more than others, switching around can be hit-or-miss. It also may confuse things when you’ve then exposed the dog to bunches more potential culprits and reduced the “safe” alternatives that he’s never before tasted.

Flea Allergies

Flea allergy is the most common of all. Dogs (and cats) sensitive to the flea saliva can itch all over after a single bite from one of these tiny vampires. Flea allergy also is one of the most easily managed, usually through one of the modern safe flea prevention products. I use Revolution (from the vet) on Magical-Dawg because it takes care of heartworms, fleas and a number of internal parasites, too. Those interested in more natural products may be interested this offer: now through 8/15, the folks at Only Natural Pet Store say you can save 15% on our Flea & Tick Control Products with code FLEAFREE. Please do due diligence with “natural” products as not all are safe in every case.

Inhaled Allergies

Atopy–or inhaled allergies–can be due to pollens, molds, and even dander. Hay fever in people that makes us sneeze instead causes itching in pets.

Could a dog be allergic to himself, or to the cat? Theoretically, that’s possible! But more typically it’s the springtime/summer allergens that drive pets nuts. Wintertime when the furnace comes on for the first time can stir up household dust and set them off again. Learn more about atopy in dogs here.

Atopy can be the toughest control. It’s seasonal so the signs can lessen during the winter. Dogs absorb grass and dust allergens through the toe webbing in their foot pads, so simply rinsing off poochie feet after the dog’s been outside can help enormously. Also, dogs (and cats) are furry dust mops that collect and carry allergens in their coat–so rinsing ‘em off weekly also helps.

Natural Cures

There’s a difference between HOLISTIC veterinary medicine and HOMEOPATHY (click this link for some details). For example, omega-3 fatty acids are a holistic/natural treatment that aid skin health and also have some anti-itch properties–so does bathing the pet in an oatmeal-based anti-itch shampoo. A flea comb to get rid of fleas is about as natural as you can get! Homeopathic medications attempt to “wake up” the pet’s own body to deal with and manage the health challenge. One of my affiliates (below) does offer some homeopathic remedies for itchy dogs, so if you try it please let me know how well it works.

ANAL GLAND ISSUES & WHAT TO DO

Anal glands, who needs ‘em? Surely many of our dogs could do without these two pea-size scent glands situated on each side of the anus. Cats have ‘em too, but dogs tend to suffer the most from infections and impaction of the glands. Think hemorrhoid pain times twelve…Ewwww!

The glands provide your pet’s scent-identification, sort of a smelly fingerprint that other pets check out when they sniff each others assets. The glands secrete oily pungent “schtuff” naturally with each bowel movement, but a too-soft feces may not express the glands adequately. And some dogs just have chronic problems and need help from owners (or groomers, or vets) with manual expression. For chronic issues, sometimes surgical removal of the glands can solve the problem. This article explains more details.

Here are some videos that offer some more comments and discussion (yes, they’re a couple year’s old!). There’s also info on OTC treatments for pets. For folks reading the blog, what has worked for your itchy dog? Any further tips you can share with Tammy for her poor doggy? 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? 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!

Lend Me Your Ear: Audio Books & Historical Thrillers

My recording studio…a walk in closet in my office with sound foam on walls and ceiling, mic stand, and place to set up the laptop with ProTools software, etc.

Do you know how to record audio books? I had a whole slew of Monday Mentions linkage to share and my blog went ker-flooey…that’s a tech term. *s* Anyway, today instead I’d like to discuss listening.

Do you listen to audio books? I’ve recently had discussions with some of my colleagues. Not all are happy with the voice artists chosen for their books. *sigh* I’d already planned to include this link Audio Books Are Here!  in today’s linkage. If you’re a reader, do you also listen to books? Why? Why not?

If you’re an author, do you pursue audio publishing? While it’s still a fraction of print or Ebook publishing, it’s a viable and growing platform and one I think you shouldn’t ignore. Many publishers have the means to exploit audio rights, and that can add sales to the author’s account and offer fans more ways to enjoy their favorite books. You might want to consult with your agent or editor, though, about getting the chance to approve the voice over artist to be sure you’re on the same “listening” page.

ACX and DIY Audio Books

When your publisher doesn’t purchase audio rights, or you decide to self-publish, Amazon makes it easy to exploit those audio rights yourself. They have a self-publishing platform called ACX (Audiobook Creation Exchange). Your book must already be available on the Amazon site to self-publish with ACX which makes it available on Audible.com and iTunes.

At ACX, you can advertise for a voice over artist, audition talent and choose the right person to bring your book to life. Options include paying the talent up front, arranging to pay by sharing future royalties, or other “hybrid” contractual arrangements. It’s pricy to get it done but your royalties and potential income are typically much higher than with other platforms because Audible sets the price (usually pretty high), and for an exclusive contract you garner about 50 percent royalty.

Sometimes ACX will help you with a stipend of sorts to pay for the production cost, particularly when the book is popular and they want it out there for their clients. You also decide what contract to sign with ACX…an exclusive for a finite amount of time in which case your royalties are a bit higher, or nonexclusive so you can also publish on other audio platforms.

DO YOU HAVE THE SKILL?

In In another life I’m a stage actor, and have done voice over work myself. So I know why it’s so pricy to hire getting a book published as an audio file. It takes a BOATLOAD of time! Yes, I voiced and published all four of these books via ACX so they’re now available on Audible, but I’ve put the rest of my books audio recordings on hold to get the next thriller written

Say that your book, in a straight nonstop read, takes 10 hours…and nobody can read for 10 hours straight…what would you charge to spend 10 hours recording someone’s book? First you must read it to become familiar, THEN you record it–with good equipment, of course. Then you edit the audio to take out all those lip smacks, swallows, tummy rumbles, overhead airplanes, the furnace turning on and off…you get the picture.

DO YOU HAVE THE TOOLS?

The audio software matters, and there are different types. You can get the Avid Pro Tools Express with Mbox Mini but I got the Pro Tools 10- Professional audio recording and music creation software along with the MBox because it interfaces so well with my Sibelius music writing software Granted, some of these I purchased while a teacher at a discount, and ACX also has “packages” that you can get at a lesser cost.  The correct mic package is very sensitive. Mine is similar to this but I got a much better deal!

The final step is called “mastering” and basically smooths out and/or boosts the sound to improve the sound of the recording. That’s where the software comes in–it’s not just for recording but also for improving tone, etc. For a nonfiction book, an announcer voice works fine but for fiction, you’ll want a stage actor able to interpret characters and different voices, perhaps.

You ain’t lived until voicing everything from an autistic child to an old man and even a dog! And then, remember what the character in chapter one sounded like so you can repeat it in chapter 23.

DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

For every 10-hour-straight-read, multiply the time by at least four…so forty hours to record, edit and master the book. Yikes! With ACX you (the author) get to listen as the VO-artist uploads each chapter and check for bad pronunciations or accents or whatever, and request a do-over. Once you’ve approved the final version, and it’s sent to ACX to be published, their gurus also do a quality control listen a couple of times through, to be sure it sounds right and is true to the other published versions. If spot-on, it may be eligible to “sync” with some Ebook versions of the book. Most of the ACX titles are enrolled into the Audible book clubs…and authors get bonuses for sign ups there, too. For instance, the free book (below) is available if you’ve never before joined, and it’s a trial program so you don’t have to enroll, either.

MARKETING CHALLENGE

I’ve not been able to get ACX/Audible to provide me with review versions of the books. It’s not like print or Ebook versions that you can purchase multiple copies and distribute. Instead, you may “gift” listeners (at full purchase price), so that can get pricy. What I’ve done is “join” one of the Audible book clubs, which gives me a freebie once a month and nominal charge on others, for a nominal monthly membership. Having accrued several freebies, I’d now like to “gift” some of y’all in exchange for an honest review of one of the audio books.

So if you’re interested in a free audio of one of the above books, please sign up for my PET PEEVES newsletter (there in the upper right hand corner of the blog or you can go here). I’ll be giving away a few gift cards for your pick of one of these four books in the next installment–in the hopes you’ll be kind enough to share a review. You can also join your own program and get free books (click the box below).

If this post was helpful and you think other readers/authors might be interested in audio books, please share!

Monday Mentions is (usually!) 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. I’ve also included another Thrillerfest video from the awesome HISTORICAL THRILLER panel. 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.

I must send a public sympathy note to a faithful reader and longtime “virtual” friend to this blog, Karyl, who suddenly lost her beloved cat Simba last Friday and writes about it here. It was only a year ago that Karyl won the NAME THAT CAT contest for my debut thriller, and Simba’s name (and character) was added to the book as a slightly chubby senior citizen kitty. I feel like I’ve lost a family member, too, and now there will be a post script to that kitty character in a future book. Sweet dreams, Simba, and may Anubis and your human family know you’re at rest.

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!

Lighten The Load: Reduced Weight Litter Helps Humans

I was sent an advance sample of a new version of Tidy Cats litter to try out with my Seren-Kitty. While the product I received was free, I was not compensated for my honest review and all comments in this blog are my opinions alone.

Those who follow this blog know that I rarely review products, so it has to be pretty special for me to take the time to do so. I was curious, though, having used the Tidy Cats products for many years. Recently after reviewing a number of cat box substrates, I was curious about the “lightweight” claim.

Since I only have one tiny (6-pound) cat, litter lasts a good long time at my house. But households that have multiple cats must lug massive amounts of litter box filler. A couple of years ago when I hurt my back, there was no way I could schlep a single jug-o-litter. The weight is a big issue for many cat lovers–and Tidy Cats LightWeight version answers that challenge.

It is HALF THE WEIGHT of a comparable amount of clumping litter. No joke! The jug I was sent weighs 8.5 pounds while the same amount of a clay clumping litter in that same size jug weighs 20 pounds. PAW-some!

Tidy Cats LightWeight also is a clay clumping product. The ingredients list says “natural clay and mineral product with deodorizing system.” Seren acts like it’s no different than what she’s always used. After a bit over a week’s use, I find the clumping works as well or better than the clay clumping brand I used before, and the dust level isn’t as great. Even the tracking has been reduced–yay!

My only nit is that the odor control aroma seems a bit pungent for my tastes and I worry that some cats might find that off-putting. I asked and was told the suggested retail price is $12.99 while a 20-pound “regular” Tidy Cats clumping costs about $8.50 so the Tidy Cats LightWeight costs more–but for lightening the load, it may indeed be worth it. This reduced-weight product will be released into stores sometime this fall.

Would you choose a litter half the weight of your regular litter, even if it’s a bit pricier? Is the weight, dust, tracking and/or odor control the most important aspect of choosing litter? For me, it’s whether “herself” likes the litter–and fortunately, Seren seemed to think this was the same-old-same-old as before (win-win for me!).

Along the same lines, some cats get so confused they try to “cover” when they’re outside the box. Here’s an Ask Amy that answers the why behind the behavior.

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!

Woof Wednesday: What Is Old & Fetching Fools

My Facebook friend (and real life friend, too!) Elaine replied yesterday when I asked for suggestions for future blog topics. “How to care for an elderly dog. Our dog Goober will be 19 in November,” she said.

Wow, Magic just turned seven. Seren is 16. One is middle aged and the other considered geriatric, and a lot of it has to do with the size of the pet. When our furry friends reach a “certain age” it becomes much more important to stay on top of changes, and just keep ‘em comfy during their golden years.

How Old is “Old?”

What is considered “old?” There are individual differences between pets, just as there are for people. While one person may act, look and feel “old” at fifty-five, another fifty-five-year-old remains active with a youthful attitude and appearance. Aging is influenced by a combination of genetics, environment, and health care over a lifetime. The oldest dog on record was an Australian Cattle Dog who lived for twenty-nine years and five months.

A good definition of old age for an animal is the last 25 percent of her life. However, we can’t accurately predict what an individual pet’s life span will be, so pinpointing when old age begins is tough. Ask the breeder about the life span of your pet’s parents and grandparents. That’s a good predictor of how long you could expect your cat or dog to live. Mixed-ancestry pets are more difficult to predict, but you can make a few generalities.

Extended Lifespan

In the past fifty years, the average life span of small dogs has tripled. They used to live to be only six or seven years old, but today it’s not unusual for your Chihuahua to live into late teens or early twenties. With an average potential life span of fifteen to seventeen years, onset of old age—when a little dog becomes “senior”—would be about age eleven to thirteen.

Even large-breed dogs, which age more quickly, commonly reach ten to thirteen years of age—double the life span of the past few decades. They would therefore be considered old starting at about seven years.

Giant breed dogs (those weighing over eighty pounds or so) tend to age more quickly than smaller pets. Great Danes, for example, are considered “senior” at age five, and typically live only seven to nine years. There are exceptions, of course, with some very large dogs living healthy, happy lives well into their teens.

Sniffing ability is maintained longer than eyesight or hearing–use it!

Youthful Doggedness?

So you have an old fogey doggy–how do you keep him youthful? What happens when that go-go-go puppy attitude turns into a yen for snoozing the day away? Dogs can become frustrated when their youthful abilities fade away and they’re no longer able to leap tall buildings–or onto sofas–with a single bound, or chase the Frisbee and catch it without effort.

I have one word for you: ACCOMMODATION.

Enrich the dog’s environment and make accommodations for his new skill set. Agility dogs can still perform all those tricks of fetch and vault, just lower the bar a bit. For blind dogs, put a bell inside the ball or scent with liverwurst so his nose knows where to find it. For deaf dogs, you can use hand signals and replace the clicker with a flashlight beam flicking on and off. Those links go to the puppies.about.com site but they apply to adult and older dogs, too–and even cats. Seren is now pretty deaf, so I stomp a foot to warn her before I pet so she’s not startled.

I have a boatload of more tips and advice in the book Complete Care for Your Aging Dog.

Today’s Ask Amy strikes close to home because my Magical-Dawg is a fetching fool. Currently he’s in his prime and has no problem chasing and leaping until  his tongue drags the ground. But since this is Magic’s all-time-favorite-of-them-all (excluding car rides!), I know that FETCH will be a game that helps keep him young even when he’s an old fogey.

Do you have a fetching fool? What about your old dogs–what games do they love? Have you made accommodations for their aging abilities? Please share!

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!

Monday Mentions: Cougars, Detours & Barely Bear-able

Have you ever taken a wrong turn and gotten lost? How did you find your way back? Use a road map, or simply wander around a bit…and discover worthy sights?

On the drive home from Colorado, we missed an exit–lucky for us! Otherwise we never would have stumbled upon that outrageous life size bronze of a cougar. There’s a reason my cat is named Serendipity–I’ve learned to embrace life’s happy accidents and mine such things for the gold I might otherwise never see.

For instance, several years ago a door closed on my writing and a window opened with an opportunity to teach music. Although I soon returned to the writing path, that side trip whetted my appetite for composing. I probably wouldn’t be writing music today if not for that glorious/awful/soul-searing/awesome experience.

Writing is like that, too. Those of us who write talk about “pantsers” vs “plotters” which simply means those who write by the seat-of-their-ass-ets or the writers who plan each plot point before they sit down to write. I do a lot of planning, but have learned to loosen the reins a bit to allow for those unexpected mind-burps that may be more than indigestion. Today’s post is brief (again! sorry…) because I can’t wait to get back to the fiction-icity world of HIDE AND SEEK. My characters have taken me on a few unplanned side trips that turned out to be the RIGHT path after all.

What kinds of unexpected gloriosity has life/writing/the world thrown your way? How did it change you–or did it? Do tell!

Meanwhile, here are pictures of a few more “unexpecteds” that happend in Colorado. We couldn’t plan for this, and it was not at all pleasant while it happened. But DANG, it’ll make a good story. After all, everything’s material!

Baby bear has 2 strikes with those ear tags…another one sends him to Rainbow Bridge, so we shooed him away anytime we saw him. Poor baby…just hungry, due to the drought.

The result of a much BIGGER bear visit…he broke through the garage, ate an entire bag of garbage and (we hope) will sleep it off for a few months. Yes, the garage door had to be replaced.

One reason we go to Colorado…the view from the deck where we write. *sigh*

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.  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

 Why Trust Your Gut?

Where & What Readers Read a very interesting survey that may surprise you (note, this is from a UK blog…is the US different?)

Gene Lempp’s Writing Resources Roundup he does this every Saturday–bookmark it, you won’t be sorry!

Are You An Introvert? 6 things people misunderstand

New Beach Library how cool is that?!

 Smashwords Makes PreOrders Available

 Apple Price Fixing Court Decisions

Lamp Post Voting …nope, not explaining more than that, you’ll have to read this hilarious post from Piper Bayard’s blog.

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

Carolina Dogs DNA Study these are some of the earliest canines around! Fascinating

Thrillefest Science Panel

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!

Pets, Theater & Music, Oh My!

Last night I attended the SCP Volunteer Appreciating Dinner and Preview Performance of the annual fundraiser show. This year, it starred four local vocalists, the extremely talented Paul Jordan, Nick Timmerman, Aaron Adair and Blake Rice in FOREVER PLAID, directed by Nikki Silva. The show runs this weekend and next, August 2-11, at the Honey McGee Playhouse in Sherman, TX.

Run, do not walk, to get your tickets!

If you love music, if you love comedy, if you love theater–this is the show for you and the whole family. The four characters, wannabe 1950s songsters, missed their chance at stardom when nearly 50 years ago they were T-boned by a school bus and died–and have now come back from the grave for a one night performance. The close harmony is spot-on, the patter funny, the reactions subtle–and deadpan hilarious–and choreography so campy the audience doesn’t know whether to groan or give a standing-O. The elevated set, a bandstand that seems to hover amidst the clouds, makes the most of the available space while the onstage keyboard and bass player give all the support needed. Deceptively simple lighting and sound enhance the experience, and the costumes–white dinner jackets and later their namesake plaid tuxedos–stay with the theme of a low-rent concert. The crooning to Perry Como’s golden sweater will make you swoon. The featured solos (each actor gets several opportunities) literally rock the house!

Full disclosure–I know the guys in the show and would expect no less, and I also know the talented director. Having never seen the show, I’d suspected it would be a fun night with a thoroughly forgettable script. But this is one you’ll be buzzing about for weeks to come–and kicking yourself if you don’t go. Call for tickets now, the seats won’t last long, I guarantee. Here’s the number…903-892-7652…and learn more about the theater here.

I was invited to the Volunteer Dinner because last season I played cello as a volunteer orchestra member in the production of SEUSSICAL, and also volunteered as an usher. Many of y’all know that I perform now and then as well.

I love music and so do pets. Couldn’t get away from music during my growing-up years, since my Dad was a music teacher. Piano lessons started in second grade and our Sheltie used to rest underneath the piano when I practiced. Cello lessons in fifth grade, and I found my “major” instrument (voice) in high school. Yep, I was a music major in college–sang opera, among other things.

And then I ended up with a career writing about cats and dogs. Funny how that happens. Today I also write music (never saw THAT coming!) and just invested in some new Bose computer speakers after my CD player died. After not being able to listen to some of my favs in many months, it’s a joy to finally be surrounded by music once again. Oh, and in my thriller series, the main character plays cello. I’ve not yet decided how her cat Macy and dog Shadow should react–maybe some of your comments from your own pets will give me some inspiration, so do tell!

I do find some music distracting, though, and must be very selective about type of music when I write. As much as I loved FOREVER PLAID I couldn’t listen to them while working. I’d end up singing along and never get any writing done, or imagine the way certain pieces are arranged. Do you listen to music while you work? What kind is best for your favorite activity? Does it help or hinder your inspiration?

Our animal companions also have a relationship to music. That can be good–or bad, depending on if your pets have the same taste as you.

Magical-Dawg howls along if I happen to sing above a certain range. Everyone’s a critic–I guess it’s good that I chose writing as my work. Dogs (and coyotes) answer sirens with howls, and probably think human singers are simply inept at howling. Ahem.

Seren-kitty turns on her lion cough…ACK-ACK-ACK-ACK…when I play certain notes on my cello. I can’t wait to hear what she thinks of the violin if/when my husband finally gets around to taking lessons.

On a more practical note (pun intended), music can be a therapeutic tool in your pet’s home health care kit. Pleasant music can mask scary noises like thunder or New Year’s fireworks, or upsetting sounds like barking neighbor or raccoon scrabbling in the back yard. But more than that, the cadence of certain sounds influences the body’s natural rhythms and can speed them up and energize the listener, or slow them down to calm him.

So, does your dog or cat appreciate music? what kind gets his woofer working and purrs bubbling? Here’s an article with more details about how you can make music work for your dogs (hint: it helps cats, too!).

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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!

Pet Passions & Channeling My “Inner Dog” (and Cat)

I’m feeling a bit philosophical these days, as I continue to swim the fiction waters of the HIDE AND SEEK thriller sequel, once again with dog viewpoint and cat-astic plot points. Between the puppies.about.com nonfiction postings, this blog and the weekly newspaper columns, my work–and life–revolves around pets. For more than twenty years, I’ve puzzled over their actions, behaviors, motivations and care, nearly 24/7. Pets rule. That’s who I am.

Some folks write to change the world. They do so with passion, dedication, and great skill, and I admire them greatly. I also write to make a difference. Sometimes manage to save lives.  I rarely know what impact the work has, though, because those who most benefit from my writing never read it. I blogged about how cats read a couple of weeks ago, but some critters skip the reading and instead probably baptize it. Please don’t leave my newspaper columns on the floor. It’s disheartening.

After decades puzzling about P’ETiQuette and studying furry foibles, I’m channeling my “inner dog” with the current thriller to extrapolate what pets think–and specifically, what Shadow (the hero service dog) wants out of life in general and this adventure in particular. Macy the Maine Coon in the story has a much bigger role this time around, and I’m having a ball as his feline character develops.

There are some clueless humans, too, that September and her fur-kids must deal with. I get to speculate what exactly pets see in humans that allows them to put up with clueless folks who seem scent-blind and hearing-stupid toward all the clear-as-crystal animal talk being sent our way.

So I accept that I’m different. Pets are my obsession, my fixation, my passion in life. My true readership will never ask for a pawtograph, or care if I have initials after my name. But they will do back-flips for the right treat, and wag and purr with delight should a human finally understand that tail-talk.

But until my audience comes out from under the bed, or tires from dog-earing one of my books and actually SPEAKS in language most owners understand–and puts me gloriously, wonderfully out of business–I’ll keep typing, blogging, and fiction-ing away.

So now it’s your turn. Listen to your inner “pet” and please share–what do you think your dog or cat (or both) want their clueless humans to understand? Maybe it’ll go in the HIDE AND SEEK book, 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? 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!