Amy Shojai's Blog, page 120

How to Love Your Cat

Cats are great actors and try to convince pet parents they’re already purr-fectly healthy and happy. With cats, it’s Valentine’s Day every day and a good time to think “outside the litter box” and find special ways to love your cat.

Your fur kids are more interested in playtime and fun activities, and these do help kitties both emotionally healthy and happy. Figure out what makes your cat purr delight. Depending on the cat, the emotional connection with their pet parents is top of the list. That’s not to say that all cats are cuddle-bugs or touchy-feely felines. For some cats, simply spending time in the same room and gazing with adoration is the ultimate in cat love.

Some cats wear their heart on their fur . . . Photo Copr. Caroline Golon (used with permission)

Cat comfort is another important issue for your pets. Every cat is an individual, so while one cat loves to swing from the drapes and meet new people, strangers could be a horror movie for other cats. A lot of that has to do with your cat’s socialization and parentage. One of the most generous resolutions is to accept each cat as an individual and adjust our expectations—and resolutions—to each special cat. Here are six ways you can share Valentine’s love and increase your cat’s purrs.

Schedule Play. Not every cat enjoys play and mostly the youngsters under a year go nuts for interactive play. Cat teasers like fishing pole lures offer a great aerobic workout for cats. It gets them off their tubby tails to help slim them down. Play increases the bond you share with your cat and can boost the confidence of shy felines and burn off the energy of bully cats that pick on others. Cats play in short bursts so schedule 10 minutes a couple times a day to play with your cats.

Provide Scratch Ops. Cats scratch to exercise, mark territory and relieve stress. Offering your cat legal scratching outlets makes her happy and keeps her physically healthy as well. Some cats won’t want to share their favorite scratch post so be sure you have at least one for each kitty.

Offer A Bed. Cozy fuzzy beds make cats purr with delight. Set a bed under a lamp and you’ll be your feline’s favorite buddy ever! Older cats especially appreciate soft spots to lounge, especially since cats spend up to 16 hours a day napping.

Provide Hideouts. Cats love hiding spots. You can offer an empty box or shopping bag to satisfy many cats. Cat tunnels work great in multiple pet households to reduce feline stress, too. Cats don’t like other pets to stare at them, so a cat tunnel lets kitty travel “under the radar” to reach important locations such as the litter box. Cat tunnels can reduce the hissy behavior between cats since they don’t have to face each other. Learn more about soothing cat angst in the ComPETability: Cat book. It’s just been published in audio version, too!

Create Entertainment. You wouldn’t think cats get bored but they evolved as hunting machines. Sleeping all day stores up enormous energy and indoor cats look for entertainment outlets. Set up bird houses and bird baths near windows for your cat’s viewing pleasure, as a sort of “kitty TV.”

Understand Kittens. I’m sure you’re already a savvy kitty “parent” but purr-haps you know someone who’d like extra help. As a Valentine’s gift for kitten lovers, I’ve dropped the Ebook price of Complete Kitten Care to 99-cents for Feb 14, 15 & 16.

How do you love your cat? Are there special toys or activities that your felines particularly enjoy?

Please also share the fun on Facebook.

 

THE BLOG MAY BE TEMPORARILY OFF-LINE THIS WEEKEND–
IT’S BEING MIGRATED TO A NEW SERVER,
THANKS TO BLOGELINA!

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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, behavior, cat care, cats, how to love your cat, kittens, www.amyshojai.com

Valentine’s Day Books!

Today’s hottest ebooks are on sale under $5 from Feb 14-16 only!

Mystery, romance, young adult, PETS!

there’s something for everyone …

… including the chance to win 1 of 4 $25 Amazon gift cards!

Check out the Indie Book Festival’s Valentine E-book Sale!

Kitten Lovers? Get the book for 99-Cents!

AND THERE’S MORE!

Click on the books to read more about them and buy.

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Filed under: Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, books, Complete Kitten Care, www.amyshojai.com

How to Love Your Dog

Our dogs give us unconditional love, and never care that we have a bad hair day, forget to change our socks or brush our teeth—actually, they might like that! They greet us at the door like heroes bearing treasures, and always offer a happy wag and eager smooch. Whether dogs snuggle to share our joy, or pester us out of a blue mood with a game of fetch, they love us 24/7/365.

That’s one of the many reasons dog lovers consider them part of the family. It’s only natural for us to return the affection on Valentine’s Day. Here are some ways to return the furry favor and make Valentine’s Day special for your dog.

Offer Puzzles. Valentine’s means “treating” our dogs in special ways, but we don’t want to “love them to death” by making them fat with too many calories. It doesn’t take much to treat dogs, especially when you offer pungent tidbits inside a puzzle dispenser. That encourages dogs to use their brains, too—yet another loving bonus.

Keep Teeth Clean. Most dogs get bored with the same old food and relish a tidbit that makes them feel special. Some treats also keeps those fangs clean and bright, too. Nothing says “love” more than keeping dogs healthy, because it means more years together.

Boost Health With Supplements. Healthy dogs might not need extra help, but when your veterinarian suggests more is needed supplements may be just the ticket. A variety are available that do everything from aid with digestion to ease creaky arthritic joints in senior dogs.

Give A Gift. Some dogs can’t get enough of toys, while others prefer treats or a game at the dog park. You know your dogs best so indulge them this Valentine’s Day with a new chew toy, stuffed animal, or day at the park.

Schedule Love Time. In our busy lives, we often put off “extras” until later or offer less valuable substitutes like tossing a treat when a dog asks for attention. While dogs love treats and toys, you can offer no greater love than sharing time with them. Every dog is different so figure out what delights the tail wiggles in your canine friend, and put it on your daily schedule.

Offer A Doggy Condo. A variety of kennels and crates come in various sizes and styles to fit your dog’s needs as well as your decorating ideas. You can situate the crate in a back room, or in the middle of the action in the living area. A decorative throw rug placed over the top of wire crates turns them into stylish furniture accents while giving the dog some privacy. To make it extra special, why not add a special bowl inside the crate where you can leave treat “surprises” now and then to make the space even more welcoming.

Create A Napping Zone. Special beds sized to snuggle puppies or soothe arthritic old dog bones are available. These work extremely well to offer a welcoming space especially on less than appealing hard floors. For the little dogs, you can set a dog bed on the end of a sofa or your own bed to get them out from underfoot and protect the upholstery or bedding. Adding a bed underneath a table works well, too, and creates a cave-like retreat that many dogs relish.

Open (Or Close) A Door. Another great way to create a special place for your dog is to employ a “pet door” that opens into an enclosed porch, or even into an interior room designed with their needs in mind. Pet doors can be installed in existing solid or sliding glass doors so the dogs can come and go as they wish. Another option is to use a “pet gate” that installs in an open doorway or hall. That way an owner can control access to areas as requirements change. For instance, a pet gate can provide a barrier to a staircase so your dog’s sanctuary remains the downstairs area at bedtime.

What float’s your dog’s boat? Do you have special Valentine’s Day plans for your fur-kid? Please share!

  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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, dog behavior, dog care, how to love dogs, Valentines, www.amyshojai.com

Monday Mentions: Dogs vs Cats & Write Schtuff

“You smell funny!” Image Copr. Tonya Jensen

I can’t count the times folks have asked me which is my favorite, cats or dogs. And as an equal opportunity pet lover, I’ve steadfastly refused to choose. However, there have been times when, just for fun, I’ve championed one or the other pet in a tongue-in-cheek debate.

Last time, I championed cats. It was YEARS ago (as you can see in this video) during the GREAT PET DEBATE on the Today Show over whether Socks Clinton or Leader Dole would make the better White House Pet. FWIW, the cat side won the phone-in poll. Even Katie Couric voted for the cats!

My friend Franny the Cats Guide posed the challenge this time. Here’s her 10 reasons cats are better than dogs.  So, I had to respond with Dogs vs Cats: 10 Reasons Puppies Are Better. What do you think? We’ve even set up a poll where you can vote.

THIS JUST IN! Puppies.About.com has WON the Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award (for the 2nd year in a row) for Best Website, arrrooooooo! So that’s even more incentive to check out the fun puppy-licious site.

I also wanted to share this fun interview with Kourtney Heinz about my writer-icity journey from Big 6 to small press. She’s a writer to watch!

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. There are some fun videos at the bottom, too!

WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

If This Was Your Last Day On Earth…something everyone (not just writers) should consider, lovely post from Colin Falconer

Tor UK Accepts Direct Sub’s from Writers

Mailing Lists & Authors

Selling “Used” Ebooks, huh???

Genre Writers–Show Me the $$  reality bites, don’t it?

Christian Writers Guild Pay to Play a hard look by Writer Beware

NetGalley Boasts 100,000+ Members . . . and they’re all reviewing books!

What About Orphan Works? more from Writer Beware

Small Publishers, the Future Of the Industry

Audible Announces 10-Fold Increase  and yes, I’m one of the authors turning my titles into audio-books, including Complete Kitten Care & Lost and Found

Tips for Show (Not Tell) from Marcy Kennedy

Don’t Sell Yourself Short a discussion of freelancer rates…are you working for peanuts? (Cheetos are another matter…)

Bookish Finally Launched

Ebooks Now Multi-BILLION Amazon Category

Securing Permissions to use SCHTUFF in Books

Stay Legal With Posts, Photos and More a great article my friend Carol Bryant pointed out

7 Free Photo Libraries in answer to the permissions and legalities schtuff

Google+ Overtakes Twitter  oh d*mn, now I gotta learn a new one?

APPLE to Highlight Self-Pub’d Books

PET SCHTUFF

Lost Kitty Treks 200 Miles to Return Home

Cat Bounce! it’s hypnotizing…

Brilliance of the Dog Mind

PenVet Cat Behavior Survey

Wildlife Forensic Science vs Poachers

Thanks to Kathy Bowen for pointing out this fun “writer-ly” video!

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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cats vs dogs, dog behavior, dog writers, DWAA, Maxwell Medallion, puppies.About.com, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com

How Do You Say Love? Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™

Each year Subaru of America celebrates the love between our owners and their dogs with a dog-specific campaign. Subaru challenged bloggers to share how we incorporate our dogs to be a part of our family and why they are important family members.

I’m incredibly fortunate to not only get to take my Magical-Dawg with me to work each day, when I commute up the stairs, but to also have him (and Seren-Kitty) as an intrinsic part of my work. So I wanted to share some picture examples.

Subaru has their own ideas. Be sure to scroll down and watch a hilarious video from Subaru. And stay tuned to learn more about a fun (and addictive!) Subaru Facebook ap where you can create a doggy driver’s license, ask advice (from dogs!) and more. Here’s a sneak peak.

My first look at Magic.

After too many years without a dog, for my 25th wedding anniversary gift I asked for another GSD…and got on a waiting list. We waited two years for Magical-dawg to appear. He’s “orange collar” here at two days old. Even at this early age, he was part of my writing life . . .

Magic at 17 days old.

I scented some socks with “puppy smell” to bring home and share with Seren-kitty. At this point I’d already rearranged my work schedule, and added puppy gates and a crate to the kitchen, in preparation for his home-coming. I wanted to be sure he transitioned into our family, and didn’t put the cat’s tail into too much of a twist!

The big day, Magic at 8 weeks with my husband!

Our first dog bonded so closely to me but not so much to my husband. This time around we both wanted the love-connection to work for everyone–it was love at first sight! In fact, the first couple of weeks, Mahmoud insisted on sleeping on the floor near to the baby dog, so he wouldn’t feel all alone.

First day home.

Magic inherited the big ceramic water and food bowls that belonged to our first shepherd. Here at 8 weeks old and 11 pounds (his first day home with us!) it’s hard to imagine he’ll ever grow into them. During these first weeks, he stayed in the kitchen during the day (and I moved the laptop there to work). In the evenings he got to spend time in the living room with us–Seren-kitty was NOT amused! Magic even accompanied me to theater rehearsals in the evening–and discovered he LOVES car rides. The other actors vied over who got to puppy-sit while I was on stage.

Magic’s first Christmas.

Santa paws brought lots of fun puppy-licious gifts. I think we had more fun watching him open and play with his toys than we humans did during our gift exchange.

Together at last!

It took two months and lots of bribes to bring these two together (Seren loves Philly cream cheese!). The introduction process between these two was documented in a case study presented online and published in the IAABC journal. Yes, Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty are not only part of my family, they are what makes my career a success. I call them my “furry muses.”

Host tag rules!

Magic’s most favorite activity is car rides, and that’s a daily treat for the big guy. But during hot weather here in Texas it gets too dangerous for him to ride shotgun. So his hot weather favorite game is hose tag. I tend to work too long without a break, and Magic makes sure that I get off my nether regions and go for long walks. He’s my workout buddy.

Seren’s still “top dawg” but that’s fine with Magic.

Now at 6-1/2 years old and 85 pounds, Magic and sixteen-year-old Seren actually get along very well. He’d still like her to play tug with his toy, but she’s given up plotting to get rid of him. Most evenings, after I’ve FINALLY shut down the computer for the night, Seren curls up on my lap while Magic squeezes himself onto the footrest to keep my toes warm.

We are family. As it should be.

How do your dogs fit into your family? What do you do to make them feel special and incorporate them into your day to day living?

Subaru suggests putting your dog in touch with Grant Weber, Subaru Canine Sales Associate. If you’re a dog, and you’re looking for a Subaru, head on down to see Grant Weber. You’ll leave with your tail held high. Here’s a teaser (below) but Seren-kitty has been LOL about this one–check it out!

Please also share the fun on Facebook.

This post is sponsored by Subaru. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.  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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, how pets love, pets part of the family, Subaru, www.amyshojai.com

Feral Cats, TNR & Cat Fancy Magazine

The past couple of weeks brought two pieces of upsetting news, and their convergence prompted this blog. You see, a new report on the impact of cats upon wildlife extrapolated old statistics mixed with new suppositions to paint felines as the devil incarnate–not a new situation by any means (witness the dark ages of black-cat-witchery). Many of my cat writers colleagues and blogpaws friends have addressed these concerns in well written posts, and frankly, I wouldn’t have felt the need.

Except that I also learned that Cat Fancy magazine, first published in 1965, has been sold. 

My earliest bylines as a “pet journalist” were with Cat Fancy. I got my first book contract because an editor read and liked a couple of my Cat Fancy articles. The magazine gave me my first “assignment” (rather than me submitting a query)–I really thought I’d arrived as a writer! But now Bow Tie is poised for change and Cat Fancy readers and contributors together hope this next “cat life” will be even better for all involved.

Sadly, at the moment things aren’t looking so good for the current Cat Fancy (and other Bow Tie) contributors. Many of them are owed a boat load of money for completed and published work, but since the new owner didn’t purchase the debt, chances are my colleagues won’t ever get paid. That’s suck-isity on a huge scale. Right up there with the sucky attacks on cats.

The last article I wrote for Cat Fancy (below) concerned feral cats. In the olden days (dang, that was 9 lives ago!) I was proud to be a contributor and wish only good things for the current editors and contributors now in furry limbo. I pray the TNR program also continues to thrive.

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The un-owned cats of America caterwaul from alleyways, give birth in woodpiles, and slink beneath dumpsters eking out a meager existence on the scraps of civilization. Nobody knows how many live homeless and unloved, but wherever cats gather, controversy soon follows.

Many “solutions” have been tried, and opinions abound regarding the best way to deal with un-owned and feral felines. In the last decade, a small army of dedicated and caring cat advocates including the Feral Cat Project (which lists several success stories!) has come to believe that TNR is a viable and ethical answer.

Defining TNR

TNR stands for “trap-neuter-return,” a program designed to control and decrease the numbers of roaming felines. Trapped cats receive a health exam to identify very sick cats, which are euthanized. Healthy kitties are sterilized and vaccinated, to prevent reproduction or illnesses such as rabies.

Friendly adult cats and tame-able kittens are adopted while the feral (wild) adults live out their lives–sometimes a decade or longer–in the managed colony. The removal of one ear tip identifies these cats as managed. The caregiver(s) monitor the colony and provides food and shelter.

In The Beginning…

TNR first appeared in Europe, and became better known once animal welfare societies in Great Britain began advocating the approach more than 30 years ago. Louise Holton, an early proponent, first learned of TNR in the mid-1970s while living in South Africa. “I fed colonies of cats in Johannesburg,” she says. “As soon as they started talking about TNR it just made sense to me, and I trapped my colonies and fixed them through the Johannesburg SPCA.”

It took longer for the idea to reach America. While working in animal protection, Becky Robinson noticed feral cats in downtown Washington, DC at around the same time that Holton relocated to the area. Animal welfare organizations offered no help. “I was pretty shocked when they said I should bring cats in for euthanasia,” says Holton, now with Alley Cat Rescue.

“We intended to spay and neuter,” says Robinson, “but we ran into all kinds of roadblocks. It was crystal clear that this had to be addressed.”

Believing education was the key, Holton founded Alley Cat Allies (ACA) in 1990 as an educational resource for humane methods of feral cat control. Today, Robinson is the National Director of ACA.

The TNR concept gained national attention in 1995 when Joan Miller of the Cat Fanciers Associationpresented a talk on cat lifestyle diversity at the AVMA Animal Welfare Forum. The next year she and Dr. Patricia Olson (then affiliated with the American Humane Association) co-coordinated the first National Conference On Feral Cats in Denver. Presenters offered a variety of views, and came to the conclusion that national coordination was necessary. “Alley Cat Allies began to grow more rapidly after that,” says Miller.

Hisses And Purrs

Not everyone supports TNR. “Pro and con is an easy way to categorize,” says Dr. Margaret Slater, a veterinary epidemiologist from Texas A&M University and author of Community Approaches to Feral Cats. “But almost everybody has a gradation of views. Nothing is black and white.”

The most common objections focus on protection of the cats themselves. People argue that as a domestic species, it’s our responsibility to keep cats safely confined. But feral cats can rarely be tamed or easily contained.

Relocating them becomes difficult when sanctuaries fill up. When cats are removed from an area that offers shelter and food, others quickly move into that niche–a “vacuum effect” that argues for maintaining the colony in its original location. Even if trap and kill programs weren’t expensive and ineffective, most Americans dislike the notion of treating cats as vermin.

As an introduced or “exotic” species, critics such as the American Bird Conservancy argue cats should be removed from the environment to protect native wildlife, particularly endangered species. Cats cause the most problems where ecosystems are already in the most trouble such as on island ecosystems where any predator is a problem. TNR is not a good choice in these fragile environments.

But proponents argue that for the most part, cats hunt more rodents than birds, and usually only catch sick, old, or very young birds. “Cats get blamed for a lot of things, but it’s almost never just cats,” says Dr. Slater. For instance, rats also are an introduced species, and quite good predators of many birds. Robinson adds, “A bulldozer on a spring day probably does more damage [to the ecosystem] than a feral cat in his entire life.” Even critics of TNR often support the programs in situations such as barn or city cat colonies since no endangered species are at risk.

Looking for Common Ground

Alley Cat Allies and other educational resources have made great strides in educating the public about feral cat solutions. How much TNR has grown isn’t easy to determine, though, because most programs involve volunteers and little tracking information is available. “The really big comprehensive and oldest programs are primarily in the Northeast and West Coast,” says Dr. Slater, “but it’s pretty spotty. You can make any statement you like because there’s no data to support or refute it.”

There is common ground. People on both sides of the TNR fence agree that owned cats should be sterilized and identified, and safely confined in some way. “Rather than fighting over TNR, we need to think about how to turn off the source of cats,” says Dr. Slater. “There’s always going to be more cats if we can’t turn that faucet off.”

Feral cat programs have impacted our world in an intangible but perhaps even more important way. TNR demonstrates that all cats have a value, even those that can’t be touched. We as human beings now recognized our ethical responsibility toward these community cats and that they should be cared for and treated humanely.

“TNR changes public attitudes about the value of cats,” says Miller. “That message is enormous.”

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Learn more about TNR in Ellen Perry Berkely’s marvelous books Maverick Cats and TNR: Past, Present & Future (sadly, out of print but available used).

  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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Cat Behavior & Care, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, Cat Fancy, cat writers association, cats, feral cats, pet writers, TNR, www.amyshojai.com

How Pets Play

In years’ past, the experts often ascribed play to be only the means by which juvenile animals practiced skills they’d need later as adults. Kittens played to hone hunting ability, while puppies played to strengthen muscles and practice various doggy techniques.

They neglected to mention that play, quite simply, is FUN! Cats stalk toy mice and kittens attack ankles for the pure joy, as an outlet for energy, stress reliever, and potent relaxation technique. Dogs steal socks and dance away out of reach, and play “tag” with owners, other animals, and even the reluctant cat. If you believe cats and dogs don’t laugh, just look more closely at your furry companion in the throws of blissful play.

KITTEN PLAY

By four weeks of age, kittens practice four basic play techniques: play fighting, mouse pounce, bird swat, and fish scoop. The first play displayed by kittens is on the back, belly-up, with paws waving. Feints at the back of a sibling’s neck mimic the prey-bite used to dispatch mice (toy or real). Kittens also practice the simpering sideways shuffle, back arched high, almost tiptoeing around other kittens or objects. Soon, the eye-paw coordination improves to execute the pounce, the boxer stance, chase and pursuit, horizontal leaps, and the face-off where kittens bat each other about the head.

PUPPY PLAY

Puppy play can be similar, but while kittens use paws to tap-tap-tap objects and manipulate/test their surroundings, pups mouth–everything. By five weeks, puppies often carry things around. This ensures owners must be good housekeepers or risk losing wallets, underwear, and other important valuables. About the same age, pups begin playing tug-of-war with your pant leg, each others’ tails, and anything within reach.

Puppy and kitten play offers endless entertainment to them as well as watching humans. The awkwardness, intensity, and abandon of these antics give way to greater finesse and dexterity as the pet matures.

ADULT PET PLAY

While adult pets play less than rambunctious babies, all dogs and cats play to some extent through their entire life. It’s not only fun for you both, but healthy as well. Keeping dogs and cats active and moving ensures they stay lean, and interested in the world around them.

At age 16, Seren still races laps around the living room and up and down the stairs. She delights in tapping me on the ankle, then racing away with a backward glance as if daring a game of chase. She adores burrowing under towels, the bed covers, or a discarded sheet of paper to “hide” and later attack the unwary passerby.

At six years old, Magic could play “fetch” literally for hours, with his ball, a stick, a stuffed toy–anything at all that fits into that grinning mouth. Frisbees are a favorite. In the summer, hose-tag keeps him happy. And of course, rolling on his back with a squeaky-chew in his mouth is right up there with treats.

Play is serious business for our dogs and cats. Take a lesson from them, and find time to play every day. In a stress-filled world, we all benefit from a daily dose of giggles. Play with your pets–and watch them smile from both ends. Just for fun, here’s a kitten fix!

  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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Ask Amy Videos, Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cats, cute pictures, dogs, how pets play, kittens, pets, play, puppies, videos, www.amyshojai.com

Monday Mentions: Brilliant Birds, Inspiring Kids & Writerly Links

“…on a roll, WOOooooooWOOOoooooo!”

This past weekend I wrote and scheduled 11 blogs, four newspaper columns, and two puppies.about.com articles (6 more to do). Why am I front-loading February? Because this is the month I am determined to finish the draft of HIDE AND SEEK, the sequel to my debut thriller.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been writing nonfiction so long, I can multi-task…I mean, multi-write and never miss a beat. But with the fiction, I need as few distractions as possible. I can’t even play music, or I get caught up bee-bopping to the beat and singing along. So this month if I’m not quite so Johnny-on-the-spot to answer email or the phone, please cut me some slack. I may have shut off email (GASP!) or unplugged the phone. I promise, it’ll be worth it. I can’t wait to share with y’all the next installment of September and Shadow’s story, it’s already taking my breath away!

Meanwhile, 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. You won’t want to miss the videos of the trained bird, dog-petting tips and pet talk kid!

WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF

The Ticket to Write play festival, original scripts based on the Beatles

Build Your Author Global Empire

Book Reader Survey interesting results

Self Doubt? You MUST Read This by Karen Dionne

Unique Marketing Ideas for Authors

Who Owns Your Digital Assets When You Croak?

Working with Editors in all their forms

DNA Testing, cool info for writers’

Why You WANT Negative Reviews huh? Well…okay. I guess.

Reading Boosts Kids’ IQ well duh!

PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF

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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Uncategorized

Cars for Dogs & Happy Yappy Appy for Puppy Bowl!

WARNING! Do NOT let your dogs see the other videos (scroll down) or they’ll swipe your bank card and head off car shopping. I’m keeping Magic away from the computer, and swearing the Seren-kitty to secrecy.

Yes, it’s Seren-kitty’s birthday celebration but we need equal time for the Magical-Dawg. Right?

I am NOT a fan of football. Sorry, it’s just not my thing. Magical-Dawg prefers Frisbee fetch–I think the football is hard for him to grip, even though he does have gi-normous jaws. But he’ll gladly drop the Frisbee for a car ride.  So when Superbowl Sunday rolls around, and my hubby gets that glazed-stare whilst clutching a beverage, either Magic and I hit the road for a ride, or we have to arm wrestle for the remote so we can dial up the PUPPY BOWL!

Yes, once again the Puppy Bowl will air this Sunday Feb. 3 on Animal Planet at 3pm e/p. Yay! And this year, there’s something extra, for those folks who need their puppy-licious fix but don’t want to miss any fumble-icity moments, either.

Puppy Bowl Co-Viewing App.

You can download it now–just click the picture–it goes live on Sunday.

That’s right, thanks to Subaru, there’s now a FREE APP for your tablet or mobile devices that works in unison with the broadcast as well as re-broadcasts. I’m not a techie, but am told somehow the sounds during the Puppy Bowl broadcast trigger activity on the app similar to Shazam technology.

So would you call that a Yappy Appy that makes me happy? As you watch the Puppy Bowl live on TV, the Puppy Bowl Plus application dishes up treat-worthy content from Subaru to interact and engage with. But I couldn’t wait until Sunday so put together a bit of a teaser in this video.

Hey, with me being such a fan of Puppy Bowl and the Magical-Dawg a car-ride addict, I had to blog about this year’s Subaru of America gone-to-the-dogs campaign that celebrates the love between owners and their dogs. This year their Dog Tested. Dog Approved.™ campaign introduces Grant Weber, Subaru Canine Sales Associate, who sells the cars only to dogs.

Seren wants to know where the Cat Car Salesmen are? At least the Puppy Bowl includes a Kitten Halftime Show.

Gee, and this post comes right on the furry heels of my Wednesday post asking can we spoil pets too much! But these videos tickled me so much, I had to share several. Just click the links, enjoy!

Grant Weber shows a dog around the car lot–but a cat beats ‘em to the paw-punch!

Too much of a good thing? Lots of room for a canine tailgate party.

Canine financing, dogged decisions–paw-tograph on the dotted line.

Okay, folks, would you buy a car for your dog? Do you plan to watch Puppy Bowl? I have to admit, we did choose our latest vehicle with Magical-Dawg in mind–but had to find a doggy grate to keep him out of the driver’s seat. What are your canine car tails, to tell!

Let me know how you like the Puppy Bowl Co-Viewing App.  You can download it now and be ready when it goes live on Sunday. Oh…and please Share the fun on Facebook.

The Magic-Mobile is ready to roll…

This post is sponsored by Subaru. The opinions expressed in this post are my own.  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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Ask Amy Videos, Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, cute puppy pictures, puppies, puppy bowl, puppy bowl ap, Subaru, videos, www.amyshojai.com

Seren’s 16th Birthday Catnip Bash!

“Did I get my wish? He’s still here, isn’t he?” *spit!*

Today’s Seren-kitty’s birthday! Well, it’s the day we’ve chosen to celebrate, anyway. It’s been a week long celebration, though, and she’s never at a loss for toys when terrific companies like Nekochan Enterprises sends kitty fun for a review.

I’ve been bad, they sent the Neko Critter toys back before Christmas and I’ve been so covered up the review was late. Actually I’ve reviewed some of the Neko Flies before here, where they got a 5-star rating. This time around I’ll give a 5-star rating to the Foxifur Kittenator (Seren’s fav!) and a 4-star to the Kiticatterfly, but the third one (Kattipede) is segmented and easily chomped in two. I can see how it might be the cat’s fav but it could prove deadly if swallowed. In fact, a couple of my colleagues tested the toys with their cats and the kitties DID chomp this one in half. Check out what Seren thought of the toys in her video (forgive the bad light, it was a stormy cloudy day).

Oh, and just for fun, I also caught Seren on camera drunk out of her fuzzy head on high-quality ‘nip. That’s the second video…and the music is from our KURVES, THE MUSICAL show. I figured Seren needed some fun audio to go along with her antics.

What are some other fun ways to celebrate pet birthdays? We talked a bit about it on the Monday Mentions blog but let your virtual cat out of the bag to tell everyone what YOUR cat craves?

Disclosure: Review samples were provided by the manufacturer in exchange for a fair and honest review. 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, listen to the weekly radio show, 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!

Filed under: Ask Amy Videos, Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, cat toys, Neko Flies, NekoChan, review, www.amyshojai.com