Amy Shojai's Blog, page 121
February 11, 2013
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
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…)
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…
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
February 9, 2013
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
February 8, 2013
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.
********************************
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.”
*****************************
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
February 6, 2013
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
February 4, 2013
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
February 1, 2013
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.
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
January 30, 2013
Pet Pampering: Going Too Far?
Puppies are for spoiling!
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there’s ample opportunity to pamper our furry wonders. We all love our pets–or we wouldn’t have ‘em. I’m all for spoiling dogs and cats, within reason–and when it doesn’t cause other problems.
My dog Magic gets a bit of people food now and then. He’s even allowed on the sofa upon occasion, and receives far too many doggy toys to count, despite disemboweling the squeakers in record time. . .
Oh, who am I kidding! He gets a LOT of people food (he loves broccoli), the end of the couch is his spot, and he usually beats me to bed in the evening.
Serendipity-kitty gets her share of lap snuggles, on demand. She could care less about commercial toys, but also enjoys treats from my plate, especially ice cream. And I found a deep blue leash that matches her stunning eyes for the ultimate in fashionable pampering.
There’s reason behind some pet products. I have no problem with folks dressing up collars and leashes with colorful patterns. Some pets actually benefit from wearing sweaters to keep them warm in frigid temperatures–check out these cold weather tips–or protected from sunburn pain. Special treats that don’t upset the digestion or proper nutrition can help with bonding and training. Heated pet beds ease doggy arthritis, and water fountains encourage kitties to drink and reduce problems with urinary concerns. Heck, even painting the dog (or cat’s) toenails is a harmless indulgence, and those colorful nail covers like SoftPaws actually prevent clawing and digging.
One obvious example of going too far is treats. We’re loving our pets to death and creating fat cats and dumpy dogs. That predisposes them to all the same health problems that overweight owners risk–arthritis, diabetes and more.
But what about fun products? Can a dog or cat have too many toys? DON’T ask the pets, you know what they’ll answer.
I receive an enormous number of press releases either in the regular mail or via the Internet. They promote everything from kitty bling to doggy tuxedos–what else should the pampered pet wear to a wedding, right? They also offer all kinds of cat and dog toys that frankly appeal more to the human than the furry consumer. Heck, I’d wear some of that pet jewelry, if it came in my size! *ahem*
A couple of years ago I got a pitch for a Father’s Day gift from Hyper Products for dog toys that appeal to both the fur-kids and Dad. These include the “doggy driver” golf clubs that loft dog balls into the air to chase (“practice your swing and delight your dog”); baseball bats that do the same thing, and slingshot-like mechanisms able to launch balls and toys 220+ feet. I have to say the idea of swinging a club for the dog to chase a ball scares me when I think of Magic trying to grab the club and getting wacked in the teeth. I notice that the golf clubs and baseball bat options now are absent from the website so perhaps the company heard me (and others) express concern. I’ve gotta say, the dog doesn’t care how you throw “whatever” toy or ball–just that it gets thrown. The idea of dog toys made from “balistic material” must be mucho-macho appealing to some dog owners, though.
On the other side of macho appeal, you get the “cutesy-diva-fashion” appeal. Harmless, right? Well I had an “oh-my-heavens!” moment when I got a promotion for a “puppy purse of the month” club.
I’m not making this up.
It’s designed for the smaller “portable” size dogs (or even cats). You strap the pet into the little designer sack so his feet dangle through the holes. He has a “purse handle” attached on his back, or a longer strap for over-the-shoulder portability. That’s right, this product turns your pet into a fashion accessory. The owner can then carry the pet over a shoulder like a living, breathing briefcase and the pet’s fuzzy feet never touch the ground. The puppy purse product line comes in all sorts of fabric and patterns.
Just shoot me.
There is so much wrong with this, I don’t know where to begin. I’m appalled.
Certainly pets may enjoy going places with you. Maybe an ill or injured pet (as described in the product benefits) might be conveniently toted with one of these. And I’ll agree there are benefits to keeping the small dogs safe and out from under our feet (or within bite-range of larger dogs). However, more small dogs get bitten and attacked by larger dogs when dangled from the arms of a fearful owner.
More than that, dogs and cats are living, breathing, thinking creatures. You don’t turn them into luggage! If you take a look at some of these doggy models, their body language reads anything but delighted–and pampering and spoiling should be something the pet likes. I can only imagine the nasty comments my cat Seren might make if presented with one of these outfits.
Give ‘em toys, for sure. Lavish attention, absolutely. Dress yourself up and accessorize with jewelry et al. But when pampering transforms our pets into mere fashion statements, I gotta draw a line in the kitty litter. Give me a break!
What “oh-my-doG” kinds of pet products raise your hackles? Am I all wet about the puppy purses? What do you think?
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 Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat toys, dog toys, pampering pets, spoiling pets, www.amyshojai.com
January 28, 2013
Monday Mentions: Furry Inspiration & Writing Help
Debbie sent me this picture of her reading LOST AND FOUND on her iPad with Xiotchl (top) and Kaya. Do your fur-kids “help” you read?
This morning I take the Magical-Dawg for his annual vet check up (shhhh, it’s a surprise!). He actually enjoys the whole deal (CAR RIDE? YESSSS!) and loves snort-snuffling the outside postage-stamp grassy patch where he reads the latest Pee-Mail for the best doggy gossip. Of course, he has to add his liquid comment to the mix. At least he doesn’t baptize the interior of the clinic, but does his best to announce, “Big dawg is here…y’all!” with explosive barks as he enters the door. I’m always a wee bit concerned some poor little Grandma will pass out from the shock, and then Magical-Dawg will smooch her back to consciousness.
Seren-kitty got a virtual birthday card this week from the vet. She’s sixteen. Wow, the time has sped by but despite some hearing issues that increase the volume of her meow, and some arthritic claws, Seren looks and acts much younger. To celebrate, she helped me un-make and then make the bed (a favorite cat game) and then she got thoroughly wasted on some high quality ‘nip.
How do you celebrate your pets’ birthdays? Actually we don’t know Seren’s real day, so picked one, and I know many folks who instead celebrate the pet’s “gotcha day.” At my house, every day’s a celebration. I couldn’t do what I do without my furry muses (those present and those still in my heart…) I just got delivery dates for the sequel to my thriller YAY! but that means I’ll be head-down (and head-banging) fictioning for the foreseeable future. My furry muses are primed and ready to inspire!
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 been head-down recording the narration on my ComPETability/Cats book…yes, doing it myself! But when you’re not equipped to voice a project yourself, this article has great tips for choosing a VO professional.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
What Facebook Interactions Say About You from the awesome Jenny Hansen
Inkling to Turn Google into Storefront (is this a run at amazon?)
Metaphor Mistakes from Marcy Kennedy
How to Find Readers on Twitter
Author Marketing Club helps with “free” day site submissions
Plagiarism 101 (you WILL be caught!) from the awesome Kristen Lamb
Discussion of KDP Select with more discussion here and also here.
Getting Sued for Making Schtuff Up?
Vantage Press Closes one of the oldest “vanity” publishers, founded in 1949.
PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
PSA Video on CATNIP DANGERS! (LOL!)
Grants Available AKC Companion Animal Recovery Canine Support and Relief Fund
New AKC Breeds Appear At Westminster! See the show Feb 11 & 12 on tv…or win tickets and free passes!
AKC Eukanuba Dog Show on ABC Feb 2nd
Fighting Pet Obesity great article
OFF-THE-WALL SCHTUFF
Seeing Holy Images? from the seriously funny files of Piper Bayard and Jay Holmes
And just to close on the same pet-tastic theme, I have to share this wonderful video of the great Ian Dunbar–on training, of course.
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, cat care, dog care, dog training, Lost And Found, publishing information, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
January 25, 2013
Stop Cat Spraying!
Smokey in the picture was about 19 at the time. Old cats with arthritis may have trouble climbing stairs or in/out of boxes and instead “go” somewhere else. Provide extra boxes to help them “do the right thing.”
This week I’ve got a theme going with poopy puppies last Wednesday and cat litter-ary problems today. And this week two of my cat behavior consults centered on problem toileting behaviors.
When you live with and love pets, you have to accept that a certain amount of crappiocca comes with the territory. That doesn’t mean you must LIVE with a spraying cat.
Here’s a few basics and refreshers for savvy cat owners, and maybe new information for first time fanciers. For those of y’all with Christmas kittens, take notes for the future and maybe prevent these problems in your furry wonders!
Spraying with urine is a marking behavior and typically is aimed at vertical objects. House soiling is urinating downward over horizontal surfaces. Each can have different causes, so to solve, you must figure out which it is.
House soiling very often has to do with 1) health problem, 2) the cat hating the box (for any number of reasons), 3) being prevented from “going” because other cats own the facilities. Cats faithful to the box that suddenly lapse need a vet check asap!
Boy kittens reach sexual maturity right around six to nine months, and then start advertising their hunk-icity by spraying urine like it’s kitty cologne. That drives the girl cats wild. Owners, too, but for different reasons.
Girl cats may also spray urine to advertise how cute they are to the feline Romeos once they go into heat (estrus) which can happen as early as four to five months!
Spay/neuter surgery removes the hormones that prompt as much as 85-90 percent of the spraying.
Even “fixed” cats may still spray or soil, especially in multicat households as part of jockeying for social position.
Cats use “self scent” (urine, cheek rubs and scratching) to calm themselves down during times of stress. So a cat may “tell off” that stray cat outside stomping on his lawn, or baptize your bed–because it smells like his beloved owner–when you’re gone on vacation.
This Ask Amy offers a few tips and advice for a spraying feline, but more details are available in the latest books ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems in Your MultiCAT Household.
I know a lot of cat-savvy folks read this blog. What are some other reasons cats get creative outside of the box? Please share! (It may turn into another Ask Amy…)
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 house training, cat spraying, how to stop cats pooping outside of box, litter box problems, www.amyshojai.com
