Amy Shojai's Blog, page 126
November 5, 2012
Monday Mentions: Trampoline Dogs, Celebrity Cats & Hero of the Year
Lots of cat (and dog) book fans at the CWA conference book signing–here I am with two of my titles.
I’ve just returned from the 19th Annual Cat Writers’ Association Conference–this was our 2oth Anniversary, wow! We were in Los Angeles and will return again next year (mark your calendar for the 1st weekend in November).
Since this was our 20th anniversary, and since I was one of the founders, Friday night I gave a 20 minute presentation that contained more than 500 photos from the past two decades of CWA events. More than a few tears were shed, along with (at times) uproarious laughter. I plan to put together the presentation for a YouTube share, as it contains not just fun memories but the history and heritage of our organization. A few more pictures follow–but honestly, I was having too good of a time to stop and take photos so I look forward to those taken by others who attended.
Jackson Galaxy was one of our featured speakers. Here he’s with Keith Bowers (of Catster and Dogster) also a speaker.
Copr. Angie Holland Bailey
Yes, I was a speaker and gave an overview of my Kindle-ization journey. We went a half hour longer than scheduled answering questions and discussing the E-pub opportunities. There were a host of great sessions, from how-to panels by agents and editors, to clicker training sessions for cats (Bengals were in attendance!) and sessions on social media and more. Here’s a short review from one of our attendees, so glad he enjoyed my session, too!
Copr. Arden Moore
My colleague Arden Moore (former editor of Catnip and currently writing for Vetstreet.com) brought “Zeki” to help spread her message of pet-information and author empowerment! Zeki is a Texas kitty who survived a horrific abusive experience and now lives as a spokes-cat with Arden, traveling to many author appearances. Arden and Zeki will return to Dallas in January–stay tuned! You won’t want to miss that event!
Copr. Angie Holland Bailey
My roommate for the conference, Dusty Rainbolt, is the current VP of the Cat Writers Association. And yes, she’s from Texas, too…you can tell by the sparkles. *s* We always dress up for the CWA Awards Banquet. And both of us won. I received two MUSE MEDALLION awards, the first for my PETiQuette newspaper column and the second for this online article 10 Tips to Keep Your Cats Brain Forever Young. Dusty won several awards, including the SHOJAI MENTOR AWARD for helping two newer members accomplish their publishing dreams.
Yes, CWA is that kind of organization. 
The “after” party. L-R: Maryjean Ballner, Amy Shojai, Dusty Rainbolt, Kim Thornton…celebrating a successful conference, following the awards banquet. Copr. Arden Moore
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’ll be playing catch-up this week after the conference so today’s post may be a bit thin…but I’ll make up for it the rest of the week. Be sure to check out two awesome videos–first, a bulldog bouncing and rolling with glee on a trampoline. And then at the bottom, a nominee for CNN Hero of the Year–a dog trainer who deserves your vote.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Deconstructing BEFORE Re-Writing, a great blog by Anna DeStefano
How to Create Your Own Marketing Team, I talked a bit about this at the Kindle-ization talk
What To Put In Your Author Newsletter
Shut UP! Or We’ll Make You a new way to stop people talking with a verbal “gun” — neat to add to your plot!
How To Keep Your Book in the Top 100 lots of “indie” advice
Removing Reviews–Why They Go Away
Screenplay Replay Contest, look out–from Author Beware
Agents Self Publishing & Mysterious White Glove what the heck IS that? If you know, please share.
PET-ASTISTIC SCHTUFF
Voting In the Animal Kingdom, very interesting.
Doggy Trampoline this video is HILARIOUS! This bulldog is having so much fun
Pet Insurance Info could be helpful in choosing for your special pet (note, some info may apply only to UK pet owners)
Watch Out for Dog Shampoo…it can be dangerous, from the fine folks at Dogster
Human Perceptions of Kitty Coat Color...note, this is PERCEPTIONS not necessarily reality, LOL! This takes kitty typecasting to task.
Dog Noses On Trial is dog sniffing allowable by Fourth Amendment?
HSUS Cats Outdoors Conference in December
Hurricane Sandy & Rats! and more on Sandy and pet evacuations
You have GOT to see this video–and then VOTE! Hey this isn’t about the election, it’s about CNN Hero of the Year, someone helping partner veterans with needed service dogs. Check out the black GSD named SHADOW in the video, partnered with a veteran suffering from PTSD. Sound familiar? Wow… *wiping eyes* Yes, I voted for Dog Trainer Mary Cortani.
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, Arden Moore, cat behavior, cat care, cat writers association, Catster, CNN Hero of the Year, cWA, dog care, dog training, Dogster, Dusty Rainbolt, Jackson Galaxy, Keith Bowers, Kim Thornton, Mary Cortani, Maryjean Ballner, www.amyshojai.com
November 2, 2012
How You Hiss Off Your Cat
“Oh no you DIDN’T!” Image Copr. Bernadette Miller/Flickr
We love our cats but still complain about their “behavior problems.” Our blood pressure goes off the charts when Sheba and Tom scratch the furniture, baptize the bed, and caterwaul at 5:00 a.m., even though we’re purr-fect owners!
Our cats love us back. But there’s no doubt that kitty’s tail gets in a knot over a human’s “behavior problems.” In fact, I wrote a whole book about it in ComPETability: Solving Behavior Problems in Your Multicat Household. But here’s the short version–Here are 8 common things you do to hiss off your cat.
Clawing Angst: Cats claw to mark territory, to exercise and relieve stress. Owners hiss off cats by not providing the kitty-correct claw object and location. Cats don’t care if it’s color-coordinated to human taste. A nasty-clawed-ugly-old-post with scratch-graffiti is like a child’s favorite binky and can’t be replaced with a spanking-new post. Hiding it away means claw-art won’t be seen. Cats re-train humans by clawing kitty-correct objects of the proper texture and location—like the sofa.
Declawing Growls: Surgical claw removal offends many cats on an emotional and physical level. It strips away normal kitty defenses, and changes kitty stride/balance. Yes, some cats manage to suck it up and soldier on, but others demonstrate hissed-off status by avoiding the litter box (it HURTS to dig with sore toes!), or biting more often in defense.
Litter-ary Woes: Hit-or-miss potty behavior is the top complaint of cat owners—but we bring it on ourselves. Most standard commercial boxes are too small for jumbo-size cats so they hang over the edge or look elsewhere. Kitties hate being surprised in the potty, and dislike strong odors from perfumed litter or stinky deposits—a covered box condenses smells and blocks the view. Do you have a favorite TP? Cats get attached to favorite litter, too, and switching prompts some cats to take their business elsewhere. Having to “share” facilities is like you discovering somebody forgot to flush—ew! Extra boxes will reduce the hiss-quotient for kitties.
Carried Away: Cats love the status quo. Changes to routine annoy or frightens them. Being stuffed into an unfamiliar cat carrier and then grabbed, poked and probed by scary-smelling strangers (vet alert!) makes cats hit the panic button. Couldn’t the vet at least warm up the thermometer? Savvy kitties teach owners a lesson by disappearing each time we reach for the S’carrier. Make cat carriers part of the furniture and add catnip toys or fuzzy bedding to take the “scary” out of the equation.
Left Behind: Vacations hiss off many cats because it messes with feline routines. Your felines get used to being fed, petted, played with, and snuggled at certain times and the owner’s absence throws a furry wrench in kitty expectations. It can take kitty a week or longer to become used to a new schedule of you being gone. Your return disrupts the newly learned kitty schedule all over again, so the cat has a double-dose of kitty angst from owner vacations.
Sleeping Late: Why would owners want to sleep late, when a kitty bowl needs to be filled? Cats raise a ruckus to point out food bowl infractions or other owner irresponsibility. Felines become quite adept at training us simply with consistent purr-suasion, causing sleep deprivation until we give in.
Indoor Incarceration: Cats that have experienced the great outdoors can become distraught when “jailed” exclusively indoors. Never mind they’re safer indoors away from dangers—closed doors and barred windows drive these cats crazy. Bringing the outdoors inside with puzzle toys, cat towers and a kitty house-of-plenty can calm the feline freedom fighters.
Unfaithful Owners: Owners may think kitty is lonely and wants a friend, but they never ask the cat! Bringing a new pet (especially a cat) into the house turns up the hiss-teria. How would you feel if asked to share your potty, dinner plate, toys, bed—and love-of-your-life human—with a stranger off the street? To the cat, the interloper looks funny, smells scary, and disrupts that all-important familiar routine. It can take weeks or months for cats to accept newcomers as family members.
There are always feline exceptions. Your cat may not have read the kitty rule-book, and perhaps throws hissy-fits over other issues. Understanding what concerns our cats helps us be better owners, and enhances the love we share.
Go ahead–admit it! What have I missed? What are some other things you (or maybe someone you know *ahem*) do that get kitty’s tail in a twist?
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, cat behavior, cat problems, competability, how you hiss off your cat, litter box advice, pet peeves, www.amyshojai.com
October 31, 2012
Halloween & Pet Guilt
“Oh the shame of it all…” Actually, he wagged his tail and only looks hang-dog cuz his ears are covered.
Happy Halloween! I just posted a spanking-new article explaining why dogs act guilty–and nope, it can happen even if they don’t get into the Halloween candy! Do your pups feel shame? Do they “apologize” when they’ve done something wrong? Or do they “tell on themselves” if they’ve be bad? And yes, I feel a bit guilty about dressing up the Magical-Dawg like that, but it was for a good cause–and I got to review the costumes here.
I gotta tell you, it’s true–they do ACT guilty and ashamed. But is that the same thing as really FEELING contrite? What do you think? Here’s my take, and it may surprise you why dogs act guilty.
Tonight is that time of the year with the kiddos arrive in droves, ringing the doorbell and driving your fur-kids to distraction. Last week’s post covered all the must-knows about proper pet-to-kid introductions, but you’ll want to take extra care tonight.
Keep the candy out of reach so the pets won’t have any reason to act guilty. Chocolate is poison, and so are some kinds of nuts and even the fake sweetener in gum can poison pets.
Watch out for door-dashing pets. Even the most well trained pooch may become frightened or overly-eager and head out the door.
Here is a series of 8 Spooky-centric articles on everything from dog costumes to safety issues. That last one is key–have fun but be SAFE. Your dogs will thank you for it. Enjoy the video–but don’t be scared, get your ferocious pooch to protect you!
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, do dogs act guilty, dog costumes, dog shame, Halloween, pet safety and halloween, www.amyshojai.com
October 30, 2012
Tuesday Tips: Wizard Cats & Busy-icity
Mewdy Blue showing his true colors in wizard outfit. Thanks for sharing! Image Copr. Andrea Dorn
I’ve been so darn busy with the book launch of LOST AND FOUND, including some absolutely stunning and awesome reviews, as well as getting ready for the Cat Writers Association 20th Anniversary Celebration (leaving Thursday for L.A.!) that the Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty are feeling neglected. Just as well, I suppose, or else I might dress them up for Halloween and I don’t believe Seren-kitty would be nearly as calm as my colleague’s cat Mewdy Blue in the picture.
I’m giving the Friday night presentation with over 400 photos from CWA’s 20 years and some insider insights into how/why it was founded. I’ll also present my seminar on my Kindle-ization Journey for both the nonfiction books (with photos), and the fiction as well. And yes, there’s a mass pet book author signing event, right in time for the holiday shopping season. You can register at the door for the seminars. I hope to see you there!
I can’t remember the last time I missed posting a blog. That’s why I had to turn Monday Mentions into a Tuesday Tips. 
My bad. I even missed my hair appointment so will go to the conference all poodle-esque instead of well coifed. Throw on enough sparkles and I’m sure no one will notice. But I did design and have printed some book plates (SQUEEE!) so that folks who want to purchase one of my print books can request a paw-tograph and I can easily provide that and snail-mail to them. You can email me your address with “paw-tograph” in the subject line, and specifics how you’d want it inscribed–to you, a friend, a special pet. These are printed on peel-off mailing labels and solves the problem of few print copies on store shelves.
Tuesday Tips (aka 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. If you have pets who like to dress up for Halloween, check out the fun photo contests available in the links today.
WRITER-ICITY SCTUFF
Random House & Penguin Merge Forget about the Big 6…it’s down to 5
Looking For A Job in Publishing, lots of opportunities
Publishing Process–In Pictures! Funny stuff.
Writing Contests, Grants & Awards from Poets & Writers remember to do your due diligence
Beware High Fee Contests going along the caution of the above, from Author Beware, plus learn about America’s Next Author Contest
13 Worst Ever Reviews.…now I feel better!
Candy Cautions, Halloween Scares–Truth & Fiction
The New Vanity Press–Traditional Publishing oh wow, that will raise some hackles!
Popularity, Visibility & KDP Select an insiteful post from from David Gaughran, as well as his take on Amazon opening Kindle Store in Japan
World Building–City by City–for Writers here’s a neat how-to for you fiction authors out there
You Don’t OWN Kindle Books, You Lease Them interesting explanation
PET SCHTUFF
IMPORTANT! World Vets Blogger Disaster Response Network I signed up, have you?
Halloween Photo Contest for Pets, Babies & Kids at iVillage, check it out!
Archeological Cat! thanks to Karyl Cunningam for sending link
Bling-Alicious Dog Collars boy oh boy I want one! Gorgeous from Dakota’s Den blogger (love them Shelties!)
Adopt-A-Shelter Pet Photo Contest, more fun stuff
How To Make Doggy Halloween Costumes, from Fidose of Reality (fun fun fun!)
Fun Cat Halloween History Lesson from a UK Blogger, some I hadn’t read before
Raw Food Not Enough? if you want a big brain…
Can Cats Get The Flu? from awesome blogger Cat Stanley
Save The Bats! Perfect for Halloween, don’t you think?
Cat Boarding Facility Charms from great cat blogger Jo Singer (there’s a nice video, too)
Fidose of Reality online doggy mag gets make-over, You’ll love this!
Complementary Healing for Animals Conference Nov 11-12 this looks great.
Cat Rules for Humans a calendar your cats want you to have, from Janiss Garza and Sparkle Cat
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, cat writers association, dog care, dog training, Lost And Found, publishing, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
October 26, 2012
Attack Cat!
Is your kitty the Masked Avenger, ready to protect life, limb and property? Image Copr. Karla Spence
Is your pet an attack cat? Does he or she serve as a guard kitty, able and willing to keep bad guys at bay?
Debbie Russell, one of my IAABC behavior consultant colleagues, recently read my debut thriller LOST AND FOUND and posted a lovely and very positive review that said in part, “I also loved Macy’s role at the end of the book.” (Thank you, Debbie! read the rest of the review here.) For those who haven’t (yet read the book, Macy is the trained hero cat who literally “nails” one of the bad guys.
Debbie also emailed me. She said, “You’re probably aware of this, but cats, when they bite, can absolutely savage the target before nerves even have a chance to respond to, “hey, I’m being bitten!” I once had a cat land three deep bites before my CNS could even begin to yank my arm back. I cringed on Macy’s attack.”
She also gave me permission to share these two true fascinating tales of cats defending their owners/territory:
We had dinner with a couple, and the husband told us of the following event. He was a teenager, sleeping and awoke due to some noise coming from the living room. He picked up a bat and went forward towards it. His Dad, whose bedroom was on the other side of the living room, heard it also and came from that side. What did they see? Their giant Maine Coon had a man on the ground, behind the couch, totally torn up.
He was screaming “Get it off of me! Get it off of me!”
They tried. It wasn’t easy. Apparently said MC hadn’t learned “aus”. (“Aus” is the German release command used with dogs.) When they approached, he’d just growl. I imagined him thinking, “MY PREY! I can eat off of this for a month. Go find your own.”
Eventually they got him off the guy, police arrived, etc. However, this cat had even managed to tear through the intruder’s leather jacket. Impressive, huh?
And a second story . . .
I can’t remember where I heard this, but remember it as true. A woman awoke to see blood splattered in her stairwell leading to the upstairs bedroom. She called the police. Based on the blood splatter, they determined that the Siamese must have launched him/herself at the intruder’s head from the stop of the stairwell. Yikes. Can you imagine?
Yes, I can imagine! My cousin once told the story of their cat that liked to lounge on the top of the refrigerator, next to the back door. A burglar entered the house, and…you guessed it…kitty launched an attack from on high, and drove the intruder from the house. As I recall, they knew because of the blood stains and door left open. Does this sound familiar? Where did you think I got the idea for that Macy scene?
I’ve also had consults with cat owners to help them diffuse territorial aggression and “guarding” areas of the home, especially when visitors enter. One client’s cat wouldn’t let the pet sitter to enter by the back door (the cat “owned” that area) but was fine if the pet sitter arrived from the front door. Cat-to-cat aggression is much more common (and discussed with tips to solve it in my ComPETability-Cats book). But cat-to-people aggression can be horribly dangerous and terrifying.
Then there are cats who sleep through strangers coming and going, while others probably would show burglars where you hide the silver. Where do your cats fall in the scheme of things? Do you have stories of cats running to your rescue–if not physically, perhaps sounding a warning? 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: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, attack cat, cat aggression, cat behavior, cats, hero cat, Lost And Found, www.amyshojai.com
October 24, 2012
Oh Baby! Introducing Dogs to Kids–Safely
Learning how to touch and handle puppies predicts good relationships as they mature.
A cat writing colleague called me last week after someone asked about tips for introducing babies to dogs. The person wanted to know how to teach the dog that the Baby was “alpha.”
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!!
Think about it. There is so much WRONG with that statement I really don’t know where to begin. You bring an infant home from the hospital, a creature that makes funny, weird (scary! prey-like) sounds and moves in a (scary! prey-like) strange way, and has enticing (scary! food-like) odors–milk, baby lotion, poopy-treats–
And you expect the dog that’s lived in your house, shared your lap/sofa/bed and received his share of attention and love to suddenly say, to this helpless and obviously puppy-esque creature–YOU DA BOSS!
You can try, of course. I don’t recommend it, and here’s why. A baby physically and mentally and emotionally–in reality–cannot be “alpha” over anything. That’s a contradiction in terms. “Alpha” implies being in charge. I hate that term, by the way, it’s so over-used and incorrectly thrown around. A dog may certainly tolerate the new baby and even come to love the infant but not at the baby’s behest, but because your dog respects, trusts, and loves YOU and your relationship.
My ComPETability books detail a whole lot more about how dogs think (and also how cats think), and both books include detailed step-by-step advice on what to do when you bring an infant into your home.
Toddlers are a whole other matter. The ComPETability books also have details about introducing toddlers and older kids to pets.
That’s vital not just for parents, but important for grandparents and visiting relatives to know especially over the holidays. Young kids may, indeed, think they are in charge of things and act that way, but the dog still knows better! I even covered this issue in my LOST AND FOUND thriller with the relationship between a highly-trained service dog and Shadow’s seven-year-old boy partner. How would Shadow have reacted to being struck repeatedly if he hadn’t been trained and drilled over and over again to expect and accept such treatment–and even then, that’s no guarantee a hurt dog won’t lash out.
You do NOT want a dog to try and teach a child his/her “proper place” (from the dog’s perspective–and hey, it’s normal for dogs to do this!) and so tips for introductions and supervised interactions are vital.
I’ve offered some of these tip on my puppies.about.com site for preparing dogs for new babies, and introducing dogs to young children. How have you handled these situations with your pets? This is an opportunity to create a loving and lasting relationship with pets that can build and grow for a lifetime! Please share your tips.
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 behavior, cats and babies, competability, dog behavior, dogs and babies, introducing pets to kids, Lost And Found, www.amyshojai.com
October 22, 2012
Monday Mentions: Neuters, Bats & Crazy Writers
“How’d you get a squealing cat inside this thing?”
Why the musical instruments? Because in another life I’m a musician, singer, composer. And yesterday I had a ball at the first rehearsal for Suessical, The Musical where I’ll be playing cello in the pit for the children’s theater production. It’s brain candy! Of course, the Magical-Dawg is always a critic.
I’ve a quick update on the THRILLERS WITH BITE front for everyone in the N. Texas area. The lovely students at Grayson County College will host a book launch party this Friday, October 26 from noon until 1:00 pm. Please come! I’ll offer some super-insider-neato information about how my debut thriller LOST AND FOUND came to be, read a bit from the book and answer publishing/writing questions for those interested. And hey, if I don’t know the answer I’ll just make schtuff up…that’s what fictioning is all about, after all!
I’m delighted at the most recent review, which said in part: “Lost and Found is Amy Shojai’s debut novel, but you’d never know it. Packed with stunning imagery, great pacing, intense characters (some lovable some not), and a story with heart, she’s going to be an author to watch. Her ability to mix lovable pets, caring humans, corporate greed, and a child with autism makes for a thriller like none other.” Read the rest of the review here.
A note/reminder: THANK YOU to those who have posted reviews, and I encourage you to continue that favor–for my books and any other author’s books. That’s truly a great gift you can offer to the writers you enjoy, and helps other readers find the books more easily.
I’m even more delighted to be part of a colleague’s awesome book launch. Michael W. Sherer is a best selling thriller and mystery author and NIGHT BLIND releases TOMORROW! Woot! He’s got a contest with the grand prize of a Kindle Fire plus a boatload of best-selling thriller author books in a give-away basket–they include books by Allison Brennan, Hank Phillippi Ryan, JT Brannan, Traci Hohenstein, Amy Shojai, and Eyre Price. (Yes, you can win a copy of LOST AND FOUND in the bunch, kewl beans!) Of course the LOST AND FOUND give away continues over at Good Reads, too, through November 15.
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 LOTS of fun links today. The two featured videos today are all about pet care cuz I know most (if not all) of my readers ADORE their furry muses, too.
Fair warning, guys–the first one may make you cross your legs.
WRITING SCHTUFF
Do Sniffer Dogs Violate Privacy Rights? interesting Supreme Court cases, and could impact how we write our novels, too.
Creativity Is A “Mental Illness” and Writers Prone to Schizophrenia, ya know this explains a lot!
Newsweek Drops Print Edition the end of an era
3 Ways to Sell More Amazon Books
Red Tree Literary Open to YA and MG Submissions
Twitter Hosts Fiction Festival in November
Fill The Shelves Initiative brings books to underfunded school libraries
Essentials Of Creating A Hero from Jodie Renner
Depression–More Than Sad blogger Louise Behiel offers great insights helpful to writers and characterization
E-Originals vs Paperbacks, an interesting discussion from agent Richard Curtis
Adding It Up, Jenny Hansen (techie maven extraordinaire) offers tips on keeping a total of Ebook sales in a snap.
PET SCHTUFF
SHELTER ALERT! Grant-Funded Training for Zeuterin, the zinc-injection neuter technique from Ark Charities seeks qualified nonprofits interested in being trained. Deadline is Friday October 26, contact Anne M. Bolzoni, Executive Director 1-877-346-4664 ex.10, www.arkcharities.org Here’s a story that explains more and the video below has more info–neutering without surgery for dogs! Could be a game changer for our animals.
Save The Bats! an initiative from the awesome folks at Morris Animal Foundation
Bobcats & Parasites, boy I could see some basis for a sci-fi or medical thriller
RK Anderson, A Legend in Pet Care, Has Died
Dog Whispering in the 21st Century a long and very detailed (referenced) article trainers will want to read–and dog lovers will find enlightening
Britain Politicians & Cat Fights (not what 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, Writing Advice & More Tagged: Amy Shojai, cat behavior, cats, dog training, dogs, Michael Sherer, pets, writing advice, www.amyshojai.com
October 19, 2012
Ghost Hauntings, Cats and Ghosts
“I will be with you…always…”
During Halloween, our imagination turns to ghost hauntings, but do cats and ghosts actually have a connection? Does pet death mean the end or will they come back to comfort us?
Cats have long been thought to have a link with the “other world.” In fact, popular urban legends hold that cats see ghosts—and their behavior certainly seems to support that notion. My cat Seren often plays “track the spook” games, maybe just to mess with my head. You’ll understand more when you read the last paragraph.
Cats and Ghosts
We built our house 15 years ago but maybe the site used to be an ancient burial ground that remains haunted by spirits of the departed. That would explain Seren’s behavior when she fixes her gaze on “something” and follows the motion up the wall, around the ceiling, and out the door. *shiver*
It’s not just my own vivid imagination, either. A letter to the “Occult Review” magazine of April 1924 tells of a ghost that appeared in a chair, also apparent to the humans present. A cat in the room seemed to recognize the spirit, and immediately leaped into the spirit’s lap—and was dismayed when the insubstantial lap would not hold it. The popular movie Ghost of some year’s ago featured a cat able to see the spirit of the murdered victim, played by actor Patrick Swayze.
Can Cats Sense Death?
There also are many stories of cats wailing at the exact instant of a beloved owner’s death, even when separated by miles. How do the cats know? Do they “see” the spirit, or feel the psychic change at the sudden absence of their special human? Cats have the physical ability to see certain wavelengths and color spectrums that people cannot, and perhaps this “remnant” of the dearly departed remains behind—or in fact the spirit portion remains visible for felines as well as ultrasonic sound communication.
Oscar the cat, a resident of Steere House Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre in Providence, Rhode Island, has an uncanny ability to predict which patient will soon die. He was adopted as a kitten but remains standoffish as an adult cat—until an individual nears the end of life. Then he will scratch at the door and demand to be in the room, whereupon he hops up on the bed beside the patient and sits vigil with them until they die. Oscar’s prediction rate has been better than the nurses or physicians who care for the residents, who suffer with severe dementia. Experts speculate the dying simply smell different, and that alerts Oscar. Yet he is the only one of several resident cats that seems to care. Relatives have said they feel comforted that Oscar spends time with their loved ones when they can’t be there.
Do Cats Haunt Us?
When cats die, owners recount experience of the kitty returning to comfort remaining pet friends and people that they’re okay. Sometimes the delicate paw-print tracks of never seen mourning “ghost cats” have been left where the owner can find them. Very often one can feel the jarring “thump” of the ghost cat leaping onto the bed at night, snuggling across your ankles, or being seen out of the corner of your eyes. These invisible visitors may still cheek rub and head butt ankles, so that people can feel the brush of fur against their skin. Wishful thinking? Perhaps the mourning human so desperately wants one last contact that imagination takes over.
But what of the other pets who also detect the invisible cat’s or chase a transparent cat as she runs through a room only to disappear into a wall? In some cases there’s also photographic proof that points to a kitty haunting a residence or person. One early famous example is a 1925 family portrait taken by Major Allistone in Clarens, Switzerland that documented a woman restraining an infant from climbing out of a baby carriage, with an older boy standing in front holding a stuffed bunny in his left hand. But in the boy’s right hand appears the face of a white kitten—except that white kitten had died several weeks earlier.
More recent examples abound and can be including pictures and videos posted on the Internet. For example, one family admired and took pictures of a neighbor’s flowers and captured the image of a cat in the window—only the family doesn’t have a cat, so just who was the ghostly feline and (perhaps more importantly) did the cat allow him/herself to be photographed?
Do Spirit Cats Return?
On October 29, 1993 at 8:30 p.m. my beloved dog passed away at age 12 years 5 months. At the time we lived in a tiny apartment and had to place his body outside in the entryway, to await burial the next morning. Shortly thereafter we heard a strangely haunting sound at the door, and found a cat crouching over my poor dog’s body muttering and crying. The cat was a stranger, one I’d never seen before or since. I like to think that this eerie cat visitor arrived to pay feline respects at his passing—it certainly couldn’t be my beloved dog’s spirit being hosted within this feline visitor. Or could it?
I never saw the cat again, although I did hear the yowls each year on October 29th at about 8:30 p.m. Maybe I imagined it? All I know is the spectral cat cries stopped after my Seren-kitty found us.
Have you ever had a “visit” from a dearly departed pet? Have your cats (or dogs) “detected” an otherworldly presence–what did they do? If you had the chance to see a pet ghost, would you want to? Have you ever visited certain locations (or even people) that you’re sure had an animal ghost in residence…what happened? 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: Cat Behavior & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, can dogs see ghosts, cats and ghosts, ghost hauntings, ghost stories, Halloween, pet death, www.amyshojai.com
October 17, 2012
Vacations & Pet Sitters
“I’ll guard the house while you’re gone!” (Image Copr. Melissamethamphetamine/Flickr)
The holidays are nearly here and pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog. Many of us will travel to visit family and friends, have folks visit, or spend vacation time away from home. Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members.
Good vacation plans depends on the individual pet, and your special circumstances. Does your dog love meeting new people, hide, or become hyper around strangers? Perhaps Chance the cat enjoys riding in the car but your brother’s dog hates kitties, or Grandma is allergic. Are pets more comfortable at a kennel, away from your nephew’s hair-pulling fingers? Or does your pet go on a hunger strike if boarded?
HOME ALONE?
In general, cats tend to prefer staying in their home amid familiar surroundings. Some do well if left alone for a day or two when provided with adequate food and water, and extra litter boxes. That’s not appropriate for kittens, cats older than 10 years, or any cat with a health issue that needs attention, though.
No pet should be unsupervised for longer than a couple of days. Make arrangements to have a friend, a neighbor, or a professional pet sitter visit at least once a day to clean the toilet facilities, check food and water (and medicate, if needed), and perhaps play or cuddle with the cats.
Leaving dogs at home is also an option. But unless your dog is litter box trained (yes, it can be done!), people visits must be more frequent for potty breaks and meals. Some dogs eat four-days’-worth of food at one time if it’s all left out at once.
BOARD or BORED?
Many dogs and some cats are fine when boarded at kennels. Reputable kennels require proof of adequate health care, so get vaccination proof from your veterinarian in advance. American Boarding Kennel Association provides a list.
Be sure that the cat space is out of sight and sound of the doggy facilities, to reduce feline stress levels. Some state-of-the-art facilities now provide pets with sofas, play times with other dogs, cat trees, videos of squirrels and birds to watch—and even close-circuit television monitors owners can access over the Internet while on vacation, to keep an eye on their furry friends.
Veterinarians may have kennel space available for dogs or cats with health issues that need monitoring. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding boarding facilities or pet sitters.
PICK A PET SITTER
Pet sitters are the ideal choice. You can search via professional organizations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International to find members in your area. Check out the pet sitter’s credentials, how long they’ve been in business, if they’re bonded/insured, what services they provide, and be specific about fees. Find out how much time the pet sitter spends on each visit—average is 30 minutes but for dog walking (especially multiple pets) or grooming/medicating it may take more time and require a higher cost.
Ask for references (and check them!) before you decide if the service or individual is a match for you and your pets. It’s also important to see if the candidate interacts well with your cats and dogs. Some pet sitters specialize in special needs animals. For instance, they may be able to medicate your diabetic cat or “pill” your reluctant dog.
Be sure to leave caretakers with detailed information about each pet’s care needs, veterinary contact information, and emergency phone numbers where you can be reached. Leave your pets’ leash, medications and other “must haves” in an easy access area and show the pet sitter where to find them. Alert the neighbors that a pet sitter or family friend will be coming and going from your home so they won’t be alarmed at strangers in the neighborhood, and give the pet sitter your neighbor’s name and phone number. Talk with your veterinarian about signing a “just in case” authorization for medical care (you can designate the dollar amount). That way, emergency care is available and funded even if you are unavailable to give your okay in person.
Preparing for your pets’ comfort during your vacations gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your time free from worries. After all the joy they bring you throughout the year, don’t your cats and dogs deserve happy howl-adays, too?
So…do you contract with a pet sitter, or perhaps a neighbor or family member to care for pets when you’re gone? Or do you board the dog? How does that work for you? How many readers take the dog along for the trip–or even the kitty? What tips and tricks make the travel problem free? 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: Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care Tagged: Amy Shojai, boarding dogs, pet sitters, pet vacation, travel with pets, vacation with pets, www.amyshojai.com
October 15, 2012
Monday Mentions: Maggots, Plague & Good Times!
Karyl Cunningham’s Simba reads Lost & Found!
I’ve been deep into discussions about the making of LOST AND FOUND for the past couple of weeks on the DogRead list (today is the last day–but you can read the archives if you wish *s*). It seems that I’m gaining some furry fans as a result and I’m delighted that the critters have given the book their paws-up of approval. I’m also discussing fun ways please join us!
This week I’m finishing up preparations for the Cat Writers Association conference. It’s our 20th anniversary celebration! So I’m putting together a fun power point presentation of pictures and history of the organization. I’ve also been honored with several Certificate of Excellence awards in the annual contest and will find out if any of these nominations result in a Muse Medallion win, too! If you’re in the neighborhood, I’ll also be presenting my Kindle-ization talk once again.
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 LOTS of fun links today–and even a rather important (sort of scary, too) video on the blog for self protection. Hope you’ll never need it.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Creativity Writers Conference. Sat., Oct. 20. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. KU Edwards campus, 12600 Quivira. Featuring Linda Rodriguez, fiction; Suzanne Lieurance, writing for children; Lisa Waterman Gray, travel writing, Olive Sullivan, poetry, Amy Viets and Bernadette Stankard, co-authorship; Mike Lance, electronic publishing. Fee: $75. Sponsored by Kansas City Voices magazine. Public welcome.
Fair Use what is it? Goodguidelines for writers
Writers, Create A Biz Plan and here’s how
Pub’ing Jobs at Harper Collins, Penguin
Dorchester Transfers Rights Back to Authors…if they can find you.
Do You NaNoWriteMo? 90+ published books began in this annual jump-start project that prompts writers to commit to 50,000 words in November! Do it!
Amazon Studios Options It’s First Novel to Become A Movie
Paying for Facebook Posts learn all about it and also this great explanation about EdgeRank
Open Letter to Virus Creators I really enjoyed reading this vent!
Self Pub’ing No Longer “Second Class” Route?
Google & Publishers Settle…well some of ‘em do. I got a notice that I may be due a refund. Someday. Maybe. Kinda-sorta-in-a-way. Mffft. Here’s what Author Beware had to say about it.
Bouchercon–Why I Stopped Going this author has some interesting observations
Plot Fixer Series, looks awesome!
Gender Specific Characteristics for Characters...or not!
Quick Backlist Building With Shorter Books….really? What do you think?
Can My Killer Hack A Heart? that is, interfere with the pacemaker? Doug Lyle’s nefarious info is dead-on (bwaaa-hahaha!)
PET-ASTIC SCHTUFF
Pet Books Get No Respect...except here, of course. Two very well known dog writers expound on the furry truth
Pet Prescriptions & Veterinarians a good discussion from my friend over at Fidose of Reality
MAGGOT DNA I.D.s CORPSE and yes, I had to put that in all caps because it is so freakin’ cool! Yay, Doug Lyle…again!
Photos Help Shelter Animals Find Homes what a great project! You can do this, too.
TV Reality Veterinarian Fined for Negligence/Incompetence …but gee, he looks good on TV. What is WRONG with this picture?
California Squirrel Plague sounds like the plot to a thriller
SPONSORSHIP for Small Animal Studies Available at Morris Animal Foundation. Help your pet and others’, too.
Pet Loss & Bereavement–How Dogs Grieve. It’s awful, everyone’s different but getting through the pain can be done. Here are 7 Ways for Pet Lovers to Cope from psychology experts, and what to do for grieving cats from the awesome Marilyn Krieger
Dog Trainer Seminar–Suzanne Clothier Relationship Based Training Seminar, known as a “trainer of trainers” Suzanne will be at the Grapevine (TX) Convention Center on Feb. 23-24, 2013. The cost of the 2 day seminar is $250 for early sign up, and $275 after Jan. 1, 2013. Contact Kathi O’Malley for registration
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, cats, dogs, http://www.amyshojai.com, maggots, pet books, plague, publishing, Thrillers, writing
