Amy Shojai's Blog, page 146

Woof Wednesday: Less Adoptable? More LOVE!

Natalie's "Tess" doing well after surgery!

Last week I shared a blog on Adopting Other-Abled Pets  prompted by the amazing Petfinder.com initiative on adopting less adoptable pets.

That blog received lots of feedback, and this past Monday the puppies.About.com blog shared tips about how to help blind puppies. After all, blind pets rarely consider themselves "disabled" and still become wonderful companions.

Do you share your home with a "less adoptable" pet? How did you find each other? Has living with an "other-abled" pet affected your life in positive ways? I encouraged folks to  share pictures and stories and today you'll find some of them in the blog! I gotta admit, y'all made my day-week-YEAR with these heartwarming experiences. After reading them, check out the ASK AMY VIDEO at the bottom of the post for some tips about adoptions and shy dogs.

NATALIE HARTFORD'S "TESS"

Our older animals deserve all the love and attention in the world as much as our puppies do!! I am not sure if you saw on my blog that my dog's been getting older. She turned 10 this year and just before her birthday, she ruptured the ligament in her knee. She had to have surgery and hubby and I have invested well over 150 hours of physio into her recovery. She's recovering wonderfuly and at her 9-week check up, the vet said she's walking amazing and is doing exceptionally well – all swelling is gone – and we can move towards gradual return to all activities.

The 3 months has been hard but the most wonderful thing has also come out of it. Hubby and I both feel more bonded and connect to Tess. We've spent more time with her, touching her, working with her, healing her, and loving her…it's just filled us with joy! And to see her come through this with such an amazing spirit, unconditional love, and happiness – just amazing.

I know that this means her arthritis is going to kick into overdrive sooner rather than later. And I know we've already got some hip issues. But I don't care. She's my baby and I'll be with her to support her and work with her as she ages….because that's what I committed to! Because I love her. Because I am here for her for the long haul no matter how hard or easy it is. If she were human, she'd do no less for me!

KARYL CUNNINGHAM'S "JODI"

Karyl with Freckles and Jodi.

Jodi is the dog I grew up with. She was 6 months younger than me, so we had her as long as I can remember. Half beagle, half who-knows-what, she was the pick of her litter and the best dog a family could ask for.

Now, when I was very young, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Turned out we had arsenic in our water, which the testing company had told us was safe. I had been exposed to that water before I was born, and drank more water for my body size than my parents or sister, so I was the only one in the house affected. Well, we ended up finding out that Jodi had epilepsy too –The dog and I grew older, and we had a pretty solid bond. Partly, I think, because I knew she had the same disease I had.

She is, by far, the smartest dog I have ever known. It took us a while to figure out, of course, being stupid humans.   She … grabbed a big mouthful of straw and dropped it on top of the food to hide it from the birds. Score one for the dog. When winter came, dad kept finding the tennis ball in her water bowl. Then he watched out the bedroom window one day, tennis ball in the water bowl that was now frozen over. She walked over to the bowl, pulled out the ball, took a drink of the unfrozen water beneath the surface of the ice, and put the ball back in. Nobody taught her this – she learned it all on her own.

We cannot forget that the vets said she wouldn't live to see 10. So, around the time we both turned 10, I started spending hours out with her alone, telling her I loved her, telling her when it was time to go, not to worry because we'd be okay. I promised her, every night, that when the time came I would say goodbye.

And she lived on. She started slowing down after a while, we were worried it was getting close to time to say goodbye… But when that puppy Freckles joined the family, she sprang back to life.Eventually she started to slow down again. One day I came home from school, and my parents told me they had taken her in. . .  I was more devastated that they hadn't told me. I had promised her… promised her every day I would say goodbye, and then I wasn't given the chance.

Karyl's cat Simba, blind in one eye (maybe both).

I'm told when they gave her the shot, she fought it the whole way down. Mom thinks it's because she wasn't done protecting us… was hoping she could teach Freckles how to before she went. I think she was waiting for me to come say goodbye. The vet said she wouldn't make it to 10. She would have been 17 that spring…

I still miss her. Nearly 10 years later and I still miss her…Some things never go away.   (Edited for length, see the whole post here)

There was mom's old cat Shoebee (so named because he would come up and sit on your shoes to be petted when he was a baby) who was born without a breastbone… and liked to swim in the bathtub as my sister found out once by surprise.  Then there's the recently departed Timbit who we found on the side of the road, who never really fully developed – kept part of the blue of her kitten eyes, never really grew at all, was always a bit sick. And my Simba who has been mostly blind in one eye after an injury of unknown origin when she was still living outdoors. We thought she was going to lose that eye, she never did. She now appear to be going blind in both eyes in her old age.

George …seems to have some neural problems, as well as deformed legs, so she wobbles and flops around a bit. Still hunts, though, but my parents have to watch her because she once fell out of a tree and broke her hips.

Maggie's Harley, a furry blessing!

MAGGIE ROSENTHAL'S "HARLEY"

I adopted Harley from Downtown Dogs because his story touched my heart; not because my brain was engaged. What was I thinking bringing an adult dog with no known history into a licensed day care setting ?  The first time I took him to church, to be blessed, he took off down a ½ mile driveway looking for the highway to Tennessee.  The first time I took him to the beach he attacked

Harley with a special friend.

a dog two times his size.  And the first time I tried to license him in Massachusetts they refused to do so because they didn't believe he is a lab hound.  (They are probably right, but his sweetness won them over in the end.)

Harley is very handsome, except when he falls asleep and his tongue pushes out where teeth should be.   Harley is WONDERFUL with children.  From the infants to the students who come back to visit, he is gentle, patient, and forgiving. A baby climbing over him elicits a happy thumping tail. Getting to ride shotgun in the school van elicits a happy thumping tail. And dinner ? Ecstasy!

He no longer starts fights with other dogs, because he has learned to read my body language and knows I will be there for him.  His willingness to trust is a direct reflection of the love and support of the women at Downtown Dogs. Their prediction that he would always be by my side, however, was wrong. As his confidence has grown he is very happy to take off without me and ignore my first and sometimes, second call.  He is the proverbial bull in a china shop, but he does step over the cockatiels, instead of on them. A skill I greatly appreciate.

Adopting a skittish, almost toothless, adult dog and expecting him to adapt to young children twelve hours a day was unrealistic at best.  And during the first few months I wasn't sure he would be able to meet the state guidelines for dogs at day care centers; but he has. He hasn't stolen a pizza off the table in months.  He's learned to wait outside the doorway while the children are eating, with no closed door to remind him. And he happily shares the couch with one of the four year olds, during quiet time.

What no one knew when I adopted Harley, was that he would develop seizures; making him a physical and mental special needs dog.  If being the offspring of bully breeds, being dark, being skittish and almost toothless hadn't been enough against him, the addition of epilepsy would have removed him from most adoption lists. Thankfully, we didn't know. And instead of being one more dog euthanized, he has become a full time volunteer at a day care program and a beloved member of the pack.

MICHELLE JAMES, PRESIDENT, DOWNTOWN DOGS GROUP

PUTTING ON THE DOG   Amy, I am co-founder of a small rescue organization in Tennessee, the only rescue in our area that focuses primarly on adult and "special needs" dogs. Your post was serendipitous for me today, as I read it literally 5 minutes after receiving an email from a local citizen criticizing our rescue. She wrote, "I really don't understand the point of saving animals that have broken legs from being run over, or other really bad injuries, and spending hundreds or thousands of dollars for vet bills doing that, when it's $40 to end their misery and put them to sleep."

The public, and even some rescuers, often express that opinion to us; it's their attempt to "fix" our problems of lack of space and funding. It's so cut-and-dried to them: sacrifice the few to save the many. I try to let such negative comments roll off, but some days are harder than others.

We are SO excited about your special post for these amazing creatures! Since our inception a little over 2 years ago, we have rescued and successfully rehomed a deaf pit bull, a blind dachshund, a 3-legged mixed breed dog, a one-eyed cat, many middle-aged and older dogs (some who were initially feral). We have provided many life-saving surgeries and medical treatments, including several heartworm treatments. We did all of this in spite of advice to spare the resources and euthanize these animals so we could move more puppies out of the area. Our response is always, "There are plenty of other rescues moving puppies – we are here for the ones considered the misfits of the misfit world." Here are a few of their success stories.

Boy George:  Our first "other-abled" rescue is a white pit bull, named Boy George because he looks like he is wearing eye-liner   Because Boy is such a celebrity, he has his own video. (Amy's note: It's a Kleenex moment…HAPPY tears!)

Losing a leg doesn't slow Walker down!

Walker:  We got a call a few weeks ago about a small dog with a leg injury running loose in our downtown area.  Good samaritans had been feeding the little guy, but he was too scared to come near anyone.  One of my volunteers was able to catch him.  He was terrified, and the injury to the leg was severe: a gash near the joint that was extremely infected.  Although Dr. Walker was unable to save the leg, little "Walker" has recovered fully from the amputation and has no idea anything is missing in his life.  He is loving life as Melissa's foster dog, all of his fears have faded away and he is a total social butterfly.  Walker will soon be ready for adoption into a permanent loving home.

Hunter:  Hunter is also a new face at our sanctuary.  A volunteer searching for a lost shih-tzu in the area stubled across Hunter by accident, and called us to say she had found a very sick, starving dog.  When we arrived, Hunter could barely lift his head.  His bones were protruding, and abdomen severely distended.  Examination by Dr. Climer indicated that while only two years old, Hunter had advanced congestive heart failure from heartworm disease; in the days that followed, Hunter lost five pounds of fluid that had accumulated around his lungs.  Although the first weeks were touch and go, Hunter's lab work now looks great and he is well on his way to health!  He has been a fabulous addition to our sanctuary, and like all rescued dogs, he seems so greatful to be alive.  Most rescue agencies would have euthanized Hunter, but once we heard there was the slightest hope, we knew his life was worth fighting for.  We count Hunter among our miracles.

"I'm going HOME!!!"

Doc Hollywood:  Doc is the epitomy of the less-adoptable dog, as he is a male, black, mixed-breed, mid-sized model – the most prevalent of the rescues.  Doc has a white spot on his chest, what I've heard called a "southern kiss" because almost all these black mutts in the south have the white spot.  Doc was spotted by one of our volunteers rummaging through a dumpster in a very impoverished part of town, snacking on an old apple core.  Adoptions are so slow, especially with black dogs, so Doc was with us a year, and became one of the favorites in our rescue family.  I wish I had a story from his new adopter, but they have not yet become officially acquainted…Doc was just adopted, via website, by a wonderful couple willing to look past color and give this beautiful boy a new lease on life; he is on his way to his forever home in Connecticut today!

TAINA EDWARDS "VIOLET"

Violet and Miss Fran.

Michele James contacted me to send you the story about Violet.  Michele found Violet when she was only a few months old. She is 13 pounds and part Dachshund. Michele and I met at a "Downtown Dog Rescue" fundraising meeting.  My mother had just had to euthanize her dog after 17 years.  She was distraught, but I thought it was a good idea for her to have another baby. At the time she was 76. As soon as she got Violet I took her to my Vet and she referred us to Dr. Miller in Memphis to check her vision.  She had been born blind.  He told us that we could not have done anything if we had her earlier, nor could we do anything now.  Of course we cried, after having her for only two days, he gave us a book to read on "Living with Blind Dogs".  My mother soon after rescued another small dog, Prissy. My mother  had a townhouse, which was perfect for the two of them.

My mother passed away unexpectedly last December and she has come to stay with me.  The amazing point in this story is I have a large house with 700 acre farm land around us.  Because of the size I never intended on taking her.  Time after time possible adoptions fell through.  My mother's home flooded so I had to bring Prissy and Violet to my house.  Soon after that my yard was hit by a tornado.  Well you guessed.  Many friends and volunteers came to the rescue and the volunteers never knew Violet was blind!  She trooped through devastation and was just part of the crew.  Everyone has been amazed that her "ability" has overcome her "disability".  They have all fallen in love with her.  In addition to her I also have five other dogs and you can only imagine who is the boss!

It was close to impossible to find a good owner because of her blindness.  I was very concerned about bringing her here and how she would  adjust.  It just goes to show you how limited humans are in their rationale, yet one small animal can change our perception about our limitations to adjust.  Thanks for all you do for the ones that man has domesticated, yet abandoned .

PETFINDER.COM SUCCESS! I'm happy to say that Jane at Petfinder.com reported yesterday: "We have our first Happy Tail adoption story. Gwen, a 4-year-old deaf, visually impaired Great Dane who is a survivor of mammary cancer has been adopted!  "I am beyond thrilled to notify you that Gwen has been adopted into a wonderful home of her own," writes Teresa from Collar of Hope in Bremerton, WA. "Gwen is deaf and vision impaired. She lived for four years in a backyard with pressure sores and without ever seeing a Veterinarian. She was intact and had mammary cancer in one mammary that we had removed. Once all of her medical needs were met and she received soft cushioned bedding and a good diet, she flourished. She is loving, playful and of course goofy as a Great Dane should be."  Gwen now has a brand new home with two other dog companions to keep her company — an older Pomeranian and a 4-year-old Boston Terrier who both just love Gwen. See pictures of Gwen here. We can't wait to see the new family portrait!

When you adopt any pet there's a transition period for both you and the cat or dog. With older animals and those that have health challenges, the transition may take even longer to recover physically and/or emotionally. The greatest gift you can offer–after adoption itself–is patience. This Ask Amy video offers a few tips for dealing with shy rescues.

What have I left out? There's a wealth of experience represented in today's blog. Please offer your suggestions and best tips, too. After all–it's all for the pets!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Ask Amy, Video, Woof Wednesdays Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, blind cat, blind dog, blind puppies, Downtown Dogs Group, http://www.amyshojai.com, Karyl Cunningham, Maggie Rosenthal, Michelle James, Natalie Hartford, petfinder.com, pets with seizures, puppies.About.com, Putting On the Dog, Taina Edwards

Tuesday Tips: Racing Pacing with Jamie Frevelletti

Here's yet another installment of tips from Thrillerfest. I've shared video tips from Karin Slaughter, a video of Michael & Daniel Palmer's Thrillerfest Song, as well as a video of the Thrillerfest interview with master author R.L. Stine, and Ken Follett. I shared an interview of John Sanford and pacing and two weeks ago Jeffery Deaver and Andrew Petersen weighed in on pacing. Last week the awesome Joseph Finder offered three words that make all the difference in pacing. Today I've got the next installment of that panel. You can check out a boatload of Thrillerfest pictures here.

Where else but Thrillerfest could you get so much bang-for-your-buck with James Rollins interviewing a whole panel of best-selling-authors! This next video features another take on the question of pacing, this time answered by best-selling author Jamie Frevelletti.

Her book Running From the Devil starts with a plane crash and never stops.

How do you pace your novel? Conventional wisdom says "cut to the chase" but that really means cut out the backstory. Don't bore your reader with background, but begin with something interesting–usually that's the "normal world" before everything goes haywire for the hero. But how soon do you drop the hero/heroine off a cliff? Do you start in the middle of the firestorm? When planning the story, do you consciously include spots to breathe?

For the past several weeks I've been the substitute accompanist for my church when the organist broke her shoulder. As a singer, I always include phrasing for a singer's breaths–because as a singer I get nuts AND PASS OUT! when the phrase never ends. The same thing should happen in fiction. But that ebb and flow can come fast or slow, become a torrent racing for a cliff or a meandering stream that picks up steam over the rapids.

Do you think readers feel that same urge for an eye-in-the-storm quiet moment? How long/how often should it happen? Or can you ramp up the tension without pause? Do tell!

Meanwhile, here's what best-selling authors say. This video is only a small taste, of course. You can get the full deal recording (and those of the other panels) of CDs, MP3s and DVDs of Thrillerfest here.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Tuesday Tips, Video, Writing Tips Tagged: Amy Shojai, books, fiction, http://www.amyshojai.com, James Rollins, Jamie Frevelletti, pacing, Thrillerfest, Thrillers, writers, writing

Monday Mentions: Writer-icity, Canine Awards & Glowing Cats

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and blogs and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Today we're celebrating a debut book, some amazing canines, glowing cats and fantastic writer conference/contest ops among other things.

It rained–and hailed–here last night. The rain is welcome after all the fires we've had and continuing drought conditions. But it drove at least two crickets inside–and they proceeded to drive me crazy! I sent Seren-kitty after them so eventually little cricket drumsticks will be all that's left of 'em, but meanwhile the ventriloquist act drives me buggy. At least crickets aren't dangerous to dogs and cats like bug bites and stings. Here in Texas we even get to deal with tarantulas an scorpions–hey, that's sort of like dealing with publishers. *eg* Exactly the same, only different.

Please don't be shy about sending me your own links or suggestions for others to highlight. I love doing a SNOOPY-DANCE-'O-JOY! in celebration of all the savvy writers and animal advocates doing the work of the angels–and to a few angels as well.

CAT CALLS New Book by Cat Experts Extraordinaire! Calling All Cat-Lovers! New York cat expert and cat sitter Jeanne Adlon, with purr-fessional writer Susan Logan, bring readers a tasty smorgasbord of fun kitty anecdotes seasoned with sound advice, and lots of furry inspiration. Cat Calls is Paws-itively delightful! For those who may not be aware, Jeanne is a contributor to CatChannel.com while Susan is editor of Cat Fancy magazine–as a friend of mine likes to say, "It don't get no better none!"

Hey, I'm a writer, cain't ya tell?

CAT & DOG SCHTUFF

GREEN GLOWING CATS and nope, it's reality and not out of some thriller novel. But come to think of it, that might make a neat plot twist.

5 CANINES WIN AKC "ACE" AWARDS The recipient in each category (Exemplary Companion, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Service, and Therapy) will receive an engraved silver collar medallion and a check for $1,000 at a presentation ceremony at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Orlando, Florida, on December 17, 2011. Each Honorable Mention recipient will be mailed a bronze collar medallion.

White House Pets Pictures came to me in an email out of the blue–some neat new photos I hadn't seen before.

BLOGS TO CHECK OUT

Writer Beware Blog has a terrific mix of publishing news on lawsuits and new trends, and writer tips written by Victoria Strauss and A.C. Crispin.

HOW TO BUILD A WRITING TEAM from Jenny Hansen's excellent blog. Seriously, y'all need to bookmark this one!

Piper Bayard's "On Life, Belly Dancing and Apocalyptic Annihilation has some of the coolest writer insights–and just plain LOL moments. You've gotta check out the Ben & Jerry's latest ice cream flavor Schweddy Balls.

WRITER-ICITY

LIVESCRIBE, Never Miss A Word: My colleague Dusty Rainbolt some time ago mentioned a "magic pen" recommended some years ago by a speaker at the Cat Writers Association Conference. She raves about the LiveScribe, able to record a seminar, conversation or phone call. It apparently has some sort of smart memory so that you can "write" down a note about a topic on the special paper, later tap the text on your note and the recording plays back from there. As with many digital devices you can save the recording to the computer. I don't have one but plan to look into this nifty writer's tool. For thriller writers, it sounds like something the well-outfitted spy character might carry!

WORSE THAN CONTENT MILLS?   For those of us struggling to provide top-notch original content, this is scary. Computers generating word-spin and you don't even have to buy lunch. Say it ain't so! What do you think?

Ebook FOREIGN RIGHTS OPS article from thriller writer Karen Dionne.

AWESOME WRITER CONFERENCES & CONTESTS

Cat Writers Association 18th Annual Conference takes place this November 17-19 in White Plains, New York with many sessions specific to publishing and writing about pets–or really any subject. Oh, and I'll be there with Susan Logan of Cat Fancy offering some "caterwauls" as entertainment. *s*

International Thriller Writers "Thrillerfest" and "Craftfest" Conference "early bird" registration is now open! But to get the best rate you'll need to register by September 30. Of course you can still register later for the July 12, 2012 conference.

Oklahoma Writers Federation, Inc. hosts a massive contest for unpublished work each year, often judged by professionals who happen to be editors, agents and published authors. It's cheap-cheap-cheap for invaluable feedback, only $20 for entering all of the 29 unpublished and 4 published book categories. The whole point of the contest is to help writers improve the work on the journey to publication. Check it out!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Monday Mentions, Writing Tips Tagged: AKC ACE Awards, Amy Shojai, cat books, cat writers association, Dusty Rainbolt, green cats, http://www.amyshojai.com, Jeanne Adlon, Jenny Hansen, Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc, Susan Logan, Thrillerfest, writer beware, writers conference, writing

Furry Friday: Adopting "Other-Abled" Pets

PetFinder.com sponsors Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week September 17-25. The event is devoted to giving those pets who are often overlooked at shelters and rescue groups for whatever reason — they're old, the wrong breed, have special needs, or are simply different or the wrong color — a better chance at finding homes.

Y'all know how I feel about golden oldie pets, after writing two award-winning books that help folks care with the needs of aging cats as well as aging dogs. Senior citizen pets have just as much love to give and often fit very well into families unable or unwilling to manage the hijinks of in-your-face puppies and kittens.

Old dogs make great friends.

Adult cats and dogs grown out of the "cute" phase also can have a hard time being chosen. But remember that healthy cats and small dogs can live well into their mid to late teens or longer, and you can expect to enjoy at least another half dozen years by adopting a four year old pet. And usually you save costs because they've already been "fixed" and have their shots, as well as basic training.

"Other-abled" pets don't know what they're missing. Despite loss of limbs, mobility, sight or hearing, they live and enjoy life regardless of the challenges they face. Often, the pet has less difficulty coming to terms with such changes than do owners. Cats and dogs seem to willingly accept conditions that devastate people.

My friend and colleague Natalie C. Markey shares her life with Oscar. His epilepsy inspired her to write a book about Caring For Your Special Needs Dog. Would she have adopted Oscar knowing that he had health challenges? Absolutely! You can hear from her directly in this Pet Peeves radio interview.

Pets can suffer paralysis through accidents, degenerative back diseases or other health conditions. Nobody knows what happened to Willy the rescue Chihuahua, who lived with rear-limb paralysis. He wouldn't stop dragging himself from place to place, determined to stay in the thick of things. Once owner Deborah Turner got him strapped into his K9-cart (wheelchair for dogs), he was literally off and running. Willy became the mascot for his local branch of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, has his own website, and two children's books written about his exploits.

Dr. Paul Gerding, a veterinary ophthalmologist, never considered that his Labrador couldn't still enjoy life when Katie began losing her sight. He wasn't able to correct the progressive disease medically, but took steps to ensure the blind dog could still navigate her home and yard by memory. She continued to hunt—in safe clover fields with no ditches or holes—and at home Katie relied on the younger dog Grace to be her personal guide dog pal. Similar stories are found in my cutting edge book.

I recently heard from my colleague, Lynette George, about her latest addition to their own little doggie family. "Her name is CeeCee and she's a miniature, long-hair, double-dapple dachshund." She went from the breeder to three different owners, and then ultimately was surrendered at the Oklahoma Spay Network because nobody really wanted to handle a blind dog. "Four months old and thinks she owns the world. She has absolutely no clue that she's supposed to be "handicapped." Anyway, she's absolutely adorable. Everybody who sees her falls in love immediately. She took over Petco when she went in – kind of like she does everywhere she goes. She's just a hoot every day. We LOVE her!"

Pets inspire us with their stoic attitudes. They don't know how to feel sorry for themselves, and may not recognize they're any "different" than other cats and dogs. Fluffy and Prince simply want to get on with the important business of eating, playing, and loving their family. As readers know, furry love comes in all shapes, sizes, and packages.

Do you share your home with a "less adoptable" pet? How did you find each other? Has living with an "other-abled" pet affected your life in positive ways? Please share! I'd love to hear your stories and see pictures of your special fur-kids. And here's the deal. I'd love to create a whole gallery post next week so you can either post comments or email me amy @ shojai.com with "special pets" in the subject line with a picture. SEND NO LATER THAN NEXT TUESDAY (Sept 20) so I can post the next day. Spread the word–we'll make your pets famous!

Just for fun, I wanted to share the latest Ask Amy video with a question from Tiffany. This applies to dogs as well as cats. What are some other puzzling behaviors your pets perform?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Furry Fridays Tagged: adopt-a-less-adoptable-pet, Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, cat books, disabled pets, dog books, Lynette George, Natalie C. Markey, old cats, old dogs, petfinder.com, Wheely Willie

Woof Wednesday: Cute Puppy Pictures & Doggy Pacifiers

Magical-Pup nursing on his "pacifier."

Last Saturday I spent the morning with my colleague Lynette George who runs a small private rescue operation locally. She's also my editor at the newspaper, and lets me know when puppies (or kitties) are available for adoptions–and photo ops! I wanted to test some toys for future reviews on the Puppies Site, and these energetic models offered their expert puppy-licious opinion. The toys are courtesy of Planet Dog, one of my fav puppy toy sites not just because the dogs love 'em but they're environmentally responsible.

You should have seen the Magical-Dawg's face when I took these toys out of HIS house. Talk about a hang-dog expression. That's him (above) when he was still a little guy. Get a load of those ears! He's sucking on a stuffed toy–and he still does that to this day. Actually that's the subject of today's Ask Amy video –

But first, the SQUEEE! puppy pix! If you're interested in adopting any of these beauties post a note in the comments and I'll put you in touch with Lynette.

Decisions, decisions . . . what if I want 'em both?

"It's mine, ALL MINE!"

For me?

Don't even think about it!

I saw it first!

Oh yeah? Just make me!

Worked like a dog...sleep like a puppy.

So what are YOUR dog's favorite toys? Do they have interesting habits or preferences, like nursing on a particular object? My first shepherd couldn't eat unless his favorite ball was in the bowl for him to eat around it. He didn't nurse on stuffed toys but would fall asleep with a tennis ball in his mouth–and end up with dry tongue, LOL! What are some other possible reasons for the dog in the Ask Amy holding on to a blanket or pillow? Please share.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Ask Amy, Bling Alert!, Video, Woof Wednesdays Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, cute puppy pictures, dog books, http://www.amyshojai.com, Lynette George, pet books, puppies play, puppies toys, puppies.About.com, why dogs suck toys

Tuesday Tips: Reverse, Reveal, Surprise

Writing fiction is a tug-o-war with your inner child--who will win? (Image copr. Vida Jocif)

Some of y'all who "like" me on Facebook know I'm deep into edits on a thriller WIP. Yes, I'm channeling my inner child to try my paw at some fiction writer-icity. Only time will tell whether readers will lap it up or howl and bare their teeth but it's great fun for me all the same. Sort of like brain-candy as a break from some of the more serious nonfiction topics of daily work such as expressing puppy anal glands (EW!) or de-skunking your pet (double EW!). Actually some of that could make its way into my fiction since one of the viewpoint characters is a service dog. Hey man, it's what I do!

DANGER! KNOWING TOO MUCH?

New writers are often told to write what you know. But there's danger in that, too. When the author knows so much about a particular topic, info-dump-itis becomes a huge risk. (Guilty.) So in a way, writing about what you DON'T know might make more sense, and indulging in research only to the point needed to move the story forward. I really could care less how bullets are made, or why this gun sounds differently than that one. When I read a thriller I just want the gun to shoot when it's supposed to.

BAD RESEARCH KILLS STORIES

But I also know readers who become distracted and jarred out of the story if the cop-hero carries the wrong firearm. I wouldn't know or care. But I'm offended by authors who get dog/cat facts wrong in their novels–I've stopped reading at least one BSA for that reason when the hero/vet-tech gave her SAR dog Tylenol for muscle aches.

CHOOSING THE "WRITE" WORDS

How much is too much? What's not enough? Just show the tip of the iceberg instead of dropping the whole lump-'0-ice into the brew that takes the steam out of the story.

At least that's what I believe Mr. Finder says in the latest video, below. I plan to take a page from his pacing playbook, too, and tape these three words above my computer: reverse, reveal, surprise.

JOSEPH FINDER SPEAKS

The past several Tuesday Tips have featured a series of video tips from Thrillerfest and best-selling authors. These include tips from Karin Slaughter,  a video of Michael & Daniel Palmer's Thrillerfest Song,interview with master author R.L. Stine, Ken Follett, and  John Sanford.  Last week's video featured pacing tips from Andrew Peterson and Jeffery Deaver.

Today I've got the next installment of that panel.  You can check out a boatload of Thrillerfest pictures here.  Where else but Thrillerfest could you get so much bang-for-your-buck with James Rollins interviewing a whole panel of best-selling-authors! Today the video offers tips on pacing and character from best-selling author Joseph Finder.

How do you manage characterization in your novel without resorting to the dreaded info-dump-icity? Do you season in details like salt and pepper–or do you throw everything in the pot to boil and worry about diluting the broth later? Is it important for the author to know all of that backstory to write valid, compelling characters? What's YOUR biggest hurdle in the fictioning process? (Hey, I'm a writer–I can make up words if I want to!). Please share!

This video is only a small taste, of course. You can get the full deal recording (and those of the other panels) of CDs, MP3s and DVDs of Thrillerfest here.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Ask Amy, Tuesday Tips, Video, Writing Tips Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, how to write thrillers, http://www.amyshojai.com, James Rollins, Joseph Finder, puppies.About.com, Thrillerfest, writers conference, writing

Monday Mentions: 6-Packs, Faithful Friends & Honoring Heroes

Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and blogs and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Since last week was a holiday, today covers two weeks' worth.

Please don't be shy about sending me your own links or suggestions for others to highlight. Today's blog is a major shout-out and SNOOPY-DANCE-'O-JOY! to a whole passel of pet-savvy writers and animal advocates doing the work of the angels–and to a few angels as well.

Last year Found Animals held a city-wide casting call for cat-loving men to be featured in a calendar. 6 Packs/9 Lives is the result, an effort to increase cat adoptions and awareness. Found Animals will be donating thousands of copies to local shelters, rescue groups and other cat-oriented organizations, which in turn will be sold as a fundraising tool for those respective organizations. The calendar is now available on Amazon; a generous portion of all sales will go towards Found Animals' ongoing cat initiatives

Check out this cool title from Purdue University Libraries by Dr. Phil Zeltzman and Dr. Rebecca Johnson. You can slim down and your dog will love you for it at the same time! Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound, written by an expert veterinary surgeon and leading nurse researcher, helps you move from a food-centered relationship with dogs to an exercise-centered relationship. This volume is designed for dog lovers, dog owners, and families. Based on the latest scientific findings, it will also help professionals (including physicians, veterinarians, and physical therapists) fight obesity and promote fitness in both people and pets.

He's just a baby rat...5 weeks old. Ain't he cute?

Parasite Purrsuades Rats to Become Cat Food and boy, I can see some neat plot twists using this little nugget!

Another Anti-Pit Bull Legislation Dust Up, covered by excellent blogger and veterinarian RayyaTheVet.

Jimmy Chew's Blog, A Meowmoir, features a most photogenic cat who blogs about his life and passions (including catnip cupcakes and other kitties)–a delightful feline fix!

Kitty Advice Extraordinaire! from my colleague Marilyn Krieger over at CatChannel.com. She was most generous and even recommended my book Complete Kitten Care in this particular post.

You've slipped on the headphones. You're facing the microphone, and the talk radio show host has just introduced you. You're live. On the air. The next few seconds will determine whether thousands of listeners will think you're smart and articulate — or boring and amateur. The talk show host will decide then and there whether they'll ever invite you back. What will you do? My colleague David Congalton has help for you with his new book, The Talk Radio Guest Book.

Random House Moves to All-Digital Catalogs In 2012beginning with the summer 2012 children's lists (for which the selling season begins in early January) and the fall 2012 adult lists. The randomhouse.biz site will feature searchable, sortable information for the trade on forthcoming titles, and the divisional consumer sites will integrate and display new title data as well. PDF downloads will be available as well.BookEnds, LLC–A Literary Agency, offers their new strategy for Ebook publishing.  Wow, do you think they're crossing the line?My blogging buddy Gene Lempp has a totally awesome zoo-licious post here that should inspire writers with his weekly series Designing From Bones.

BACKSPACE WRITERS DEADLINE EXTENDED! Because many people's plans were disrupted due to power outages and storm damage from Hurricane Irene (including the conference's registrar), Backspace has EXTENDED the early registration discount through September 15. Save $120! Backspace Agent-Author Seminar – November 3 & 4, 2011 – New York City. Two days of panel discussions and small-group workshops with more than 25 literary agents on the program! Attendance limited to 100 authors.

My colleague, pet writer and canine/feline ethologist Susan Bulanda has released a new book. She writes, "When I read Diary of Anne Frank, I was impressed that the families risked their lives to hide their cat with them. According to the account, the families had to remain completely quiet during the day so that the workers below would not hear them. This means that they had to keep their cat quiet as well. It made me think that there had to be other stories and I spent a number of years searching and collecting these stories. This is a one-of-a-kind book that tells about an aspect of the Holocaust that has not been told before. It is a beautiful account of the human-animal bond."

Susan is also the author of Ready! The Training of the Search and Rescue Dog, which seems incredibly appropriate for a Monday Mentions blog the day after 9-11 remembrances.

As we honor the human victims and heroes of 9-11, let's not forget the animal companion victims–and the heroes–who offered a healing presence with purrs, wags and unwavering love in the hours, days, months and even years following the tragedy.

Many working canines were injured or became ill as a result of their service during the rescue and recovery efforts. The AKC community purchased and transported a portable x-ray machine and medical equipment to lower Manhattan two days after the call for help. AKC supporters covered 100% of the veterinarian bills for those dogs injured working the pile searching for survivors. This video from the American Kennel Club honors that effort.

Bless be those who protect the innocent.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Monday Mentions, Video, Writing Tips Tagged: 911 dogs, Amy Shojai, Backspace Writers Conference, catchannel.com, Dave Congalton, Deborah Bayles, Dr. Phil Zeltzman, Faithful Friends, Found Animals, Gene Lempp, http://www.shojai.com, Marilyn Krieger, pet books, SAR dogs, Susan Bulanda, writing

Feline Friday: Happy Cat Month

"Get spiffed up for Happy Cat Month!" Copr. Maria Magnus

The CATalyst Council declared September to be Happy Cat Month, dedicated to finding ways to keep kitty companions happy, healthy and purring all year long. They suggest these top 10 ways cat owners can promote feline happiness–and I've added a few additional links for detailed how-to, further info or just play furry fun. Enjoy! Oh, and please feel free to add your own tips to the list (I have *s*).

1.        Visit the veterinarian. Healthy cats are happy cats. Many owners dread vet trips with cats, even though a good number now work hard to be cat friendly or have doctors who specialize in cats. Sterilizing your cat helps keeps cats healthy by preventing behavior problems and some types of cancer.  Here are reasons why cats hate the vet and how you can change that purr-ception.

2.       Microchip your cat. In addition to a collar and identification tag, owners should ask their veterinarian about microchipping their feline friend. If a cat ever escapes or gets lost, having this type of permanent ID will make a reunion between cat and owner much more likely. I've blogged about lost pets before . Learn more about pet ID in this puppies article (works for cats, too!).

Seren's office chair shows her artistry.

3.       Go outside (appropriately). Yes!  There are ways owners can safely take their cats outside to allow them to broaden their horizons. Teach your cats how to walk on a leash so they can periodically and safely experience the world outside their windows.

4.       Scratch the surface. Cats need to scratch for physical and emotional health.  Figure out what your cat likes to scratch–vertical, horizontal or angled position–and what kind of surface, and provide it. Giving legal scratch options keeps the furniture safe.

5.       Provide preventive medications. No one likes fleas, ticks, mites or heartworms, especially your cat. Even indoor cats are at risk. Magical-Dawg goes outside and can bring creepy crawlies inside to Seren-kitty so she gets prevention just like he does.

6.       Train together. Cats can be trained to do fun tricks just like dogs, and the mental and physical stimulation is great for felines. Clicker training can boost the confidence of shy cats, too. Teaching your cat to sit, for example, is easy, and training your cat to sit on stools instead of counters will make you and your cat much happier. Training also helps you connect and strengthens your bond with the cat–she'll finally believe YOU are smart when you can communicate with her!

7.       Work for food. Feline obesity is a huge problem in this country, and one way to combat it is for owners to make their cats work for their food. I love offering cats their meals inside puzzle toys or hiding it around the house on small bowls to stimulate kitty's innate hunting instinct. That keeps the cat's brain exercised, too.

8.       Get your cat acclimated to the carrier. Many cat owners find that the worst part about taking their cats anywhere is getting cats into their carriers. Owners should work with their cat on making their carrier a safe, secure, and inviting place to be prior to veterinary visits or family vacations.  Visit www.catalystcouncil.org to view Cats and Carriers: Friends not Foes for tips on how to get cats to love their carriers. You can also find tips in this article about ways owners HISS OFF their cats (and how to avoid that!).

9.       Provide prey toys. One of the easiest ways to make a cat happy is with a new prey toy. Cats love to play and turn wads of paper into pretend prey so you can give kitty "cheap thrills" to keep her happy. Here are some tips how to get the prey-play kitty games going!  And one of my previous blogs included some very kewl kitty toys.

10.   Think about getting another cat. Cats are social animals, and owners should consider adopting two cats or kittens at once to keep them company. Just be sure to properly introduce your newcomer cats to resident felines.  Here are tips how to care for your new kitten–and you can also always refer to Complete Kitten Care for even more help including proper introduction tips!

During Happy Cat Month, CATalyst Council encourages people to adopt a kitty–or to spoil the cats you already love with these tips. And just for fun, channel your "inner kitty" and answer this question–

Do cats have ESP? Can your cats see ghosts? Why do cats STARE for hours at a time at stuff you can't see? The ASK AMY below attempts to answer the question but–all kitties are different so what do your cats tell you? Please share!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Ask Amy, Bling Alert!, Feline Fridays, Video Tagged: Amy Shojai, Ask Amy, cat behavior, cat books, cat training, Catalyst Council, Happy Cat Month, www.amyshojai.com

Thoughty Thursday: When A Vet Hurts Your Pet

The death of a pet takes a bit of your heart with them. We know when they come into our life that chances are we will outlive our special cat or dog. And then when life happens and injury or illness appears, caring owners do all that they can given the circumstances to keep that special fur-kid happy, pain-free, and by our side (or on your lap) as long as possible.

Modern veterinary medicine makes that possible. At no time in the past have there been such wonders of diagnostics, drugs, surgeries and treatments available! The whole book of Pet Care in the New Century describes the advantages and opportunities out there. And today more than ever society accepts the idea of spending funds on pets, too.

But what happens when you choose to go that extra mile, get your special pet that beyond-the-basics care…or heck, even BASIC care…and something awful goes wrong? In human medicine there's such a thing as malpractice for such cases, right? What about for pets?



Today's Ask Amy is brand new. I spent most of yesterday recording 20 episodes answering questions–but this one is so different than the others. The question is heartbreaking because I don't have good answers. I'm shocked and heartbroken over this pet owner's experience, especially since I write about TPLO surgeries in my book.

Please share your ideas, experiences, suggestions with readers. What would you do? I really don't know what I'd do should such a thing happen with Seren-kitty or Magical-dawg. What I do know, though, is that veterinarians are in the business of helping–not hurting–our animal companions. And that bad stuff happens to good pets.

I pray you and your pets never have to go through such an experience.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Ask Amy, Bling Alert!, Thoughtful Thursdays Tagged: Amy Shojai, cats, dog cancer, dogs, Pet Care in the New Century, pets, TPLO, veterinary malpractice, veterinary surgery

Woof Wednesday: Fire Safety

I'd planned a fun Ask Amy question today, but more serious issues are on the table. North Texas and beyond continues to suffer drought conditions, with fires an ongoing risk.

Governor Rick Perry reports that more than 3.5 million acres of land have burned–that's about the size of Connecticut–with most fires concentrated in Central Texas and devastating Bastrop county where more than 600 homes have burned so far. That area has been evacuated. The shelter has been evacuated and moved to a temporary location and then forced to be evacuated a second time. The fire continues to burn.

Austin Pets Alive! received about 160 dogs from the evacuated Bastrop County Animal Shelter early Monday morning and now offer free adopti0ns to reduce the load. APA! is asking for support from the community. Donations of dog beds, dog food, money and volunteers are all needed. Check out this heart breaking report from my colleague Steve Dale with more details.

FIRE FIRST AID

I wrote about disaster preparation on the blog back in June,  and last Valentine's day we had a grass fire here on our property. The video, below, doesn't do justice to what's happening right now in parts of Texas. Just multiply our experience by several thousand times and you still won't come close to imagining the tragedy faced by the Bastrop area fires. Too many folks have already lost homes, property, and even the lives of human and animal loved ones. Knowing what to do should your cat or dog suffer fire-related injury could save their lives.

Most cases of smoke inhalation involve situations where the pet cannot escape. Dogs and especially cats tend to hide when frightened, and may not make an effort to get out of a burning building until too late. But the recent wind-fanned flames of grassfires move quickly, produce a lot of smoke, and can catch outdoor pets unprepared.

Pugs and other short-faced breeds have more difficulty with smoke.

Dogs and cats with history of respiratory problems, such as flat-faced breeds or pets with asthma, may suffer health problems even with mild exposure to smoke. But smoke is composed of various gases that also make pets–and people–sick when inhaled, and the ash or soot irritates and clogs the lungs. Affected pets gasp, cough, and often pass out when they can't get enough oxygen. Their gums become pale or blue.

With mild cases of smoke inhalation, moving the cat or dog into clean air may be all that's needed. But all pets require veterinary attention because even if they seem to recover, smoke can kill hours to days after it's inhaled.

FIRST AID FOR BURNS

With burns, the fur often hides the damage, so be sure to carefully examine your pet if you suspect he's been in the vicinity of a fire. Remove his collar, and trim the fur short with blunt scissors around and over the area of the burn.

First-degree burns cause red marks and can be treated with simple first aid. Flush the burn with cool water for 5 to 10 minutes to temporarily anesthetize and clean the injury. Burns continue to "cook" the tissue even once the heat source is gone so prompt attention stops the damage. Use a garden hose for outdoor pets or bring smaller pets into the bathtub or sink and use a spray bottle or handheld showerhead. You can use aloe vera ointments or vitamin E directly on mild burns to help speed healing. These won't cause problems if the pet licks them off. Mild burns won't need bandages.

Burns that cover 25 percent of the pet's body lead to shock (that can kill him!) and applying cool water makes shock worse. Instead, apply a bag of ice to the burn (frozen peas or corn works well), wrap the pet in a towel and get him to the vet immediately. You can estimate percentage of body mass the burn involves by knowing that each limb represents about 10 percent of the pet's total.

Have you ever experienced a fire? I know of cases where the pet actually saved the family by alerting them to the danger. What precautions have you taken to keep yourself and your pets safe in case of disaster? In these windy, dry days, protect your furry family members–and yourselves–from the threat of fire. But should the unthinkable happen, be prepared. Here's my close call–I pray never to have this happen again.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you'd like answered? 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 with pet book give-aways!

Filed under: Video, Woof Wednesdays Tagged: Amy Shojai, Bastrop, burns first aid, cats, dogs, fire safety, pets, texas fire