Amy Shojai's Blog, page 24

Shadow #Reviews the Uahpet iRetriever Dog Ball Launcher: A Bark-worthy Four Paws Up!

Shadow #Reviews the Uahpet iRetriever Dog Ball Launcher: A Bark-worthy Four Paws Up!

When you have an active dog, nonstop playtime demands drive you crazy. Shadow-Pup (and Karma-Kat) tested the Uahpet iRetriever Dog Ball Launcher, and they're in love!

On May 31st 2020, a small puppy dumped at our front gate played his way into our hearts—and has played nonstop ever since. From the beginning, Shadow-Pup adored games of fetch and chase, and (like many dogs) wants nonstop playtime. While we love him beyond measure, his play-demands exhaust us.

Interactive games with dogs go beyond brain candy for your dog. Playing works as a bonding tool for you both. Play keeps you both healthy by exercising together. Appropriate play prevents doggy boredom and problem behaviors by giving dogs a healthy and legal outlet for their high energy. But many dogs have no off-switch, and frankly, pet parents may need a break! Hey, I have to work to pay for all the treats...

So when Uahpet reached out offering to send us the iRetriever Ball Launcher to test and review, Shadow couldn't wait to try it out. I got a surprise when Karma-Kat wanted in on the fun! And pet parents can get a GREAT DEAL for a limited time...read on!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Amy Shojai wins AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award

Amy Shojai wins AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award

I have the honor of longtime membership in the Dog Writer's Association of America (DWAA). This organization champions good writing and communication about dogs, from random-bred canines like Shadow-Pup to pedigreed accomplished performance dogs. Each year, DWAA hosts a contest for published work, judged by experts in the field. Due to @#$%^! COVID, the contest took a hiatus one season and this year made up for that with a two-year contest. That means a HUGE number entries that the administrators and judges fielded. 

And I won a special award this year! Happy howls...and here's all the details and the winning article. 

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

How to Adopt Kittens: 10 Kitten Adoption Do’s & Don’ts

How to Adopt Kittens: 10 Kitten Adoption Do’s & Don’ts

10 Kitten Adoption Do's & Don'ts

Kittens are rarely in short supply. With the current rash of kittens, summer break on the horizon, and the pandemic easing, kitten adoption may be in your future. But there's more to kitten adoption than bringing home your baby cat. Maybe you'll want to foster a needy kitten (tips here). Learn about what to do--and what NOT to do--in this kitten adoption guide.

KITTEN ADOPTION 101

It's kitten season! Is a new fur-kid in your future? You'd think kitten care would be easy--just love 'em and feed 'em and listen to 'em purr, right? But more goes into proper care than plopping food in a bowl and setting up a litter box.

Adopting kittens too early often means kittens bite and claw more than those who have been kitty-corrected by Mom and siblings. They also may be fearful or less tolerant of other cats. They don’t understand all the proper feline etiquette of the social structure.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Kitten Development Stages: Must-Knows About Newborn Kitten Development

Kitten Development Stages: Must-Knows About Newborn Kitten Development

Every year when Spring rolls around we celebrate kitten season! On July 10, we celebrate National Kitten Day, so if a new baby is in your plans, here's some updated kitten care info. If you love kittens, learning about newborn kitten development helps you know what to expect, and help the baby along the way.

Even if it's not yet kitten season, it's helpful to figure out the best age to adopt kittens. Read on to learn about the cat behavior of a three-week-old baby compared to one six weeks old. So whatever time of year, prepare now with all your kitten questions so you're ready when the purr-fect cat or kitten becomes available...

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

10 Stages of Puppy Development: Birth to Two Years

10 Stages of Puppy Development: Birth to Two Years

Puppy development is fascinating, and one of the most popular dog topics. Every time we get a new puppy, I learn new things about new puppy development. Did you know that the adult incisors (next to the canines) erupt at age 16 weeks? That's a way to help age your new baby dog.

Along the way, puppies tend to get into all kinds of things–we laugh, but then we might cry if they hurt themselves. On May 31st we celebrate Shadow-Pup's gotcha day--he arrived in 2020 when we needed him most.

Did you ever wonder about the stages of puppy development? Some of this has to do with the dog breed, but all newborn puppies (whatever the breed) look surprisingly similar. They also develop along the same period of time. Look no further, I've got you covered! Oh, and enjoy the SQUEEE! cute puppy pictures, too!

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Memorial Day & Honoring Military Dogs for National K9 Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day & Honoring Military Dogs for National K9 Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day honors the American men and women who have lost their lives while serving in the military. It originally honored those who died in the Civil War, and now honors those who died in any war. It is also known as Decoration Day. This holiday differs from Veterans’ Day which honors all those who served in the military.

There is no Memorial Day for the brave military K9s who served and lost their lives, often heroically saving their human partners. I can’t imagine the bond that must exist between the soldier and his or her war dog—they share things and stand against danger to protect the rest of us against horrors we don’t want to think about. And because of them, we don’t have to worry about such things. Thank you.

I’m eternally grateful to those who sacrifice for our freedom. Losing a beloved animal companion anytime cuts deep. It must be horrific to lose a comrade-in-arms, including those with four feet and fur.

And since I focus on pet issues, I want to shine a light on the dogs of the military. There is a National K9s Veteran’s Day on March 13, too. But here’s an excerpt from my book DOG LIFE  to shine a light on military dogs through the ages.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Keeping Hot Dogs & Cats Cool: Hot Weather Pet Safety

Keeping Hot Dogs & Cats Cool: Hot Weather Pet Safety

Hot weather pet safety around here is a matter of life and death for cats and dogs. I live in N. Texas where it's not unusual for weather to have everyone hot under the collar. Just imagine how pets feel with a fur coat. Older dogs have more sense and aren't as prone to overdo. But our rescue pup Shadow acts clueless, and we have to physically confine him or he'd never stop playing even in 100-degree weather.

Cats and dogs risk sunburn, pad burns, and life-threatening heatstroke without proper precautions. Never leave your pet unattended in a hot car. These tips can help you prevent problems, or even save your pet’s life.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

P’ETiQuette Column Farewell–and Hello to New Readers!

P’ETiQuette Column Farewell–and Hello to New Readers!

For 30 years, the Herald Democrat editors and readers have been part of my extended family. I only rarely missed a deadline, those times of illness or holidays. So, it surprised me to learn that the column hadn’t published in several weeks despite my having sent one each week for Tuesday publication.

Blame technology, and nothing else. But I owe y’all, my extended family, an explanation of why the column disappeared...

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Pet Rescue Breathing & CPR Saves Cat & Dog Lives

Pet Rescue Breathing & CPR Saves Cat & Dog Lives

May 19 is "Rescue Dog Day" and how better to celebrate than to learn about Pet Rescue Breathing and pet CPR? You can save your dog or cat's life by knowing how to do pet CPR and how to perform rescue breathing. Pets suffer brain injury and death if oxygen is cut off for only a few minutes. When minutes count, rescue breathing can save your pet’s life.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Cat in Heat Behavior, What to Know About Feline Estrus

Cat in Heat Behavior, What to Know About Feline Estrus

What to Know About Feline Estrus

Recently, a friend contacted me about her cat in heat. She wanted to know about a cat in heat behavior, how long are cats in heat, if cats in heat feel pain, and what to do to relieve the cat's discomfort until spay surgery. Cats in heat signs include several distinctive behaviors common to feline estrus (the technical term). In fact, her newly adopted girl, although she looked too young, had already had kittens (they didn't survive), and now loudly proclaimed Kitty's determination to repeat the process.

I planned to refer my friend to one of my blogs—and instead realized I hadn't specifically addressed cats in heat behavior, feline reproduction, and what to know about cat estrus. Yes, I write about this in my Complete Kitten Care and Cat Facts books in more detail, and now you get the kitty Cliff's notes here.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing