Amy Shojai's Blog, page 89

SHOW AND TELL, BONUS MATERIAL!

SNOOPY-DANCE O’ JOY!

I had to get that out of the way first of all. Yesterday I sent my next suspense thriller SHOW AND TELL to my faithful, picky, red-pencil maniacal (in a good way!), totally PAW-some beta readers to slice-dice-critique the work. It’s nail-biting time, hoping the story holds together.

Meanwhile, I’ve got my hard copy and going through the manuscript for another couple of edits. Then I’ll incorporate my readers’ notes, and send SHOW AND TELL off to my editor.

And she’ll repeat the process.

I’m hoping that by the end of the month we’ll have a pub date nailed down, as well as possible pre-order date. Here comes the fun stuff for all my Sweet Peeps, and especially those who won the t. For the runners up to the contest, pay attention because this involves you, too.

BONUS FOR ORDERING FIRST WEEK!

To entice those on the fence into “adopting” this latest SHOW AND TELL book and reward those for lending their pets’ names to the story, I’m putting together bonus material. Some of this will ONLY be available to those who order the book the first week of release, on a first come first serve basis.

To get the bonuses, you’ll need to email me a copy of your order receipt–that’s easy if you order online, just hit “forward” to amy @ shojai.com (no spaces) with the subject line SHOW & TELL BONUS.

My TRIPLE A TEAM will get first dibs, and next the subscribers to my PET PEEVES newsletter, and only then will it be announce publicly. So, if you’re not yet a member or subscriber, you might want to check those out.

What’s the bonus? Here ya go:

Limited edition POSTER of the book cover, and *photos of the NAME THAT DOG/CAT winners: Hercules, Waffles, Boris Kitty, Fuzzit, Kinsler, Teddy and Dot. The poster will be paw-tographed of course!
Exclusive EXTRA CHAPTER in Shadow’s viewpoint, featuring all the Runners Up winners: Thor, Lucy, Truffle, Caster, Einstein, Freckles, Buster and Bo.
First looks/listen/share of the SHOW AND TELL trailer
(If I can get it done in time…) First looks/listens of an original music video and the song SHOW AND TELL (written/performed by moi…maybe with Magical-Dawg howling backup!). In another life, I’m a singer/song-writer.

*If you are a winner or runner up but don’t have a photo or can’t get me one in time, I’ll find a stand-in image for the poster.

Stay tuned, because if you’re also a blogger and interested in helping get the word out, I’d love to work with you and offer some exclusive first look excerpts partnered with some of these bonuses.

Now, after a couple weeks of head-down busy-icity, I hafta get caught up on other work. Later, Sweet Peeps!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

First Cat Cafe Opens in Dallas

For their launch weekend August 8, guests will have the opportunity to meet a special guest of honor, internet “celebricat” Sauerkraut Kitty. Image courtesy of Tamar Arslanian

What the heck is a Cat Cafe and why does Dallas, Texas need one? Do they serve cream and mice to cats, or what? Find out this Saturday, August 8 in Dallas–with specialty coffee drinks and treats in addition to some adoptable kitties.

What Is A Cat Cafe?

Cat Cafes have been around for decades, and are very popular in Japan, in part to deal with cat lovers who don’t have enough space to live with their own feline. But in the past year or so, the cat café concept has become a popular idea in the US, too, and offers a legal “kitty fix” to those unable to share their life with a cat purr-haps due to rental policies or allergy concerns. In the best situations, cafe cats offer a way for cat-seeking adopters to get a more up close and personal test of potential kitty candidates behavior, and c’attitude.

Cat Connection Has You Kitty-Covered!

The Cat Connection, a Dallas based pet supply store and cat only hotel and spa, located at 14233 Inwood Road in Dallas, will be home to the first Cat Café in Dallas for four weekends starting Saturday August 8th, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The event will feature adoptable cats and kittens compliments of various local rescue groups. Guests will be able to play with cats on a first-come-first-serve basis for up to twenty minutes.

Operation Kindness will provide adoptable cats and kittens for the Grand Opening on August 8th, and be on hand to facilitate adoptions. Operation Kindness is the original and largest no-kill animal shelter in North Texas, saving more than 75,000 cats and dogs over almost 40 years. The organization cares for approximately 300 cats and dogs on a daily basis, with another 100 in foster homes. This first weekend, you’ll find specialty drinks with a barista on site and snacks all weekend for free.

Texas Cares and other local rescues will be on-site for subsequent weekends. Donations are not required but are appreciated and will support local rescue.

Errin West, co-owner of The Cat Connection says this will be “…a great opportunity for cat lovers in the area to connect with and interact with adoptable animals in a relaxed setting, hopefully increasing adoptions for local rescue groups.” I’ve visited the store, and it is well worth checking out all the PAW-some cat-centric products–having cats on hand puts this event over the top.

Sauerkraut, pictured above, will attend this first event on August 8 only, to offer her paws-up of approval. Sauerkraut is a special needs rescue kitty from Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Rising to internet fame due to her adorable scowl and struggles with Feline Hyperesthesia, Sauerkraut now serves as an ambassador for shelter cats nation-wide.

To ensure both feline and human attendees have an enjoyable time, The Cat Connection asks that no outside animals be brought to the event. Children are allowed under an adult guardian’s supervision. A complete set of guidelines can be accessed at The Cat Connection’s website.

Have you ever visited a cat cafe? Would you if given the chance?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to myTHRILLERS WITH BITE!

 

Amy Shojai Joins Toby Neal & Lei Crime Kindle World #LeiCrimeKW

I have a fantastical-fun announcement! Many of y’all who follow the blog know that I not only write nonfiction pet books, I also incorporate pet-centric themes and characters in suspense stories that feature pets–including a dog viewpoint character and trained cat. Now I have a chance to expand that notion in a brand new “world” of readers alongside a fantastic group of talented authors. My novella, as yet untitled, will launch in late December. If you want a chance to read and review it in advance, be sure to apply for my Triple A Team here.

I’ve been invited by best selling author Toby Neal to write a novella for her Lei Crime Kindle Worlds based on her Lei Crime Novels all set in Hawaii. Wow! She already as a fantastic team of authors with their own stand alone and series books, with the first group of novellas launched last April. The second wave, in some cases sequels to the first novella, launches today. Check it out here!

WHAT IS KINDLE WORLDS?

Kindle Worlds are short stories, novellas and full length books written in the “book world” created by a particular author. That may mean a continuation of an existing story with familiar characters, or taking a minor character and expanding/creating a new storyline. By writing in the Lei Crime Kindle World, I’ll have a chance to work with a fantastic team of other authors–including Toby herself!–to support each other and share our own work with those who already love reading Toby’s stories and characters.

For me, one of the deciding reasons to say yes has to do with Toby’s main character Lei and her relationship with her dog, a Rottweiler girl named Keiki! I’m still percolating on the story but it probably will be a “prequel” before Lei and Keiki connected. Y’all know how I love to write in young-dog “voice” LOL!

Of course, I must finish SHOW AND TELL first, and I’m nearly at the finish line on that 3rd book in the September Day series. Stay tuned for more fictioning news in the weeks and months ahead. The end of 2015 promises to be a roller coaster ride!

Meanwhile, I strongly encourage those who love mysteries, suspense, crime fiction and even contemporaries to check out the launch books today. You’re sure to get hooked–I know that I already am! Click this link now.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to myTHRILLERS WITH BITE!

Cats and Bathrooms

Does your cat follow you to the bathroom, paw-pat under the toilet door, yowl for attention when you want privacy? What’s up with that?! Our cats’ behavior sometimes challenges the most insightful among us to figure them out. Felines always have a good reason for doing what they do. But a given behavior doesn’t always mean what you think.

Dogs to this, too, but the toilet terrorist behavior seems even more universal among cats. I’ve had many readers relate funny stories about being ambushed on the (ahem) facilities, stalked with paw-pats under the bathroom door, and persistent potty buddies demanding lap-time or napping in unmentionables dropped to half-mast.

Karma does this. He loves “nesting” in the cool basin. What a surprise when there’s water in the bottom, LOL!

Why Cats Follow Us to Bathrooms

Human bathrooms are often the coolest place in the home because of the tile, small space, and fewer windows. Cats tend to be furry heat-seeking missiles that relish lounging in warm places, but a few—my Seren is one—enjoy cool spots. These kitties seem to appreciate spending time on cool tile, damp towels, or other slick or cool surfaces. For older cats suffering from the health condition called hyperthyroidism, the metabolism goes into overdrive and heats up the kitty so hyperthyroid cats often seek out cool resting places.

Cats also are instinctively drawn to high perches like countertops that they associated as safe. They chain behaviors that link one action to another in a particular routine. And cats LOVE routine, so once a behavior sequence becomes a habit (especially if there’s a benefit for kitty), your pet will repeat the routine over and over again.

Cats never do anything unless it’s of benefit to them, and they are rewarded in some form or fashion. For instance, when you awake in the morning and run to brush your teeth (before filling the cat food bowl), it only takes a couple of days for cats to remember the routine and race you to the bathroom first. So let’s put all this together, and answer the question, why are cats avid potty buddies?

6 Reasons Cats Love Bathrooms

Seren uses the potty as a stepping stool to the vanity, where I’ve placed a fountain and snack bowl.

People visit the bathroom on a predictable schedule, and they perform predictable behaviors while in the room. Cats know what to expect and won’t be surprised.
Bathrooms offer convenient sinks with running water that many cats relish. Moving water simply tastes better, and people persuaded to run the tap for the cat reward this interaction with attention.
The sink vanity provides a great perch or lookout for cats. Sitting on the sink or vanity positions a cat for a convenient face-to-face interaction when you are perched on the (ahem) thrown. That’s ideal from the cat’s perspective for controlling the interaction—the human can’t easily escape, so kitty can approach or stay out of reach as she prefers.
Cats that insist on lap-sitting time may be frustrated in other parts of the house if you often instead give attention to a magazine, book or laptop computer. The felines that snuggle in your rumpled tidy whities draped around your ankles offer another type of compliment—basking in your most personal aroma to be as near their beloved human as possible.
Felines appreciate the rewards they get by spending private one-on-one time with owners. Even the kitties that only paw-play under the door get attention in terms of you talking to them, or rewarding the behavior by FINALLY coming back out the door. The longer you spend inside the room and then emerge, the more powerful lesson cats learn that paw-pat persistence and kitty complaints eventually will garner success.

6. Toilet paper chase, the game that never ends! ‘Nuff said.

How about your cats–and dogs? Do they follow you to do your duty? What’s their reason? How do you manage the unwelcome attention? Do tell!

Karma LOVES playing with TP, how about yours?

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to myTHRILLERS WITH BITE!

10 Reasons Pets Are Better Than Men

At the risk of hissing off men, and with tongue firmly in cheek, I had a lot of fun putting this list together of 10 reasons pets are better than men. Frankly, most items could be applied to women, too–or kids. Or (fill in the bank). What do you think? Have I missed anything?

Is this a type of “remote training?”

Pets Don’t Steal The Remote. Well, some dogs do, and chew it up (ahem). But both cats and dogs are happy to hang out and watch whatever TV show you want to watch. They don’t pick up the remote and change channels from DANCING WITH THE STARS to the latest football game without asking.

Pets have their own style…

Pets Don’t Care How You Look. Cats and dogs love you whether you wear makeup, the latest designer gown, or frumpy dumpy jeans. They aren’t interested in making sure you can impress their family or friends—it’s enough that you impress them with your big heart.

Pets Always Look Good. Cats never have to be reminded to “spiff up” for an event. They’re grooming is impeccable, and they’re always ready for that close up. Even dogs maintain that “casual chic” and wear mud well.

YOU’RE HOME!!!

Pets Are Easy to Please. If you’re a bit late coming home the dog is even happier to see you. For a birthday bash, Kitty is happy with an empty paper bag or crumpled up wrapping paper, and could care less what it contained. All the pet wants is your lap and your time.

Pets Don’t Try to Change You. In fact, cats will object if you change too much. Dogs love you for yourself, they don’t ask you to slim down or change jobs or move to please them. And once Kitty has the routine down pat, you can depend on the cat to stay the course without unexpected or unwelcomed changes along the way.

Cats Don’t Snore. Well, if they do snore it’s a delicate purr-like noise. They may hog the pillow, but cats won’t pull off the covers while you’re sleeping, or mess with the thermostat when you’re freezing (or boiling)—or complain if you adjust the thermostat for your comfort.

Pets Don’t Complain if You Leave Up the Toilet Seat. They may actually prefer that.

Pets Are Always On Time. They don’t need to call to say they’re late, or make excuses when they forget to call. And if you lose your watch and forget the time, dogs and cats remind you about the important events well in advance. Breakfast. Lunch. Dinner. Playtime. Naptime. Cuddles. Treats. And treats. Oh, and treats and cuddles.

Pets Listen. When you need a furry shoulder to cry on, or talk out a problem, cats won’t offer you unsolicited advice. They don’t tell you what should have been done, or why you’re wrong. Dog don’t argue—although they may offer barky commentary. But for the most part they simply listen, wag or purr, and let you get it all out.

Pets Never Stop Loving. They show love in infinite ways. With wags and snuggles. With kitty eye-blink kisses. When they knead, cheek rub and purr, or shove a soggy tennis ball into your lap. Pet love is unconditional, and never has furry strings attached.

What are some other ways dogs and cats are better than…(YOU fill in the blank )

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Want the insider info on the latest books and appearances? Join my team and get advance sneak peaks related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Magic’s Birthday–9 Glorious Years!

Magic with his littermates and Greta, his mom. Guess which one is him?

Today, my baby-dog Magic celebrates his 9th birthday! I can’t believe the puppy I fell in love with now has a gray muzzle, and am so very grateful he remains the funny, energetic, loving bundle of furry delight. He doesn’t act like an aging dog at all.

We had been without a dog for about 8 years before we got him. After I lost my heart-dog, another wonderful GSD who inspired me to become a pet writer, we just couldn’t bring ourselves to adopt again. Part of that was my travel schedule at the time, and then Seren-Kitty came along. There came a point that the hole in our lives could only be filled with another GSD.

We were incredibly fortunate to find a fantastic breeder (Fernheim Kennels) in our neck of the woods, so close that we got to visit the Mom-Dog before Magic was even a gleam in Greta’s eyes. After being on the waiting list for two years, the “M” litter was born. We got unprecedented visiting and photo ops during his early weeks of life. Here’s little “orange collar” at 17 days old, our boy who became Magical-Dawg.

Magic at 17 days old.

Magic at 7 days old, probably during his temperament test.

These days, I get to help Gillian with temperament tests when she has a new litter (her “Z” litter just went to new homes). I was told Magic temperament test indicated off the charts for Schutzhund potential.

Magic was night-and-day different than our first silver and black GSD in so many ways. Our first boy had hip dysplasia and such bad skin/allergy disease (atopy) we couldn’t have afforded to keep up with vet bills if I hadn’t then been working as a vet tech with a discount on services. Our first shepherd also was fearful of strangers, and a “soft” doggy eager to please and easy to train.

Magic’s breeder does all the tests, and then some, on the doggy parents. He came to us already knowing a “potty command” and crate trained.

He was never shy or “soft” by any means. He’s smart, but hard headed. A smart aleck. A challenge. Driven. Healthy, thank doG, with sound elbows, hips, eyes and skin. A canine athlete willing to throw himself into every game, to such an extent that torn dewclaws and sliced paws and other such accidents “dogged” his early years. Easy to train–he did “puppy pushups” (sit-down-sit-down) on TV at age 9 weeks–and went to HARVEY (play) rehearsals and hung out with the cast at about 5 months of age. We were grateful when he outgrew the 9-month-old delinquent phase. The fact he adored us–BOTH of us–and still does, made it possible to put up with his few challenges.

First day home–8 weeks old. You can see his tattoo in his right ear which by now has faded. He was microchipped, too.

My husband didn’t grow up with pets, and our first shepherd wasn’t close to my husband at all. So I think he was surprised to fall so hard for Magic. It was a treat to watch the relationship develop between them. Today they’re still best friends.

Puppy kisses!

Seren-Kitty was not amused. During our long dog absence, she’d come into our lives and been an “only” cat for seven years. I planned the introduction and set up gates and schedules and relocated litter boxes and food 6 months in advance, and then more step-by-step intros once Magic arrived. He weighed 11 pounds when he arrived–and Seren never tipped the scales at more than 7 pounds. So from the very beginning, Magic was taught that “Seren is the BOSS…don’t care if she started it, she is the BOSS!” I wrote a case study published in the IAABC Journal about the introduction process that also won writing awards. Even then, Magic inspired my work. And nine years later, he still knows to bow to Seren’s rule.

It took 5 months before Seren would willingly come this close to Magic when he was awake. Philly cream cheese helped.

It took a while for the floppy ears to go up. And then it took another while for Magic to grow into the donkey-size appendages.

My first shepherd’s health issues inspired me to write about pet care and health issues. Magic’s joy and delight in everything inspired me to return to fiction-ing.

Magic has never met a ball or toy or Frisbee he didn’t love. He is all about the PLAY!

Does your dog find ways to make you laugh? Magic does, constantly!

Magic also has patiently helped me with photos and product reviews. Here he is in the Thundershirt which he’ll be the first to tell you, he does not need. He loves loud noises! (Maybe it’s the puppy-party and treats he gets with each thunder-boom that helps, hmnnnn).

Magic had to wait 7 years before he got to sniff cat butt up close and personal! I think Karma-Kat was the best gift he’s ever gotten and the pair of them are inseparable.



If you’ve read my fiction, you’ll recognize the character Shadow patterned after Magic as a youngster. I wrote the first book LOST AND FOUND using the name “Magic” and then changed it once the book was finished.  Here’s Magic and Seren celebrating the arrival of my debut thriller (the old cover featured one of Magic’s doggy relatives…)

My boy does love his “treats” and especially people food. He’s cleaning up the last of the yogurt.



Writing fiction is addictive. When it includes pets, it’s joyful. Magic again inspired some of the scenes in our play STRAYS, THE MUSICAL–and helped us promote it by serving as a model. GOOD dog!

I took this picture (below) about an hour ago. There’s more white in his muzzle now, and he’s a wee bit calmer. But Magic will still play Frisbee-Fetch forever, if you let him, still loves games of hose-tag, adores his BFF Karma-Kat, can’t wait to play and hang out with me and my husband–

He’s the perfect dog. And I am so grateful, and hope that he has many more healthy years ahead. Today, we’re spending lots of playtime together, and (shhhh! lotsa treats!). We’uns got lots more stuff to do together!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me onFacebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

ARE YOU AUDACIOUS? JOIN AMY’S STREET TEAM!

JOIN AMY’S STREET TEAM OF

AUDACIOUS ALLIES!

In the words of Velma Kelly (from “Chicago”), “I can’t do it alone!”

Actually, authors have very little to do with attaining success. READERS create author success by reading/liking the books, posting positive reviews and then recommending books they love to everyone they know.

That’s only one reason I’ve created AMY’S AUDACIOUS ALLIES, aka TRIPLE-A TEAM. I’m also passionate about mentoring but have limited time so this is one way to pay-it-forward without bankrupting my energy, LOL!

The TRIPLE-A TEAM is a select group of 50-75 members given exclusive access to early chapters and advance readers copies (e-versions) of forthcoming books, first dibs on give aways and a private forum to discuss our love of books and pets–and yes, help share my books in reviews, social media, blogs . . . whatever you want!

FIND AMY’S BOOKS AT AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE , KOBO , AUDIBLE , iBOOKS

I also want to share some of the great pet care and fiction books from colleagues, too (did you SEE that haul of books I got from Thrillerfest?). Heck, I get lots of great pet products that my fur-kids can’t always use (don’t tell Magical-Dawg!), and would be delighted to pass ’em on to members of the TRIPLE-A TEAM.

And for those that want ’em, I’ll create a TRIPLE-A TEAM BADGE you can share/post on your personal blogs, websites, Facebook pages, etc. I’ll set up a special members-only FaceBook group, too, where we can support each other–I want y’all to make this group into something valuable for you.

Apply with the form below (it’s filling up fast!), and I’ll let you know if there’s an opening, and send info about next steps as soon as I can. Please be patient–I may be traveling (and collecting more goodies for give-aways!).

Email Marketing You Can Trust

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me onFacebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

10 People Foods for Cats

My Seren-Kitty never met a meal she didn’t like—including my own. Once she even decided to taste the hot mustard dip from my plate. Have you ever seen a cat LEVITATE?! Kitty foaming at the mouth is no laughing matter except the little squirt came back for seconds!

In the past year, I’ve created a monster because at age 18, I figure Seren should get to eat ANYTHING she wants. So now she believes it’s cool to graze from my plate. And then Karma-Kat thinks HE should do the same. Yikes! (BAD Amy…)

The first week we had Karma, he conducted a snatch-and-grab, swiped a kabob from my husband’s plate and took off with it. (10 second rule…hubby chased him down and “rescued” the kabob.) These days, the fur-kids aren’t allowed in the kitchen until AFTER we’ve finished our meal. And yes…they still get the occasional healthy treat from the table.

The key, of course, is that word “healthy.”

We love to indulge our kitties but people food can carry risks. Fortunately our cats appear less likely than dogs to taste-test toxic treats like chocolate, macadamia nuts, avocados, or raisons/grapes. Artificial sweeteners keep owners lean but any goodies sweetened with Xylitol could cause kitty liver failure. Thank goodness cats don’t easily detect or care about sweet flavors. Instead, their kitty taste buds are attuned to “meaty” flavors. Makes sense, knowing they’re carnivores. But that doesn’t mean they don’t at times want to nosh non-meat treats.

Seren manages to keep her svelt 6-pound figure even when the aroma of baking and roasting turns her purrs to begging. Responsible pet parents can offer healthy choices from the table. In fact, many holistic veterinarians recommend these foods as a natural way to treat your feline friend.

Treats typically shouldn’t make up more than about 10 percent of the pet’s total diet. So if you plan to offer table food, reduce the cat’s regular ration. Tiny amounts offered very gradually work best to avoid upset tummies. Here’s my go-to list of people foods for cats.

Lean Meats. Lean chicken is a feline favorite. A hunk of firm beef means your cat must chew rather than gulp, which can scrub teeth for dental health. Turkey contains tryptophan, a natural sleep aid that works to calm excited pets during holiday visits.
Fish. Many cats adore fish. Salmon, shrimp and oysters may be a holiday favorite for both humans and pets. Seren has never liked shrimp–that’s more for me! But both Karma and Seren can’t get enough of fish, especially salmon. Be careful of tuna (offer only the water-packed variety) because the strong flavor can almost be addictive.
Organ meats. Don’t toss out the giblets when you roast your holiday bird. Heart, liver and gizzards are power-packed with vitamins and minerals that cats relish.
Green garnish. Cats are carnivores but often enjoy grazing on such things as fresh wheat grass and catnip. A few enjoy green beans—but hold the too-rich mushroom sauce. Serving olives? Your cat may not eat them, but many felines react to olives like catnip. Offer some parsley for greens munching felines—it will also freshen kitty breath. Seren loves wheat grass.
Stew. Leftover turkey soup cooked with spinach, green beans, mushrooms and slivers of beets (for liver health) makes a great treat and top dressing for regular food. A bit of garlic for flavor is fine, too, as it contains vitamin B—just don’t overdo as too much of onion or garlic can cause anemia. At our house, we eat a lot of stew-type dishes as a side to Iranian rice, and all the fur-kids love a spoonful of the broth.
Sweet potatoes. High fiber sweet potato soothes upset tummies, and can be a tasty treat for cats. Cats don’t have much of a sweet tooth, though, so hold the sugary marshmallow—that’s not healthy for them.
Canned pumpkin. Cats seem to love pumpkin. The high fiber also works as a great natural remedy for hairballs, diarrhea or constipation. Use the canned (plain nonflavored) version, divide servings into ice cube trays and freeze—and thaw only the amount needed.
Yogurt. You’d think milk would be on the treat list, but many cats develop diarrhea from more than a tiny taste. A better milk-based treat is plain unflavored yogurt. Yogurt also helps maintain the beneficial bacteria in the stomach that keeps digestion healthy. Karma could care less but Seren ADORES plain yogurt. Whisker-licking good!
Fruit. Not all cats like fruit but those that do can benefit from the vitamins. Kitties often enjoy cantaloupe and strawberries or bananas. Most cats HATE the smell of citrus and you’ll risk hissing the cat off by offering such things.
Ginger. Ginger is a natural remedy that counters nausea, in case Kitty has car sick problems from the trip to Grandma’s house. But most cats won’t be interested in gingerbread or ginger cookies. Try offering a tiny taste of no-sugar whipped cream mixed with ginger as a special treat that soothes the tummy troubles. Every time I fix whipped cream, both cats (and the Magical-Dawg) line up to lick any errant splatters.

Every cat has different tastes—and nutritional needs. Be sure to ask your veterinarian before “treating” your fur-kids. Some cats doing extraordinarily well with home prepared foods or even “raw” rations, but any change requires knowledge and a slow transition. Remember you wouldn’t allow your human kid to munch exclusively on rich desserts or gravy, so balance your table-love with healthy moderation.

What table foods do your cats love? Do they counter-surf and serve themselves from the human smorgasbord? How do you foil the refrigerator raiders? Do tell!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me onFacebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Name That Dog & Name That Cat: WINNERS!

I am absolutely blown away both by the wonderful name suggestions and the enthusiastic voting for the pet stars of SHOW AND TELL. Arrrooo!!! and meee-WOW! Some names were hotly contested, with y’all rallying the troupes to vote.

SHOW AND TELL:  An animal behaviorist and her service dog race a deadly storm to expose a treacherous secret others will kill to protect. The story once again takes place in the fictional town of Heartland, Texas. When September Day figures out missing pets aren’t lost, but instead stolen to be training bait for dog fights linked to a drug distribution ring, she has 24 hours to save the victims (furry and human). For those who have read the first two books, you’ll be pleased that SHOW AND TELL brings the story full circle. (Okay, that’s enough of a hint!).

The winning names not only will be included in the book, but your name and real pet’s description will be added to the “fact or fiction” acknowledgements in the book, and I’ll send you a paw-tographed copy of the book as soon as it comes out. I would also like the WINNERS named below to please email me (amy@shojai.com) 1-3 photos of your named pet for possible use in future blogs/publicity about the book.

Because of the incredible interest, and I wanted to acknowledge your effort, I’ve included the names of the runners-up in the contest, too. BRAVO! And…here’s a teaser. All the runners-up will get a prize, too–not sure what just yet, but because it’s still percolating, but will have something to do with the book promo so you can share bragging rights with your peeps. Stay tuned!

post garnered a total of 7456 pages views. The combined votes of the 6 polls totaled 16,930 votes.

. . . AND THE RESULTS ARE IN! . . .

Dog and cat images courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

NAME THAT “DROOLER” MASTIFF, total of 987 votes

WINNER: HERCULES (419 votes) Nominated by Patricia H.

Runners-Up: Thor, nominated by Vicki in honor of her Bouvier

NAME THAT SMALL CAT, total of 1494 votes

WINNER: WAFFLES (510 votes) Nominated by Debbie Glovatsky

Runners-Up: Lucy, nominated by Robbi Hess; and Truffle, nominated by Paula/Sweet Purrfections

NAME THAT TARZAN CAT, total of 2192 votes

WINNER: BORIS KITTY (763 votes) nominated by his-own-self (with help from Kelly)

Runners-Up: Caster, nominated by Emily Hall/Kitty Cat Chronicles

NAME THAT KITTEN, total of 2,954 votes

WINNER: FUZZIT, aka Anubis (1688 votes) nominated by Karyl Cunningham

Runners-Up: Einstein, nominated by Elaine Dalke

NAME THAT DIGGIDY-DOG, total of 4,111 votes

WINNER: KINSLER (2,134 votes) nominated by Theresa Littlefield

Runners-Up: Freckles, nominated by Karyl Cunningham

NAME THAT HAWG DAWG, total of 4,592 votes

WINNER: TEDDY nominated by Lynette George, and DOT nominated by Kristi Brashier (1,850 votes)

Runners-Up: Buster & Bo, nominated by Una Bell Townsend

Thank you so much for lending your pet’s name to the contest–and congratulations! I can’t wait to add in these great names and descriptions and personalities into the storyline.

Now go tell all your friends and thank ’em for their votes! Hope this news gave your JULY 4th an extra SPARKLER-Y reason to celebrate!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me onFacebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!

11 Ways to Fix Fireworks Fears & Thunder Phobias

Scared cats and dogs lose their homes each year due to fireworks fears. Images courtesy of DepositPhotos.com

I’ve written about dogs fireworks fears and thunder phobias before, but cats are not immune. Felines also may turn into scaredy cats especially during 4th of July celebrations. If we’re lucky, the shakes and trembles only last a short time, but all too often these terrified pets lose their homes.

Up to 20 percent of dogs suffer from noise phobias like unexpected storms, but with 4th of July fireworks celebrations, owners can predict events and take steps to sooth upset doggy feelings. According to PetHub, July 5th is the busiest day of the year for animal shelters across the US because dogs and cats become terrified and run away–and very few find their way home.

The ASPCA offers a free mobile ap to help find lost pets, check it out here. It includes a digital lost pet kit that walks you through finding your missing fur kid. They also provided this neato infographic to help us keep in mind some of the major summer pet dangers, including pet heat stroke and car dangers.

I’ve got my furry wonders microchipped, and they wear tags on their collars. But in order to be found, the pet has to be willing to come to a stranger–Magic wouldn’t do it. Karma-Kat might, but Seren would rather eat dirt.

Terrified pets don’t think. That part of the brain shuts off during panic, and cats may dash through doors or scale fences. Frantic pups pull down window blinds, collide with screen doors or crash through windows, while others simply shiver and moan.

Dogs frightened may not know how to find their way home.

Solving Thunder and Fireworks Fears

Behaviorists recommend dogs be counter-conditioned to the scary noises like thunder by exposing the fearful dog to recorded sounds of the scary noise played at a very low volume, and rewarding him for staying calm. Gradually, you increase the noise level, to help the pup “get used” to the noise–desensitize him–so he can learn to tolerate it.

Densitization programs are not particularly realistic for most pet people, though, because desensitization programs can take weeks and sometimes months to work. Pets suffering from storm phobias also may react to the sounds of rain. Even the sensation of humidity or barometric pressure can trigger behavior problems, and you can’t do much to control humidity or barometric pressure. Use these 11 tips to dial down the noisy fear factor.

11 Tips for Soothing Scary Noises

Fearful cats and dogs may instinctively look for tight-fitting cave-like places to hide. They often squeeze between furniture and the wall, and dogs try to hide their eyes in your armpit. This applies a comfortable “hug” pressure sensation that seems to calm them, so let your pet seek his own shelter. If kitty dives under the bed, leave her alone. Shut the door and be grateful she’s not outside running for the next county!
Avoid offering sympathy. Coddling your pup when he’s fearful can reward the behavior. Instead of saying, “poor baby are you scared?” use a matter of fact tone, “wow, that was a loud noise and made me jump, too–but we aren’t scared.”
Dress ’em up. Some puppies benefit from the Storm Defender Capereduces static electricity that prompts some behavior problems. Another option is the The Anxiety Wrapthat applies even pressure to the dog’s body and helps him better manage his stress. A similar product for both cats and dogs that applies pressure is the Thundershirt Jacket for Anxiety. In addition, the Calming Capseems to help some pups through stressful, anxious situations by hiding their eyes. A new product called The Rein Coatcombines a harness, rain-shedding properties and calming relief for anxiety, fear and aggression and fits dogs (and cats) from 5 pounds to 250 pounds. Because each Rein Coat is custom fitted, it’s a bit pricier than other options. (Note: links go to amazon affiliate products.)
Avoid giving your dog or cat a sedative, because it won’t reduce his fear. He just won’t be able to do anything about it, which can make his anxiety even worse. Your vet may prescribe anti-anxiety medication based on your individual pup’s needs.
Ear plugs that mask the sound may also help. My veterinarian Dr. John Brakebill once told me that when a client’s dog went crazy after they moved near a gun range, the phobia calmed during treatment for an ear infection because the thick ointment muffled the sound. He suggests cotton balls or ear plugs as a temporary solution to help muffle the noise. Ask your vet to show you how to safely place anything in the dog’s ears, though, so you don’t damage the pup’s hearing and plugs are easily removed after the upsetting sounds subside. I wouldn’t attempt this with cats, though.
A natural supplement of melatonin may help–a substance similar to a chemical produced in the brain that helps regulate sleep. Melatonin helps reduce the panic attacks in noise-phobic dogs, but it won’t sedate the pup. Melatonin lasts several hours and may be cumulative over several days so you can plan ahead for known scary events like 4th of July. Melatonin can be found in health food stores, pharmacies, and some supermarkets. Always check with your veterinarian for the proper dosage for your size and breed of dog.
Another option includes Comfort Zone with DAP (dog appeasing pheromone). The product is an analogue of the pheromone mom-dogs produce to calm nursing puppies that signal him “don’t worry, there’s nothing to fear.” Pheromones are chemical substances made by the animal’s body that act as a form of communication that, when inhaled by your dog, talks directly to his brain. It calms the fears of dogs of any age. D.A.P. plug-in, sprays, and infused collars are available at pet products stores. It helps a dog put a damper on fear long enough to “think” so that your behavior modification/training techniques can work. You’ll need to have the D.A.P. plugged in for several days in advance for it to offer your dog the best benefits. So when the weather report indicates storms or fireworks displays are in the offing, be prepared. The infused collar works more immediately. The spray can be used every one to two hours on bedding or a bandanna the dog wears.
Dogs can’t panic when using their brain for something else such as “work” so give your dog a job to do just before and during the thunder and lightning display. Drill him on obedience commands and special tricks, or ask him to play fetch and carry around a favorite toy. That engages his brain into productive activity rather than thinking about the scary noises.
Try offering your cats some catnip to help take their mind off the scary noises.
Giving your pet treats and positive rewards for remaining calm also reinforces the benefits of controlling his emotions. Each time the wind blows, or thunder booms, try saying, “Wow, what fun!” to jolly him along and show there’s no reason to fear, and then give a treat. When Magic was a baby, I threw him a party with each thunder BOOM! so he began to associate the sound with good stuff.
Turn a radio to static to create white noise that muffles scary noises. Certain types of music can prove calming, too, by “entraining” the pet’s heart, respiration and brain waves to slow down and match the soothing rhythm. Harp music can be especially calming.

Do your dogs — or cats — become terrified over fireworks or storms? How do you manage the problem? What has worked for your pets? I hope you’ve never lost a dog or cat but if you have, what steps did you use to be reunited? Please share–it could save somebody else heartache.

NAME THAT DOG/NAME THAT CAT
POLLS CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT!

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–click the banner, above. Be sure to visit my PetHealthyStore for paw-some products for your furry wonders! Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and get a FREE BOOK when you sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways, kewl product offers, and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!