Gayle Irwin's Blog, page 7

How to Care for Pets During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Caring for our beloved animals during the COVID-19 pandemic may cause worry for pet parents.

As
the United States and countries around the world reel from the COVID-19
pandemic, we pet owners may be stressing not only about our jobs and our
families and friends, but also about our pets. How do we feed them? How do we
exercise them? How do we handle illness and medications?

According
to New York and Florida Veterinary Medical Services and most other experts,
people who are not sick can interact normally with their pets. However, people
who are diagnosed with the coronavirus should, “restrict contact with any animals just like you would around
other people,” the VMS pamphlet continues. Experts advise for a healthy family
member or friend take care of the pet; however, if that isn’t possible, the
person with COVID-19 should wear a face mask and wash their hands thoroughly
before and after feeding their animal(s) and after interacting in general with
the pet. You can find a pamphlet created by the states’ VMS here:

https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NYSVMS/2672acdc-eda2-4f67-9822-4a4c6235d970/UploadedImages/Covid-19_consumer_flyer.pdf.

Be sure to wash your hands after feeding, cuddling, holding, or playing with your pet!



Where
Do I Find Food and Medications for My Pet?

            With grocery store shelves emptying
daily and restrictions to shelter in place occurring, you may be asking how to
obtain the food and medicine your pets need. Online shopping is an excellent
choice! Chewy.com and Amazon.com are two places to
find food, treats, and toys for our beloved animals; so are Target.com and Walmart.com. Keep in mind,
however, these places may also be temporarily out of stock and/or take a longer
amount of time to ship products. You can always try another type of food or
treat. For example, I recently tried to order our springer spaniel’s food from
both Chewy and Amazon; both were out of stock. We have about a week’s worth of
food for her, and neither my husband nor I currently desire to go to the local
grocery stores. Chewy.com offered a special on a different dog food product
that has excellent reviews – therefore, I ordered a large bag of it. Chewy was
also out of the dental treats we usually give her, so I ordered a different
one. During these uncertain and difficult times, we sometimes need to make
different choices.

SIDENOTE: If you order on Amazon.com, no matter what you’re ordering, you can be a hero to a non-profit by using AmazonSmile – Amazon donates to various non-profit organizations, such as rescue missions and animal welfare groups, when a person orders using AmazonSmile. I did this with my recent orders – it’s a way to help a group while you shop!

What
about medications? Because most veterinary clinics don’t usually have the
10-person maximum suggested by states and the federal government, I think a
person would be safe to continue seeing their veterinarian for medications.
However, you could also ask your vet to phone in or fax in a prescription order
to 1-800-PET-MEDS and have the
company mail the prescription to your house. Perhaps your dog is on a
medication for arthritis or your cat needs amoxicillin for a stomach issue –
see if it’s possible to obtain these through 1-800-PET-MEDS. The same applies
for prescription food – Chewy.com fills such orders with a fax or email from
the veterinarian’s office. Some pet hospitals, like Banfield, offer a
telehealth service; inquire at your veterinarian’s office to learn if that’s an
option for you.

Banfield
Pet Hospitals offers an insightful and informative document for pet owners here:
https://www.banfield.com/Banfield/files/94/94c35588-c3a0-4201-a3c4-81b842f5ed51.pdf.

Exercising
Your Pet During This Time

Most
places allow walking if you stay within the 6-foot rule and don’t gather in
groups. Walking our dogs is good for us as well as our animal. If you are not
sick, try to get outdoors, especially on the sunny, warmer ones, soak up that
exercise and Vitamin D! (if your city/state still allows such activity).

If you’re fortunate to have a backyard, take advantage. Play ball with your dog. Take your cat for a walk on a leash. Spend some time planting seeds, raking the yard/garden, or simply sitting in a chair while your pet explores. Set up bird feeders and fill them, not only to supply the winged creatures with food, but to enjoy observing them whether in your yard or from a window in your home. Your pets, especially cats, will also enjoy watching them. (You can order feeders and feed online so you don’t have to make a special trip to the store).

Involving the family to care for and play with pets relieves a lot of stress during this uncertain time.

Although
this is a stressful time (and keep in mind our pets can sense our
stress
level!), it can also be a time to relish the pets in our lives. We can care for
them just as we care for ourselves, by creatively thinking and implementing new
ways to engage and new ways to take care of our pets … and ourselves.

4 Important Tips for Pet Owners Regarding the Coronavirus

Pets give us devotion, love, understanding, and comfort. Thus far, COVID-19 hasn’t impacted animal health.

Within
a short amount of time, the United States and the world has undergone a tumultuous
change. The coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has changed the way we interact,
the way we work, and the way we do everyday life. Many of us who are pet
parents wonder how this virus can impact our beloved companion animals and how
the disease may affect our relationships with those furry friends. Here are
four important tips for pet owners regarding the coronavirus:

Pet therapy brings people comfort and helps us bond with our animals.



Pet therapy is good for us, therefore, continue
engaging with your pet unless you are sick.  According to the Centers
for Disease Control (CDC), no evidence exists that this novel coronavirus
impacts or affects pets. Therefore, playing, cuddling, snuggling, and otherwise
interacting with your dog or cat is something you should continue to do – pets provide
comfort, and during this time of uncertainty and stress, comfort is something
we all need. However, the CDC does recommend that if you are ill, you
should restrict contact with your pet just as you would with people. Ask
a friend or family member to care for your pet until you are well. If that is
not possible, the organization recommends you avoid petting, snuggling, being
kissed or licked, and sharing food and to wash your hands before and after you
interact with pets and, if possible, wear a facemask.Currently, there is no evidence indicating pets
transmit COVID-19 to people. Late last month, a
Hong Kong coronavirus patient’s dog tested what’s called a weak positive for a low level of
the virus. The dog did not exhibit any symptoms but was put into quarantine for two weeks; the
animal tested negative afterward. Although there are other types of coronaviruses
which do affects our dogs and cats, this strain, COVID-19, does not appear to
be one of them. Watch a video with a medical representative of the American
Kennel Club (AKC) and read more about COVID-19 and pets here: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/can-dogs-get-coronavirus/Be careful with and recognize harmful cleaners. As you clean your
home and maintain good hygiene practices during this pandemic (or any other
time), be aware of the products you use that may be harmful to your pets. Products
such as Pine-Sol and Lysol can
be harmful to dogs and cats; so also is bleach and ammonia. There are many,
safer alternatives, including white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, baking
soda and hydrogen peroxide. Find lists of cleaning products harmful to our pets
and alternatives to such items here: https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/household-cleaners-safe-pets/?fbclid=IwAR0iYJtZQ1JqVL_pc9HQUb-zTm9r1h2umiVjDbkLCqMSqaDn_LMRHRic3rg
and here: https://www.dogsnaturallymagazine.com/cleaning-supplies-killing-your-dog-pet-safe-cleaners/?fbclid=IwAR2zLdTYAS7S6AbH5ZSurayC_UPUZaXAs8xliSCbxLc4zVbsBOSJ6HyFGJUAnimals are a victim of the virus as people abandon them. In
China, animals were left in homes and apartments as their owners left them
upon evacuation or hospital stays. In America and elsewhere, shelters
are being overrun as owners panic about loss of jobs and worry over food
and other supplies for their families, adoption events and opportunities are
cancelled, both which put more animals are at
risk for euthanasia in kill-shelters. Rescues and other animal welfare
groups are seeking foster
families to help. As much as possible, reach out to help and for help. Pet
food pantries may be able to assist owners whose place of employment has
closed or cut hours. Those who are still employed and have money set aside for
emergencies can help shelters, rescues, and pet food (and human food!) pantries
with donations of money and/or supplies. If you can foster an animal in need,
volunteer to do so. Contact your local or regional animal welfare organization,
shelter, or rescue to see how you can best serve the pets and their owners who
are in need.



Pets in rescues and shelters grieve for their families, so try to avoid adding extra stress to them and to yourself. Ask for help before even considering abandoning or relinquishing your pet!

The
American Veterinary Medical Association recently published a “Frequently Asked
Questions” regarding animals and COVID-19. Find that document here: https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2020-03/covid-19-faq-pet-owners.pdf

The
ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a web
page dedicated to helping you and your pet during this disease outbreak; visit
the site here: https://www.aspca.org/news/coronavirus-keeping-your-pets-safe-during-covid-19-crisis

The
New York Veterinary Society recently published a pamphlet outlining facts about
COVID-19 and pets. Find that brochure here: https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/NYSVMS/2672acdc-eda2-4f67-9822-4a4c6235d970/UploadedImages/Covid-19_consumer_flyer.pdf

Engaging in activities with your pet helps strengthen the bond, whether those activities involve play or training, which is play for our animals!

Please, if you are a pet owner and need help, seek it! Check out local pet food pantries. Do Not Abandon Your Pet – it CANNOT fend for itself. Contact local rescue organizations if you feel you must give up your pet or seek temporary assistance and care from family and friends. If you are in a better place than other people (i.e., you’re still healthy, still working, or have money in reserve), reach out to help other people and pets who can use your help. This is a time for compassion and “loving our neighbors as ourselves,” including the four-footed ones.

If you work from home or have been let go from your job, spending time with your pet can help a person deal with stress and uncertainty. Spend time with your pet and allow your beloved cat, dog, rabbit, or other animal help ease the burden of uncertainty.

4 Small Pests Harmful to Pets

As the
warmth of spring wiggles its way onto the calendar and into our lives, we as pet
parents need to be wary of the pesky pests
that can harm our beloved pets. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes carry diseases
that are not only harmful, but can be deadly, and bees and wasps can cause an
allergic reaction, just like in some people.

Bees,
Wasps and Other Stinging Insects

Like
humans, the sting from a wasp or bee can be painful to dogs and cats. Some pets
can even experience an allergic reaction to a sting. Fire ants, flies, and
other tiny pests can sting or bite. Therefore, be vigilant for such insects on
your patio, under the eaves of your house, and in your garden, and be mindful
of where your pet is in relation to where the insects are hovering. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction to a bug sting include head swelling, pale gums, excessive
drooling, and labored breathing. If you see such signs in your dog or cat after
being outdoors, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Fleas

These
tiny creatures are believed to be the most common external parasite
found on dogs and cats – and they can invade your home if not controlled. Fleas
cause itching and are known to be the most common cause of pet skin disease.
According to Web MD, though
tiny, these irritating pests can consume 15 times their own weight in blood,
causing anemia in a dog or cat. Fleas can also cause tapeworms. Therefore,
keeping these little pesky critters at bay is worth the time and investment.

Ticks

There
are
many types of ticks and tick-related diseases, according to the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC). Some are more confined to specific
regions of the United States. The CDC also notes that the spread of ticks is
increasing, as is a tick-borne disease known as Lyme
disease. Different tick species cause different diseases. For example, the
black-legged tick causes Lyme disease, and the brown dog tick, which is found
throughout the country, causes Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever; humans are susceptible to both of these infections.
Therefore, check yourself and your animal thoroughly for these blood-sucking tiny
critters anytime you’ve been outside, and learn to remove ticks
properly to protect yourself and your furry friend.

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes
also transmit diseases, some of which are deadly. One of the worst for our
pets, especially dogs, is heartworm.
Your dog may be infected but shows no symptoms at first. Cough and fatigue are
the first notable signs. This disease, once discovered, is difficult to combat
and some dogs don’t survive. Therefore, prevention is critical to keep your
furry friend safe. West
Nile Virus is another terrible disease animals and people can contract from
mosquitoes. Fur provides some protection from mosquitoes, but ears and noses
are vulnerable. Living and spending time near a water source makes you and your
furry friend more susceptible to swarms of these tiny pests.

Preventatives

Protection from stinging and biting insects, fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes is critical to keeping your pet safe and healthy. You can purchase preventive products from your vet directly or from a local pet supply store. You can find a good resource on such products here:

https://www.certapet.com/best-flea-tick-treatment-dogs/

Additionally,
experts
stress pet parents keep both a healthy, clean yard and home and frequently bath
dogs and cats and their beds.

Spring
brings more outdoor activities for both people and their pets and also brings
forth the onslaught of tiny creatures that seek the fur and skin of both animal
and human. Therefore, take the needed precautions to protect yourself and your
pet to better enjoy these warmer months.

For
an in-depth guide on tiny pests that can harm pets, visit these websites:

Pests That Affect Pets

http://www.petmd.com/flea-tick-survival-guide#.

Creating a Pet-Friendly Garden

Now
that March is upon us and, according to the calendar, spring arrives in a few
weeks, many of us start to plan landscaping and gardening projects. However,
our pets are apt to come into contact with things in those gardens that are
harmful, whether the plants themselves or products we use to grow our flowers,
vegetables, and grass. Therefore, be mindful as you plan that new flower garden
or enrich the lawn.

When
considering creating a pet-friendly garden, remember that there are many types
of plants which are toxic to dogs and cats and that some yard and garden
products can also harm our animals.

Plants Toxic to Pets

What
types of plants are pet-friendly? Which ones are harmful? From flowers to
vines, shrubs to herbs, some types of flora can make our pets sick … or
worse. Here’s a short list of plants we pet parents should either avoid putting
in our yards or fence around so that our beloved furry friends cannot come in
contact with them:

Aloe

Azalea

Branching/English
Ivy

Calla
Lilly (most lilies in fact!)

Chives

Foxglove

Nightshade

Sorrel

Winterberry/Oregon
Holly (also called English Holly)

Pet-Friendly Plants

Although
there are many flowers, shrubs, trees, herbs, and other plants which can be
toxic to our dogs and cats, thankfully, there are dozens of others that do
not harm our animals. Some of those include:

Alyssum

Boston
Fern

Canterbury-bell

Chervil/French
Parsley

Coneflowers/Echinacea

Hens
& Chicks

Cilantro

Snapdragons

Gerber
Daisy

Oregon
Grape

Pansies

Rose

Rosemary

Sunflower

Zinnia

Find
a complete list of toxic and nontoxic plants at this ASPCA website: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants.

Yard and Garden Products Can be Harmful

In
addition to the plants themselves, yard and garden
products
can be hazardous to our pets. Mulch made from cocoa beans, for example, are
tantalizing for many pets and can cause sickness, seizures, even death.
Fertilizers that contain blood and/or bone meal are tasty for animals, but also
dangerous, causing pancreatitis
and poisoning.

As
you plan your landscaping and gardening projects for the spring and summer, you
may find these additional websites valuable resources:

https://www.rover.com/blog/dog-friendly-gardening/

https://www.rover.com/blog/10-safe-plants-dogs-can-add-almost-garden-right-now/

https://www.epicgardening.com/pet-safe-garden/

https://www.southernliving.com/garden/flowers/pet-friendly-plants

Pet Poison Helpline

If
you believe your pet has been poisoned, whether from medications, household
products, plants, or lawn and gardening products, contact the Pet Poison
Helpline at 855-764-7661.

Happy
& Safe Gardening!

Romance and Pets – A Great Book Idea!

During this final week of February, I thought I’d highlight a few romance books and authors that feature pet rescue as part of the story. I’ve read these and greatly enjoyed them, and I thought I’d share some highlights to close out the “month of love.”

Eliza Boyd is the author of numerous romance books,
including two involving an animal sanctuary. No Kidding in Love and A New
Leash on Love take place in the fictional town of True Love, Arizona. Both
involve an animal rescue sanctuary and characters who are afraid to love again.
With the theme of second chances, these stories are simultaneously dramatic and
uplifting and sometimes humorous. I enjoy Boyd’s writing style and complex
characters. Her storylines are delightful and engaging and of course, the
characters have their happily ever after, after a few stumbles along their
journeys. Check out the books in her True Love Animal Sanctuary series here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X9SXZK1?ref_=series_rw_dp_labf

Linda O. Johnston writes mysteries, and several of her creations include dogs in the story. Last year, I read Pick and Chews and earlier this year I ordered the latest (and from I understand, the last) in her Barkery & Biscuits series called For a Good Paws. This story takes the heroine into the murder-mystery of a man recently released from jail. One of the suspects is one of her employees. As usual in this series, several dogs make an appearance. If you enjoy a bit of intrigue within the pages of your romance story along with some cute pups, check out Linda’s books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=linda+o+johnston+biscuits+and+barkery&i=digital-text&ref=nb_sb_noss

As February winds down, you might also want to pick up my
pet rescue romance. Rescue Road has
received several 5-star reviews on Amazon, and the Kindle version is available
for just .99 cents through the end of this month. Here’s the link to the book,
where you can read the reviews: https://amzn.to/2W7fpBe

There are many wonderful romance books available for us to read. Since I’m a pet rescue and adoption advocate, I’m delighted to see an increasing number of such stories incorporating that important topic.  Lucy Gilmore writes such books, so does Sandy Rideout, both of whom I’m reading now.

Check out these authors and their books and perhaps you’ll
find a new cozy, romantic read for the rest of the winter … or to take to the
beach this summer!

What authors do you enjoy who write about pets and maybe
incorporate a bit of romance and/or mystery into their stories?

Walk Your Dog (or Cat) – It’s Healthy for Both of You!

No matter the time of year, walking your pet is a healthy thing to do.

February 22, 2020 is National Walking Your Dog Day. I’d take it a step further (Get it? ‘A step further’??) and include cats in this art of walking. Yes, cats CAN walk on a leash. Or you can push them in a covered baby buggy, like I did when I volunteered at Best Friends Animal Society four years ago.

What are some benefits of walking your pet? Besides the physical exercise you both receive, you and your four-legged friend will likely meet new friends, human and animal, during your walk. Socializing lifts people’s spirits, and often our animals enjoy meeting new pet friends, too.

Getting outdoors helps us breathe fresh air and receive Vitamin D from the sunlight (although the weather might not always be sunny, especially in February). No matter the weather, being outdoors offers many physical and emotional benefits.

Another benefit of walking your pet: the extra time together helps bond a dog or cat with its special person.

A fourth benefit involves stress and anxiety relief. Many of us get cabin fever during the winter and that often climaxes in February. Snow, rain, cloudiness, and cold temperatures keeps many of us and our animals cooped up, causing us and our pets to get antsy. Taking walks helps reduce that stress and anxiety.

February is about love, so show some love to your pet this weekend and enjoy a walk wherever you are. And, don’t just walk on February 22; make the healthy habit of walking several times a week. Just grab the leash and GO!

Do People Meet by Chance? "No Chance Meeting" Weaves Love, Compassion, and Redemption

I’m pleased to introduce you to an author I recently discovered and her new clean romance book,  No Chance Meeting.

 Jaye Elliot

 is
 an award-winning author, country girl, and hopeless romantic at heart. She loves a good hero and will always sigh happily during the light scene in Tangled. She writes from her home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, which she shares with three cats she considers her kids. 

Here’s a “peek” into Jaye’s book, which released on Valentine’s Day 2020:
 
Alex Jennings is done

 with
 life. After losing her brother in Afghanistan, everything has collapsed around her. Getting laid off from her day job and failing in her art career, she has nowhere left to turn. She once had faith to believe that all things would work together for good, but that faith died with her brother. Now she just wants the pain to end.
 
Riley Conrad served thirteen years in the military until three bullets sent him home. After a year and a half of physical therapy and scraping together a living, all he wants is to live a simple life and perhaps even open the coffee shop he dreams about. However, the weight of failing his parents’ expectations doesn’t make it easy and working as a bartender isn’t getting him anywhere fast.
 
Below is an excerpt from No Chance Meeting, specifically chosen because I enjoy a good book that features pets (no surprise!):
 
The two of them climbed the ramp, each grabbing a box before following Zach to the house. Just inside, they set the boxes by the already large pile taking up half of the entryway. Alex wouldn’t have relished the prospect of having to unpack them all. Then again, Mindy was a bit of an organization freak. She probably enjoyed the process.
 
“They’re here,” Zach called out.
 
In answer a dog barked, followed by the scramble of toenails. A big, broad-headed golden retriever barreled into the room first, a stocky brown and white English bulldog at its heels.
 
“Hi, puppies!” Alex exclaimed.
 
Zach’s retriever, Shadow, bounded up to her, his tail wagging frantically. It was a not-so-closely-guarded

 secret

that Alex had seen Zach cry while watching the movie, Homeward Bound, when they were kids. She and Josh had been sure to tease him about his name choice when he’d first gotten his dog a few years ago. She knelt down, scrubbing her fingers into the retriever’s luxurious coat. Mindy’s little Bella nosed in between them and pawed Alex’s leg  seeking attention too. She laughed and rubbed the bulldog’s wrinkly back. Last time she had seen either of them, Bella was just a roly-poly puppy. Though she still had her wrinkles and adorable smooshed

face she had quadrupled in size.

Shadow turned his excited energy to Riley now. Alex smiled as he rubbed the dog’s ears comfortably, earning an appreciative groan from Shadow. There was nothing more attractive than a guy who liked animals.
 
Mindy walked in then, the scent of warm cinnamon sugar wafting in with her. Alex straightened to give her best friend a hug.
 
“I’m so glad you could come today.” Mindy nearly squeezed the breath from her lungs. “It’s so much more fun to unpack with friends.”
 
“Happy to help.”
 
Mindy stepped back. “I just took a pan of cinnamon rolls out of the oven. As soon as they are cool, I’ll ice them. I made chili for later.”
 
“It sounds delicious.”
 
Mindy beamed. She just plain loved doing things for people, and Alex loved her for it.
 
Mindy then slapped her hands together. “All right, now that I’m done in the kitchen for a while, we can get this unloading party started.”
 
No Chance Meeting is an engaging story of redemption and second chances. The topics and the way the two primary characters meet, are difficult, but Elliot weaves an amazing tapestry of compassion, forgiveness, and restoration into her story. I encourage you to check out Jaye’s book on Amazon (https://amzn.to/38BVdgs) or wherever you pick up books. The story is available in print and e-book formats.
 
Learn more about Jaye and receive the first few chapters of No Chance Meeting for free at her website: http://www.jayeelliot.com. You’ll also find her on many social media platforms, including Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.
 
When she’s  not writing romance novels, Jaye pens fantasy and adventure stories as Jaye L. Knight: http://www.jayelknight.com

Sunshine Blogger Award, Part 2

Last week, I talked about receiving a nomination for the Sunshine Blogger Award, a recognition passed on from one blogger to another for creating uplifting, helpful content. Part of that distinction is to share such recognition to other bloggers, preferable 11; that is what I’m doing today.
 
Also last week, I provided links to sites helpful to pet parents, including people such as myself who are 
one or two-person shops through major organizations, like Best Friends Animal Society. Each blog site provides encouraging, educational content for those of us who love our animals and who try to help rescue groups locally, regionally, and/or nationally who do such incredible work. I hope you found many of the sites I listed last week informative.
 
Because I am pet-focused on my website but also composed of many interests, this week, in the Sunshine Blogger Award nominations I share, I’ve created four different lists. Under each list, you’ll find links to blogs about that topic (I’m shooting for three to keep numbers rounded; therefore, instead of 11 bloggers as the Sunshine Blogger Award generally 
goes, I have 12). I hope you will find some, if not all, the following helpful, entertaining, and enlightening as I do.
 
I nominate the following for the Sunshine Blogger Award in these categories:
 
Pet-Oriented
There are numerous amazing blogs on the internet about pets. Many are run by companies, such insurance providers, veterinary practices, and pet rescue groups. However, there are also a lot written and managed by individuals, those who seek to help other pet owners. Here are just a few:
 
Roxanne Hawn – Champion of My Heart: https://championofmyheart.com/blog/
Lindsey Stordahl – That Mutt: https://www.thatmutt.com/
Lisa Taron – The Pet Blog Lady: https://www.petbloglady.com/
 
Writing-Oriented
Like pet blogs, there are many wonderful organizations that produce blogs for writers, including Reedsy
, Writers Digest, and many others. I want to recognize individuals, writers themselves, who aspire to help other writers. See the three I’ve chosen below:
 
Rachel Melander – Write Now Coach:  https://writenowcoach.com/blog/
K.M. Weiland – Helping Writers Become Authors: https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/
Jerry Jenkins – Proven Writing Tips: https://jerryjenkins.com/blog/
 
Business/Marketing-Oriented
Because I’m an author, the three blogs below focus mostly on book marketing. However, a person can develop marketing skills and learn marketing
techniques for other businesses by applying some of these bloggers’ principles:

Penny Sansevieri - Author Marketing Experts: https://www.amarketingexpert.com/book-promotion-blog/
CJ McDaniel – providing lots of free resources: Adazing https://www.adazing.com/
Seth Godin – 
known as one of the top business marketers in the world: https://seths.blog/
 
Simple Lifestyle-Oriented
Many people long for a simpler life, and some people live such a life. We can all learn from simple, taking a few steps back, breathing, and actually living. Two of the blogs I’ve listed below are created
by women living in my state of current residence: Wyoming. The three I’ve selected for this category share many tips to being in the moment, loving your family, and getting back to a more balanced lifestyle:
 
Cathy Holman – 
Prairie Wife in Heels: https://prairiewifeinheels.com/
Jill Winger
 – 
The Prairie Homestead: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/blog
Courtney Carver: Be More with Less: https://bemorewithless.com/archives/
 
We can all learn something from someone, whether we’re interested in lifestyle, pets, business, or hobbies. I hope you’ll spend some time at some of these sites and be inspired
 in many ways
!
 
Again, my thanks to Karen Ingalls who nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Karen is a writer, cancer survivor, and encourager. You’ll find her blog here: https://kareningalls.home.blog/
 

Sunshine Blogger Award and 12 Pet Blogs to Follow for Fun and Facts!





​Recently one of my online author/blogger friends, Karen Ingalls, nominated me for the Sunshine Blogger Award. This special honor is bestowed upon a blogger from another blogger, in recognition of their inspiring, creative and motivational blogs. I am honored to be among so many wonderful bloggers who seek to inform, educate and inspire readers. That is my goal, too.
 
As part of this recognition, I am to nominate other bloggers, which I will do in next week’s post. Today, I want to highlight several pet-related blogs I think other pet owners will find helpful and inspiring. See the list below:
 
Cat Blogs:
15 and Meowing: https://15andmeowing.com/
Cat Wisdom 101: http://catwisdom101.com/
Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows:
https://www.mochasmysteriesmeows.com/
We’re All  About Cats: https://www.wwwallaboutcats.com/
 
Dog Blogs:
Fidose of Reality: https://fidoseofreality.com/
Here Pup: https://herepup.com/
Keep the Tail Wagging: https://keepthetailwagging.com/blog

Front Seat Ryder
: https://frontseatryder.com/blog/
The Dog People: Rover.com blog
https://www.wagnwoofpets.com/blog/
 
Blogs About Pets in General:
Best Friends Animal Society blog: https://bestfriends.org/blogs
Pet Life Today: https://petlifetoday.com/articles/
Adopt a Pet: https://www.adoptapet.com/blog/
 
It’s a short list – there are hundreds of pet blogs on the internet – but you’ll find a vast array of information, posts, and articles on these sites to help you navigate the world of pet ownership and adoption. Next week I will answer questions that Karen posed to me as part of the Sunshine Award Blog Award as well as provide you information on bloggers I’m nominating.
 
In the meantime, if you haven’t gotten a copy of my pet rescue contemporary romance novel, Rescue Road, the Kindle version is on sale for just .99 cents! It’s February, the month of love, and Valentine’s Day is next week – gift yourself or someone you love a copy for only .99 cents! Remember that a portion of my royalties are donated to pet rescue organizations, so when you buy a copy of two, even at .99 cents, you’re also helping rescue and adopt out pets in need! Here’s the direct link to the Amazon Kindle site to order Rescue Road:  https://amzn.to/2W7fpBe​.
 
Thanks again to Karen Ingalls for nominating me for the award and finding my blog inspiring! Find Karen and her blog here: https://kareningalls.home.blog/

Love Pets? Check Out These Upcoming TV Programs!





​The month of love is fast approaching. February not only embraces the love people have for one another but can also extend to the love we have for our pets. TV channels and programs don’t ignore the month of February – in fact, many bring Cupid’s arrow to the forefront.
 
For those who enjoy television programs featuring animals, you only have to turn to two primary stations to experience promotion of and love for animals: Hallmark Channel and Animal Planet. Both are taking February to the dogs! (and cats).
 
Starting Saturday, February 1, Animal Planet leads the pack with Dog Bowl (a bigger version of the annual Puppy Bowl), then on Sunday, if your forte isn’t American football and the Super Bowl, you can tune into Puppy Bowl. Going into it’s
16th season, this immensely popular program showcases puppies available for adoption in the height of play (but sometimes taking a nap!). Additionally, as
the name implies, Animal Planet shows a plethora of programs dedicated to animals of all kinds, domestic and wild.
 
If cats are more of your jam, check out Hallmark Channel’s Cat Bowl on February 1 and  Kitten Bowl on Sunday, February 2. In it’s 7th season, this show depicts kittens available for adoption at play (competing with Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl in more than
one way, I’d say!). Kitten Bowl is hosted by a few often-seen Hallmark’s movie actors/actresses who are animal lovers and pet adoption advocates.
 
Hallmark Channel is a strong supporter of pet adoption. It’s promotion program, Adoption Ever After, ties in with the theme of its movies and many published romance books: Happily Ever After. In fact, Hallmark now has a book publishing branch about love of course (some feature pets)! The weekday morning show, Home and Family, often features animals available for adoption and also hosts guests that discuss various things pet. The channel also presents the annual American Rescue Dog Show. While breeders have Westminster and all the dog shows leading up to that big bonanza, adopted rescue animals receive their special dog show thanks to Crown Media/Hallmark. Tune in on February 16 and 17 and be prepared

to both laugh and cry during the American Rescue Dog Show!
 
New programs and movies about and/or featuring animals start on Hallmark in February: Tails of Joy premieres February 17 showcasing the rescue and adoption of 60 dogs and cats in California. The movies A Valentine’s Match and  Matching Hearts appear to have pets in the films. The former premiers February 1 and the latter on February 8. If you’re a romance movie freak who loves animals, like me, check out these movies, and the above-mentioned programs,during Hallmark’s Love Ever After Month!
 
Get your “love on” for animals on television during the month of February!