Cat Writers Awards for Radio, TV, Article & More

by Amy Shojai | Dec 2, 2009 | Uncategorized | 0 comments

The month of November had me running , and I’m still playing catch-up. First, the BIG NEWS–

I’ve a new book contract! This is a breed book on the American Pit Bull Terrier, and is due January 1st, so I’m typing like the wind to meet my deadline.

I spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in White Plains, New York overseeing the Cat Writers’ Association’s 16th Annual Writers Conference (www.catwriters.org) , to great success. We had several editors and agents, a host of great speakers, and an exciting awards banquet. I’m please to have won the association’s highest honor, the CWA Muse Medallion, for my Pet Peeves radio show at www.PetLifeRadio.com, my CBS-TV Pet Talk segment, and an online article on cat claw training at www.shojai.com.

In other news, I was flown to St. Louis by the Purina CatChow group earlier in the month for an all-day photo shoot (with cats!), to update the CatChow.com website and mentor pages. You see, I’ve written an “emotional health” online column as a Cat Chow mentor for many years, along with other veterinarians, and Purina plans to promote our advice columns more widely in 2010. This probably will be in conjunction with the Animal Planet “HousecatHousecall” show.

That same week, I traveled to Austin, Texas for the annual meeting of the CATalyst effort. This group seeks to improve/promote the profile of cats, in order to put them on equal footing (paws?) with dogs that receive more funding for health and other pet issues. I’ll write, radio, and tv on the subject in the future.

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

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Name That Hero Dog for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO DOG contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO DOG requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO CAT character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO DOG

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

Name That Hero Cat for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO CAT contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO CAT requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO DOG character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO CAT

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

September & Shadow Audiobook Trilogy only $2.99!

In a lead up to the release of thriller #7 DARE OR DIE, I’ve discounted the first three books in the September & Shadow Thriller Series in a CHIRP deal yee-haw! So if you’ve not yet listened, here’s your chance to get all 3 for under $3.

LOST AND FOUND (#1) kicks off the saga, with September searching for her missing nephew in a snowstorm–aided by Shadow the service dog.

HIDE AND SEEK (#2) shares September’s tragic backstory when a stalker from her past finds her, and Shadow helps her heal.

SHOW AND TELL (#3) gives previous victims the chance to become heroes, helping September and Shadow vanquish a deadly drug dealer.

All three books combine in the trilogy (audio), discounted from $24.99 to $2.99 for a limited time at these links…

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Cover Reveal: DARE OR DIE, a September & Shadow Thriller #7

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What Is AAHA?

The American Animal Hospital Association, founded 82 years ago, is a voluntary accrediting organization for small animal hospitals in the United States. That’s right…accreditation is VOLUNTARY, and it is not required by law. Only 12-15% of animal hospitals have gone through the rigorous and stringent evaluation process to attain this distinction.

That’s not to say that animal hospitals without AAHA-accreditation don’t offer great care from talented and dedicated veterinarians. Dr. Loenser noted that to achieve accreditation requires cooperation and dedication from the entire staff, from veterinarians and technicians to front desk staff and everyone who has a “paw” in the success of the practice.

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According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.

But it’s never too late (or too soon) to get your pets’ pearly whites checked out by your veterinarian. Often the doctor has some great tips for keeping cat teeth clean and dog breath at bay, including how to brush doggy teeth.

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Oh, and read on for a hint about the upcoming thriller DARE OR DIE and how to nominate YOUR special pet for a hero pet character!

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I love sharing pet health tips from other pet professionals. But always check with your veterinarian about your own dog’s specific issues, to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Here are my top five fitness tips for dogs.

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Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author. You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website.

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