Expand To Show Full Article
LOST & FOUND Cover Reveal: Name That Pet Results

Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Cover Reveal (again!) and NAME THAT PET Results!

by | Aug 1, 2012 | Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care, Writing Advice & More | 32 comments

Nope, you’re not high on puppy Prozac. The cover of the book has changed! In fact, this is version number seven, and it’s by far the most striking and mysterious, while offering a taste of what to expect. Like it? I love it! While many folks (me included) thought the first cover worked extremely well, the powers-that-be decided to go another direction.

Isn’t that a great cover quote from D.P. Lyle? I just received another terrific advance quote from the awesome Dr. Marty Becker. Read about ’em on the LOST AND FOUND page.

NAME THAT PET CONTEST RESULTS

Thank you to everyone for your participation in the “Name That Dog” and “Name That Cat” contests to help me find the perfect choices for some of the furry characters in the book LOST AND FOUND.

More than 85 terrific cat and dog names were suggested. I narrowed the choices to about a dozen each, set up polls for you to vote, and we had over 800 votes result.

I’d say pet people are passionate about pet names! Without further delay, here are the results.

DOG HEROES NAMED

Caren Gittleman suggested the winning dog name Dakota because it means “trusted friend” and is also the name of her lovely Sheltie (who helps her co-write Dakota’s Den Blog).

In the book LOST AND FOUND, the main character September mourns the loss of her heart-dog (we’ve all been there right?) who died trying to save her husband. Therefore, her long lost canine partner DAKOTA is mentioned throughout the book.

Raelyn Barclay offered several dog name suggestions including Bruno, which won the second hero dog spot. Congratulations!

When September’s nephew becomes lost in the blizzard, she enlists the aid of a still active senior citizen tracking dog to find the boy. BRUNO is the star in that chapter, and demonstrates that old dogs still have the stuff of heroes.

CAT HEROES NAMED

Patricia suggested the winning cat name Macy. This name garnered more than a hundred individual votes from readers, wow! Macy is the name of Patricia’s seven-year-old yellow tabby, and named after a character in the Bold and the Beautiful television show.

September’s sable and white Maine coon cat is mentioned throughout the book, including cat-training scenes that demonstrate just how smart cats truly are! Macy literally “nails” the villain at just the right moment to help save the day.

Karyl Cunningham has been one of my most faithful blog followers (~waving at Karyl) so I’m delighted readers chose one of her name selections as the second cat hero character–Simba is the second cat name winner. Simba is the name of Karyl’s slightly chubby, arthritic senior citizen kitty.

As in all good thrillers, tragic victims often kick off the story. The first is a lovely woman in the wrong place at the wrong time, and she leaves behind a beloved rescue kitty–Simba, slightly chubby aging kitty with a bit of arthritis who finds a forever home with the victim’s daughter.

In addition to having their pets’ names spotlighted in the book, and their own contribution noted in the acknowledgements, these four winners  will receive an advance copy of the book.

SPECIAL THANKS

Thank you again to everyone who suggested names and voted. The response demonstrates to me why I love pets–and writing about them so much–because never mind the age or breed or attitude. In our heart of hearts, true pet lovers know that EVERY dog and cat has a hero inside them.

LOST AND FOUND is scheduled for release September 20 in Amazon Kindle (and other Ebook formats), with print versions available about a week later. I will of course post to my blog (here) as well as Facebook, but will also send out an email newsletter notification–if I have your email.

In fact, what the hey. Send me an email to amy @ shojai.com with LOST AND FOUND in the subject line between now and the release date, and I’ll add you to the drawing for a free copy of the book. Don’t be shy, you can share this with other thriller/pet lovers.

Now go pet your hero dogs and cats for me. Oh, and stay tuned–the regular WOOF WEDNESDAY blog will go out later today with more puppy-licious info. 🙂

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, listen to the weekly radio show, check out weekly PUPPY CARE must knows, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay tuned for more news about my forthcoming THRILLER, LOST & FOUND!

32 Comments

  1. Angela Orlowski-Peart

    Great cover, Amy. I love the idea of the contest. It’s always fun to let your readers contribute to the book 🙂

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Thanks Angela, I was thrilled with both the cover and the reader response. Readers RULE!

      Reply
  2. donnagalanti

    Amy, SUPER love the new cover….the mysterious lady plus the snow…really punches it up! Is there such a thing as puppy Prozac? 🙂 Looking forward to this book – only a month away!

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Thanks so much Donna. And yes–dogs (and cats) often are prescribed with Prozac (or the generic…). They live with us humans, so they need extra help sometimes!

      Reply
  3. Franny Syufy

    Great cover, and I can hardly wait for the book to come out! I want to be able to write one of the first reviews. 😀

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Oh Franny, I would be HONORED to send you a review copy! (scribbling on my list)

      Reply
  4. patriciasands

    Exciting news all around, Amy! I thought having contests for the animal names was brilliant and engaging. Well done!

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Thanks Patricia. I’ve seen the “big name” authors raffle off the right to have a character named for a fan and thought this might be a cool twist. But I had no idea the contest would be so popular–and the name choice MACY truly blew me away, that was a dark horse choice (or dark “cat” choice, LOL!). I love having readers help design the story THEY want to read.

      Reply
  5. Patricia Hubbard

    Amy I saw an article the other day (not sure what day) about cats making 100 different sounds when meowing or talking. I was going to go back and read it and now I can’t find it. Can you direct me to where it might be? Thanks

    Reply
  6. Patricia Hubbard

    Amy I am so excited and thrilled that Macy was one of the cat names that won in your contest. I thought all of the names were great. I cannot wait to read your thriller. I love the new cover and I’m wishing Sept. 20th here faster. Thank you so much.

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Patricia, me too! The name MACY must have really resonated with cat lovers. The votes were overwhelming. Thanks for the suggestion!

      Reply
  7. Karyl Cunningham

    Oooh so exciting! My kitty is going to be immortalized! (Just don’t tell Anubis. LOL But it’s okay, we’ll give him some extra chicken if he finds out – sometimes forgiveness can be bought. 😉 ) Plus, of course, I love books, and free books are always awesome!

    Totally going to have to show my parents. *grins*

    But many thanks to everyone who voted for my kitty!

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Hi Karyl, it’ll be our little secret from Anubis, LOL! I have to keep similar secrets from Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty. And bribes work well with them, too. 🙂

      Reply
      • Karyl Cunningham

        Just gave the news to my parents (Simba used to live with them, after all – mom keeps trying to convince me to let them steal her back LOL). Told mom Simba was going to be in a book, at first she assumed just her picture. “No, she’s actually getting a character named after her.” Of course, the fuzzy wee star herself was not pleased with my doing this, because it meant I got home late, and we can’t be having that. 😛

        Reply
        • amyshojai

          LOL! Well, cats already know they’re stars. They rarely are impressed with what humans do, unless it involves a stinky treat or appropriate scritches.

          Reply
  8. Natalie Hartford

    Yeahhhh!! Love the book cover and congrats on the great names!! Squeee!!!

    Reply
  9. catchatcaren

    Ohhhh Amy!!!!!!! I am beyond excited!!!!! Dakota’s name was chosen! I showed this to my husband and he is beaming with pride! I can’t wait to receive my advance copy. I will post a review on Dakota’s blog. What an ENORMOUS HONOR!!! We couldn’t be happier!!!! He DOES have a great name, doesn’t he? 🙂 I picked it!! Told you, I had looked up the meaning online because I had always loved the name. When I saw it meant “trusted friend” that was all that I needed!

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Caren, I’m thrilled too. And the votes don’t lie, Dakota was the clear winner.

      Did you now I was raised with Shelties? 🙂 I’ve a soft spot for them anyway so this is even more fun for me. Give your boy a pat for me.

      Reply
      • catchatcaren

        Amy Hi!! Awww I am so happy, it is a super cool name!

        No!! I never knew you were raised with Shelties!!! How many did you have? Ok, tell me how you got them to STOP barking!!! lol. You know first-hand how wonderfully sensitive and loving they are.

        I will definitely give Dakota a “pat” for you!

        Not sure if you have my email address, but it is cgittleman at mi dot rr dot com….

        I am just ecstatic!!!

        Reply
        • amyshojai

          Our first sheltie was Lady, a tricolor and extremely shy. We learned obedience together at 4H Dog Club. *s* Lady passed away when I was a freshman in college. *sigh* Then my folks had three sables, first Pickles (crackerjack obedience!), Mac and Chad. Their last sheltie was a blue merle, Skye and his picture (with my mom) is still in the “aging dog” book. Maybe the next book needs a sheltie….hmnnn.

          Thanks for the email addy, I’ll save it and be in touch as soon as the book comes out. Sooooo glad you’re thrilled as much as I am!

          Reply
          • catchatcaren

            Amy Hi! I so loved reading about your Shelties! Love the name “Lady” for a female Sheltie (as in “Lady and The Tramp”) wonderful name! Dakota is also quite shy with those he doesn’t know well. We call him “The wannabe” because Cody (our cat) is brave beyond belief. If a stranger comes into our home, Cody goes to greet him and Dakota stands BEHIND Cody as if he can protect him lol. I am so sorry about Lady passing, it is hard enough but if you were away at school that had to have made it that much worse.

            “Pickles” is a hilarious name for a Sheltie! Dakota is a “mottled sable”….but he is more Sable than mottled.

            YES, YES I DEFINITELY think your next book needs a Sheltie!

            I AM thrilled and I am honored, you are quite talented and I know this book is going to be amazing!

          • amyshojai

            I fell in love with the movie Lady and the Tramp and made quite a pest of myself until the family agreed on calling our first Sheltie by that name. Those were the days we didn’t know any better, and Lady came from an awful back yard breeder and had serious health issues and of course the shyness. That can be an issue with Shelties anyway.

            Pickles in contrast came from a savvy, responsible breeder and was a tiny but courageous girl who always got herself into a “pickle.” *s*

          • catchatcaren

            Awwww love the story of how Lady got her name…and Pickles!!! Dakota is definitely on the shy side (only towards those he doesn’t know well!)

          • Marion

            Amy, is that the “hug restraint” photo? I love that one!

          • amyshojai

            Hi Marion, yes that’s one of them. He’s also the “medication” demo dog for pilling, eye meds, and ear meds. *s* Skye was such a lovely boy–alas, they are all gone now to the Bridge.

  10. Tiffany A White

    I love your cover and I can’t WAIT to read your book, Amy!!

    Reply
  11. lynettemburrows

    Nice cover, Amy! Also LOVE the pet names contest winners. Great contest.

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Thanks Lynette, it was a fun contest. Now I need to write the next book with more pet names included, LOL!

      Reply
  12. Raelyn Barclay

    LOVE the cover. I completely agree that it adds a touch of mystery.

    I’ll have to point my sister here as Bruno is actually her Mastiff/Lab mix hero 🙂

    Reply
    • amyshojai

      Raelyn, congrats and I hope your sister is thrilled, too. *s*

      Reply

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. My Name Is Gonna Be In The Book “Lost And Found” by Amy Shojai!! « Dakota's Den - [...] Here are the results from Amy’s blog post [...]

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Author Audio Books: How to Self Publish Audio Books

Do you love audio books — and thrillers? Yep, I also self publish audio books, including my nonfiction and my thrillers. And since my latest thriller DARE OR DIE released yesterday on all Ebook platforms, plus paperback and hardcover, I’m now planning the audiobook version.

And, that’s MY voice reading the story. How (and why) am I the one reading the book? And for authors out there, how can you do it? What mic do you need, what software…and if you want to hire someone, where do you find the perfect person to “voice” your book?

Read on! Here are the highlights. And if you want or need more step-by-step details, you can check out my on-demand webinar on the subject.

Adopt A Shelter Pet Day: Tips for Cat Adoptions & Dog Adoptions

Will you adopt a new furry friend soon? There are many things to consider when adopting a pet. With Adopt A Shelter Pet Day on April 30th, I wanted to share some sobering adoption facts. In the ASPCA alone, 6.3 million dogs and cats enter their shelters each year, and only about 52% get adopted. I wrote about my pets’ adoption days here, and they chose me more than I chose them. But you don’t need to wait for happy accidents to get your pet, and can adopt shelter pets anytime all year long.

Dare Or Die RELEASES: Amy Shojai Thriller Book #7

DARE OR DIE RELEASES

It’s a book baby birthday today–DARE OR DIE releases, thriller #7 in my THRILLERS WITH BITE series featuring September and Shadow. Get your copy from any of the Ebook platforms.

Or if you prefer physical copies, I gotcha covered with trade paperback and also hardcover versions, available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobel, or (maybe) if you ask your librarian nicely to order a copy. For all the audiobook lovers out there–yes, in the works, so stay tuned. I hope to have the recording finished and sent to the editor for a late May release on all audiobook platforms.

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR DARE OR DIE!

“Wow—what a ride! I cannot express how much I loved DARE OR DIE. I enjoy thrillers, but you gave new meaning to the genre with this one. Now I have to go back and read the entire series!” ~Mary H.

“Such a great page turner. Twisty.” ~Carol S.

“This might be the best one yet! As always, you are the queen of the (chapter ending) cliffhanger…” ~Kristi B.

“Another great addition to the Thrillers with Bite series.” ~Nicola A.

Get your copy now…Ebook, paperback, or hardcover. Ya know ya want to…

Cat Urinary Blockage, Feline Urinary Tract Disorders & The “Stoned” Cat

Do you know the signs of a cat urinary blockage? Do you know about FLUTD? Maybe you’re puzzled why your cat suddenly pees outside the box? Or maybe he strains and strains but can’t elminate. Is it constipation? Or does he have a cat urinary blockage? How can I stop my cat from peeing on the carpet?

If you’re asking these questions, you’ve come to the right place. Feline lower urinary tract disorders (FLUTD) can cause deadly cat urinary blockage. It frustrates cat owners—and also the cats! A cat urinary blockage can be deadly, so it’s vital to recognize the signs of a feline urinary tract disorder. This post is dedicated to my friend Susan Richardson-Cripps and the memory of Heathcliff, her fun-loving orange kitty boy.

How To Give Pets As Gifts

Giving pets as gifts prompts discussions every time the subject comes up. Most recently, we got our “gift puppy” and “gift kitten” when they adopted us, and we’re so glad Karma-Kat and Shadow-Pup are part of our holidays. But for many folks, this year means a new puppy or new kitten for Christmas. Learn how to gift pets–and please share your experiences in the comments!

The professionals used to say that the holidays were a TERRIBLE time to get a new pet–that impulse adoptions could leave the cat or dog without a home after the cute-holiday-thrills wore off. More recently, though, the ASPCA conducted some surveys and discovered that when done properly, these adoptions can be lasting, loving adoptions. So I had to re-think my advice.

Holidays tend to be hectic times when normal routines go out the window. Whether a baby, adult, or senior rescue cat or dog, new animals need the stability of knowing what to expect. In fact, some holiday schedules may allow you to be home more during this time to help the new kitty or pooch adjust.

Holiday pets take more work, true. But just think: you’re not only giving the pet to a person—you’re giving a special human to a waiting cat or dog, a fur-kid hungry for a loving, permanent home. Happy holidays, indeed!

How to Get the Most from Vet Visits: What to Ask & How to Ask

When I worked as a veterinary technician many years ago, pet parents ask questions all the time, but rarely to the vet. Folks often acted embarrassed, or waited to telephone from home hours or days after the appointment. Perhaps they felt intimidated by the doctor when they take pets to the back, or feared their questions were foolish. Maybe the busy schedule of the clinic offered little opportunity to ask.

Whatever the reason, remember that there are no foolish questions for your beloved cat and dog. Does your dog hate the vet, or is your cat fearful of vet visits? That can increase your own worry and stress.

As your pet’s top advocate, it’s up to you to arm yourself with expert advice and information to provide the best care possible. Here are some tips to be fear free when asking your vet questions.

Calling All Pet Professionals: What to do about Dr. Google

Many years ago when I worked as a veterinary technician, I spent much of my time “translating” the doctor’s medical-speak into language that pet parents more easily understood. I can’t complain, because that gave me my career. But why turn to the vet tech instead of the doctor? Well, clients felt intimidated to ask the veterinarian for clarification, embarrassed they didn’t understand, and reluctant to “waste the doctor’s time.”

My, how times change. Today, many pet parents arrive at the clinic with the leash or carrier in one hand and a printout in the other, courtesy of “Dr. Google.” Pet professionals applaud their advocacy and determination to self-educate and provide the best care for their animal companions.

But pet professionals become frustrated when this information is at best inapplicable, and at worst, downright dangerous. Yet, you don’t want to appear condescending or “hiss off” your clients, so they stop coming altogether. And pet lovers–you don’t want to be discounted in your hunt for best practices for your cats and dogs.

Don’t bump heads. Here are some ways to manage Dr. Google without driving each other away.

Earth Day for Pets: How to Celebrate Responsibly

It’s Earth Day! Now, we have to be responsible because the Earth is the only place that has dogs and cats. Am I right? So how will you make Earth Day for pets a fun celebration? Shadow-Pup, Karma-Kat and I are encouraging everyone to do their part to help take care of this gorgeous planet we share.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Cat’s Environment

Do you get bored? How do you know when your cat feels bored, just like we do? Cats may sleep more (and they already sleep a LOT!). If you free feed leaving out food all the time, a bored cat fills up their empty feelings with a full tummy. Or, they may act out by scratching the wrong object, or–in my Karma-Kat’s case, he torments the dog.

I’m a huge proponent of environmental enrichment for cats. Think about it–while dogs more typically get outings with walks in the park or car rides, we keep cats safe inside. No wonder they get bored. With Earth Day coming up on April 22, think about some eco-friendly ways to enrich your cat’s environment.

You don’t have to spend a bunch of money, either, or a lot of time. Here are some easy and fun “green” projects to try and see if that turns on the kitty purrs.

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Enrich Your Dog’s Environment

Dogs, cats and other pets can get bored just like we do. I struggle not to binge on snacks and bad TV. Keeping our minds and bodies active is important for our health, and environmental enrichment elevates your dog’s physical and emotional health.

When Shadow-Pup feels bored, he terrorizes Karma-Kat. Oh, they love to play together, but he overdoes things and can get too rough when he feels bored. He’ll also demand more attention from his humans. That takes the form of staring and barking at us (READ MY MIND!), or bringing toys to play, or even indulging in zoomies–racing around and around the house l

There are many ways you can add some stimulation into your pet’s world. That doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Check out these easy and green pet-parent projects you can try this spring.

Visit Amy's Website

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

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships