Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Next Shojai Thriller Update (and other schtuff): Shitake happens
Here’s an update on the next thriller… along with some fun podcasts, a cello experience, and a “thrilling” (NOT!) medical emergency. All is well… read on for details.
Dare Or Die Releases in Audiobooks on Amazon, Audible & More!
It’s taken a while, with several technical BUMPS along the way. But I’m delighted to finally announce the audiobook release of my latest thriller DARE OR DIE, #7 of my September & Shadow series. With the major storms we’ve had here lately in Texas, I had several delays when lightning fried my computer speakers, and then also killed my ergonomic computer keyboard. I’ve replaced the speakers, and must use an old spare keyboard while the new one ships hopefully sometime next week.
Meanwhile, the ACX/Audible dashboard also gave me some errors–supposedly fixed–but that causes delays in distribution. I’ll share another note when the book releases on those platforms. But there are many options already for the DARE OR DIE audio. Please, if you like the book, I’d feel tail-wagging happy if you shared a review on your platform of choice!
Is My Dog Depressed? Canine Enrichment Quick Tips Releases in Audiobook on Amazon, Audible & More!
It’s finally here! Your dog enrichment quick tips book, on audio. Check out how to improve your dog’s attitude, keep him happy, and enrich your bond with the audiobook IS MY DOG DEPRESSED? (Available in print and on all Ebook platforms, too!).
Work Goes To the Dogs & Cats: PSI’s Take Your Pet To Work Week!
Friday it’s PSI’s TAKE YOUR PET TO WORK DAY! At my house, every week is Take Your Pet to Work Week. For many folks who continue to work at home, they experience the joy–and challenges–of work with furry companions 24/7.
Created by Pet Sitters International in 1999 to help promote pet adoptions, this week celebrates the 25th anniversary of the event. I’ve written about this nearly every year, so you’ll recognize some of the pictures in the blog.
Check out all the deets on how you (and your employers) can “GO TO THE DOGS” (and cats?) and include fun events and positive benefits with furry love.
Shadow #Reviews the Uahpet iRetriever Dog Ball Launcher: A Bark-worthy Four Paws Up!
When you have an active dog, nonstop playtime demands drive you crazy. Shadow-Pup (and Karma-Kat) tested the Uahpet iRetriever Dog Ball Launcher, and they’re in love!
On May 31st 2020, a small puppy dumped at our front gate played his way into our hearts—and has played nonstop ever since. From the beginning, Shadow-Pup adored games of fetch and chase, and (like many dogs) wants nonstop playtime. While we love him beyond measure, his play-demands exhaust us.
Interactive games with dogs go beyond brain candy for your dog. Playing works as a bonding tool for you both. Play keeps you both healthy by exercising together. Appropriate play prevents doggy boredom and problem behaviors by giving dogs a healthy and legal outlet for their high energy. But many dogs have no off-switch, and frankly, pet parents may need a break! Hey, I have to work to pay for all the treats…
So when Uahpet reached out offering to send us the iRetriever Ball Launcher to test and review, Shadow couldn’t wait to try it out. I got a surprise when Karma-Kat wanted in on the fun! And pet parents can get a GREAT DEAL for a limited time…read on!
Amy Shojai wins AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Public Service Award
I have the honor of longtime membership in the Dog Writer’s Association of America (DWAA). This organization champions good writing and communication about dogs, from random-bred canines like Shadow-Pup to pedigreed accomplished performance dogs. Each year, DWAA hosts a contest for published work, judged by experts in the field. Due to @#$%^! COVID, the contest took a hiatus one season and this year made up for that with a two-year contest. That means a HUGE number entries that the administrators and judges fielded.
And I won a special award this year! Happy howls…and here’s all the details and the winning article.
A Shadow of Hope: Adopting Bravo’s Shadow
HAPPY GOTCHA-DAY, SHADOW! I'm sharing this again today, as the celebration is bittersweet. We desperately miss Bravo, but his Shadow-Pup lives up to his destiny. He's been a bright spot of joy during incredibly trying times. Here's his Gotcha-Day story. . . first...
P’ETiQuette Column Farewell–and Hello to New Readers!
For 30 years, the Herald Democrat editors and readers have been part of my extended family. I only rarely missed a deadline, those times of illness or holidays. So, it surprised me to learn that the column hadn’t published in several weeks despite my having sent one each week for Tuesday publication.
Blame technology, and nothing else. But I owe y’all, my extended family, an explanation of why the column disappeared…
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.
Awards
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award
Fear Free Certified
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Cat Writers Muse Medallion Awards
Memberships
