It’s nearly Thanksgiving and I’m updating my annual blog. It’s time again to count my furry blessings. This year I’m thankful to be home with my family—furry and human—rather than on the bumpy road and bumpier plane. I’m thankful my human family, though miles away, remain close-nit and loving. And I’m thankful all remain (relatively) healthy.

THANKSGIVING, FOR HEALTH & COMPASSION

I’m thankful for veterinarians who make life better for the pets we adore. I’m thankful for researchers who work to find diagnoses, treatments, and cures for our ailments, both for pets and for people.

I’m thankful for the compassion of caregivers, strangers, family and friends who lift us up when we fall into wells of pain or despair. I’m thankful that my 6-day hospital stay last month offered hope, if not complete resolution–it could have been so much worse! I’m thankful for the animal welfare volunteers who do the work of the angels when others somehow let pets down.

THANKSGIVING, THE PET WRITER WAY

I’m thankful that I have the best job in the world, sharing information about the cats and dogs that have become so important to our emotional and physical health. I’m thankful for publishers, editors, magazines, newspapers, TV and radio shows, websites, community theaters, bloggers and email lists that share these important resources (including my books) to benefit cats and dogs and the people who love them. I’m thankful for pet products companies that care most about the pets and pet parents. And I’m thankful to writing organizations, teachers, agents and all those who promote the craft of good communication and help others pursue this rewarding craft.

Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

THANKSGIVING, THE PET PARENT WAY

I’m thankful that I found a dumped kitten 22 years ago and brought her into my home and heart. I’m thankful that Seren-Kitty still has c’attitude, and rules the house like the queen she is.

I’m thankful she’s given up playing “gravity experiments” with my fine breakables, and has decided my lap is a very-good-cat-place. I’m also thankful that she finally accepted the Magical-Dawg and allowed him within sniffing range in the past few years! And I’m thankful she’s sorta-kinda-in-a-way accepted Karma-Kat, although he continues to press her furry buttons.

Today, Seren asks for head-lick grooming sessions from Karma! Wow! Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

I’m thankful that Karma-Kat dodged coyotes, cars, and who-knows-what to find our patio the last day of February 2013. I’m thankful that Magical-Dawg heard his meow-SOS, and that the little dumped kitten trusted me enough to come when I meowed back. I’m thankful that nobody claimed Karma—although shame on whoever dumped him!—and that he and Magic became best buddies. I’m thankful that Karma has turned back the age-clock for Seren, and she’s acting more youthful and spry than ever.

One week after they met . . . .    Image Copr. Amy Shojai, CABC

THANKSGIVING, THE BITTERSWEET MEMORY WAY

I’m thankful for responsible breeders who ensure purebred dogs like Magic and pedigreed cats have a healthy paw-start in life. I’m thankful that Magical-Dawg shared his love with us for 11 years–although the time was not long enough.

I’m thankful for the memory of water hose tag and tennis balls, stolen socks and stuffed teddy bears, Frisbee-Fetch and Karma-Kat playing chase with Magic. I’m thankful my roughneck dawg had only a few weeks of frustrating mobility issues, and that he didn’t feel pain at the end. And I’m thankful his joyful attitude through everything, his intelligence, his love inspired the “Shadow” character in my thrillers–where he’ll live on in fun exciting adventures–even as I miss him forever. And I’m thankful Magic finally had a cat-friend his last years willing to allow butt-sniffs. Ahem.

THANKSGIVING, THE HEY-HONEY WAY

I’m thankful that although he never grew up with pets, my hey-honey loves Seren-Kitty, Karma-Kat and mourns Magical-Dawg as much as I do. I’m even more thankful they adore my husband back (that could get awkward!). He’s already making plans for when we welcome our next furry wonder into our home.

THANKSGIVING, THE FRIENDSHIP WAY

I’m thankful for my church family—pet lovers or not—who also support my furry notions. I’m thankful for the gift of music I get to share with colleagues who have become wonderful friends.

I’m thankful for students eager to learn, teachers inspiring the next generation, and being a part of sharing my experience to help young Thespians in their next-step-dreams at the Texas Thespian Festival. I’m especially thankful for my partner-in-play-writing-crime who helped make our theatrical dreams come true with musicals like STRAYS (trailer below) and the forthcoming auditions and production of STARZ, THE MUSICAL.

THANKSGIVING, THE AUTHOR WAY

Finally, I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog, or the nonfiction dog books and the cat books, the folks who have “adopted” my dog-viewpoint fiction, and all those who offer awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned.

Without you, I would not have a career, and my life’s passion would remain unfulfilled. Without you, your pets wouldn’t have the wonderful love and care you provide. Without you, there wouldn’t be any reason for this heartfelt—THANK YOU.

Now it’s YOUR turn. What are YOU thankful for this year? Please share!

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 give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!