The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has changed its name to Feline Veterinary Medical Association. Learn more about the change here.
AAFP Updates Name to Feline Veterinary Medical Association
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PLAY OR PAY: Quick Update
Quick update–when paperback, hardcover, and audiobooks become availble…
Hero Pet Winners Announced: Your Winning Cat & Dog are…
After thousands of votes for dozens of furry nominees, the READERS HAVE SPOKEN. Here are your pick of the litter-ati for HERO CAT WINNER and HERO DOG WINNER for the next thriller PLAY OR PAY.
Opt for a Chocolate Easter Bunny Instead of Adopting One!
Easter bunny, anyone? Awwww…nothing sweeter than baby bunnies. Well, baby anything, right? Our “Cottontail Mountain” home already has rabbits everywhere, especially in our garden. Shadow-Pup, sadly, wants to hunt them so we must monitor him as the babies appear Easter bunnies appear.
Karma-Kat loves watching “bunny TV” out the back patio windows. I think he’d love to have one come inside to *ahem* cuddle and play. NOT! Just like other animal companions, it takes more than admiration to make bunny love positive for everyone.
Easter is not the time for a spur of the moment furry gift. People purchased chicks and ducklings and baby bunnies by the score each year, some dyed in ridiculous colors, almost as gag gifts although they are living creatures with very specific care needs. A rabbit is more than an Easter bunny joke. Here’s what you need to know when considering a bunny as a pet.
Gratitude & The Blessings We’re Counting This Year
I grew up in Northern Indiana where you recognized autumn by the rainbow-hued leaves painting the landscape. But I’ve lived in Texas longer than anywhere else. While I miss the colorful trees, one of my favorite autumn blessings in Texas brings in refreshing, cooler temps. After many weeks of triple-digits, a 70-80-degree day feels like bliss! Yes, that’s a blessing.
Gratitude meaning…gratitude definition…these may be different for individuals. But I felt inspired to share my take on gratitude.
Seussical the Musical at Theater for Hope
OH THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK! Seussical the Musical Opens Thursday July 6!
From the beloved kids books comes a musical for children of all ages–and those young at heart! I’ve played cello for Seussical the Musical for three other productions over the years, and this time…well, I decided to audtion and I won TWO ROLES…
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.
Do Readers Care Why I Write
Do readers care why writers write? One time at a writer conference, that question was asked and an overwhelming response was, “I write because I HAVE to write, it’s compulsion, I must write…” And an agent on the panel responded, “They have medication for that now.”
Ba-da-boom. *rimshot*
My audience doesn’t read. Well, unless you count dogs and cats chewing up or (ahem) “being creative” on paper. And of course, cats “read” by sitting on top of the words and absorbing the text through their furry nether regions.
Yvonne DiVita tagged me years ago in the “Why I Write” blog hop. I know Yvonne through the terrific BlogPaws.com organization she co-founded, but today you’ll find Yvonne at NurturingBigIdeas. As I updated several out-of-date blog posts, I found this one as true today as when first written more than a decade ago. I talk more about my writer’s journey at my website, but here’s the crib notes. *s*
The 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Cat Lovers
‘Tis the season, cat lovers! I already shared this on my dog lovers' gift guide but it bears repeating. I remember one year when my dad sent me a pastel portrait of my Siamese wannabe Seren (with Magical-Dawg). They'd NEVER get that close in real life! That painting...
Recent Posts
Why Dogs Bark & How to Stop A Dog from Barking
Do you know how to stop dog barking? “Will you please, for the love of doG, stop barking!” When Shadow-Pup joined our family, he and Bravo-Dawg egged each other on. Now that he’s the only dog, he and the cat tease each other and prompt bark-fest and meow-athons.
Here’s what you need to know about barking to help stem the noise.
Dog Ticks: All About Ehrlichiosis
This disease has been reported worldwide wherever these ticks are found. Most cases in the United States occur in dogs living in the Texas Gulf coast regions and other southern states. All dogs are susceptible, but those with greater exposure to ticks. Outdoor dogs, working dogs and hunting dogs are at highest risk. Here’s what you need to know.
How To Protect Police K9 Teams from Narcotics
Read about this new way to protect police K9 teams and drug-sniffing dogs from narcotics. A new product offers safety to our favorite sniffer heroes.
Why Does My Dog Drink from the Toilet?
Do your pets drink from toilets? Ew! The behavior comes naturally to dogs and cats. Learn why these toilet lappers indulge!
The DOs and DONTs of Camping with Your Dog or Cat
Summer arrived even earlier than expected this year, with temperatures hitting triple digits by mid-June. There’s still plenty of pet camping season left. Even though camping with pets isn’t for me, I know lots of folks who LOVE it, including my brother and his dog. He takes the dog with them camping, boating, skiing, and pretty much everywhere.
Bringing your furry one along camping (or glamping) is a great bonding experience. But before you pack up and hit the road, look over my DOs and DONTs of camping with your dog or cat.
What to do when camping with a pet
First, decide if your pet will enjoy camping. Not all will enjoy it. My Karma-Kat would HATE camping. He’s a homebody, and enjoys watching birds, bunnies, and squirrels through the window, but freezes when his paws hit the grass. Shadow-Pup’s more adventurous and probably would do better…
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…
How to Prepare for a Disaster: Pet Preparedness & Tips
With the latest awful weather and more on the way, it’s time to revisit your pet disaster plan. You do have one, right? Everyone should understand the importance of disaster preparation.
I posted this in June for National Pet Preparedness Month. September is Disaster Preparation Month. And May 8 was National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Being prepared doesn’t rely on a special date, though. Here’s what you need to know.
How to Choose Pet Sitters
When the holidays or business travel rolls around, pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog or cat. .Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members. That’s where pet sitters come in. Do you have a pet sitter for your furry wonders? Here’s what you need to know!
Pet Vacations? Dog Boarding, Cat Sitters, Stay-Cation?
Maybe you have a regular dog walker (your kid? a company?) that manages when you can’t walk your dog or go on vacation. Good pet vacation plans depend on the individual pet and your special circumstances. When my mother became ill and then passed away, we need to find a pet boarding place for Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat to stay. Here’s what to consider whether to take your pets with you, or find a place for them while away.
Lost Cat Finder Tips: Prevention & Prep
Would you know what to do if your cat slipped out during a party or pet sitter visit? Statistics show that one in ten cats will go missing. Learn how to be ready for an emergency when every hour counts. If your cat does go missing, learn the details on “How to find a lost cat” from the lost cat expert Kim Freeman.
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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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Awards
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award
Fear Free Certified
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Cat Writers Muse Medallion Awards
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