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The Cat In The Christmas Tree, Holiday Anthology Releases!

by Amy Shojai | Oct 11, 2022

Looking for a wonderful holiday gift for the cat lovers in your life? I’m pleased to share with you this fun anthology of true Christmas cat-theme stories. And yes, you’ll read one of my stories in the book, too. The Cat in the Christmas Tree stories make you smile, laugh out loud, and enjoy that purring mound of fur who shares your life (and probably your pillow!).

Christmas is a time for joy, wonder, and a little bit of mischief. Does any creature manifest these attitudes better than a cat? Their fascination with all those breakable ornaments on the tree and their appreciation of a cozy spot to nap seem made for the season. The way they alternate between calm and crazy echoes the way we all feel at Christmas, doesn’t it? And that’s just what you get with The Cat in the Christmas Tree…

Spook-tacular New Book: Ghost Cats 2 by Dusty Rainbolt

by Amy Shojai | Oct 5, 2022

I’m honored to share information about my colleague and good friend Dusty Rainbolt’s latest book release. Ghost Cats 2. If you follow my blog, you know that I’ve covered ghostly pet encounters before when Bravo-Dawg came back.

But Dusty takes it to a whole new level with this fun collection of spirited feline encounters. She’s repeating the success of her first collection (Ghost Cats: Human Encounters with Feline Spirits) with this new edition, right in time for Halloween celebrations! She sent me a review copy (SQUEEE!) and it’s shivery-good. I couldn’t wait to share the info about this title with y’all…

Small In Show: Calling All Pocket (and other ) Pets!

by Amy Shojai | Jun 21, 2022

Why do dogs and cats get all the love? Well… they deserve it, but so do the #SmallInShow contenders, as Rainn Wilson says. “Small pets are truly overlooked. Everyone goes straight to dogs and cats. But Kaytee is out to show that these little creatures have big personalities and are just as worthy to be part of your family. That’s something that was easy to get behind,” said Rainn Wilson.

No, I’m not compensated to share this. It just tickled me, and we all need some giggles these days. Back in the day, I loved my hamsters Whiskers, Snowball, and Cinnamon, and the first pet article I ever sold (for real live dollar$$$) detailed the story of my rescue parrot, Venus, a spectacle Amazon. Pocket pets deserve the love, too.

Besides, I miss attending Westminster, and certainly understand where Rainn comes from in his disappointment. Enjoy this fun MOCK-umentary from Kaytee. The company is launching its inaugural #SmallinShow Award Show, inviting pet parents of hamsters, bunnies, mice, birds and other small companions to share images and stories of their mini heroes across social media. The #SmallinShow Award Show will culminate with the crowning of three winners who will each receive a one-year supply of Kaytee products….

Remembering When: Mom and Dad, I Love You Forever

by Amy Shojai | Aug 24, 2021

I am a product of my parents. The writing, the music, performing, stained glass and wood carving, love of all animals—their gift to me and my two brothers. I've written about our "charmed childhood" before. I know I'm lucky. And I remember... Growing up, my parents...

You. Are. Enough! How to Handle Rejection

by Amy Shojai | Aug 5, 2021

I'm feeling philosophical today, after a disappointing experience a few weeks ago. Doesn't matter what that might be (plenty disappointments come along, that's life). But I also feel guilty for feeling bad--cuz I'm way more fortunate than many. So I'm revisiting how...

Mamma Mia…Take A Chance cuz Here We Go Again!

by Amy Shojai | Jun 1, 2021

I am over-the-moon delighted to once again perform with Sherman Community Players in the family-friendly musical MAMMA MIA. The stellar cast has all the dance moves, party songs you know from ABBA, and funny-poignant-laugh-out-loud moments we've ALL yearned for this...

Amy’s Music: Mary’s Song, a Christmas Lullaby

by Amy Shojai | Dec 21, 2020

These days, I’m missing my family. My dad live in Northern Indiana, one brother lives in Michigan and the other in Ohio, so the trip from Texas takes quite a bit of finagling to make reunions happen. My dad is 96 years young as of this writing, and doing well, and I want to keep it that way.

Y’all know I’ve written stories and books for years. One of my most popular posts comes from my Complete Kitten Care book, and tells the story of How Tabby Got an “M.” But you may not know that I also write lyrics and songs. Read on…and listen…to the first song I ever wrote.

Amy’s Music: Of The Father’s Love Begotten

by Amy Shojai | Dec 18, 2020

Music has always been a huge part of my life. I sing, play piano and cello, and perform whenever I can carve out time between writing projects. But this year, I've stayed at home, avoided crowds, and even stopped singing for a while. We know that singing promotes the...

Radio Daze: A Family Friendly Original Musical Comedy

by Amy Shojai | Jan 31, 2019

I am excited to announce the premiere performance of a brand-new original musical comedy. RADIO DAZE is a family friendly show sure to tickle those who love the Big Band era. Brought to you by SHOJAI & STEELE PLAYS, Frank Steele and I are thrilled to showcase our...

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Dogs Jumping Up? How to Ground Jumping Jack Dogs

A puppy jumping up aggravates and even terrorizes people. His paws muddy slacks; her claws snag pantyhose. Being tackled by a dog is an unpleasant, dangerous surprise. It’s also rude behavior that should not be allowed in polite human/canine society.

Puppy training goes beyond potty training. With our Bravo-Dawg weighing over 120 pounds, jumping up became a safety issue. Shadow-Pup at only 50 pounds still causes plenty of aggravation. Teach limits early–but even hard case adult dogs can be taught not to jump up.

Why Puppies Jump Up on People: What to Do

When dogs jump up on people, it can aggravate or even injure or terrorizes people. Being tackled by a dog is an unpleasant, dangerous surprise. It’s also rude behavior that should not be allowed in polite human/canine society. Here’s why dogs do it, and how you can manage the behavior.

Why Cats Knock Things Off Tables & How Cats Play

Why cats play and why cats knock things off has been argued by experts for many years. And how cats play can vary between kitties. For instance, kitten play aggression typically happens when the youngster targets your feet. Adopting a pair of kittens with proper introductions can reduce that. Nearly all cats, though, share the same techniques although they may incorporate them differently. Knocking items off of tables seems universal–I call them “gravity experiments.” Here’s why cats knock things off tables and counters.

Dog Scooting On Butts Points to Anal Gland Problems

Does your dog “scoot” across the carpet, ground or grass? Is there an unpleasant aroma clinging to your feline friend? The culprit may be problem anal glands. (Hint: if you’re eating breakfast, you might want to wait and read this later).

Magic never did this, but Bravo frequently scooted, and now and then Shadow indulges. Eww! The behavior does vary somewhat by breed. Cats more typically clean themselves without scooting. Here’s what you need to know.

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.

Cat Ringworm: The Naked Truth & What to Do

Many years ago, I had my first run-in with ringworm when my German shepherd (age 12 at the time) developed ball patches. A dozen years later, my second personal experience happened when I adopted a stray kitten I named Seren. She had couple of crusty bald spots on her forehead. That’s actually pretty typical. Cat ringworm has nothing to do with normal shedding. Ringworm most commonly affects elderly or young pets. Learn what you need to know about ringworm in pets.

First Aid Guide to Dogs Swallowed Objects

Swallowed objects kill pets every day. Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be around the corner, think about potential hazards to avoid. Eating foreign objects often causes only minor problems in dogs and cats. In the best cases, the swallowed cat toy or sock (yes, Bravo did that more than once!) gets vomited up or passes in the stool. However, it’s important to recognize swallowed objects’ symptoms, and how you can save your pet.

How to Stop Dog Attacks and Prevent Dog Fights

Do you know how to stop dog attacks and prevent dog fights? The tragedy of dog fights result in multiple victims–the injured as well as the aggressor. My heart breaks for all involved. In the past year, two of my Facebook friends have tragically suffered dog attacks. This post offers tips for preventing dog fights and how to stop dog attacks. That prevents dog bite injuries to you and your pets, and also protects owners from liability….

How & Why Cats Groom: Cat Neatness Freaks

Does your cat groom nonstop? We cherish the cat’s fastidious nature but did you ever wonder why cats groom? Neatnik behavior goes beyond looking good. Did you know in this hot weather, cats also groom to stay cool and prevent heatstroke?

How and why cats groom impacts physical, emotional, and social health. My Karma-Kat even tries to groom his best friend, Bravo-Dawg. The instinct starts during kittenhood and lasts a lifetime. Of course, some cats get dingy when cats don’t groom, and there are reasons for that as well.

Grooming is a barometer of kitty health. Cats that feel bad often stop grooming, or lick and pull fur out due to stress or pain. Consider an unthrifty appearance or “barbering” themselves bald a kitty cry for vet care. Cats often need help in the grooming department—especially longhair beauties. Here are 5 common reasons why cats groom.

Skunked! 3 Home Remedies to De-Skunk Your Dog

Karma-Kat loves watching the bunnies that play out on the back patio so I wasn’t concerned when he began chattering with excitement—until I noticed THIS bunny had a long fluffy black and white tail. Yes, a skunk has set up housekeeping next to our house. Hoo boy. And dogs seem to love getting skunked. So far, Shadow-Pup hasn’t been nailed…but for some dogs, it happens time after time after time… so here’s how to de-stink your skunked dog.

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