I’m feeling a bit philosophical these days, as I continue to swim the fiction waters of the HIDE AND SEEK thriller sequel, once again with dog viewpoint and cat-astic plot points. Between the puppies.about.com nonfiction postings, this blog and the weekly newspaper columns, my work–and life–revolves around pets. For more than twenty years, I’ve puzzled over their actions, behaviors, motivations and care, nearly 24/7. Pets rule. That’s who I am.
Some folks write to change the world. They do so with passion, dedication, and great skill, and I admire them greatly. I also write to make a difference. Sometimes manage to save lives. I rarely know what impact the work has, though, because those who most benefit from my writing never read it. I blogged about how cats read a couple of weeks ago, but some critters skip the reading and instead probably baptize it. Please don’t leave my newspaper columns on the floor. It’s disheartening.
After decades puzzling about P’ETiQuette and studying furry foibles, I’m channeling my “inner dog” with the current thriller to extrapolate what pets think–and specifically, what Shadow (the hero service dog) wants out of life in general and this adventure in particular. Macy the Maine Coon in the story has a much bigger role this time around, and I’m having a ball as his feline character develops.
There are some clueless humans, too, that September and her fur-kids must deal with. I get to speculate what exactly pets see in humans that allows them to put up with clueless folks who seem scent-blind and hearing-stupid toward all the clear-as-crystal animal talk being sent our way.
So I accept that I’m different. Pets are my obsession, my fixation, my passion in life. My true readership will never ask for a pawtograph, or care if I have initials after my name. But they will do back-flips for the right treat, and wag and purr with delight should a human finally understand that tail-talk.
But until my audience comes out from under the bed, or tires from dog-earing one of my books and actually SPEAKS in language most owners understand–and puts me gloriously, wonderfully out of business–I’ll keep typing, blogging, and fiction-ing away.
So now it’s your turn. Listen to your inner “pet” and please share–what do you think your dog or cat (or both) want their clueless humans to understand? Maybe it’ll go in the HIDE AND SEEK book, too!
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 giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
Great blog today! My cats speak to me also. They let me know it’s time to eat, when I’m not holding or petting them enough and they let me know to scoot over in the bed. They know a special word called MILK. My youngest will lean up on my knee and try and use it as a tree trunk which is my cue to pick him up. If the litter is not up to Macy’s requirements, she becomes more of a Prima Dona and will not use it. If someone steps on my wheelchair ramp, all my cats let me know someone is coming way before they get to the door.
Caren said it perfectly. They do love us unconditionally. Someone asked me that when they died could they be reincarnated and come back as one of my cats because of how much I have loved each one of them and how well I’ve taken care of them. Never having children I’ve always called my cats my children and have taken care of them as if they were.
Patricia, sounds like the kittehs are indeed your family! They warn you of guests, pester for your attention (and TREETZ!), and give you so much companionship and love. Fur kids, indeed. 🙂
I think Simba just wants all the pillows and all the pets (with both hands, please, there should be no idle hands). Anubis… his desires usually involve food. I think the biggest thing he would want to teach us is “it’s ALWAYS time for chicken”.
As it is, since we taught him “where does it go?” at chicken-o-clock, he has started to use pointing at his bowl as a sign he wants a treat.
One of these days I will learn to check that little box to be notified of new comments…
“Chicken o’clock” I love that! Priceless. *scribbling notes to stea…er, borrow*
they want us to understand that they LOVE US UNCONDITIONALLY no matter what, they trust us with all of their hearts to always do what is best for them, and that is a trust that should never, ever be broken!
Bravo! Caren, you nailed it. *s*
My cat does “speak” to me. She has learned how to let us know when she wants the AC on. She’s recently been switched to wet food from dry so food is not always out. When she is hungry she licks my hand and then gently bites down and turns towards her food bowl. When she wants my husband to do certain things she comes to me and looks at my husband & then whatever she wants done (litter box emptied/space next to him cleared/etc.).
The AC was a surprise and took a couple times for me to figure out what she wanted. One meow, stare at me, stare at hubby, stare at AC. Hubby usually turns on AC.
Hi Tasha, that’s impressive–not just from the cat but you and your husband’s ability to interpret her desires! You’re on the same kitty wavelength. *s* I think when we start to pay attention, our pets become even more engage and reciprocate. Thanks for sharing!