Posts Tagged ‘pets’

.

“Ode to a Pug” is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

.

.

Ode to a Pug

.

by Jill Rosen

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Pets

.

A precocious pug delights in shenanigans which drive her frazzled owner to declare she will give her pup away!

Laugh along with the snorting, snoring and gaseous clown of the canine world as its owner struggles to reign in the messes and mayhem of a new addition. But there is nothing that a few licks and cuddles can’t fix, right?

A true delight that any family can relate to, Ode to a Pug is full of heart… and a lot of slobber.

“Ode to a Pug is a sweet and funny exploration of what unconditional love looks like.”

The Children’s Book Review

.

Amazon * Bookshop.org * Bookbub * Goodreads

.

,

,

Interview with Author Jill Rosen:

.

What is something unique/quirky about you?

I have a phobia of crumbs. Dirt, hair, dust, grime, you name it – I can happily clean it and deal with it. But crumbs, no way. They give me the icks. If I go to a restaurant or get on a plane and find my seat is full of crumbs, even after I close my eyes and quickly wipe them all away, I will be anxious and uncomfortable the entire meal or flight.

I think it started when I was very young and we would go stay with my ‘bachelor’ dad for the weekend (my parents were divorced when I was three years-old) and I would go to the kitchen to get cereal and there would be crumbs all over the counters and floor, often attracting pests like a trail of ants and once even a mouse that jumped out of the toaster when I tried to put in an Eggo.

On the positive side, this likely kicked off my lifelong love of vacuuming which comes in handy when living with a shedding machine that is our beloved pug Phoebe.

What kind of world ruler would you be?

I have a recurring dream where I’m saving the world. I am not yet the ruler, but rather the leader of the resistance. Fighting for the ‘little people’. The ones those in power counted out. The dream always ends after we win the battle, but I imagine I would be a leader who continues to serve and fight for, rather than rule over, the people. I don’t think it’s a coincidence though that I am only a smidge over five feet tall, so the dream might just be amplifying my need to defend those of us closer to the ground, constantly battling to make sure no one takes our space on the dance floor, bowls over us in the ticket line, or dares to cut us off on the road.

I also think part of it comes from being a female student, or woman in business, who never believed there was an unlevel playing field or glass ceiling, and even if there was, I’d just smash through it! Everyone will be treated fairly, because that’s what’s just. However, somewhere in my subconscious I knew there would be some fighting involved. Hence the dream.

Now as rhe ruler of our house full of rescue pets, I am still fighting for the little people, and it’s a win-win all around!

As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot/avatar/spirit animal?

It is probably no coincidence that the muse for my first children’s picture book was a pug. They are short (but think they are bigger than they are), funny, stubborn, loyal, loving, and a little crazy. I can certainly relate. My ‘zoomies’ involves driving kids to and from school, hockey, singing, or doctor and dentist appointments, all in between trips to the vet for our six pets. When our pug Phoebe continuously runs in circles, I get it.

Pugs are a lot in a small package. They never give up and they would do anything for their ‘pack’. They are also the clowns of the canine world, literally embodying what it means to be funny. I always look for the laughs in my life and in my writing, as it is something we can all use more of, even as we learn some of the harder lessons. Yes, the pug is definitely an excellent, albeit unexpected, choice for my spirit animal!

.

,

.

Jill Rosen is a career marketer and advertiser who lives with two kids, three dogs, two cats, one bird, and a former stand-up comic and Princeton sketch-comedy writing husband. She doesn’t need to go far for comedic inspiration or advice!

Through her brand management work, Jill’s early recognition of, and appreciation for, powerful writing and artistic design only flourished. She is a seasoned workshop facilitator and strategic healthcare consultant, specializing in the areas of mental health and infertility.

Jill was inspired to begin writing her own stories by her two boys, both avid readers. Now Jill can’t wait to share them with all the young readers out there!

.

Website * Instagram * Amazon * Goodreads

.

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

.

$20 Amazon – 1 winner,

Signed Hardcover copy of “Ode to a Pug” + Custom Die-Cut Pug Sticker – 3 winners,

Signed Hardcover copy of “Ode to a Pug” – 3 winners

.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

.

.

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

A heartwarming story about cats, cheese, Catness, cat-tastrophies, and why cats are basically running your life. Did I mention cats?

 

 

The Book Of 5 Meows

Author: M.G. Rorai

Publication Date: February 8, 2024

Pages: 134

Genre: Cats/Pets 

Shhhh – don’t tell the humans. This is a cat’s guide to world domination; learn how to win hearts and get cheese with your kitty charm.

Meet Marble, a cat on a mission to rule the world with cuteness and get cheese. Marble is not your ordinary cat. She is a philosopher, a strategist, and a master of Catness. She knows the secrets to manipulate humans and get what she wants. Thus, Catness wisdom and insights are littered throughout this hilarious and insightful book, written mostly from a feline point of view (as the way it should be).

But Marble’s plan is not without challenges. She must win over a dog-loving human and keep up an endless supply of Colby-Jack cheese.

The Book of 5 Mews is a book for cat lovers, dog lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good laugh mixed in with a heartwarming story. It is a book that celebrates the bond between humans and animals, and the power of love and healing. It is a book that will make you rethink your relationship with your cat, and maybe even inspire you to join a quest for world domination. Not that you’d be welcome, unless you’re a feline.

Buy Links:

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | BooksAMillion | Apple | Smashwords | Everand

 

 

Enjoy this peek inside:

 

Introduction

I have spent many lives training in the Way of Catness; Humans might liken the Way to strategy. It is a gifted set of guidelines most felines stumble across during at least one of their nine lives—and, subsequently, become obsessed with mastering. Catness is water to the soul, yoga for the mind, and grooming for the world.

Yet there will always be trials mixed with reward. Peaks and valleys merge to create the landscape—Catness is the pathway for past friends becoming feral; love becoming loss; treat bowls becoming empty. The Way of Catness is like a Cat’s mew: it can be the loveliest sound or the sharpest shriek, when needed.

There are different thoughts on Catness, but I live to no particular paw path; my prints are my own, defined by my experiences. True, I have taken some from other paths, as have most cats, though at the core each cat’s walk, their Catness, is defined by self, circumstances, and survival. But it can be shredded down to Five Mews: Paw, Slink, Roar, Tail, and Clarity.

I will explain Catness in writing for the first time.

Harper’s Commentary: Day 0

It’s hard starting over. New job, new town, new perspectives. So hard. Isolating. My plants are only so much company, and at the urging of text messages from family I decided to seek out volunteer work.

My new career in technology blessed me with all the people drain I needed, so I went with the animal persuasion. I’m a dog person at heart. Grew up with mostly dogs and some cats but had more connection with the canines. Plus, the last feline I had contact with was my cousin’s girlfriend’s cat who pissed in the same corner all the time, despite having three litter boxes.

So yeah, dogs were better. Cats okay.

Wispy Paws seemed like a good fit…

 

 

About the Author

 

 

M.G. Rorai enjoys hanging with her cats and annoying her husband.

Author Links  Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

 

 

Sponsored By:

 

.

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

  From Wild to Mild: A Dog in Two Worlds

by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 196 pages
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   August 23, 2019

From Wild to Mild by Sunny Weber

My Review

Kaya is just a pup, too young to be afraid of the creature that approaches her, and the coyote snatches her up, proud of an easy meal to take home to his hungry family. Things don’t go so well when his litter mate refuses to eat her and instead takes her in. That saying, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, also applies to Kaya the pup. She has dogs instincts and can’t seem to find her way in the wild life of her coyote family, no matter how hard she tries. Things become even more complicated when Kaya is returned to the world of humans and has to learn a whole new way of living.

I became so wrapped up in Kaya’s story that I often forgot the character’s involved were animals. I could easily relate to her confusion, fears and determination as she tries to find out where she belongs.

From Wild To Wild was an emotional and uplifting read. As with the first two books, I was teary eyed many times. I also felt proud of Kaya. She wasn’t a quitter and kept trying until she finally found her place. And, as with the other books, I’m happy to be able to recommend this to readers of all ages.

5 STARS

~~~~~

Synopsis

Eight-week-old Australian Shepherd Kaya is kidnapped by a nasty coyote to be food for his mate and puppies. Instead, the loving mother raises Kaya with her own pups. But as hard as she tries, Kaya can’t completely fit in—she can’t kill prey or stay awake for night hunts. Why can’t she make herself a true coyote? Constantly criticized by her coyote father, Kaya finds support in her new mother and siblings. She also figures out how to contribute through teamwork with her brother and sister. Trapped by a dog rescue, Kaya re-enters the human world and learns the differences between how dogs and coyotes live. When freed to roam again, does she return to her forest freedom—or remain with her farm family? Can Kaya forever straddle between the Wild and the Mild?

Amazon

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

~~~~~

About Author Sunny Weber

Author Sunny Weber

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Hurricane Dog: A Tale of Betrayal, Redemption & Change

by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 221 pages
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   Aug 8, 2019

Hurricane Dog by Sunny Weber

My Review

I read and loved Sunny Weber’s A Dog At The Gate. It brought out all the feels and plenty of tears, so I prepared myself for Hurricane Dog by keeping a supply of tissues close at hand.

Life is good for Gator, a pitbull mix. Adopted by Gavin and his parent’s, he is sheltered and loved. And soon is joined by a special companion, Magnolia, a rescue from a puppy mill. Life is grand, until a hurricane strikes and the dogs have to be left behind in the evacuation. From here on, I suggest you grab the tissues.

The story takes place over the course of several years and is told from Gator’s point of view. You go through a wide range of emotions. Fear, anger, and a loss of hope. But Gator doesn’t give up. So I didn’t. Even though it sometimes seemed like all hope was lost.

Living on the Gulf coast, I’ve experienced many hurricanes. Some I stayed and suffered through. Talk about terrifying. And some I fled from. I recall Ivan, which came through my home town in 2004, I think it was. At the time, my sister and I had two dogs, two birds, two cats and seven guinea pigs. We took them with us to Atlanta when we were ordered to evacuate. Bless the people at the hotel for allowing animals. I couldn’t imagine leaving them behind. It tore me to pieces when Gator and Magnolia had to be left behind. The owners had no choice. It was government ordered. I watched several shows about animals that were being rescued, nursed back to help, and placed in new homes after the hurricane in Louisiana. This didn’t happen quickly. The emotional trauma must have been huge for those animals.

There was quite the pile of used tissues sitting next to me when I reached the end of this story. I cried tears of loss and tears of joy. What an incredible journey this was. And it gives me so much pleasure to be able to recommend it to story lovers of all ages.

Shooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, Yellow

~~~~~

Synopsis

Pit bull mix Gator and puppy mill survivor Magnolia are abandoned during a Louisiana hurricane. They suffer dehydration and starvation after rescuers take their people to safety but leave the pets behind.

Saved from their flooded house, Gator and Magnolia recover but remain homeless. Nobody wants a pit bull. Gator’s resentment festers into intense hatred for Gavin, the boy who left them to die. He vows to never trust again.

Transported to Colorado with other refugee pets, Gator and Magnolia face the uncertainty of a new life. Eventually they are fostered by a kind woman who seems mysteriously familiar. Both dogs relax in their new lives until upheaval again throws them into chaos.

Overwhelmed by trauma, Gator and Magnolia cling to one another through change after change. Will they be separated? Will Gator forgive the Great Betrayal and love again?

What will happen to pets and their people in the next natural disaster? Can Gavin change the rules of rescue? Will Gavin and Gator reunite?

Amazon

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

~~~~~

About Author Sunny Weber

Author Sunny Weber

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

~~~~~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special

by Sunny Weber

Category: Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12), 246 pages
Genre:  animals/pets
Publisher:  Pups & Purrs Press
Release date:   Oct 6, 2017

The Dog at the Gate by Sunny Weber

My Review

Being a huge dog lover I can count on one hand how many years I’ve not had a canine companion in the last 40 some years. Most of the dogs I brought home were either from shelters or they were abandoned by my home. I took them in, loved them and got back way more than I gave. To read about Max was heart breaking. Taken from his mother, abused and neglected by his adopted owners, I wept for this brave dog and couldn’t stop reading his story, hoping he’d find his happy forever home.

I normally avoid books about abused animals like the plague. Something compelled me to give this series a try. It touched me in so many ways and I’m thrilled to be able to recommend it to readers of all ages.

Shooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, YellowShooting Star, Meteoroid, Star, Meteorite, Yellow

~~~~~

Synopsis

Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance?
Or will his new family abandon him again?

Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. He faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and menacing raccoons. Just when he thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter.
Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions – Miles, a benevolent fellow Australian Shepherd, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress.
Fans of classics like Black Beauty, Thomasina, and Beautiful Joe, which feature redemptive bonds between animals and people, will find The Dog at the Gate: How a Throwaway Dog Becomes Special offers a touching tale of love and triumph.

Amazon

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

~~~~~

About Author Sunny Weber

Author Sunny Weber

Sunny Weber has over 25 years of experience in animal welfare advocacy. She is a professional humane educator and believes compelling storytelling reflects her passion for seeing the world through the eyes of the animals she teaches about.

Real stories are Sunny’s key to making deep impressions on young minds, for the future of animal welfare lies in sensitive people who will have the power to alter the negative impacts of previous generations and bring about positive change for all inhabitants of our planet.

Sunny has developed educational programs regarding compassion, respect, and care of domestic and wild animals. She writes extensively on animal issues in fiction, non-fiction, and blogs.

Sunny lives in Colorado with dogs and cats. Their yard is a Certified Backyard Habitat for birds, squirrels, rabbits, pollinators, and any other creature with fur or feathers who wanders in.

Connect with the author:    Website Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Linked-In

~~~~~

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.