Winner! Avalon by Vanessa Morgan

Thank you to all who entered our give-away for:

We are thrilled to announce 

the LUCKY WINNER!!!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS TO:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cat Book Review/Give-Away:Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat by Lola and Dawn White

AUTHORS TAKE NOTE: I am a sucker for presentation. When I receive a book for review, I pay attention to details. When someone, (primarily an author, not a publisher), requests a review, I take note of:was it shipped directly from Amazon? Was it signed? ( if I receive a book signed by the author I will ALWAYS keep it, ALWAYS). If the book is not  signed, it will more than likely  be passed on to make room on my jam-packed bookshelves, after I read it, whether I loved the book or not.

When I received a copy of Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat by Lola and Dawn White, it was one of a mere handful of books that impressed me by the care and thought taken when it was sent to me. It was signed and there were a few "goodies" included.

 Call me crazy, but when asked to review a book, reviewers  are NOT your "average" reader. Authors, take heed. Pay attention to presentation when mailing books to reviewers, it shows us you care about your book. For me, the experience of reading a book begins when I open the package/envelope that it arrives in, followed by cover presentation. More often than not, my impression of a book after I have read it, has matched my initial impression of the book when it arrived. Funny how things work.  Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat by Lola and Dawn White is one of those books that immediately impressed me upon it's arrival and it did NOT disappoint!

Cover photo Courtesy of Dawn White

From Lola herself: "Hi, I'm Lola! My life definitely took a turn for the worse when I was thrown away in a garbage dumpster and ended up in a shelter where I got very sick. But I was lucky because I found a fairy godmother who saved me and made sure I got a wonderful life. But not all animals in the shelter have a fairy godmother. I'm just lucky." Lola

I am in awe of so many of you who are reading this review who have rescued cats from shelters that might not have been "perfect" cats or kittens. While rescuing all cats is noble, rescuing a cat or a kitten that is ill or has physical challenges is something that I hold in high regard.

Author Dawn White comes from a family of cat lovers. Her "first love" was Marvin, a black and white cat with a "smudge" on his nose who she was forced to give up due to life circumstances. That led her to adopting "Lexy" a Marvin look-alike who had been at the shelter for nearly a year and was passed over because people thought at two years old, "she was too old." Dawn says that adopting Lexy was "the best decision I ever made."

After about 8 months, Dawn decided that Lexy needed a companion. Enter the magic of Facebook. Dawn was looking for someone to help her trap a spay when she came across Lola's photo on  the page of a cat-sitting business. "She looked pathetic, sick, and neglected, but there was something in Lola's eyes that drew me to her immediately." Dawn visited the vet where Lola was being taken care of and "5 minutes later I had adopted this 3.4 pound skinny cat with a face full of mucus who was so sick and weak she couldn't even meow. That was the second best decision I ever made."

Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat by Lola and Dawn White is a diary primarily pawed by Lola herself.  Each diary entry lists the month, date and year of the entry from Lola's abandonment, to her first year "Adoptiversary."

With each entry, Lola becomes more confident,  secure and much braver! I particularly LOVE that this book was written from the eyes of Lola herself.  Charm and love fill every entry:

August 5, 2011
Mommy's flip-flop makes a nice pillow. I think I may be onto something here. Maybe I can find an agent and sell flip-flop pillows. I'd be famous.

November 3, 2011
Mommy is a little under the weather and is going to bed early, so I've been missing out on computer time. Hey! I have an idea! I can hold her mouth open and pop one of my pills in there to make her feel better. I wonder if I can get some of my friends to help me?"

Lexy on left and Lola on right
Photo courtesy of Dawn White

Those of you who have had the pleasure of bringing a new cat home and introducing it to the resident cat(s) will love and be able to relate to the process as seen from the eyes of the "interloper" herself that are also abundant throughout this marvelous book.

November 12, 2011
This morning Lexy and I were on the bed and Mommy came in and sat down. Of course, I went over and gave her a lick hello. Then she gently brought me over by Lexy, and Lexy started licking my head. "See, you can be great friends," Mommy said. And then something happened...I won't keep you in suspense, I'll just tell you; Lexy bit my ear. Epic fail, Mommy, epic fail.

  As you can see by the excerpts I shared above, the  sweetness of Lola and her loving nature, as well as her impish side,  which is sometimes conveyed by a wicked sense of humor, is incredibly endearing. Each page reinforces the importance of and the unconditional love that is received when one adopts a rescue cat. 

Speaking of rescue cats, in the back of the book are some beautiful stories from friends of Lola and Dawn who share the most beautiful stories of how they adopted their special furbabies. 

Ten Percent of the proceeds from the sales of this book will be donated to animal rescue organizations and shelters.  - See more  here 

Author: Dawn White

Genre: pets/cats

Publisher: The Silloway Press

Publication Year: 2014

ISBN: 9780983155256

Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository, Books A Million and other online book sellers.

Dawn White
Photo Courtesy of:
Lola The Rescued Cat

Meet The Author:

Growing up in Rockland County, New York, cats were always a part of Dawn’s family, but animal rescue didn't come to her attention until she adopted a cat from a shelter in 2011. Since that time she has been an advocate for animal rights and has utilized social media outlets to network for animals that need saving. She has also participated in animal rescue transports, assisting in bringing rescued, and previously unwanted, pets to their new forever homes. Dawn’s genuine sense of caring has led her to choose her career path to help others. A dedicated Human Services Professional working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Autism since 1988, she earned her Master’s Degree in Psychology in 1992, and became a Licensed Massage Therapist in 2014. She lives in New York City with her two cats, Lola and Lexy, who run the house. Dawn says “adopting two shelter cats has truly changed my life.” Lola: Diary of a Rescued Cat is her first book.

GIVE-AWAY!!!

Dawn has allowed us to do a give-away! ONE  LUCKY WINNER who resides in the U.S.A will receive a copy of Lola:Diary of a Rescued Cat, a magnet and this TOTE BAG!!

Entering is super easy! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below. There is only ONE mandatory entry required, once you complete that, more entry options will open up. Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway





In full disclosure: we were not compensated for this review/give-away. We were sent a copy of Lola:The Rescued Cat in exchange for our always honest review.

Detroit Lions:Crazy Cat Woman Makes Season Debut at Ford Field

Does this woman look familiar?

This woman is CRAZED!

RUN  LIKE THE WIND!!!

Today is the Detroit Lions home opener and of course Mom and Dad will be there. Now, rumor has it, she will NOT be wearing this because the Lions are already 0-2 and since Mom is a fair-weather fan, she has a MAJOR attitude (so what else is new?) about today's game. She isn't sure if she will be dressed as a miserable, "understated" Lions fan like this:

Or if she and Dad will be PROUD like THIS!!

Well, while Mom is off being whatever kind of a maniac she has dreamed up for this year, I will be doing this!!!

October Crazy Catlady Box Winner!!

Thanks to ALL who entered our give-away for

The OCTOBER Crazy Catlady Box!!

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

TO THE LUCKY WINNER!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

We are sooo excited
for the human at
CLOONEY'S NUM-NUM FUND!!!

SHE IS GOING TO 
LOVE THIS!!!
ENJOY!!!

Cat Lady, A Narrative Poem Book Dedicated to the Feral Cats of Rome by Author/Poet Mary M. Schmidt --Give-Away!

Cat Lady is a narrative poem about the pines, fountains and stray cats of Rome.

ABOUT CAT LADY:To the average tourist in Rome, Maria may be just an old lady, (gattara), who feeds the city's stray cats and thinks that she can talk to them, yet things are rarely as they seem. Her powers are incredible! She CAN talk to cats! And they talk back!! (It helps that the cats are enchanted too!),  and to those who truly love, and seek her assistance, the impossible is only an illusion.

A few will snort and call her geezer;

Friend, they say, to Julius Caesar.

Others turn way and mutter

"Strega," cross themselves and sputter.

Old Maria's heard it all,

Can't hear, or care, what names they call.

She has her work to do, and that's 

To feed the city's feral cats.

Cat Lady by Mary M. Schmidt Author/Poet, is dedicated to the feral cats of Rome and Friends of Roman Cats.

"Your family is a splendid scene,"

Maria tells the feline queen,

"How goes it on this day for you?"

Queen Bast then sighed, "If you but knew!

I feel as if I could just drop!

These kittens here? They never stop!

The Coliseum, in it's day, 

Did never see such a display!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They have no concept of decorum, 

Running wild all through the Forum,

Through the Senate! Round the column!

Thanks to them, there's nothing solemn,

Earth the noble Caesars trod,

Is now home to a kitten squad!

They even pounce, with rapid spurts, 

Those tourists, in Hawaiian shirts!

A "PURR" Delight! The story is told in 44 pages and each page of the story is a poem consisting of eight lines. The cadence flows beautifully  and the sentiment will be deeply appreciated by those who dedicate their lives to helping feral cats. That being said, it is a narrative poem for ALL cat lovers. I hadn't known about the feral cat population in Rome prior to reading Mary's book and I thank her for the beautiful way she has honored  them. 

About the Author: Mary M. Schmidt was a student in Rome during the 60s and came to know of the many feral cat colonies in the Eternal City. She is an author of prose, poetry, and was a member of Poets Against the Iraq War. She currently lives outside of Washington DC with her cat, Graycie.

ISBN-13:

9781483436104

Publisher:

LuluPublishing Services

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

VISIT ON FACEBOOK

GIVE-AWAY:TWO OF OUR READERS located anywhere in the world will each win a copy of Cat Lady by Mary M. Schmidt. (An approx $10 value). The give-away is open now and will end at 5pm EST on Thursday, October 1st. Winners will be announced on or around Saturday, October 3rd. 

TO ENTER:Just leave a comment stating that you would like to be entered to win a copy.

 Good luck!

In full disclosure:I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a copy of Cat Lady in exchange for my honest review.

GREAT LAKES ANIMAL WELFARE CONFERENCE COMING TO BATTLE CREEK OCTOBER 19-20

Registration is now open for the region’s largest animal welfare conference

The 2015 Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference (GLAWC) will be the region’s premier educational and networking event for animal sheltering and veterinary professionals, animal control agencies, rescue groups, and individuals interested in saving more animal lives. The Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW) has joined with the Michigan Association of Animal Control Officers (MAACO) to offer this two-day event. The 2015 Great Lakes Animal Welfare Conference will be held October 19-20 at FireKeepers Hotel and Casino in Battle Creek. The conference is presented by the Petco Foundation, Merck Animal Health, the ASPCA, and Nestle Purina and Petfinder with generous support from the Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, a KeyBank Trust.

Photo Courtesy of Michigan Paw.Org

“This conference is the perfect opportunity for those working in, or interested in, animal welfare to gain and share knowledge on how to better care for, serve and save animal lives,” said Ann Griffin, MHS Special Projects Manager. “Attendees will have the opportunity to learn and discuss new trends and best practices in a relaxing and fun setting.”

This year’s conference features more than 40 sessions and a certificate course. A wide variety of sessions will include information on animal behavior, animal handling, fundraising and much more.

“It’s great to be able to bring this specialized training to animal control officers statewide,” said Andy Seltz, Vice President of MAACO. “It’s a perfect opportunity to come together and share ideas that will ultimately raise our collective abilities to better serve the animals and people in our communities.”

For the list of sessions, registration fees and hotel information for the 2015 MPAW-MAACO GLAWC Conference, and to register online, visit www.mpaw.org or call (248) 283-5635.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel is located at 11177 E Michigan Ave in Battle Creek.

The Michigan Partnership for Animal Welfare (MPAW), founded by the Michigan Humane Society in 2004, is a collaboration of animal welfare organizations from around the state with a goal of working together for the good of the animals in Michigan.

MAACO is a not for-profit organization registered with the State of Michigan dedicated to the enhancement of the profession of Animal Control Officers in the State of Michigan by establishing professional standards, training and practices, for the control and care of animals and the protection of the public health.

The Michigan Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization in the state. MHS works to end companion animal homelessness, provide the highest quality service and compassion to the animals entrusted to our care, and to be a leader in promoting humane values. For more information, visit www.michiganhumane.org.

Warm Autumn Wishes:Wordless Wednesday

Cat Book Review/Give-Away:Avalon by Vanessa Morgan

Some cats need nine lives to make a difference.

Avalon only needed one.

From the moment my eyes gazed upon the cover of Avalon by Vanessa Morgan, I knew that this was going to be a special book. Let me correct that. I had the pleasure of following Avalon's blog for a number of years before he crossed the bridge, and knew that one day, Vanessa would pour her heart and soul into a tribute that would not only be a cathartic experience for her, but it would be a cathartic experience for all of us who have been obsessed with (admit it, there has been at least one special pet in your life, where your love bordered on or plunged headfirst into obsession), our love of a pet.

When we have the deepest affection for an animal,

we do not possess that love

but are possessed by it.

---Dean R. Koontz

Avalon is a memoir for anyone who has ever

been obsessively in love with a pet

One of many things that I loved about reading Avalon, was, that this was the first memoir where the author ADMITTED having an obsessive love for their cat. For me, that love was with my Angel Bobo. Like Avalon, Bobo "appeared" one day as if he were sent to me by divine intervention. Like Vanessa, (and without boring you with the minute details), when Bobo entered my life I was scarred from the many years of physical and emotional abuse that I endured in our home, from my mother. (I don't believe that Vanessa was the victim of physical abuse, but she was definitely a victim of emotional abuse).  While I adore Cody, my love for Bobo was completely different. It WAS obsessive. He was my FIRST cat, he came to me. He was the first cat I had as an adult. He licked my hand when I cried, sat vigil when I was ill, slept with me every night, and never let me out of his sight, much like Avalon did with Vanessa. He gave me an unconditional love that I had never experienced before. We made it our mission to love each other. I remember my Vet mentioning many times when he witnessed us interacting, that we had a bond "unlike any other he had ever seen." My Vet hadn't met Vanessa and Avalon.

Avalon didn't need language to make his demands clear. We were like an old couple living together for so long they finish each other's sentences and know what the other is thinking without uttering a word.

Caring for this cat, I had the feeling that this was the one thing I was meant to do in this life. The one thing I was so obviously created to do, that it simply felt like breathing. "Promise you'll stay with me for many more years," I said. I used to tell my Bobo, "Please stay with me until you are 24" (he did his best, but passed a day after his 18th birthday.)

Another passage from Avalon that deeply touched me was one that I could relate to my obsessive love for my beloved Bobo as well: My pets were the only ones who anesthetized that hopelessness. When I believed that nothing would ever work out for me, they still made me smile. When I thought that I was unworthy of being loved, they showed me they cared. And then there was Avalon, who, because of his own traumas and imperfections, made me feel understood. So when I lay awake at night, going over how unlucky I was, and Avalon slid next to me to fall asleep in my arms, I thought, "I am so lucky to have found you."

I knew that parts of Avalon were going to be difficult  emotionally for me to read, as, (I will be honest here), they will be for you as well. That being said, I don't for one minute regret reading Avalon, quite the contrary. I derived comfort from this beautifully written book, and felt that I just wanted to reach out and offer Vanessa the warmth of a comforting hug. I wanted to sit down with her and share a cup of coffee and discuss how our "one-of-a-kind" mancats, graced our lives and loved us with every inch of their being, as we loved them back.

Everything terrible is something that needs our love

----Rainer Maria Rilke

From Amazon bestselling author Vanessa Morgan, Avalon is the heartwarming and once-in-a-lifetime love story of a girl and her neurotic Turkish Van cat. With humor, the author details how Avalon made other creatures cringe in distress whenever he was around, how he threw her dates out by means of special techniques, and how he rendered it almost impossible for her to leave the house. Avalon was so incorrigible that even her landlord ordered her to get rid of him. But beneath Avalon's demonic boisterousness, Vanessa recognized her own flaws and insecurities, and she understood that abandoning Avalon would be the worst she could do to him. Thanks to her unswerving loyalty, Avalon transformed into a tender feline, and even landed a major role in a horror movie. In turn, Avalon made it his mission to be there for his human companion.

I know that if you are reading this review to the end, and I thank you for doing so, you have experienced the same type of love with your beloved pets. I urge you to purchase this book, (and to enter our give-away). Yes, you will probably cry, but that is ok. It is important to grieve and remember, to honor the memory of the soul kitties (and other pets), that are a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love. The tears will soothe your pain, for the time it takes you to read this marvelous book, you will be re-united once again.

From Avalon: I started this book with the hope that the more people would read his story, the more something of his spirit would linger on. Now that it's finished, I understand that what I truly wanted was to relive our life together through my writing. It doesn't matter if a million people fall in love with Avalon, because all their awe combined wouldn't even match mine. I wanted to eternalize Avalon, make him important to the world, but we were each other's world, and I am so incredibly grateful for the little eternity that was accorded to us.

I feel the same about my Bobo, as I am sure many of you do as well. Thank you Vanessa Morgan for baring your soul, thank you for sharing this most exquisite and special mancat with us.

 May we all be blessed to experience the same kind of love.

Purchase links for Avalon

Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk

Amazon.fr 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Vanessa Morgan is an author, screenwriter, and blogger. Two of her works, The Strangers Outside and A Good Man, have been turned into films. Her short film scriptNext to Her is currently in pre-production. When she's not working on her latest book, you can find her reading, watching horror movies, digging through flea markets, or photographing felines for her blog Traveling Cats 

Social media links

Facebook 

Twitter  

Pinterest 

Google+  

Bloglovin  

Amazon  

Blog  

GoodReads  

ENTER OUR GIVE-AWAY! Vanessa is offering ONE of our readers who RESIDES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD the chance to win a copy of Avalon. Entering is easy, just enter on the Rafflecopter below. Good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

In full disclosure: I was not compensated for this review/give-away. I was sent a complimentary copy of Avalon in exchange for my ALWAYS honest review.

Want to Woo a Wench? It's Meow or Talk Like A Pirate Day!!

WANT TO KNOW

HOW INTERNATIONAL

TALK LIKE A PIRATE DAY BEGAN?

READ ABOUT IT HERE!

It would not be right on
International Pirate Day
for me NOT to repeat the
catabulous photo made for me by
Mr.Puddy !!!

We be so glad you stopped by on International Talk (Meow) Like a Pirate Day! We be goin' t' have so much fun goin' around visitin' all o' you! Can't wait t' see what fun you be havin' today! Are thar certain games that you like t' play today? Tell us about them! Love, Cody and Caren

Join us over at Speedy's for MORE PIRATE DAY FUN!!!

CatLadyBox Made Me Purr! Give-Away!!

Let me begin this post by saying that when it comes to monthly subscription boxes for cats, I am NOT a fan. Why? Because the market is saturated with them, and the novelty wore off for me nearly the instant they came on the scene.

But...a monthly subscription box created exclusively for  the tasteful and oh so savvy Cat Lady?  Now we're talkin'!! When I first heard about the CatLadyBox my ears perked up! Now THIS I had to see!

Created by Dorian Wagner, one of the most power-packed, adorable, clever, caring and talented cat ladies that I have had the pleasure of knowing since I first began blogging in 2009. I had the pleasure of meeting her at my first BlogPaws Conference in 2011 and our paths have crossed a number of times since.  Just KNOWING she created this treat for cat loving ladies, I KNEW it would be a hit...AND IT IS.

I first learned of Dorian when I followed her blog, Your Daily Cute , a blog dedicated to cute cat videos. It was one that was always on my "must read list."  Dorian also created the popular and hugely successful Santa Paws Drive which takes place every holiday season and provides monetary and toy/spay neuter and supply/treat donations to deserving shelter cats all over the land!  Not one to rest on her laurels, Dorian went on to create and execute a brilliant pet transport group, Cute Transport Network,  which helped shuttle many cats, to new forever homes and no-kill shelters. Over 400 cats have been saved!! 

When I was given the honor/opportunity to blog about the August  Crazy CatLadyBox, I could barely contain my excitement. (The Crazy CatLadyBox is one of two boxes that you can choose from). The  CRAZY CatLadyBox ($39.99) includes  crazy cat lady items hand-picked for you PLUS at least 2 surprises just for kitties! Everyone gets in on the fun!  In the regular CatLadyBox ($34.99) you'll receive 2-3 cat-themed items carefully handpicked by a team of crazy cat ladies just for you! From jewelry and shirts to home decor, books, mugs and more, these are unique things you won't find in any regular store.

From the moment the box arrived at my doorstep I noticed the special touches and attention to detail that are oh-so Dorian!!! From the sticker on the box, to the hand-written heart shaped note on the letter that describes all of the contents in the box in explicit detail, and how the subscription program works, this box did NOT disappoint.

What I didn't realize until I read the letter, was that if receiving a box every month is not your "thang", you CAN skip a month! Why you would want to, is beyond me, but if you need to, YOU CAN! You can upgrade, downgrade, change billing, shipping, shirt size etc., all from the account section of the site.

Subscribe to CatLadyBox and each month they will surprise you with a box of unique finds for cat lovers, exclusive members-only cat lady items and  cat-themed creations you'll be proud to flaunt! There is nothing obnoxious or "tacky" in this box! Every single month, they will  hand-select a fabulous assortment of high-quality cat-themed jewelry, stylish accessories, stylish home or office decor, makeup, books, glassware, and more, and deliver them right to your door (free shipping in the U.S. and only $6.95 to Canada!). It's like getting the most purrfect presents, over and over again!

Now...What was in my August Crazy CatLadyBox?

A beautiful card by featured Cat Lady Artist:Ablaze in Color. You can find her at local art festivals,  on Etsy and on Facebook.

The Cat Print Scarf and Refined Feline Wallet by Triple T Studios. We featured Triple T Studios a few months ago. It was founded by zoologist Joanne McGonagle to support global conservation programs.

Ultimate Cat Lady Car Magnet-a CatLadyBox Exclusive Item! Show your Cat Lady pride on the road or you can put it on your fridge!

There were items for Cody too!!

For Mew Crisp-"Artisan Cat Toys As Unique As Your Cat"

Cat It Eco Sisal Cardboard Fish with Feather

The Holidays Are Approaching!!

The CatLadyBox would make a SUPERB and MOST APPRECIATED gift for your Cat Lady friends and relatives! You can choose "Give a Gift" on the homepage and gift anywhere from a 1-to a 6-month subscription. The site only charges one month at a time, CatLadyBox will send an email saying YOU gave them the gift and you can even pick the day they send the email! Could it be ANY easier?! I don't think so!

 GIVE-AWAY!!!

 Dorian is generously offering ONE OF OUR READERS who resides in the U.S. or CANADA the chance to win an OCTOBER CRAZY CATLADYBOX !! (A $39.99 value!)

The  CRAZY CatLadyBox includes all of the crazy cat lady items hand-picked for you PLUS at least 2 surprises just for kitties! Everyone gets in on the fun!

(The items you will receive will be different than the items I have shown above.)  Entering is EASY, just enter on the Rafflecopter below, THERE IS ONE MANDATORY ENTRY, once you have completed that, it will open up BONUS entries!!!! GOOD LUCK!!! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The CatLadyBox Mission

Our mission is to change the way people think about cat lovers and cat parents.  We are not that one extreme person they see on the news every now and then. We are beautiful, intelligent, fun, successful, big-hearted, respect-worthy women... who love cats.

Saving cats is something we've always been passionate about, and we want to help save even more lives. So the goal at CatLadyBox is to find unique, envy-worthy cat-themed items to help you show off your cat lady pride, show off just how many of us there are, how fabulous we are, and how amazing we think cats are. Together, we can make a huge difference for cats, one new cat lady (and cat guy) at a time!

FTC DISCLOSURE: I was sent a complimentary August Crazy CatLadyBox in exchange for my honest review. Receiving the complimentary box in no way influenced my opinion.  Cat Chat With Caren and Cody only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

L'Shana Tova:Happy Jewish "Mew" Year

We are so deeply, deeply sorry

Many of you who read our blog know that precious Lucy from 15 and Meowing had become ill in spite of the fact that all of her vet tests in June revealed nothing having been amiss. It was evil cancer that took this precious baby.

Lucy's Mom didn't want to see her suffering any longer, and made a most brave, noble and  difficult decision. I know how hard that decision is to make, as sadly, most of you do as well.

Cody and I send Mom Ellen much love and our deepest sympathy. We are do deeply, deeply sorry.

Photo Courtesy of 15andmeowing

We must NEVER Forget: 9/11

Thank you for remembering with us today

hold your loved ones close

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Animal Advocate and Author Leesa Rowland Author of the Book:Discovering the IT Factor Within You:(Guest Blog) And A World-wide Give-Away!

Would if animals held the key to us developing our Charisma

and unlocking our true potential?

Author Leesa Rowland biggest passion in life is animal advocacy.  She has been active with national non-profit organization Last Chance for Animals since 1989 and is the founder and president of the New York non-profit group Animal Ashram. “Dogs being killed daily at local shelters because they cannot find a home needs to stop. It’s about the soul, not the breed,” says Leesa.

When writing her new release ‘Discovering the It Factor within You’ Leesa talks about how you as an individual can develop your charisma and find your “inner light.” What sets this book apart from other books that focus on Charisma is she also writes about animals and how they are charismatic and how this benefits us.

Leesa says bestowing love towards our dogs and treating animals humanely gives us better karma and, in turn, we build stronger charisma. Many dogs are military heroes, track-missing children and have saved people from dying. They are guardians to the blind. Dogs really steal your hearts with their unique personalities, charm, charisma and poise. The benefits Dogs provide to humans are endless; they deserve to live a beautiful life after all they help lead us in finding our true passions and talents.

Leesa Rowland is determined that dogs and other homeless animals will have shelter in New York City. Her dream is to build a physical Animal Ashram in New York. It will combine yoga, meditation, eastern healing techniques, spiritual workshops, metaphysical books and films with an actual animal rescue. The animals and people will be great companionship for each other and will aid in finding permanent and foster homes for a variety of homeless pets.

Leesa's research found that many charismatic people are not necessarily beautiful or handsome, true charisma comes from within, and if you believe that charisma is inside you it can be developed. This book includes the spiritual and religious aspects of charisma, not just the science.

Throughout the book Leesa Rowland provides examples and shares simple steps on how you can discover and develop your inherent charisma and personal and authentic uniqueness.

Individuals like Chris DeRose worked hard to develop their “It Factor.” Chis DeRose was born June 28, 1948, in Brooklyn, New York, is the founder and president of the national animal rights nonprofit it Last Chance for Animals. Many charismatic individuals have made a positive impact on the world.

A portion of the proceeds of each book will be donated to the New York animal welfare nonprofit, Animal Ashram.non-profit organization. This is a book that you can definitely share with your friends and your pets!

Leesa Rowland is committed to the well-being of animals. She is an actress, author and animal advocate. She is primarily known for her role as Victoria in Troma Entertainment’s “Class of Nuke ‘Em High,” parts 2 and 3; Starz Channel’s “Return to Nuke ‘Em High”; and as Phyllis in Travis Campbell’s thriller “Slaughter Daughter”.

Discovering the It Factor within You is available on her website, Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Give-Away!!!!!!

This Giveaway is open Internationally.
No purchase necessary to enter the contest.

PRIZES 1 One Winner will each receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash.
PRIZES 2 One Winner will each receive a Free Copy of the book Discovering the It Factor in You.

Entering is easy!! Just enter on the Rafflecopter below, good luck!!

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Cats, CATS and "Mo" CATS (Day!!)

You know what I think of the pawson

who said that there should be a 

NO CATS DAY?

OF COURSE you do...

In the spirit of Wordless Wednesday

I will keep this BRIEF and to the point:

Now, I dare ya pal

come a little closer and say that

to my FACE!!!

Breaking Book News from Author Hilary Grossman and a Give-Away!!!

There are many of you who follow our furiend Lucy over at Feeling Beachie and yesterday she posted a blog post with the heading of: Breaking News.

Many of you were chomping at the bit (or on your kibble) to find out what that news could possibly be! Well,  we are in the company of  some lucky bloggers who were given the opportunity to share the most PAWESOME news with you!!! Check it out!

Our dear friend Hilary Grossman has written another book!!! We can barely wait to get our paws on it!! We reviewed her hugely successful first book, Dangled Carat and cannot wait to read this one!

Here is some info about Plan Bea (the title is beyond clever!), that Hilary shared with us:

How well do you really know the people in your life?  

Annabel O’Conner has the perfect husband, two adorable children, an amazing job, and the mother from hell! Annabel doesn’t like it, but has come to terms with the fact that her relationship with her mother, Bea, deteriorated to the point of forced and strained communications. However, an unscheduled call from Bea turns her world around and makes Annabel question everything she believed about her life.

Despite the fact secrets, lies, and misplaced blame have destroyed the women’s relationship; Annabel reluctantly agrees to help Bea plan her wedding. Little does Annabel know the impact of her decision.

In this Women’s Contemporary Fiction novel, Hilary Grossman explores the complex relationship that exists between mothers and daughters in a light-hearted and relatable manner.

After reading the description I KNOW you are as eager to read this book as I am. It sounds like the perfect read to curl up with on a nice cozy night with some salty and chocolaty snacks and some wine! Plan Bea will be available OCTOBER 2015!! That's right around the corner!!!

You can purchase Plan Bea, which is being published by Booktrope under the genre of Women's Fiction on:

GOODREADS
AMAZON U.S.

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GIVE-AWAY!!! As a special treat Hilary is offering a give-away! You can win (Coco Mademoiselle) perfume for HER,  or  (Bleu de Chanel) for HIM!!! Click HERE to visit Hilary's blog to enter!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Hilary Grossman loves to find humor in everyday life. She has an unhealthy addiction to denim and high heel shoes. She likens life to a game of dodge ball - she tries to keep as many balls in the air before they smack her in the face. When she isn't writing, blogging, or shoe shopping she is the CFO of a beverage alcohol importer. She lives on the beach in Long Island. 

We were not compensated for sharing this info. We will be happily reading and reviewing Plan Bea in exchange for our always honest review.