Cat Book:Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope and Cats and Eternity by Allia Zobel Nolan

 Inspirational New Book asks “Will I see my cat in heaven?”

"After she lost three aging cats in the space of a year and a half, bestselling author Allia Zobel Nolan needed a resource that could soothe the gut-wrenching loss and at the same time elicit hope. She couldn’t find what she was looking for. So, she wrote a book that would help her and other cat lovers grieve with an expectation that their cat’s story was not at an end. Heavenly Headbutts: Reflections of Hope about Cats and Eternity is 90 pages of affirming scripture, engaging photographs, and short anecdotes and opinions by the author and everyone from Isaiah to C. S Lewis, to George MacDonald and James Harriot. The book questions whether the same animals who were our soulmates on earth will share our lives in some form or another in the hereafter."

 “My wish,” says Zobel Nolan, “is that Heavenly Headbutts will pull a soft coverlet of hope over the hearts of those who’ve lost a beloved pet so they can put one foot in front of the other and step out in faith.” But the book is not just for those grieving. “It encourages thoughtful reflection and holds out joyous expectation to all cat lovers that their cat’s story is not finite. It will last forever.” Can Zobel Nolan confirm unequivocally that readers will hear sweet sounding purrs and feel the gentle headbutts of their cats in the hereafter? “I provide the reassurance,” says the author, “but it’s up to you to judge.” 

FROM CAT AND DOG CHAT WITH CAREN:

I was excited to receive this book after having reviewed a couple other books by Allia Zobel Nolan. While the quotes/photographs didn't disappoint, being Jewish, I didn't expect the religious emphasis that this book would have. (Since most of you are not Jewish who are reading this, there are parts you will be able to relate to much better than I could.)

That being said, here are parts of the book that resonated with me:

"Our cats may be gone from this world physically. But I believe their spirits, the life glow God breathed into them at Creation, is still alive--in some shape or form. I believe their stories are not over yet. There are more hijinks, headbutts, and yes, even hairballs, awaiting us when we meet Cat again in the New Heaven and New Earth God has promised."

While Heavenly Headbutts wasn't quite what I had expected it to be, (what I expected I am not 100% sure, but I thought it would dwell more on our feelings when we lose a beloved pet, etc.), it is still a worthwhile read. Once again, those of you who appreciate a strong biblical reference based on Christianity, you will appreciate the book immensely. While I consider myself to be spiritual, I am not as familiar with the Bible as many of you probably are.

The book is currently available on Amazon in print and eBook editions: https://tinyurl.com/ycwbk4r6. It retails for $13.99.

About the Author Allia Zobel Nolan is the author of over 150 traditionally published titles. Her books reflect two main passions: God and cats. Recent titles include Cat Confessions: A Kitty-Come-Clean Tell-All Book, The Worrywart’s Prayer Book, winner of the gold medal first place 2022 Indie Book Award for Christian NonFiction; Laugh Out Loud:40 Women Humorists Celebrate Then and Now...Before We Forget, finalist in the 2019 Indie Book Awards for Humor, and many other award-winning titles. She lives and writes in New England with her husband, Desmond, their two fur babies, Nolan Nolan and Colleen Fiona Shannon, and their recently adopted shelter dog, Miss Kitty. Learn more at www.AlliaWrites.com.

Tortitude:The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude by Ingrid King (Give-Away!)

When a copy of Tortitude:The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude by Ingrid King arrived at my home a few weeks ago, I was in complete shock,  I was honored, AND I was, (and am!) just a tad nervous!!!

Why? I do not live with, nor have I EVER lived with a tortoiseshell cat!  My immediate thought was "How am I qualified to review a book about tortoiseshell cats when I have never lived with one?"  I know of other bloggers who are far more knowledgeable about torties than I am, but I took comfort in the fact that since I had reviewed ALL of Ingrid King's books prior to this one, that she must have confidence that I will write at least a somewhat intelligent review of:

My first impression after merely LOOKING at the cover of Tortitude, was that it was GORGEOUS! I am one of "those people" who gets a thrill out of simply  touching a book and gazing at the cover, I become filled with anticipation of what awaits me inside, which is why I am NOT a fan of ebooks, but I digress....

When I turned the first page,  I smiled when I saw a quote by one of my favorite "Cat Daddies", Jackson Galaxy:

“Excerpted from: Tortitude:

 The BIG Book About Cats With a BIG

Attitude by Ingrid King ©2015” 

The foreword is written by another one of my faves; Kate Benjamin of Hauspanther.


Once I began to calm down and think, it dawned on me,  that if I , one of millions of cat lovers, knows little about tortoiseshell cats, surely there has to be many, many more cat lovers who might not be familiar with these wonderful cats!

Thinking back, to when I first began blogging in 2009, discovering Ingrid's blog was probably my FIRST exposure to torties, and from that day on, I always considered Ingrid to not only be one of a number of cat experts that I hold in high esteem, but to me, she is a MUST READ not only for misc. trusted information about cats, but for  personal and engaging stories about tortoiseshell cats in particular.

FROM Tortitude:The BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude:

"With about 2 million tortoiseshell cats in the United States, these special felines tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and often very possessive of their humans. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. Ingrid King (The Conscious Cat) brings her professional and personal experience to explore why these cats are so special. With expert insights combined with stunning photography and passages dedicated to the cats and their passionate guardians, King offers a new perspective on these exceptional cats."

When I read the above passage on the back cover, I was not only intrigued, but I began to think that if I were a cat, there is a better-than-average chance that I would be a tortie!!! I am "strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered (No!! Really? Ha!), fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable." I have also been known to be very possessive of my humans!! But once again, I digress...

That quote made me stop and think. I find it interesting that the HUMANS that I know that live with torties tend to have personalities that are the polar opposite of torties! Could it be a case of "opposites attract" or, could it be that these spunky cats have personality traits that their owners secretly wish that THEY as humans possessed, and that they live vicariously through their torties?
I think I may be on to something here!!!

“Excerpted from: Tortitude:

 The BIG Book About Cats With a BIG

Attitude by Ingrid King ©2015”

Did you know...

"that tortoiseshell cats are NOT a breed?"

(if you did, and you don't live with a Tortie, good for you! You move to the head of the class!) I did NOT know that until I read the section in the book titled:

"What is Tortitude?"

Author King points out the colors/patterns and personality traits  that make a cat qualify as a tortie, she also mentions:"while there are some commonalities between torties when it comes to personality, there seem to be wide variations in the degree of tortitude and in how it is expressed. Some cats appear to have read the book on tortitude, displaying all of the traits attributed to cats with this coloring. Others may vary in temperament, and only demonstrate certain aspects of it. All cats are individuals, and torties are no different in that respect, with the possible exception that they are far more demonstrative of their unique personalities than cats of other colors." 

“Excerpted from: Tortitude:

 The BIG Book About Cats With a BIG

Attitude by Ingrid King ©2015”

Being a quote collector/aficionado from way back, I took a special interest in the sizable section of the book entitled:

Quotable Torties

Quotes and photos were submitted by members of "Team Tortitude" and some of my favorites are:

Cats are dangerous companions for writers because cat watching is a near-perfect method of writing avoidance--Dan Greenburg

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him--Dereke Bruce

If cats could talk, they wouldn't.--Nan Porter

and finally a favorite quote of mine that is posted beneath the photo of beloved Truffles, (who left much, much too soon), submitted by someone who is MUCH more qualified to do a review of a tortie book than I am, Melissa Lapierre of  Melissa's Mochas, Mysteries & Meows, 

A catless writer is almost inconceivable; even Ernest Hemmingway, manly follower of the hunting trophy and the bullfight, lived waist-deep in cats. It's a perverse taste, really, since it would be easier to write with a herd of buffalo in the room than even one cat; they make nests in the notes and bite the end of the pen and walk on the typewriter keys. --Barbara Holland


Tortitude:The BIG Book About Cats With a BIG Attitude delivers exactly what the title promises. While the book is small in that it is slightly over 100 pages, it is aesthetically generously sized, and is PACKED with information that will not only appeal to bona fide tortie lovers, but will also appeal to self-proclaimed "tabby girls" such as myself. Tortitude offered me insight into these delightful cats and a deeper admiration of their "colorful" coats and personalities.  Tortitude will appeal to cat lovers world-wide! You MUST get your "paws" on a copy, today!!


AVAILABLE ON AMAZON (and all online retailers NOW). AVAILABLE IN STORES FEBRUARY 5TH, 2016! 

FOR EVERY COPY ORDERED BEFORE FEBRUARY 5TH, INGRID WILL DONATE $1 TO THE JACKSON GALAXY FOUNDATION.


MORE BOOKS BY INGRID KING:

BUCKLEY'S STORY: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher

PURRS OF WISDOM: Conscious Living, Feline Style

ADVENTURES IN VETERINARY MEDICINE:What Working in Veterinary Hospitals Taught Me About Life, Love and Myself

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Ingrid King is an award-winning author (of the books listed above). She is a former veterinary hospital manager. Her popular blog, The Conscious Cat, is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health, and happiness for cats and their humans. The Conscious Cat has won multiple awards, (including but not limited to), About.com's 2012 Readers Choice Award for Best Website About Cats. Ingrid lives in Northern Virginia with her tortoiseshell cats Allegra and Ruby.

GIVE-AWAY!!!!
Ingrid has generously offered to give-away a copy of Tortitude:The  BIG Book of Cats with a BIG Attitude to one of my readers who resides in the U.S.A. (An approximate $20 value!). Must be 18 and over. Entering is super 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 copy of Tortitude in exchange for my always honest review.

Book:Catsong by T.J. Banks

"Serenade:A musical performance given to honor or express love for someone,  often by one person."

When I finished reading Catsong, by T.J. Banks, and  was pondering what would be the best word to sum up the spirit in this touching book, the word serenade kept appearing in my mind.

In it's traditional sense, the word "serenade" is typically defined as,   "a musical greeting performed for a lover, friend, person of rank or other person to be honored. The classic serenade usage would be from a lover to his lady love through a window."

While a serenade is normally directed towards a female from a male, in my opinion, it also is an appropriate word to describe what author Banks has created in Catsong.

To me, Catsong is not only a compilation of Bank's best cat stories, it is much more than that. It is a songbook  of SERENADES. It, is a collection of essays that are in reality, SONGS. My reference to "songs" for the purpose of this review,  would be words that honor by using the most beautiful of lyrics. The words written in Catsong are vehicles that convey love, a love of the purest and most genuine kind. The "serenades" in Catsong are essays dedicated to the many cats who have graced T.J. Bank's life.

From Catsong: For all the cats who have graced our lives-the strays and the purebreds, the soul-cats and the heart-cats, the generals and the goofballs. You all gave us so much.

  Songs that convey love evoke the strongest of emotions. While often these memories are beautiful, inspiring and happy, they also can be full of grief  that often seems unbearable. Catsong is a beautifully woven compilation of these emotions.

Many who will, or have read Catsong, have had numerous cats touch their lives.  Sadly, I have only had three, (an abandoned newborn calico kitten that was in my life for merely a month when I was fifteen, my Angel Bobo, and my Cody). Whether or not one has had one cat, three, or dozens, the intense love and raw emotion that was so beautifully conveyed in Catsong, will be recognizable and felt by all.

 Catsong  was the winner of the 20007 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award

ISBN:978-1-63263-540-2
Published by BookLocker.com, Inc., Bradenton, Florida

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:T.J. Banks is the author of Sketch People:Stories Along the Way, A Time for Shadows,  Derv & Co.: A Life Among Felines, Souleiado and  Houdini a novel which the late writer and activist Cleveland Amory enthusiastically branded "a winner" and which I had the pleasure of reviewing.  A Contributing Editor to laJoie, she has received writing awards from the Cat Writers' Association (CWA), ByLine, and The Writing Self. 

I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of  Catsong in exchange for my honest review. It is my pleasure to share a book as marvelous as this one with my readers.

Cat Book: "Houdini" by T.J. Banks

Imagine if you will,. that you are a mere wisp of a kitten. A Flamepoint Siamese to be exact, and you discover that you have been deserted. You're hungry, frightened, thirsty and ALONE. 

The above scenario occurs on the first page of one of the most beautifully written cat books I have been afforded the pleasure of reading.

Sitting down on a Saturday night, from the moment I read the first page of Houdini by T.J. Banks, I did not move from the couch. I did not lift  my head from the pages until I finished reading, nearly two hours later.

As cats are drawn to catnip, Houdini will lure you into his world as he extends his paw from the pages of this beautiful and touching story about the love and undying loyalty of a cat for "his girl".  You will fall in love, as I did with the determination, devotion, faith, loyalty and love that is evident on each of the 190 pages of this book that is a MUST READ for all who love cats.

"A Siamese only gives his heart

to a human once....

" For Houdini, an abandoned down-on-his-luck Siamese kitten, that human is Jill Leonard, the girl who smuggles him home aboard an airplane. He lives a good life out of doors with Jill's other cats. That life has dangers of its own, however, as he discovers when he inadvertently strays from his home.

Lost and injured, Houdini finds a safe haven with a cat-loving artist, but his longing for the child who first gave him love and a home is as intense as ever, and he is determined to find his way back to her."

While the plot of Houdini is captivating, touching and sometimes humorous, that isn't all that I was impressed by. I was impressed by the obvious knowledge of cats that Author Banks possesses. There is a vast amount of thought and detailed description of the qualities that make cats, CATS. Banks enables us to be privy to what their thoughts might be, (if we only knew,) their motivation, what delights them, and what perturbs them.

  As a cat effortlessly weaves through your legs when he or she wants to be fed,  Banks expertly weaves into the story details about how cats move, the meaning behind their interaction with other cats and  how they find their "place" in  a  pre-existing cat hierarchy.

"So Houdini crouched down and lowered his head to show that he understood whose territory this was. The tabby cuffed him lightly and stalked off. He sat down by the kitchen table and watched Houdini with wide friendly green eyes. Want to play? those eyes said. I might, the Siamese telegraphed back. He sat up and began lightly touching up his fur, feeling a bit more like his old self. Definitely more at ease."

There are important  lessons to be learned  in Houdini as well. Lessons about abandoning pets, the love they need, outdoor dangers, spay/neutering,  lest I reveal more, I will stop here, when you read Houdini you will find out the rest. Banks doesn't preach, many of these messages are subliminal,  but their impact is strong and clear.

If you love cats (and I know that you DO), if you want to be inspired, delighted, charmed, and wish to join Houdini as he experiences life and love, then this is one that MUST be a part of your cat book library.  It is sheer purrfection in every sense of the word.

ISBN:13:978-1-59113-734-4

ISBN:10:1-59113-734-9

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:T.J. Banks is the author of Sketch People:Stories Along the Way, A Time for Shadows, Catsong, Derv & Co.: A Life Among Felines, and Souleiado. Catsong, a collection of her best cat stories, was the winner of the 20007 Merial Human-Animal Bond Award. A Contributing Editor to laJoie, she is also a columnist for petsadviser.com and has received writing awards from the Cat Writers' Association (CWA), ByLine, and The Writing Self. Her work has appeared in numerous anthologies, including Guideposts' Soul Menders, Their Mysterious Ways, Miracles of Healing, and Comfort From Beyond. She has also worked as  a stringer for the Associated Press and as an instructor for the Writer's Digest School. 

She lives with her son Zeke, their power-mongering cats, a rabbit, and chinchilla, in a sometimes peaceable but always interesting kingdom.

I was not compensated for this review. I was sent a copy of Houdini in exchange for my honest review. It is my pleasure to share a book as marvelous as this one with my readers.

 

"Love Saves The Day" by Gwen Cooper to "Save The Day" for Cats at Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary, Inc.!

LOVE SAVES THE DAY by Author Gwen Cooper (Gwen is also the author of  the New York Times best-selling book,  "Homer's Odyssey") is out in paperback this week!!!

Gwen is  donating 200% of all sales through Sunday to Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary,Inc. in Homer's memory (in other words, every one paperback copy purchased this week counts as two copies for donation purposes). 

The book is available at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, your local independent bookseller (if they don't have it, you can ask them to order it!), Target, Costco, and online at Amazon.com.

To read my review of Love Saves The Day click here

To read my review of Homer's Odyssey click here

Book: Furry Paw, Middle Claw, A Novel By Barry Jackson

While making the rounds reading the many blogs I follow, I had happened upon a review of the book: Furry Paw, Middle Claw, A Novel By Barry Jackson. Admittedly I read PART of the review. Those who know me well, know that whenever I am in the midst of reading a book, about to read a book, or WANT to read a book, I will NOT read someone else's review in its entirety,  because I don't want their thoughts and opinions rattling around in my brain. What I DID know was that I HAD an intense desire to read this book!

I was delighted when the opportunity to read Furry Paw, Middle Claw presented itself, and I will tell you this, my sixth sense was right on target. My anticipation was NOT for naught. This book is a MUST READ.

I settled down to read it this past Friday night. IT HOOKED ME TWO PAGES IN. I had turned to my husband, a voracious reader, and said "you MUST read this book, you are going to love it." Let me say it again, that was TWO PAGES IN. A feeling of delight rushed through me, I was swept away by the sardonic, insightful, humorous  and lyrical writing style of Author Barry Jackson. I grabbed a fresh cup of coffee, put my feet up and made myself comfortable. I KNEW I was going to read this book until I finished it, in ONE night.

From Turn the Page Publishing: If you have ever loved, shed a tear or triumphed over heartbreak, you will identify with this story. Furry Paw, Middle Claw (released June of 2013), intertwines humor, spirituality and psychological insight that will offer readers a glimpse into their own hearts and souls.

Dean Parker is the narrator who leaves his loveless childhood in the South.

There were parallels in Dean's upbringing that rang true with my own. I felt as if someone had read certain parts of my heart and soul and published it in a book. In the interest of privacy in reference to my OWN life,  I will not go into further detail, other than to say I KNOW the feeling of being unwanted, not being "good enough", being told painful things as a child that remain with you forever. Let's leave it at THAT.

Like Dean, I had a grandmother (and in my case a father) who DID love me unconditionally. I feel that it was the genuine love that Dean's grandmother had for him that paved the way for what was to be a most rewarding and loving relationship with Melissa, whom he meets in Manhattan where he moved as an adult.

Melissa comes with "baggage" that Dean had NOT planned on. "An entourage of CATS!"

From Turn the Page Publishing: Dean struggles to assert his dominance amidst the furry chaos, but the cats aim their middle claws at Dean and challenge him for the title of "King Cat." When son, Craig, is diagnosed with autism, Dean observes the cats doing what no human can do-the cats pierce the veil of autism. Dean's grudging acceptance of the cats turns to wonder and gratitude as they become the glue holding the family together.

Furry Paw, Middle Claw beautifully describes the  enormous power that cats have over us. How their mere presence acts as a healing balm. Those who love and live with cats understand this. Simply stroking their fur, listening to them purr, and feeling their warmth, brings more comfort than one could ever hope to imagine.

It is important to know that this book "is inspired by TRUE events". It will cause all who read it to reflect on their own lives, it will make you laugh, it WILL make you cry. For me, it brought back some painful memories, the pain of parts of my childhood and the pain of losing a beloved cat, but I took comfort in reading the pages of this gem, knowing that SOMEONE out there understands!

We all have times in our lives where we are sailing along on smooth water, and just when you think you have it all "right", life throws you  curve balls. In the case of Author Barry Jackson and MANY of us, it isn't a curve ball we are "fielding", we are avoiding the powerful gesticulation of the "middle claw." That "middle claw" of life that says "F--- you! I'm gonna get ya." If we are lucky enough, we just might get to point it right back...in peace, self-understanding and the sense of victory that one feels when conquering the challenges that life puts in our way.

I give Furry Paw, Middle Claw, a Novel by Barry Jackson,  FOUR PAWS UP.....and there is NO WAY I would think of using that "middle claw."


ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Despite the painful life experiences that served as the inspiration for this novel. Barry Jackson crams as much into life as possible and sees humor in everything. Barry is a CPA who served as Chief Operating Officer of several New York City law firms. This is his first work of fiction. Barry lives in Morristown, New Jersey, with his wife and son....and four cats.

ISBN 978-1-938501-10-4




I was not paid for this review. I was sent a copy of Furry Paw, Middle Claw for review purposes only.
 All opinions are my own.

Cat Chat Presents A Book Review: A Forever Home For Athena by Marie Symeou

Hi everyone it's Cody! I thought that since I am a rescue cat, that it is only fitting that I present the book: A Forever Home For Athena by Marie Symeou to you.

I was just a little guy when Mom adopted me, I was probably around the same age as Athena was when she found her furever home.

Being a rescue cat isn't easy. When Mom and I sat down to read Athena's story, it brought back vivid memories for me. Being scared, wanting a home and a Mom of my own. Wondering what happened to my brother and sister. It made me remember the foster home that I was in with my wonderful and loving foster mother. I remember people walking by my cage at adoption events and my two siblings receiving more attention than me! Even Mom had them as HER first adoption choices but neither of them liked her. Only I did! It reminded me of how often we rescue kitties have to turn the "cute" into overdrive in order to be noticed!

It made me sad when I read that Athena and her sister, Lily, were cast aside like trash. Their Mama had died, they were starving, frightened and leery of humans. They didn't know what was to become of them. They found themselves in a shelter full of scary sounds and smells, hoping upon hope that SOME of the humans who came and visited would one day take them away and give them a special home of their own. There were some evil humans that visited that had "black lights" around them that Athena prayed would NOT take her away!




Athena sweetly and accurately describes what rescue kittens (and cats) are thinking and saying from when they are abandoned, until , if they are lucky, they find their furever home. She shares her fears, hopes and insight as to what it is like being a rescue kitty, and what it is like to live with the constant fear that even if she is adopted, will she be abandoned again?

Mom said it didn't surprise her that Athena is so wise. The name Athena is a Greek baby name and it means  The Goddess of Wisdom. In fact, Mom said that she first began reading Athena's Mom's blog, because of two things.

1. Mom minored in Philosophy in college (she isn't as clueless as she appears) and she was familiar with the meaning of the name Athena, she knew that Athena was the Goddess of Wisdom,  it intrigued her to find a cat on a blog with that name.

2. Mom has a "thing" for Tabbies (don'tcha know!?) My Grandpa Bobo was a tabby, and just what do you think that yours truly is?

A Forever Home for Athena is a sweet, touching and fast-read (only 49 pages) that anyone who has ever rescued/adopted a cat will be able to relate to. Kitties? You will appreciate it as well! Have your Mom/human/2-legger whatever you call them, pick up a copy by clicking here. 

Part of the proceeds from this book will be donated to 3 different animal charities.

FROM THE AUTHOR: Adopting the beautiful tabby kitten I have named Athena was the best day of my life and I wanted to share our story with others, mainly to raise awareness and the importance of adopting a pet from an animal shelter, rather than buying one from a breeder. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marie Symeou is an author, cat blogger, animal healer and animal rights advocate. Visit her at www.mariesymeou.com and her blogs, www.purrsfulloflove.com and www.catgoddessathena.blogspot.com

Mom and I were not compensated for this review. All opinions are our own. We were sent a complimentary copy by Marie Symeou to read and review.

Cat Chat presents the Book:Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS:A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, ENTER TO WIN!

As many of you know who have followed Cat Chat for some time now,  I consider myself to be a "cat hobbyist or a pet parent."   As a "cat hobbyist or a pet parent" there are red-flag topics that I felt that I wouldn't broach on his blog, and were better left to those in the cat blogging world that I consider to be "Cat Experts, (either by virtue of their "pedigree" or their life experience)." What topics are those?

Health and Nutrition

I have always felt if I were going to attempt to discuss my red flag topics it would boil down to regurgitating information from the internet, but much of that information is difficult to understand, and taking the time to peruse it? Much worse! For those of you who are like me, "cat hobbyists or pet parents" and need and would like information and guidance from those that ARE "in-the-know", our prayers have been answered! Enter  the book Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock, which I am delighted to say was sent to me by the author, to share with all of YOU!

FROM THE PUBLISHER: Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents by David G. Wellock is timely, informative, and delivers sensible information on topics of importance to all pet owners.  From reading pet food labels to storing food, from understanding appropriate calorie intake to food allergies, David Wellock helps readers better understand the dietary needs of their dogs and cats.

David G. Wellock is a "seasoned expert in the care and feeding of dogs and cats. He provides fact-filled, no nonsense, understandable information on the topics pet parents need to know in order to purchase and prepare food and develop an appropriate diet for their furry charges."

For me, this is not a book that I would sit and read the way I would a novel, rather,  it is an invaluable resource that I will refer to again and again. Take a look at a few of the chapter topics and you will see why:

• The Rise of Pet Foods
• Shopping for your Pet's Food
• How to Read a Pet Food Package
• Nutrition and Osteoarthritis
• Dental Details
• Urinary Disorders
• The Scoop on Poop

Want to know?

• About grain-free diets?
• Red-flag ingredients that should NEVER be in the food that you purchase

One of my personal favorites from this book is a list of:

Dave's Table Scrap Rules:

• Leftovers designated for your pets should consist of lean meats and veggies
• All things in moderation
• Portion control

Just to name a few!

What I love about Dave, (yes, "Dave!"  is that his writing style isn't lecturing, condescending or "preachy", his style is such that you feel as if you can have a conversation with him without feeling intimidated!)  also,  that after fourteen years in the pet food business (he had opened his own store!), he is "still learning about cats and dogs and their nutrition and health issues." Dave says: " Much of the knowledge I have acquired over these years has come to me as a result of interaction with customers and their pets. My store became my school, and my customers and their pets my teachers. My opinions are anecdotal rather than scientific, based on my experiences in dealing with thousands of customers and their pets. Hopefully whatever passes for wisdom and insight on the pages of this book will benefit you, my fellow two-footers, in your dealings with those furry family members sharing your life."

There you have it, a book written for the "cat hobbyist" (as I like to refer to myself) or as Dave lovingly says "parent of a pet" or  "paropet." A book written in language that even I can make sense of, I am certain that you will be able to as well!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David G. Wellock is the owner/operator of a franchised Global Pet Foods store in St.Catharines, Ontario, Canada, where he currently resides.

ONE LUCKY PERSON WHO RESIDES IN THE USA WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY (A $36 value!)!

HOW TO ENTER: just leave a comment telling me what your cat's (or dog's or pig's or whatever!) favorite food is (the "favorite food" can be "people food" or commercial!) The give-away is open NOW and will end TUESDAY JULY 9TH  AT 5PM. Comments that do NOT  follow the requirement will be disqualified. 

WINNER will be chosen by random.org and will be announced THURSDAY, JULY 11th.

Good luck!

If you can't wait to see who wins the contest, you can purchase Health and Nutrition for DOGS and CATS: A Guide for Pet Parents, in either hardcover form or as an ebook by visiting the publisher by clicking here, or visiting Amazon by clicking here, or visiting Barnes & Noble by clicking here. 

Book Review: "Moo Kitty Finds a Home" By Valerie Lee Veltre Just in time for Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month

Precious, heart-warming, hopeful, educational, delightful are just a few words that come to mind when reading Moo Kitty Finds a Home by Author Valerie Lee Veltre.

Cover Photo Courtesy Of
http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/

Moo Kitty Finds a Home is based on a true story of a black and white kitty who bears a resemblance to a Holstein cow, hence the name "Moo".

He spent many years in bliss with his human, until one day, she was called to Heaven.

Moo was heart-broken as any kitty would be. He gazed in fear and shock as strangers came into his home, removed all that was familiar to him, and unceremoniously placed HIM by the trash.

Frightened and feeling alone, Moo is visited briefly by three Angel kitties, an orange cat named Fred, a red and white spotted cat named Calvin, and a Calico named Maybelle. They reassure Moo that they are his guardian angels and will guide him to safety. They let Moo know that even if he doesn't SEE them, they ARE there protecting him every step of the way.

Moo realizes he must rely on hope, faith and courage and BELIEVE that he will one day find a home. He is sad but keeps believing that it WILL happen.

He meets a nice man who feeds him and takes him to a shelter where he makes many new friends. He soon realizes that most of the families that are coming in want to adopt kittens, NOT an older cat.

He watches his kitten friends, even a rabbit and his gray striped cat friend (appropriately named Stripes) all find homes before him.

How long will Moo have to wait to be adopted? You will have to read the book to find out!


This book couldn't be more perfect, since November is Adopt- A -Senior- Pet- Month


"Each year, six to eight million cats and dogs are abandoned in the U.S. They are taken to shelters, left homeless, and in some sad cases, euthanized."

Photo Courtesy of Petfinder.com

The illustrations in Moo Kitty Finds a Home are colorful and fun eye-candy that were lovingly created by Illustrator Liz Leonard.  If you are interested in seeing more of her work you can visit lizleonardillustration.com

Photo Courtesy Of
http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/

It is no surprise that this book is a Mom's Choice Awards Gold Recipient:

"This heart-filled story offers an opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of loss, abandonment, adoption and pet-responsibility in a positive and age-appropriate manner. Adorable in every way!" --The Mom's Choice Awards 

In the back of the book is a section that lists the benefits of adopting an adult pet, some of those are:

• you'll reduce the population of strays on the street by opening shelter space for another animal
• often animals from shelters have already been neutered, wormed and vaccinated
• adult animals are more sedate, making them a practical choice for the elderly and families with children

Kudos to Author Valerie Lee Veltre for writing this heart-warming and educational gem! Rest assured that Moo Kitty is alive and well. He enjoys inspecting his flower garden and can often be found in his favorite chair, napping on his mint green blanket. How do I know this? It was Valerie who rescued Moo Kitty and gave him a forever home!! You can learn more about Valerie by visiting valerieleeveltre.com

Moo Kitty Finds a Home
is for ages 5 and up
ISBN: 978-1-60800-010-4
Published by Squidgy Press
an imprint of:
LifeReloaded Specialty Publishing
LLC, Lancaster, PA

It is available at bookstores, libraries, online and at www.MooKittyFindsAHome.com

BREAKING NEWS from Moo Kitty!!! "Save 20%. Do you know it's adopt a Senior Pet Month? You can help one of our favorite non-profits today!

We've teamed up with Kitten Associates to promote ADULT animal adoption! For every Moo Kitty book sold in November, we will donate $1.

00 to Kitten Associates, Inc.

Follow the link and enter promo code: senior12 to get the 20% discount plus free shipping in the continental US!

http://www.mookittyfindsahome.com/promo1.html

I was sent a copy of Moo Kitty Finds a Home for review purposes. I was not compensated for this review. 

Book Review: "Kitty Cornered:How Frannie And Five Other Incorrigible Cats Seized Control Of Our House And Made It Their Home" by Bob Tarte

There couldn't be a better book to feature on National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week than Kitty Cornered: How Frannie And Five Other Incorrigible Cats Seized Control Of Our House And Made It Their Home by Bob Tarte.

don't let Cody's sleeping
lure you into thinking that
this is a boring book.
This book will have you laughing and you
just might shed a tear or two

While thinking about what I wanted to write for this review, I was wracking my brain trying to remember how I first connected with Bob. If memory serves me correctly, it was through a comment he left on Cat Chat or was it through a connection on Twitter? It doesn't matter,  I clicked on his name, and was led to his book. For me, that was a lucky day indeed!

An added "plus" was that Bob resides in Michigan. A fellow Michigander! After reading his book,  an item that I have now inscribed on my bucket list, is to one day be lucky enough to meet Bob (who in many ways reminds me of my husband) and his (oh my she sounds like me!) wife Linda.

Enough of background info. On to this delightful book.

When I am reading a book for review I have what some would call the annoying habit of "dog-earring" pages that are poignant, funny, that will resonate with my readers and a myriad of other  reasons. In many cases, I am lucky if I have a few pages that are "dog-earred", with Kitty Corner I was faced with a problem of epic proportions. THE ENTIRE BOOK IS "DOG-EARRED"!

What to feature!? What to feature!?

Many of you who live in a multiple cat household can strongly relate to the theory of "we do not find cats, THEY find US." You have experience with cats who have entered your world that are some of the best, and others, not-so-much, or others who you KNOW will become your "soul kitty", they just haven't learned that yet.

Meet the "Cast or (CATS) of Characters!" Whom Bob describes with the understanding and love that parents often use to describe their children.

He celebrates and revels in the unique characteristics of each of his cats and has a most profound understanding of what makes all of them unique and has the ability to describe them through the use of colorful language and imagery.

From Bob Tarte's website:

Agnes: Our original cat who wonders where all of the others came from (aka Aggly-wag)

"Agnes" Photo Courtesy of www.bobtarte.com

Frannie: Nervous white-and-black stray who insists on being petted while she eats (aka Alfalfa Girl, Ferret Face, Francine, The Little Kitty, Miss Pinkie-Winkie Nose, Sunday School Girl, Feline Trotsky)

"Frannie" Photo Courtesy of www.bobtarte.com

Lucy: Snapping crocodile disguised as a ‘diluted tabby’ with a disdain for litter box geometry (aka Fatsy Pats, Lucy Caboosey)

"Lucy" Photo Courtesy of www.bobtarte.com

Maynard: Portly tabby on a nonstop wailing expedition (came to us as Mabel) (aka Mr. Cuddle-Wuddle, Rand McNally, Harold the Barrel, Face)

"Maynard" Photo Courtesy of www.bobtarte.com

Moobie: Aging snow-white cat who sleeps more than Snow White (came to us as Moonbeam) (aka ‘I Want,’ Conehead)

"Moobie" Photo Courtesy of www.bobtarte.com

Tina: Thorn in Frannie’s side with a periscope tail (aka Teena-Weena, Periscope Girl, Tina Louise, Sis, Lump-a-Bump, Puppet Mouth)

"Tina" Photo Courtesy of www.bobtarte.com

Author, Bob Tarte's first experience with a cat happened when he was two years old. It didn't turn out well, but thankfully that incident didn't sour him on cats.

Some 10+ yrs later when Bob's sister, Joan had SIX animals living in her home, this at-the-time-self-professed "bird person" thought "while owning a couple of dogs seemed normal to me, four cats struck me as borderline crazy. I figured that you might as well just move out into a hollow log as live in a house where there were twice as many cats as people."

Bob's life, and outlook would change with his marriage to animal-lover Linda. His home filled with birds needing homes, followed by a parade of cats, some of which  would possibly be left homeless if he didn't take them in, and one "wild child" feral cat that lived in the woods.

One of a host of things that I loved about this book was Bob's self-deprecating humor and sardonic candor. There are a number of instances where he compares events in his life and that of his cats lives to sitcoms, (primarily from the 50s and 60s).

His humorous and loving descriptions of each of his cats will bring a smile to your face: "she was white with mostly black hind legs that made her look as if she were wearing a pair of tights that were falling down."

As you become engrossed with this book, as I did, you will also observe that  Bob developed an uncanny ability to be able to communicate with his cats. All of them. While sometimes portraying himself with a crusty, neurotic, nerdy exterior, this man possesses a heart as soft as the comfy cushions his cats choose to lay on:

"Partly, she had moved me in the same way that any homeless animal would. But I also recognized a special quality in her that resonated with my own temperament. In my scant few seconds observing her, I had identified a kindred spirit, a creature who in spite of her many strengths was apparently as anxiety laden as I was. She was a shadow afraid of a shadow."


For those who might be of the frame of mind that there is only one "Cat Daddy" who is adept at reading the minds and feeling the souls of cats...think again, there is another "Cat Daddy" in town and his name is Bob Tarte.  He just communicates, loves, learns and understands his cats in a more quiet way, in a more CAT-LIKE way.

Upon his first discovering Frannie the feral cat:
"The merest flicker of eye contact had passed between us. But in the brief instant between the crouching and rocketing away, as my cloudy blues met her metallic yellows, I felt the spark of a connection between us. It was a serious crush, though I had no idea at the time how deeply she would set her hooks in me."

From the Publisher: "Bob begins seeing Frannie and the other cats as unlikely instructors in the art of achieving contentment, even in the face of illness and injury. Bewitched by the innate wildness of domesticated cats he realizes that sometimes wildness and mystery are exactly what he needs."

From the moment you open Kitty Cornered, YOU will be experiencing a "serious crush" both on Author Bob Tarte who will make you laugh, make you think, touch your soul as well as your heart, and the cats who reside in HIS home and in HIS heart. I guarantee they will ALL "set their hooks" deeply into you. By reading Kitty Cornered and learning about Bob and his cats, you will learn more about yourself and your cats than you ever thought was possible.

To learn more about Author Bob Tarte, click here

To purchase Kitty Cornered and other books by Author Bob Tarte, click here

Book Review: "Enchanting Lily" by Anjali Banerjee

A few months ago I was lucky enough to win the book Enchanting Lily by Anjali Banerjee from the superb blog, The Conscious Cat which is written by the brilliant Ingrid King and her cats, Ruby and Allegra.

The minute the book arrived I was smitten by  the exquisite white cat who possessed  dual-colored eyes that graced the cover.

I settled down with a cup of coffee for what I knew would be a good read. I wasn't disappointed.

The quote on the first page of the book sets the stage for what is to come:

"The past scampers like an alley cat through the present, leaving the paw prints of memories scattered helter-skelter."
-Charles De Lint, The Onion Girl

The story opens with "Kitty" a neighborhood stray,  (or WAS she?) stopping during her usual travels to take a closer look at the yellow cottage. She senses that someone will soon be arriving, and though that "someone" doesn't realize it yet, she will be moving into the cottage, opening a re-sale shop and will be affected by this ethereal white cat with the dual-colored eyes more than she could imagine.

That "someone"  is Lily Byrne. A 30-almost-40 year old widow who is attempting a new start. Her husband Josh was killed in a car accident just barely a year before.

Seeking a new beginning, Lily leaves San Francisco. Lily drives north, finally ending up on "Shelter Island." (the metaphoric name of this Island did not escape me.)

She stops in a coffee shop and the young barista places a chocolate espresso bean on the lid of her cup and tells her it is "the magic bean". (I couldn't help but think of  Jack and the Beanstalk ) He tells Lily if "she eats the bean anything can happen." " Your wildest dreams fulfilled." Lily ate the bean and "feeling a bit silly, she waited a moment for the magic to take effect, but nothing happened."

Lily and her inner demons and memories take to the road which leads her to the "yellow cottage" "the cottage of her imagination."

Lily must overcome "the paw prints of memories scattered helter-skelter". While going about her daily tasks, she  often imagines that she sees Josh, that she can feel him, hear him and is tormented by the prospect of Josh being hurt if she were to begin dating other men.

Lily's memories aren't the only ones that must be dealt with in this book. The clothing in her consignment shop is fraught with spirits and stories. She meets Ben, the handsome veterinarian, who must come to terms with his feelings and his own memories of his flighty wife. Ben's daughter, Bish, must face and contend with memories of her own.

Ever present throughout this story is "Kitty", the white cat with the dual-colored eyes. "Kitty", the "neighborhood stray" who one senses when reading about the spirit sightings in this book, might just be a spirit herself. A spirit sent to bring customers to Lily's shop, to help them find just the right article of clothing. A spirit sent to soothe Lily's aching heart and to help chase away her haunting memories of Josh. A spirit that offers love and healing in a way that only cats are capable of offering. A spirit that KNOWS the outcome of this story better than Lily, Ben or Bish ever could. Why? Because one strongly senses that it was "Kitty" who made it possible for Lily to meet everyone that she meets in this story.

As Ben said in Enchanting Lily: "Cats bring us down to earth, force us to reevaluate our priorities."

Cats make you want them, need them and fall in love with them, even when you have no intentions of doing so. Did "Kitty" make the same happen for Lily and Ben?

What about the "magic bean?" Did what the barista promised Lily about her "wildest dreams being fulfilled" come to fruition?

You will have to read this gem to find out.




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