Tag Archives: dogs

Book 3 in the Paws & Pose Series is here!

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It’s Christmastime on the exclusive island of Moon Key and Elle Pressley, doga instructor, is excited about her new client—movie star, Talia Hill. But that excitement quickly turns to shock when Ms. Hill’s dog nanny is found dead and her beloved terrier, Ginger, goes missing. With the help of her P.I. boyfriend, Elle leads the search for Ginger.

As suspects pile up, a ransom note arrives demanding a million dollars for the safe return of Ginger. When the ransom drop-off goes horribly wrong, Talia Hill falls into deep despair. Elle is determined to get Ginger back for her but the clock is ticking and an elusive killer holds their fate in his hands. Can she pull off a Christmas miracle?

AMAZON            KOBO            BARNES & NOBLE   

Haven’t read the first two books? No problem, here they are:

FAUX PAS (Book 1) HERE                                                   HIGH JINX (Book 2) HERE

*(paperback coming soon)

And good news: As my health has improved enough that I can write a bit again, I will be working on PUSHING UP DAISIES (Pet Psychic Book 5). I think this is going to be a good year. Happy Holidays, everyone! 

Cover Reveal & Giveaway!

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It’s finally time to reveal the secret project I’ve been working on for Severn House and TAAA DAAAAA!!! Here is the cover:

Isn’t it soooo cute?! I have to tell you, I was a bit worried when they said they weren’t going with the traditional illustrated cover (at least it’s traditional here in the US for cozies) but I really love the cover they came up with. It sets the perfect atmosphere for the story. And what is the story? So glad you asked. Here’s the blurb:

Introducing ‘doggie-yoga’ instructor Elle Pressley, in the first Paws & Pose Mystery – featuring canine cuties, Florida sunshine, a sexy Irish PI . . . and murder.

Doga instructor Elle Pressley just wants to teach her classes at Moon Key’s Pampered Pup Spa & Resort in peace and save money to move out of her crazy mother’s house. But when her deceased childhood dog, Angel, shows up, she knows she’s about to be in danger. Sure enough, one of her clients winds up dead, and Elle is pulled head first into the investigation. For the prime suspect is Dr. Ira Craft . . . the husband of Elle’s best friend, Hope.

Elle is determined to clear Ira’s name, for Hope’s sake, and she enlists the help of Irish private investigator Devon Burke. But someone is determined to stop Elle from uncovering the truth. And now that Devon’s involved, it’s not just Elle’s life that’s in danger: her heart is too . . .

What do ya think? Sound like a story you want to cozy up to? (See what I did there :-))

Well, if so here’s the details:

It will be available in the US & as an e-book on December 1st. PREORDER
UK folks can order it on Aug 31st or PREORDER
[pinit]
Now the fun part… the super cute doga beach-tote giveaway!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY you just need to leave a comment below with the email address you’d like to use to receive my newsletter. (I only send them when there’s a new release or contest)

Also, if you want me to put your name in the hat twice, you can like my Facebook page here as a bonus. (Mention that you did this in your comment)

That’s it!

I’ll randomly select a winner on Tuesday, August 18th. The winner will be notified by email and also be announced on my Facebook Page.

Go forth and enter & good luck!

Are you on Pinterest? Want a peek at my inspiration for this book? Just go HERE

Five Things You Can Learn From A Pet Owner

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As we prepare to add another dog to our family, I’ve been thinking about how much pets give back to us. They add layers and richness to our existence, they teach us about ourselves and deepen the human experience. I am feeling especially grateful for all the animals that have passed through my life, so I thought I’d share a few of the things I’ve learned as a pet owner:

  • The physical stuff we fill our homes with isn’t what’s important. We settle for duct taping our couch instead of buying a new one, buying clothes and carpets that match our pet hair so its less noticeable, instead of being fashionable or trendy.

pet camouflage!

 

  • The most important judge of character is how you treat other living beings. While we realize not everyone is an animal lover, you will lose humanity points with us for ignoring our pets when you’re in their home. If you can’t be bothered to give a little affection to an animal, we probably don’t want you around our children, either.

  • Nonverbal communication is just as important as what you say. Knowing what your pet needs by reading their body language is an acquired skill, one that is useful in dealing with people, also.

photo by Dani Jace WanaCommons

 

  • Don’t be afraid of love. We put our hearts out there, knowing pets aren’t blessed with our long life spans. There will be heartbreak at the end of our journey together but love is what makes life worthwhile.

Photo by Amber West WanaCommons

  • Love requires attention. It is not a passive emotion, love is a verb. The nudge of a cold nose when it’s time for a play break is a great reminder.

Time to play yet?

“All animals except man know that the ultimate of life is to enjoy it.” -Samuel Butler

What have you learned as a pet owner? Please share!

Dear Abby…

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Happy Monday! The day I get to do more than roll over and sneak on the couch…I get to answer your questions! Woof!

Our guests today are the fantasy and sci-fi writer Samantha Warren and her furry friend, Bunny Boop. Samantha likes socks and I like socks, so I like Samantha. Woof! Here’s her bunny’s question:

“Dear Abbey, I’ve recently discovered how much fun it is to chase cats. If they get too close, all I have to do is run right at them and they race out of the room. The silly things are so… scared of me, it’s great. Do you have any advice for a budding cat-chaser, maybe how to get around that big box my mommy put in the doorway so I can’t chase the cats all over the house? Yours truly, Bunny Boop”

Abbey says: You are the first bunny I’ve ever seen. I had to ask mom some questions about you. She said that like me, bunny’s are pack animals and need to know who’s in charge of the pack. Apparently in your house, you are! Cats are built differently and don’t care who’s top dog…or, er, top bunny. So, snuggle, chase, hop and sniff your little heart out. Oh, and about the big box…use your teeth. I’ve chewed through tougher barriers…but you didn’t hear that from me.

Mom says: This is inspiring. If predator and prey can live together in peace, maybe there’s hope for us humans! Do you agree?

(*If you’d like to ask “Dear Abbey” a question, please send it to my mom: soespo (at) gmail.com with a picture of your pet.)

Dear Abbey…

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It’s Monday! That means time for another question answered by moi, Abbey (see pic above, I think my mom captured my smart side)

Today’s question comes to us from Maggie and her human Diane Capri.  Diane is a best selling author with a license to thrill! (That must look pretty snazzy on your collar, Miss Diane!)

Maggie says:

“Dear Abbey, I hesitate to write to you because the object of my question is a pesky Yorkie named Abby. She’s coming to visit soon and she’ll stay six weeks. During that time, she wants to play with my toys and sleep in my bed and mostly, take all the attention. How can I get rid of her?”

Here’s a pic of Abby:

Abbey (moi) says: Hmmm. I’m not sure what weeks are but that sounds like a long time to have to share your toys, bed and human! Woof! I think you’re going to have to pull out all the stops. (You don’t know how to operate one of those car things do you? I once knew a dog who went “for a ride” and never came back!) No? Okay then.

I see that you’re holding up your paw. This is actually a very good trick to use to get your human’s attention. When you walk around, hold up that paw and look at your human with very sad eyes and if you can–throw in little whimpers. She’ll be sayin’ “Abby who?” in no time! (She does have a cool name, though. Maybe she’s not so bad if you give her a chance.)

If that doesn’t work…I know a cat who may be able to help you!

What about you? Have you had house guests that brought pets along? Share your tails..er…tales with us!

(*If you’d like to ask “Dear Abbey” a question, please send it to my mom: soespo (at) gmail.com with a picture of your pet.)

Dear Abbey…

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Greeting humans! I’m Abbey and my mom says I’m so smart I should have my own guest blog to answer questions from you or your pets! First a bit about me:

My family rescued me when I was only 5 weeks old. I have two human brothers who like to wrestle on the floor, one canine sister (who gets a bit grumpy with all my puppy energy), a dad who is the head of the pack and a mom who lets me sneak on the couch when he’s not home. Now back to you!

Our first question is asked by Gia. Gia’s human is the lovely Ginger Calem. You can visit her HERE.

“Gia would like to ask Abbey if this vest makes her butt look big?”

Abbey says: Woof! Hey, mom…this screen isn’t scratch and sniff?? (Mom says: No!) Well, Gia, I think your butt looks mucho inviting.  I’d sniff it any day. (That’s how we find out about each other’s temperament to see if we can be friends, ya know.  A much easier technique than all that yappin’ humans do.) I think you look positively woofy but, my mom says she wouldn’t be caught dead with flower patterns on her hieny at the dog park. (My mom needs to share those treats she eats in front of me at night.)  Anyway, humans think we’re color blind but we’re not. The scoop is we just see two primary colors (blue & yellow) instead of three (red, blue & yellow).

So, there you have it, Gia! I give your butt five woofs!

What was the silliest thing you’ve ever dressed your pet up in? How did they react?

(*If you’d like to ask “Dear Abbey” a question, please send it to my mom: soespo (at) gmail.com with a picture of your pet.)