Black Cats & Contest Winner!

Thank you to Layla Morgan Wilde - Cat Wisdom 101

It's October and thoughts are turning to Halloween. Well, they were turning to Halloween a lot earlier because the stores have had all sorts of Halloween paraphernalia on display for weeks. By the time most holidays arrive it's easy to get sick of them. 

Halloween holds some special cautions for pet owners. We don't want them getting sick from candy, getting frightened by children in costumes or having to wear a costume and go out with the kids Trick or Treating. Some dogs are fine with it, some are not. Most cats can think of a better way to spend the evening than having the doorbell ringing all evening. A lot of dogs feel that way, too.  If you're going to keep opening the door, be sure that your dogs and cats are put into another room with food water, a radio or TV on and some toys to keep them occupied for the few hours when you'll be opening the door. Be sure to do this if you are hosting a Halloween party in your home. Better safe than sorry.

One problem with Halloween is that people intent on doing harm to black cats, perhaps using them in some sort of ritual, will try to adopt them around that date. Shelters, by and large, will not adopt out black cats around that time.  It's a wise decision.

Thanks to Layla Morgan Wilde -
Cat Wisdom 101

What is not wise, however, is thinking black cats are bad luck.  It's a ridiculous old wives' tale and one that should have been put to rest centuries ago. Are you aware that in the U.K., among other countries, black cats are considered to be good luck?!  There are few things quite as beautiful as a sleek, black cat, shiny coat and eyes lovingly looking at you. 

It's beyond sad that black cats (and black dogs!) in the U.S. are overlooked for adoption. Love comes in all colors so why ignore a perfectly wonderful prospective family member because of color?

Please think about giving a black cat a new lease on life with a loving, safe home. She or he will return that love countless times over.

Here's a little Halloween fun from the adorable Havanese, Jasmine, her Mommy and some of their friends:

           
                                                 Thanks to CJ and Jasmine Jackson

 Now for the news you've been waiting for; the winner of last week's contest to win a copy of Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me by Cynthia L. Copeland, published by Workman Publishing.

The winner is:  Nancy Dionne.  

Please contact me via my website: www.darlenearden.com with your address so the nice people at Workman Publishing cat get the book right off to you!

Book Review & Contest: Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me

Every once in awhile a wonderful gift book comes along and I'm inclined to think: Why didn't I write that? Well, this time it's because Cynthia L. Copeland wrote Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me, published by Workman Publishing.

Loaded with wonderful pictures and practical advice that's charmingly illustrated by the assortment of dogs gracing its pages, this book entertains, amuses and, for a gift book, makes a great deal of sense.

Cindy & Teddy @Colleen Krause

With her own adorable dog Teddy helping to serve as her muse, or perhaps by example, Copeland sets out to write a charming collection of thoughts. Not exactly the researched tome most of us reach for (or write), this book is just plain fun while giving some food for thought.

The photos, by a number of photographers listed at the end of the book in such minuscule type I thought I'd need a Guide Dog to read it, have captured dogs at their very best, from puppy eyes to joyous abandonment, to my personal favorite, an utterly adorable photo of a little Yorkshire Terrier, on his back virtually begging for a tummy rub. As a long-time Yorkie "mother," I kept going back to the picture and then discovered, to my utter delight, the photo is on the back cover.  If I have one wish it is that the photographers names were published on the same page as their photos. They deserve that very present credit.

©Rita Kochmarjova/fotolia

Looking at the dog shaking off water has to bring a smile, as does the Komondor at full run towards the camera, his locks flying as he speeds along at full tilt.  Photos also run to the serious. It's hard to look at the black and white photo of the Military Dogs and their handlers jumping out of a helicopter without remembering that they are full members of the military with a job to do, just like their human counterparts, except they don't volunteer for the job.

There's the dog with three legs, the old dog with his elderly human and so much more. It's a book to read and re-read. With the holidays coming, it would make a wonderful gift for the dog lovers in your life.

My Chartreux, Aimee, thinks she should write the Cat version if they decide to publish one. She believes cats have equal rights. I suspect I know whose help she would employ.

©Tim Kitchen/The Image Bank/Getty Images

Published by Workman Publishing in New York, this 170 page book retails for a modest $12.95 at brick and mortar bookstores and online:  http://tinyurl.com/ku2486k

Now for the really exciting news: Workman Publishing will send a copy of Really Important Stuff My Dog Has Taught Me by Cynthia L. Copeland to one lucky winner! If YOU would like to win that copy, post a comment here. The winner will be chosen by random. This is restricted to U.S. residents. Remember to check back on Monday to see if you are the winner!

NOTE:  I was not financially compensated for this review. I was only provided with a review copy of the book and .jpg photos to use in this blog. The contents of this blog are mine.