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Thursday, July 31, 2014

Writing Process Blog Tour






I've been reading with great interest all of the entries in the Writing Process Blog Tour, and have been asked to participate by Oz the Terrier. Oz is a Cairn terrier, just like Toto in The Wizard of Oz. He lives in South Florida after being rescued from a puppy mill, and now spends his time blogging about his great outdoor adventures, pet rescue, and he even writes poetry and limericks! His Writing Process Blog Tour post can be found here.






The 3 Questions:

What am I working on? Over the next 6 weeks we're going to be celebrating our 3rd blogoversary, my birthday, and most importantly, Truffles' very first Gotcha Day!!! We're planning some exciting events that I hope everyone will enjoy.

Why do I write what I do? I can't remember a time when the most important things in my life weren't cats and books. When I was a little girl in my playpen I had a cat in one corner and a stack of books in the other...and over 30 years later not much has changed. They are as essential to me as the air I breathe, and merging my two loves into this blog has become my absolute passion.

How does my writing process work? Honestly, I don't have one. Some posts I plan well in advance, others I put together at the very last minute. Ideas are always simmering in my head. I really need to keep a notepad by my bed because many ideas come to me as I try to go to sleep and then by morning they are lost forever. I am inspired by other bloggers, the books I read, news stories, but most of all by Truffles. My favorite posts inevitably come from something utterly adorable she does that I'm lucky enough to snap a picture of and just can't wait to share with the world!

My 3 Nominees:


Who doesn't know and love Glogirly, Katie, and Waffles? They are our blogging heroes! Wouldn't you love to go behind-the-scenes of how they create their hysterical blog posts? I know I would!


One Eye On the Future is the blog of Selina, a beautiful one-eyed kitty who lives in North Carolina. She was rescued from a ritzy country club golf course after the mean humans there laughed as they watched her try to catch a chipmunk for something to eat and miss because she had only one eye to see. She found her happily ever in her forever home with wonderful mom Laura..







The Cat Post Intelligencer is written by gorgeous chocolate point Siamese Chey, whose interests lie in living a natural, healthy life, books and artwork. Chey's human Bonnie is even the author of a series of fantasy novels! I love Chey's quote: "I put the "Me" in SiaMEse."

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

(Mostly) Wordless Wednesday: Top Secret

Anyone care to guess what's inside this super cool box? 

Mommy said I can't play in this box...she wants to keep it to store something special.

Piffle. It came for ME, Mommy!!!


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Summer Safety Tips Infographic from #Pet360

We are NOT big fans of summer here at our house. You would think that in northern Vermont we would be free from yucky heat and humidity, but that is not the case at all. Tara had very thick fur and suffered terribly in the summer. I would brush enough fur out of her on a regular basis to make another cat but she would still lie around the house prostrate from the heat. When I adopted Truffles I thought she wouldn't mind the heat because her fur is very short and thin, but she much prefers cozying up in her blankies during the fall and winter too.

Our favorite way to stay cool is to stay inside in front of the fans and air conditioning. The following photos are a couple of my favorites of Tara. I kept a small desk fan near her at all times, and one day I looked over to see her back legs straddling the fan, her little hips moving as it turned back and forth. How I wish I had videotaped it because it was absolutely priceless!!!



She was quite the little exhibitionist, wasn't she?

The importance of staying safe and keeping cool in the summer cannot be stressed enough, and we're happy to share this Summer Safety Tips infographic detailing some of the top recommendations for keeping your furry friends out of harm’s way, compiled by Pet360‘s Chief Pet Parenting Expert, Rose Hamilton, and SheKnows.




Monday, July 28, 2014

For Tails Only: Exclusive Pet Boutique



I think most pet parents enjoy shopping for their fur babies. I'm a bit of a shopaholic myself and nothing makes me happier than finding a fun new toy or treat to bring home to Truffles. I especially love finding cute little pet boutiques that offer unique items that just can't be found in your everyday big box stores. Today I'm excited to tell you about For Tails Only, an Exclusive Pet Boutique. The only company of it's kind. For Tails Only is a direct sales organization selling products for pets and pet lovers.

Here's a little more about them from their website:

“For Tails Only™ is a woman-owned company for the pet lover. After seeing so many news reports about treats and food, poisoning our beloved best friends, the idea was born. For Tails Only™ is an exclusive pet boutique carrying treats made of the finest ingredients from the USA, grooming and bath products, unique pet toys, gifts and more. Our product line puts your pet’s health and safety first. We have searched far and wide to offer items you won’t find in your average pet store or super center. The goal of For Tails Only™ is to make your life easier by offering regular auto shipping of freshly baked treats right to your door on a bi-weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly basis. Our products will definitely get some tails wagging!!"

In addition to the pawsome shopping, you can host a pet paw-ty to earn free and discounted pet products, and have the opportunity to turn your love for animals into a part-time or full time income. Have you ever dreamed of owning your own pet business? I know I have. They are looking for handlers nationwide! You can contact Founding Independent Handler Taylor Rivera at Lilpawpeep@fortailsonly.net or on her Facebook page for more info.



Taylor recently asked us if we would like to try a couple products available through For Tails Only. She sent us Imperial Cat's Knitted Mice Trio w/ Organic Catnip and a FUNKitty Egg-cersizer.

Truffles LOVES these mice!!! They are so soft and cuddly, perfect for snagging with her claws and batting the stuffing out of! You know a toy is loved when it turns up in unusual spots around the house, and I'm finding these little cuties lying around everywhere! (Don't you just love the paw action in the photo below???)


The Egg-cersizer I specifically picked out for her because her two favorite things are treats and balls. Surprisingly, she's been slow to warm up to it! Granted, I pretty much always give her a little treat when she asks for one, so when I put her treats in the Egg-cersizer she looks at me as though questioning why she suddenly has to "work" for them. Her playtime has definitely decreased in the summer heat, though, so I'm going to keep trying come cooler weather. (This toy would be great to help cats that eat their food too fast and then throw it up to eat more slowly, and for overweight kitties to get a little workout while noshing their vittles!)


You can connect with For Tails Only on their website, Facebook, and Pinterest. I guarantee you'll find something for the special pet or pet lover in your life!

Disclosure: We received these toys at no cost for the purpose of this spotlight and review. All opinions are our own.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

Cat's Meow Mews & Mailbox #46














Cat's Meow Mailbox is inspired by the great weekly recap book memes (Mailbox MondayWaiting On WednesdayIt’s Monday! What are you reading? and Sunday Post)


This week we have so enjoyed the goings on during the Catastic Event at our friend The Maaaaa of Pricilla's blog. Truffles was very excited to be the guest blogger on Monday (if you missed it, you can read it here), and to celebrate Pricilla's Publicist's birthday, she is holding a commentathon to benefit AniMeals. $1 for every comment left here. I just love the blogging community!

Last week on Mochas, Mysteries and Meows:
* Truffles Interviews...Bentley & Pierre from M.K. Clinton's The Returns
* Chewy.com Review: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats
* National Hot Dog Day
* The Colony Cat Caper by Patricia Fry: Guest Author & Giveaway
* Bitter Chocolate Book Tour with Dawn Greenfield Ireland: Guest Author & Giveaway
Caturday Art: Wet Whiskers


Bought:
The Mystery Of David's Bridge Vintage: A Novel

For Review Consideration:
Clam Wake: A Bed-and-Breakfast Mystery Death, Taxes, and Silver Spurs (Tara Holloway Series #7)

Kindle Freebies:
Healthy Paws Begonia Means Beware The Secret Diary of Adrian Cat Dead in the Stacks: The Curious Librarian Cozy Mystery #1 Sugar and Spice and Not So Nice A Pedigree to Die For (Melanie Travis Series #1) A-Z Emergency First Aid for Dogs and Cats: The complete resource for Dog and Cat owners, carers and professionals - all in alphabetical order Coming Unclued Mina's Amazing Adventures - The Riddle of the Red Squirrel  A Tangled Mess: A Cozy Mystery (An Annie Addison Cozy Mystery Book 2)

NetGalley:
   

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Caturday Art: Wet Whiskers

Hey everybody, it's Truffles!

This week we're combining Athena's Caturday Art blog hop with the PhotoHunt theme of "wet".

We're actually having a pretty dry summer this year. (Of course, now they're predicting rain this weekend!) Last summer from Memorial Day to July 4th we had something like 17 inches of rain, so we much prefer the dry weather.

That being said, do I look sufficiently wet and miserable in this picture? Don't worry...it's just an effect. Mommy would never put me out in the rain :)




Friday, July 25, 2014

Bitter Chocolate Book Tour with Dawn Greenfield Ireland: Guest Author & Giveaway

Bitter Chocolate
What inspired this chocolate-themed culinary cozy series
Bitter Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland ~ Virtual Book Tour
When you grow up in a family of chocolate lovers who are rattled when the supply has run out, it affects you. I’ve found old battered squares of Hershey’s dark chocolate nuggets in my old purses and briefcases destined for the recycle bin. Of course they were rescued – the purses and briefcases can go, but not the chocolate!
I knew when the idea of the story came to me those characters had to be chocolate lovers. If Bernie was going to be the patriarch of the family he needed something that would never go out of style to end his company. Chocolate sounded like the best investment.

To be honest, I’m not sure how the food and cooking became such an important part of the writing. All I know is that those characters knew best and I’m glad they had such great appetites. I supplied the recipes and they cooked the meals and fed everyone who showed up.
Oh, and that marshmallow fluff – that was my mother’s favorite for her cup of hot chocolate. Everyone in the family always seems to have one jar on hand at all times!

*****************
About Bitter Chocolate: The characters you loved in Hot Chocolate are back with more escapades of life in Houston’s wealthy River Oaks.

Lila Mae is in a tizzy over the Chocolate Ball – a huge event that she and her sisters, Dorothea and Madge, host every year. But due to unusual circumstances, Dorothea and Madge dump everything in Lila Mae’s lap. If it weren’t for Julian Gillespie of Event Is King, the Chocolate Ball would have melted.

Bernie, the Alcott sisters’ 92-year old father, decides he wants his Bentley back. The sisters and Bambi are horrified. They hire Joseph’s cousin Chewie as Bernie’s new chauffeur.

Wolfram, Lila Mae’s new astrologer, gives clues of things to come. This leaves Lila Mae and her sidekick Amelia with brows furrowed.

On her day off, Amelia decides to bake a chocolate blueberry pie. She discovers she needs to make a grocery run. When she returns home, she discovers her kitchen door is slightly ajar. Arms loaded with groceries, she toes the door open. 

Three things catch her attention: a vase of flowers on the kitchen island that was not there when she left the house, her marble rolling pin covered with blood… and a dead body on her kitchen floor.

Amelia’s eyes drift toward the dining room and beyond – is the house empty, or is there a murderer in the house? She backs up, turns and hurries outside. After setting the bags on the ground, she slips back into the kitchen and snaps a picture of the dead guy. Then she calls Detective Chance Walker, Lila Mae and finally… 9-1-1.

About Dawn Greenfield Ireland:
Dawn Ireland is the CEO of Artistic Origins Inc, a 100% woman-owned publishing and technical writing service company that has been doing business since 1995. She’s an award winning independent publisher and author of The Puppy Baby Book , Mastering Your Money, and Amazon Best Seller Hot Chocolate (the first in the series, and her fifth novel). The Hot Chocolate audio book was awarded the AudioFile Earphones Award on Valentine’s Day 2014.

Her family feature film screenplay A Girl and Her Dog was awarded a Kids First! Endorsement by the Coalition for Quality Children’s Media in October 2012 and optioned by Shadow Cave Productions in February 2013.

Originally from Feeding Hills, MA, Dawn migrated to San Antonio in 1968, then when her first son was one years old, her family moved to Houston where work was more plentiful. After 40+ years of heat and humidity, she has her sights on the Pacific NW.

Dawn is the co-author of the animated screenplay Memoirs of a Dog which won the Spirit Award of the Moondance Film Festival (children’s category) September 2011. Her dark comedy Plan B was a finalist in the Table Read My Screenplay script competition in 2010 and years before that, Standing Dead won the Women in Film and Television (Houston Chapter) screenplay award.

Stay tuned for The Last Dog (futuristic/sci-fi 2015), and Spicy Chocolate (2016).

www.dawnireland-writer.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dawnireland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawn.ireland.18/friends
Google+: https://plus.google.com/114089201888216130985/posts

Buy Bitter Chocolate:
Amazon

Giveaway: Leave a comment by noon eastern on Friday, August 1st for the chance to win an ebook copy of Bitter Chocolate; open internationally.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

The Colony Cat Caper by Patricia Fry: Guest Author & Giveaway

The Colony Cat Caper (Klepto Cat Mystery #5)
Meet Dolly, a Charming Newcomer to the Klepto Cat Mystery Series

Hi everyone, I’m Dolly and I’m new to the Klepto Cat Mystery stories. I’m told that Truffles has been reading about me and was interested in knowing more about me. Since Patricia doesn’t let me talk in the stories she writes, I’m thrilled to have this platform. (Thank you Truffles—you magnificent tortie, you.)

My beginnings are a bit of a mystery, even to me. I remember, as a kitten, being with my mom and three brothers, but not in a home. We lived outdoors with other cats. I rather enjoyed exploring outside the ravine where we lived. And one day, when I was a bigger kitten, I guess I traveled too far because I couldn’t remember how to get back to my mom. I’ll never forget that day. I was so frightened, especially when it got dark and there was nothing to eat. I didn’t know if I should hide myself or keep searching for my family. Before I could decide, another much older cat found me. He wasn’t particularly friendly, but he wasn’t mean, either. I decided to hang out with him and ultimately followed him to a house where other cats like me lived. They didn’t live inside the house, mind you, but outside, under the house. A human named Colbi lived in the house and she fed the cats every day. She started feeding me, too. She even gave me a name. But it wasn’t Dolly. That name came later.

One day I woke up not feeling very well. I didn’t have the energy to play or explore. I didn’t even feel like eating. About the same time, Colbi left and didn’t come back for many days. Before long, a man came to feed us. He’d come every day and fill our bowls with food and water. One day he saw me watching him and he began watching me back. He seemed to know something was wrong with me and he tried to grab me. I was frightened, but too weak to fight. So I ended up in his large hands. It was cold and I was shivering, so he tucked me inside his jacket. That was a nice warm place to be. Then he drove me someplace and gave me to another man who took care of me until I felt better. His name was Dr. Michael Ivey—a veterinarian.

When I was better, the other man, Damon, came back and got me and took me to live inside his house for a while. I didn’t mind. I quickly learned that it sure is easier to live inside with people who pet you and feed you than living outside with all of the dangers, rain, and uncertainty.

Colbi finally came home and when she did, she took me to live at Rags’s house with her for a while. You see, she’d been through something horrific and needed time and space to heal. She said I was helping her heal. I was glad to have a job. And it was such a happy one.

Rags and I made friends right away. He’s one cool cat. I was only about four months old when I met Rags, but I knew right away that I wanted to grow up to be a girl version of him. I haven’t solved any mysteries yet, but I suggest you keep reading this series of books, because it could happen.

My one claim to fame, so far, besides being adorable and irresistible and smart—oh and athletic, is the time I “found” a picture in a purse. I didn’t know I had done anything special. In fact, I was pretty sure I was going to be in trouble. Rags sometimes gets in trouble for snooping in ladies’ purses. The lady belonging to this purse, however, was no lady—but then that’s for another story and another time.

To find out how my discovery helped solve a small mystery around the larger mystery, you gotta read our latest book, The Colony Cat Caper. Yes, I think I’ve got what it takes to be a crime investigator and maybe one day I’ll be publicly recognized by the sheriff’s department like Rags was. You know he’s gonna star in a movie. Ooops, I may be talking out of turn. That story hasn’t been published yet.

Well, Truffles, thanks again for inviting me to tell my story. I hope your admirers enjoy it. I’d better get back to what I do best—run and tumble up and down the stairs, summersault off the last step, and play hide-and-seek behind the curtains and under the sofa cushions. Colbi and Damon think I’m sometimes playing with imaginary cat friends. Maybe they’re right. I’m not telling. But at the end of the day, I sure do love cuddling up with my favorite people and getting a gentle tummy rub. I love my people. I just wish that all of our kind—all cats everywhere—could live in a nurturing and safe world like we do, don’t you, Truffles?

For those of you who want to get to know me better, here’s the link to the Klepto Cat Mystery series. http://amzn.to/1kAI8I2

Patricia Fry, author, book editor, consultant:
http://www.patriciafry.com
Books by Patricia Fry:
http://www.matilijapress.com

Author of novel series: Klepto Cat Mysteries
Available now: "Catnapped," "Cat-Eye Witness,"
"Sleight of Paw," "Undercover Cat" and NEW "The Colony Cat Caper" at Amazon.com

Blogs: http://www.matilijapress.com/publishingblog
http://www.matilijapress.com/catscapades

*****************************

About The Colony Cat Caper: Savannah Ivey, a veterinarian out on maternity leave; her aunt Margaret, the founder of the Hammond Cat Alliance; and Colbi Stanton, a reporter for the local newspaper take on a cat colony at an old, abandoned building. Odd activity around the place makes them wonder if it actually is vacant; some believe it’s occupied by something other-worldly. When a stranger comes to town and suggests the Alliance open the old building to a fund-raiser, everyone gets involved, including Rags, Savannah’s kleptomaniac cat. He finds something that day that stirs a lot of people—both law-abiding and crooks—into action. Are the feral cats and their caretakers in serious danger? What (or who) lurks inside the old building? What secrets does it hide? And who has the key that unlocks the mystery?

Giveaway: Patricia is generously offering one lucky commenter THREE Klepto Cat Mysteries in either Kindle or print. (Only Catnapped, Cat-Eye Witness, and Sleight of Paw are available in print.) Contest ends at noon eastern on Wednesday, July 30th.

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

National Hot Dog Day


Truffles: Run for the hills, everybody! Mommy's in the kitchen!!!

Melissa: Oh, stop being so dramatic, Truffles! I can hold my own in the kitchen.

Truffles: Hah! You almost KILLED me yesterday afternoon! You dropped a big piece of onion on me and onions are POISONOUS to kitties!

Melissa: Sweetie, you were laying on the kitchen floor while I was chopping an onion. A small piece landed on you. I picked it up immediately. You were hardly in any danger. Now why don't you calm down and tell everybody about our little friend.

Truffles: He's cute, isn't he? Many of our readers may not know that Mommy's favorite breed of dog is the dachshund. (I actually wouldn't be too surprised if I end up having to live with one someday.) The little stuffie in the picture with me is a doxie dressed as a wiener made by Annalee Dolls, a popular manufacturer of dolls in New Hampshire. When we heard that today was National Hot Dog Day, we decided that he would be a fun way to celebrate.

Melissa: And if it's okay with you, Truffles, I would like to share with our readers my favorite recipe involving hot dogs. (It's actually what I was making last night when your tragic story occurred.)

A tradition here in Vermont is the Charlie's Red Hot, which is sort of our version of the Michigan hot dog. I've tweaked the original to my taste, and it's one of my favorite treats. 

All it involves is 1/4 pound of cooked hamburg, a chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire Sauce, a beef bouillon cube, and a 1/2 cup of water. I combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan, heat it through and then let it simmer until the water is gone. Then just smother the top of your hot dog with the sauce.

It's REALLY good and makes your kitchen smell great too...it's not for kitties, though!


How do you like your hot dogs?


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Chewy.com Review: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats


Hey everybody, Truffles at the keyboard! One day last week while I was taking my afternoon siesta, the UPS man brought me a package! Knowing how exhausted I get being so adorable all the time, Mommy wisely waited until I woke up to tell me. Just between you me: my new goodies from Chewy.com would have been worth cutting my nap short for! This is what I got:


Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon Grain-Free Cat Treats

Cats who are pretty good deserve a bite of chicken. Cats who are on their absolute best behavior… chicken AND salmon are the treats of choice. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken & Salmon Grain-Free Cat Treats combine two popular proteins in one soft and chewy treat. Wilderness Chicken & Salmon Cat Treats contain whole ground potatoes for complex carbs and are naturally preserved with mixed tocopherols—no artificial preservatives or fillers here!

Key Benefits
  • Grain-free treats mirror the diet cats eat in the wild
  • Great for cats with sensitive stomachs
  • Rosemary freshens breath and reduces allergies
  • Naturally preserved and made in the USA

At first Mommy was a little concerned because usually my tummy is quite sensitive to anything with fish in it, but she cautiously gave me just a few to try and I absolutely LOVED them. Happily, my tummy did too! No issues there at all. These treats also come in Chicken & Trout, Chicken & Duck, and Chicken & Turkey, so I'm looking forward to trying out all the other flavors too!

Chewy.com is pure heaven for a little treat junkie like me!!!


Disclosure: We received a free package of treats for review; all opinions are our own.

Monday, July 21, 2014

Truffles Interviews...Bentley & Pierre from M.K Clinton's The Returns


Hey everybody, Truffles at the keyboard! Have I ever got a treat for you today! I'm interviewing Bentley & Pierre, stars of one of our favorite dog blogs, Barking from the Bayou, and of their Mom M.K. Clinton's exciting new mystery series, The Returns. (Mommy!!! When are going to start writing a book starring ME???)

Make sure you leave a comment because one lucky person is going to win their choice of a paperback or ebook copy of The Returns! 

I hope you enjoy the interview...

Truffles: Welcome, boys! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog. Can you explain to my readers what The Returns are and how you can join this exclusive group?

Bentley: “We are happy to visit with you. We read your blog and enjoy it. Mom is a caffeine fiend, reading mysteries and cats so she loves Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows! The tricky thing about being a Return is that you have to be a human who dies before they have finished their life’s work.”

Pierre: “It’s true; we were all humans that met an unexpected death. We were sent to Heaven’s Return Department and they sent us back as dogs. It’s all very hush-hush because humans would freak out to know that there were so many of us along with angels walking around."

Truffles: Please introduce yourselves and tell us how you came to be in your current situations. 

Bentley: “Oh how silly of me. I am Bentley Clanton, a former FBI Agent now living life as a Basset Hound. I took a bullet as a human that was meant for my partner. I still have my Badge #7 on my side so it’s all good.”

Pierre: “Perhaps you have heard of me in my human form. Pierre Sinclair was a fabulous designer of haute’ couture fashion and my designs were on some of the most beautiful people in the world. I am also a gourmet chef and the brains behind the Returns as a computer guru."

Truffles: How about your other furry cohorts...what are their stories? 

Bentley: “Tucker is a former Navy SEAL, but now he’s a Golden Retriever. He loves to laugh, give high fives, and swim. You know how Goldens are, they look on the bright side of everything.”

Pierre: “That leaves me describing Bones. Hmmm, how can I put this delicately? Bones is now a feisty Chihuahua, but he was the World Champion Featherweight Boxer back when he was human. I think he suffers from short dog syndrome, but he is a great little guy. It is sometimes hard to understand him, because he just learned to speak English. He likes to work on cars and talk about kicking butt."

Truffles: How do you feel about kitties? 

Bentley: “We love kitties. Miss Gitty is our Guardian Angel’s mentor and she keeps us on our toes. She is a straight shooter and often gives us advice on our cases or problems.”

Pierre: “Of course our friend Amos is a black cat from the lower Ninth Ward. He was just a teenager when he was killed during Hurricane Katrina. The cat is a great friend and helps us with our cases. He knows people that know people if you catch my drift. Amos can get his paws on just about anything. We are a diverse group, but show that things like breed, color, or sex is not a deciding factor in becoming best friends. The Returns believe it is what is in your heart that matters."

Truffles: What is life like in the Big Easy? 

Bentley: "New Orleans is the best place for great food, fun atmosphere, and parties. It gets awfully hot in the summer and it rains, but we don’t complain. Like most big cities, there is crime and that is where we can help."

Pierre: "Oh, the French Quarter is my favorite place in New Orleans. We take trips into town and walk around Jackson Square and along the streets to see the tourists. I love the jazz music, the ornate wrought iron balconies, and the parades. It is a very dog friendly city."

Truffles: Can you tell us about your real life counterparts? 

Bentley: "The real Bentley is a cool Basset Hound and really does have a number 7 on his side. His mom loves him very much. Tucker was her Golden Child and Bentley’s best friend; he misses him every day. Miss Gitty and Amos were her cats and she thought they were the best. Amos disappeared many years ago when he was about 8 years old, but Miss Gitty lived with her for over 20 years. You see, she puts all of her pets in the books. It makes her feel like they are still alive and bringing joy to lots of humans. Bentley and the gang don’t really eat any of the junk food we do in the books."

Pierre: "Well, the real Pierre belongs to Bentley’s human sister. She had to move to Alaska to live with her hubby, so Pierre moved in with Bentley and his Gramma and Papaw. He will be leaving to live with his mom and dad this summer. They are moving to a place where he can live with them. He will be very happy. Bones belongs to Bentley’s human brother and he is just as funny as his character in the books. We can’t help but laugh at him trying to be a tough guy."

Truffles: What will readers find in your first 2 books of adventures?  

Bentley: "In The Returns, we meet each of the characters and learn about how they became a Return. The problem is that there is a bad guy bringing illegal weapons into the port of New Orleans. As if that weren’t evil enough, he wants our Guardian Angel, Faith Fullilove. She is a rookie angel and a disaster in the kitchen, but we love her. She is simply too trusting of people. The Returns go undercover to arrest him. It gets pretty scary for a while. That is a photo of me on the cover of the book coming out of an FBI badge."

Pierre: "In the Returns 2 ~Showstoppers, I am on the cover so it is a great looking book. We are on another fun crime-solving adventure. Someone is stealing the top contestants from dog shows and we have to go undercover again to infiltrate the group of thieves. I get to prance around the show ring too. Then, we get to visit New York City and it is amazing! We get to tour the city and try to stop any more dogs from being stolen while we find the ones that are being held hostage."

Truffles: Any idea what trouble you will be getting into in your upcoming adventures? 

Bentley: "We are in the midst of stopping the person responsible for sending threatening notes to the FBI. I believe that we have some solid leads to follow, but this character is preparing to set off explosives in our beloved Crescent City. A few new friends are joining in the adventure along with all of our usual gang of Returns."

Pierre: “I am getting to use some of my scientific background to determine the make-up of these bombs. If we can just find him before anyone gets hurts. With some luck and help from our friends, The Returns always get their crook!”


About the book: What happens if you arrive at the Pearly Gates before your time?

F.B.I Agent Bentley Clanton finds out the hard way as he is directed to a little-known area devoted to correcting glitches in the longevity system. The Returns Department specializes in finding appropriate bodies for “early arrivals” before sending them back to earth. It seemed an acceptable solution until Bentley realizes his new body includes long velvety ears, four stubby legs with giant paws, and a tail. Helping him adjust to life as a Basset Hound is his rookie Guardian Angel, along with three other canine Returns.

Laugh along as a delightful Golden Retriever, a feisty Chihuahua, and Flamboyant Westie join Bentley to form an unlikely brotherhood of crime-fighting heroes. The Returns takes you on a fun-loving, junk food eating adventure through the exciting streets of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

Tortie Shorties
Book reviews that are short and sweet...just like Truffles!

It would be virtually impossible for this book to be any more adorable. It is an absolute must read for animal lovers of any age.

The idea behind the story is that when people die before their time, they are sent back to earth as an animal where they are pairing up with a guardian angel to solve a crime. Thus Bentley the Basset Hound (former FBI agent), Bones the Chihuahua (former champion boxer), Pierre the Westie (former fashion designer), and Tucker the Golden (former Navy SEAL), are sent to live with probationary angel Faith, a former fashion model. Each of these dogs is the perfect depiction of their breed.

The humor in this book had me in stitches: from Faith's cooking disasters to Bones, a teeny tiny dog with a big attitude who can hot wire cars. And just wait until you hear Tucker's prayers! There's romance too when Bentley's old partner falls in love with Faith while trying to solve Bentley (the human's) murder. I loved the setting of New Orleans at Mardi Gras too.

The two cats in the story, wise old Miss Gitty and street cat Amos are extra special to me for obvious reasons, but what touched my heart more than anything is the fact that every animal character in the book is based on the author's real life pets, both past and present. What an incredible act of love and way to keep your beloved pets' memory alive forever.