Companion Animal Psychology

Jenni Keer on her latest heart-warming book and how her blind cat Seymour provides inspiration. Seymour. Photo: Jenni Keer. No. 8 in the series The Writer's Pet by Zazie Todd PhD . In The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows , Maisie takes a new job at an auction house, where pieces from a tea set inspire her to reunite her family members. The book is described by Fiona Harper as “A magical story about love and friendship, full of fun and sparkle.” Jenni Keer told me about The Unlikely Life of Maisie Meadows , her cats – including her blind cat, Seymour (above) – and her writing routine. What are your pets’ names? Currently, we have three cats, the most precious of which is Seymour – our black and white blind cat – and the pet I would like to focus on. He had his eyes removed after entropion damage limited his sight (when the eyelids turn inwards) and was then later attacked by a neighbourhood cat. We also have a black and white shorthair, Boo-Boo, and Molly – a gorgeous petite ginger

Nicole Blades on her most recent novel, Have You Met Nora?, and her adorable dog Murphy. Murphy, photographed by Nicole Blades. No. 7 in the series The Writer's Pet by Zazie Todd PhD . This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. About to marry into one of New York’s richest families, Nora seems to have the perfect life. But she has a big secret–for years, she’s been “passing” as white–and it looks like it’s going to come undone. In this suspenseful book, we learn what Nora will do to protect herself. Taylor Jenkins Reid says Have You Met Nora? is  “a deft and searing commentary on identity and race.” Nicole Blades told me about Have You Met Nora? , where she gets her writing inspiration, and her adorable dog Murphy. What is your dog’s name?   His name is Murphy Type of pet? He's a black and tan Cavalier King Charles Spaniel  What do you love most about your dog?   He's such an adorable, sweet dog. We h

Ancient dogs and humans, orphaned kitties, and lessons from culturing microbes... this month's CAP news. By Zazie Todd, PhD This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. My favourites this month “Why does my dog… [insert naughty behavior here]? Trainers get asked this question all the time.” Naughtiness in dogs: why they do it and why we love it by Maria Karunungan over at The Academy for Dog Trainers.  “When the researchers compared their dog DNA with modern and ancient wolf DNA, they got another surprise” How dogs tracked their humans across the ancient world by David Grimm.   “She’s attentive to small details – one thing she’ll always object to is a person who is looking at their phone. Nevertheless, she has never shown any sign of being bothered by face masks.” Wearing a different face? How dogs react to masks by Linda Lombardi at Fear Free Happy Homes.  End of life decisions for animals . Dr. Bidda Jones s

Roz Watkins on her latest detective book, Cut to the Bone, and her adorable pets. Magnum and Ginge. Photo: Roz Watkins. No. 6 in the series The Writer's Pet by Zazie Todd PhD . This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. Best-selling author Roz Watkins sets her DI Meg Dalton series in England’s Peak District. Cut To The Bone is the third book in the crime series, but can be read as a standalone. It is described by Amanda Jennings as “brilliant and compelling.” Roz Watkins told me about the book and how her love of animals (including her dog and two cats) influences her writing.  What is your pet’s name?   I have a rescue dog called Starsky, a black cat called Magnum, and a ginger cat called Ginge, who isn't actually my cat but who's moved in! Types of pet? Starsky is a husky-cross and the cats are moggies (originally 'outdoor' cats from the farm across the road, who decided they'd actually

There's a new Companion Animal Psychology tee - and all merch is on sale! By Zazie Todd, PhD This time last year, I published my 500th post, about how reward-based training methods aren't just for sunny days . It was a popular post. So I've put a quote from that post on a t-shirt and hoodie. In fact on several t-shirts because I like to give you a choice of styles that are available in a wide range of sizes.  The new design is also available on a sweatshirt and a zip hoodie. The zip hoodie has the Companion Animal Psychology logo on the front and the sunny days design on the back. The text is in shades of charcoal, blue, sunshine yellow, and brown.  What's more, there is 10% off until midnight PT on 8th November with this link. And I donate 20% of all proceeds from Companion Animal Psychology merch to the BC SPCA Maple Ridge.  The discount applies to all Companion Animal Psychology merch, so you can pick up a logo tee or a TRUST KINDNESS & COOKIES tee or anything

Philippa East on her cat, Mimi, and her thrilling debut, Little White Lies.  No. 5 in the series The Writer's Pet by Zazie Todd, PhD . This page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. In Philippa East's debut, Little White Lies , the smallest lies are the most devastating. Suzy K. Quinn says of the book, "WOW – what a debut! Beautiful detail, atmospheric and emotional – this is a stunning book you won’t want to miss". Philippa East told me about the book and how her cat, Mimi, both helps and hinders her writing. What is your pet’s name?    I have a cat called Mimi. Type of pet?   She is a British short hair Torby (a mixture of tortoiseshell and tabby). What do you love most about your pet?  Mimi is such an affectionate cat! She loves to "smurgle" my dressing gown when I'm chilling in bed, and it's unbelievably cute. What makes Mimi happy?  We recently gave Mimi a little conker (horse