Search Results for: tag personal pet stories 0

Millionaire Heir Pets

At the end of June another story broke of a billionaire bequeathing a fortune to the family pets. In this instance, MSNBC has the report of heiress Gail Posner leaving $3 million and continued use of her mansion to her Chihuahua Conchita, only giving $1 million to her son. The son, Brett Carr, claims that his mother’s staff brainwashed her in the last years of her life into leaving her fortune to her pets, and by extension, them. Some members of the staff have been retained to take care of Conchita and two other dogs in Posner’s mansion. They will … Continue reading →

Wagging My Tail Goodbye to the Pets Blog

I’m sitting in my office looking out the window watching the snow melt from the rooftops and bushes as I’m writing this. Last night we got measureable snow, a bit of an oddity in December for us here in Nashville. Whenever we get snow like this now I think about the first winter I was writing for Families.com. We got snow one February and I took Murph outside to play in it, then wrote about it as my blog for the day later. How much inspiration I’ve drawn from my pets over the past two years since I first began … Continue reading →

What is Dependent Personality Disorder? (2)

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Not being able to make up your own mind and needing others to help you to make even the most basic of decisions is one characteristic of Dependent Personality Disorder (DPD). Another is being unable to state your wants, needs and opinions because of an unrealistic fear of rejection. In our last article (see link below) we looked at the stories of Lori and Jennifer, who displayed several of the characteristic traits of this disorder. Lori found it hard to trust herself and constantly drew others into decision-making for her, even to the point of allowing other to choose her … Continue reading →

Shopping the Sales: Cool Christmas Clearance for Pet Lovers

While I was bargain hunting for the dogs, cats, and other family pets, I stumbled across some neat sales items their humans might like too. For Dog Lovers: In the Company of Dogs has some of my favorite things. Their Canine Coat of Arms door mat is now a whopping 57% off, making it $12.99. The design is great, but what I like most about this item is the Latin on it, which translated says: “Always loyal, forever faithful” and “Love me, love my dog.” (I can’t get it, though, because the cat would feel slighted!) I’m a proud owner … Continue reading →

Celebrate Justin Bieber’s Breakup

Justin Beiber is a free man. And by free I mean you still have a chance to become Mrs. Justin Bieber. Christmas has come early for billions of the Beib’s ferociously loyal female fans. According to reports, the uber-popular singing sensation and his girlfriend of nearly two years, actress Selena Gomez, split late last week. Yes, ladies, hope is still alive. Now, get out there and celebrate by wrapping your arms around the 18-year-old’s latest love letter to you–his nearest and dearest supporters. Just Getting Started by Justin Bieber is your key to what makes this boy toy tick. The … Continue reading →

Beware the Green Eyed Monster: How Jealousy Can Impact Your Blended Family

I tiptoed up to the topic, believing that most of us are pretty sensitive about it: “Sometimes step parents feel…I don’t want to call it jealousy, but…” at which point Kelly, eight years into her step mom experience, interrupted, “Oh, you can call it jealous! I was definitely jealous!—of a six year old, no less!” We were talking about what can often become a defining dynamic between children and step parents, and consequently, a divisive issue for a biological parent and their spouse. It’s not an emotion many of us are willing to cop to, especially if the trigger is … Continue reading →

The Law of Attraction, Cozies and Cats: An Interview with Author Jennie Bentley

Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about how I wish I knew any authors who featured cats in their work so I could interview them for the Pets Blog. Well, in yet another display of the Law of Attraction at work, wouldn’t you know my wish was granted this past Sunday when I was on a panel at the Southern Festival of books with Bente Gallagher who writes as Jennie Bentley? Her first mystery in her DIY Home Renovation Mystery series is called Fatal Fixer Upper and it’s due out November 4th. In the process of talking about her book … Continue reading →

Animals with Unusual Aspirations

Every once in a while odd notions pop into my head. (Okay, more than just once in a while.) The past few months, though, I keep having thoughts about animals with unusual aspirations. I’m not sure if they’re potential children’s book titles or just humorous musings meant to poke me when my subconscious thinks I need a laugh. Whatever they are –or may one day become– they make me smile. With all the bad news in the media recently, I thought I’d share them with you in the hopes perhaps they’ll bring a little levity to your life, too. The … Continue reading →

Cozies, Stray Cats, and Past Dogs: An Interview with Marion Moore Hill

I’m pleased to introduce you to mystery writer Marion Moore Hill. I’ve been trying to coordinate an interview with her for months now, but my efforts were somewhat waylaid by having to tend to affairs with my mom. However, I am pleased to finally bring you this long overdue interview. Enjoy! (And, Marion, thank you so much again for your patience and cooperation.) Courtney Mroch: What kind of things do you write about? (Genre, subject matter, themes, what have you.) Marion Moore Hill: I write traditional, amateur-sleuth mysteries (sometimes called cozies). I do two series, the Scrappy Librarian Mysteries and … Continue reading →

Joking Around with Author and “Bagel” Owner Jeff Cohen

Prepared to be entertained, folks. My next interview victim is the very talented and funny mystery writer, Jeff Cohen. (Just check out the clever titles of his books to get a sense of his wit.) He took a break from his busy writing schedule to “humor” me (pun intended) by answering the following questions. (Thanks again, Jeff. Best of luck with the new release.) Courtney Mroch: What kind of things do you write about? (Genre, subject matter, themes, what have you.) Jeff Cohen: Generally speaking, I’m a writer of “humorous” mystery novels (I prefer the term “Funny,” but they don’t … Continue reading →