The Mystery of the Disappearing Dog

It's been a while since I've posted anything personal on this blog. The last couple of years have been difficult and I haven't done much more here, than a bit of promotion for my fellow authors.This post isn't about writing or books though, it's a funny story I thought I'd share with you - although it didn't seem funny at the time.

This is my little dog, Choccy, who I've mentioned on this blog before.  Thanks to Choccy, I didn't get much sleep the other night.

We have a bedtime routine. I let him out to do what a little dog has to do, last thing at night, then he has a couple of small biscuits eats his supper while I wash and get ready for bed. He usually  goes into his crate and waits for me to call him when I'm ready to get into bed. (Since my late husband passed away, Choccy has taken to sleeping on the bottom of my bed). 

This time when I called him he didn't appear. I got out of bed and looked into the crate and couldn't see him. However he tends to cover himself with the blankets, and sometimes sleeps in the crate for a few hours before joining me, so I felt around but couldn't feel him and even with the light on, it's difficult to see inside the crate, so just in case he'd managed to shut himself in one of the other rooms, I checked them all, the kitchen, the living room, my writing room, even the bathroom, but there was no sign of him and no answering bark when I called him. I even opened the door into the garden in case he'd somehow sneaked out, although there was really no way he could have got out once I'd locked the door for the night.  

I decided he must be asleep at the back of his crate under all the blankets, even though I couldn't see him, and went to bed slightly puzzled. I didn't get to sleep until after 3 a.m. and woke at about 7.a.m., thinking I heard a muffled 'woof' and not sure if I'd imagined it. To my dismay there was no little dog on the bed. I called - no answer. I got out of bed and again looked into his crate, I felt as far back as I could reach, and I was pretty sure there was nothing in there but blankets. Again I checked every room, calling, but no dog. By now I was really worried. Was he ill? Had he got trapped behind a piece of furniture? I checked everywhere, moving chairs, and the settee in the living room. My home is a small bungalow so it wasn't as if there were many places to look. Where on earth was he? How could he have seemingly disappeared into thin air?

The only place left to search was the garden. Poor Choccy, had he somehow been out all night? Why hadn't he barked to ask to be let in? Had something awful happened to him? I went back into the bedroom and started to dress to go outside (Yes I had looked all around the bedroom and the bed has drawers so there was no way he could have got under the bed.) "Please let me find him," I prayed silently, trying not to panic "let him be all right." All at once the thought came to me - there was one door I hadn't tried.

I rushed into the hall and opened the airing cupboard door - and out bounced a very lively Choccy! Phew, the relief! I remembered then - I'd left the door ajar for a few minutes while I went to fetch some laundry to air before I went to bed, and he must have snuck in and gone to sleep on some towels I had piled up at the bottom. Well I needn't have worried about him being cold that night - and if he ever goes missing again, the first place I'll look will be the airing cupboard!

 

 

 

 

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Pets in Space Book 7 - Book Blast and Review

This is my stop during the book blitz for Pets in Space 7. Pets in Space 7 is a limited edition anthology with 13 brand new action packed science fiction romance stories with pets as an integral part of the action.

10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 7 will be donated to the Hero-Dogs.org charity.  (and as readers of this blog will know, I just love dogs, and all animals in fact and try to include at least one in my own stories!)

This book blitz is organized by Lola's Blog Tours. The book blitz runs from 4 till 24 October. See the tour schedule here: http://www.lolasblogtours.net/book-blitz-pets-in-space-7/

Pets in Space 7
By S.E. Smith, R.J. Blain, Grace Goodwin, Skye MacKinnon, Carol Van Natta, Honey Phillips, Carysa Locke, S.J. Pajonas, JC Hay, Kyndra Hatch, Leslie Chase, Winnie Winkle and Candace Colt
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Age category: Adult
Release Date: 4 October 2022

Blurb:
Pets in Space® is back for a new year of adventures!

Pets in Space is back and better than ever! Featuring 13 original, never-before-released stories from some of today's bestselling science fiction romance authors, starring your favorite sci-fi pets. These furry, feathered, and slightly alien friends are always ready for a new adventure with their two-legged human and alien companions. From dogs to cats to sea creatures and unicorns, these romantic tales show that pets are more than just animals – they’re family.

This limited-edition anthology includes novellas by some of the biggest names in science fiction romance. New York Times Bestseller S.E. Smith and USA Today Bestsellers R.J. Blain, Grace Goodwin, Skye MacKinnon, Carol Van Natta, Honey Phillips, Carysa Locke, S.J. Pajonas, JC Hay, and Kyndra Hatch, plus Leslie Chase, Winnie Winkle, and Candace Colt.

The Pets in Space 7 authors continue their vital support of Hero-Dogs.org, the non-profit charity that

improves quality of life for veterans of the U.S. military and first-responders with disabilities.

Don't miss out — grab this limited-edition anthology before it's too late!

Links:
- Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61639224-pets-in-space-7
- Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/books/pets-in-space-7-a-science-fiction-romance-anthology-by-skye-mackinnon-and-kyndra-hatch
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6Z1VZS9
- B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w?ean=2940185732106
- Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ebook/pets-in-space-7-a-science-fiction-romance-anthology
- Google Play: https://books.google.com/books/about?id=A3R8EAAAQBAJ
- Apple: https://books.apple.com/book/id6443174447
- All buy links: https://petsinspacebooks.com/PISA-7

Pets in Space links:
- Website: https://petsinspacebooks.com
- Pets in Space® Facebook Readers Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PetsInSpace/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/PetsInSpaceBks
- Newsletter Signup: https://petsinspacebooks.com/subscribe/

Hero-Dogs Charity
Proud supporters of Hero-Dogs.org, Pets in Space® authors have donated over $16,500 in the past six years to help place specially trained dogs with veterans and first responders. 10% of all pre-orders and the first month’s royalties of Pets in Space 7 will again go to Hero-Dogs.org. Open your hearts and grab your limited release copy of Pets in Space 7 today so they can continue to assist this worthy charity! https://www.hero-dogs.org/ 

MY REVIEW

Dogs, cats, sea creatures, feathered friends, dragons and unicorns, they're all amazing and easy to love. So many great stories and it's hard to choose my favourites, but I've picked just two for special mention.

The first one  is Wynter and the Stone Dragon. I loved this story. From the dramatic beginning to the satisfying conclusion it drew me right in. The romance which is only hinted at in the beginning of the story builds to a sizzling conclusion, but there are many pitfalls before the h.e.a. can happen.

The stone dragon himself is a unique and original take on dragons in general, and Wynter has a bond with him that is almost as important as the love interest. I won't put any spoilers here, but there are many twists and turns to the plot and enough action and suspense for a full length novel or novella.

An Entanglement of Griffins by Carol Van Netta - A young woman who can both empathise and talk telepathically to genetically engineered pet griffins, to put it simpl, and a pirate unused to actually living planetside, whose mission is to rescue her when her space flitter is shot down and the griffins she has been caring for at her sanctuary are kidnapped. This is just the start. There are many dangers ahead, friends and enemies and occasionally recalcitrant griffins, and some fascinating scientific innovations.  

Lark Sutrio and space pirate Pym Okaansson are far too busy working to save the griffins to admit to their mutual attraction, but it's there all the same, sitting quietly in the background. The story builds to a dramatic climax and an optimistic ending. I really enjoyed this original and satisfying SF romance.

These are just two of my favourite stories in this brilliant collection. The other stories in this collection are just as good. They are varied and unusual and whatever your taste in science fiction romance and alien animal preference, or choice of heat rating, there is sure to be something to delight you here. (And don't forget each purchase helps Hero-Dogs.org)

Five Stars

The Authors:
- S.E. Smith: https://sesmithfl.com/  
- R.J. Blain: https://www.thesneakykittycritic.com/  
- Grace Goodwin: http://gracegoodwin.com/  
- Skye MacKinnon: https://skyemackinnon.com/index.html 

- Carol Van Natta: https://author.carolvannatta.com/   
- Honey Phillips: https://www.honeyphillips.com/  
- Carysa Locke: https://www.carysalocke.com/  
- S.J. Pajonas: https://www.spajonas.com/  
- JC Hay: http://jchay.com/  
- Kyndra Hatch: https://kyndrahatch.com/
- Leslie Chase: https://leslie-chase.com/  
- Winnie Winkle: https://wwinkle.com/   
- Candace Colt: https://candacecolt.com/

 

 

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

Forever Askole - Book Blast and #Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Gail Koger will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

My name is Ella McAllister, I’m a psychic witch and a healer. My life is kinda nuts. Not only do I have the Coletti hunters chasing me, but now I also have a very determined Askole High Commander after me. Why? I shot his ship down and it crash landed, and it blew up. Yep, itty-bitty pieces everywhere. My bad, but his ship was a dead ringer for a Rodan Marauder, and it was my civic duty to blow the enemy spacecraft out of the sky. Wasn’t it? Any hoo, I healed his owies and boogied.

I thought that was the end of it, but oh no. For some unknown reason, Sariel, the Askole High Commander, decided I would make him the perfect mate. As if. I think the blow to his head made him completely bonkers.

Sariel informed me the mating dance had begun and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The idiot had obviously never dealt with a witch before. I didn’t have the time to play games with him, so I did a little abracadabra alakazam and ran.

Sigh. The persistent Askole found me. Now I have a decision to make. Keep running or surrender to the High Commander. He is a damn good kisser.

Would the mating dance bring two lonely souls together? Who knew?

Read an Excerpt:

“He was your lover?” Sariel queried in disbelief.

I cringed with embarrassment. “Briefly. I fell for his lies and didn’t see his true nature until he tried to sell me to the hunters.”

“I will never betray you or lie to you,” Sariel stated.

“So, you keep saying, but I’m not looking for a mate nor do I need one.”

Sariel’s tentacles stood out from his head. “A lie. Your loneliness drove you to bed a traitor.”

Ouch! “Okay, fine. I’m lonely, but…”

“I.”

“Am.”

“Not.”

“Mating with you,” I enunciated clearly.

“As a warrior, you can challenge me to combat to stop the mating dance.” Sariel’s rather toothy grin was alarming. “Do you dare duel with me?”

In hand-to-hand combat I wouldn’t last ten seconds. “How about I teach you a little-known fact?”

Sariel’s helmet formed over his head, and he asked warily, “What would that be?”

“Never mess with a witch. It doesn’t end well.” I shouted my power word, “Sufflamine!” A thunderous cracking boom rent the air. A second later, a shockwave of energy hit Sariel and flung him out into the ocean.

He hit with a big splash and sank beneath the surface. “Excellent tactical move.”

Seriously? He sounded almost proud of me. “Stay away from me or next time I won’t be so gentle.”

“There is no where you can run that I cannot find you,” Sariel replied.

About the Author:

I was a 9-1-1 dispatcher for the Glendale Police Department and to keep from going totally bonkers – I mean people have no idea what a real emergency is. Take this for example: I answered, “9-1-1 emergency, what’s your emergency?” And this hysterical woman yelled, “My bird is in a tree.” Sometimes I really couldn’t help myself, so I said, “Birds have a tendency to do that, ma’am.” The woman screeched, “No! You don’t understand. My pet parakeet is in the tree. I’ve just got to get him down.” Like I said, not a clue. “I’m sorry ma’am but we don’t get birds out of trees.” The woman then cried, “But… What about my husband? He’s up there, too.” See what I had to deal with? To keep from hitting myself repeatedly in the head with my phone I took up writing.

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Remember Me Thursday

                                     

This isn't a book related post, but anyone who knows me knows how much I love animals. 'Remember me Thursday' is to think of the unwanted animals who have lost their lives because no-one wanted them, and to urge anyone thinking of getting a pet to consider adopting, instead of purchsing from a breeder. Many dogs, cats and other pet animals end up in overcrowded shelters, and some will, sadly, be euthanazed, not because they're unmanageable or dangerous, but simply because
they've ended up homeless, through no fault of their own, and no-one wanted to give them a second chance.

My own little dog, Choccy, is a 'rescue'. Before my husband and I adopted him from the Blue Cross, he had spent the first two years of his life locked up, never played with, never taken for walks, and with absolutely no training.

 

Choccy when we first adopted him

From the start, he was the most loving little dog, and took to us straight away. He was hard work though, because he'd never been socialised with other dogs, he was afraid of them, and would bark and spin whenever he saw one. However, with much patience and copious treats, he gradually learnt that other dogs were usually friendly and nothing to be frightened of, and that cars and buses were also something he could walk past without going 'crazy bonkers' as my lovely neighbour laughingly called it. He is also very clever, and in no time had learnt the value of 'positive reinforcement'. i.e. treats and praise for good behaviour. Two days after we adopted him he was fully housetrained, and soon learnt how to 'sit' 'come' and 'lay down' etc. and his zany character began to show itself. Eight years later his position as head of the household is well established. Since my husband passed away two years ago, he has been my faithful companion and now sleeps snuggled up next to me. I honestly don't know how I'd have coped without his love and companionship.

Rescues are so worth it, and will repay your kindness a hundredfold!
 

Choccy now

 

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

RIP Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11

Today our nation. and many nations around the world and the commonwealth, mourn a much-loved monarch who carried out her service with dignity and vigilance for over 70 years.  At the age of 21 the then Princess Elizabeth vowed, with the help of God, to serve her country for her whole life, 'whether it be long or short', and she fulfilled this vow right to the end, selflessly and faithfully. I feel very sad for her loss, and the end of an era.

As a horse lover myself, I will  remember the Queen for her love of horses and passion for equine welfare through her patronage of organisations such as the British Horse Society, and also her fondness for the countryside and dogs, especially her favourites, the Welsh  Pembrokeshire corgi.

My thoughts are with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who have lost the cherished head of their family.

Rest in peace, Your Majesty. Thank you for your tireless service and dedication to our nation.

 

 

 

 

For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.  http://madmimi.com/signups/196357/join

A Climate of Revenge - Spotlight and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tom Riley will be awarding a PDF file of "Writer's Guide to Our Climate Crisis" (International) to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Sarah and JanetM, are a human/Artificial Intelligence pair who do private investigations in the near future where our climate crisis has hit and hit hard. A man with a long dark history tries to hire them but is then killed. His family hires the team to find who killed this man with a thousand enemies in a land with a million problems.

The United Nations IPCC report, “Climate Change 2022, Impacts, Adaption and Vulnerability contains:

C5.3 Enhancing knowledge
A wide range of … processes … can deepen climate knowledge and sharing, including … using the arts … (high confidence).

This can only be read as a clarion call for writers to produce the works that will help our people cope.

 

Read an Excerpt

Q & A

 “I think we still have time for a few questions and answers,” said the chairperson, “You will find a microphone over to the side.  Please say who your question is for.”

Most of the audience were still there and people quickly queued up.

“Question time, question time, question time,” sang JanetM in Sarah’s ear.

“This one is for Sarah.  Why did you not take the case when you were first asked?”

“It was clear to me that Mr. Winestead had a hidden agenda,” said Sarah.  “The story he gave me struck me as a complete fabrication.  To work for someone you have to have some level of trust.  We had not established that trust.  He really did think he was in danger and was interviewing investigators to choose one to have available if he were attacked.  Had he said that clearly, then things might have turned out quite differently, but that was not the story he chose to tell.  He was a paranoid man who had made detailed plans all his life and he was making another, just in case something bad happene

“This one is for you both.  How do you like being a human/AI pair?”

“We are way past liking,” said Sarah.  “We now are who we are and who we are is who you see.  I would not change our relationship for the world, but that does not matter, we cannot go back in time, and I would not if I could.

About the Author:

After an extensive career at NASA as an Instrument Engineer, Tom Riley started a people-based space program, The Big Moon Dig, compatible with the needs of our climate crisis. Our climate crisis clearly must now come first, and that effort needed positive stories of people in action.

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For insider news and subscriber-only info, subscribe to my occasional Newsletter. I promise not to spam and your in-box will only see an email from me every 3 or 4 months or so - unless of course I have something really Newsworthy to share! I also promise that I never have and never will share your information or email address with anyone or any organisation.