Those of us not in the path of Dorian send those in the path our thoughts and prayers. I am going to keep this week's post short and sweet. Please utilize your Facebook check-in pages to keep us all updated on your safety. If you have pets, I have three resources for you. First, many hotels are pet friendly. Even if they are not normally pet friendly, they will bend the rules during disasters. Booking.com has a helpful link to search for those places where you will be certain to find a pet-friendly location. ​https://www.booking.com/pets/index.en-us.html?aid=309654;label=pet-friendly-english-en-caus-5UhDI2Om6bWFkmJHYqu2BgS236079791728:pl:ta:p1:p2:ac:ap1t1:neg:fi:tikwd-68110121:lp9013184:li:dec:dm;ws=&gclid=CjwKCAjwkqPrBRA3EiwAKdtwk4K_3pXDhNcNwv9muBUfNOGFB0HMFv08ytk0NN5KVtlNaxLaHDFq7xoCXPcQAvD_BwE#

Second, the Red Cross often has pet friendly shelters. Check out their Pet Disaster Preparedness as well as the ASPCA Disaster page. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/pet-disaster-preparedness.html

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/disaster-preparedness

Everyone - take Dorian seriously! Plan now and stay safe - 

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Everyone, meet Jack. Jack came to me a little over a year ago, and I don't talk about what happened to him before then because it makes me want to hit someone over the head with a hammer. As you can see, Jack is now happy and healthy. He is also trouble, and has a tendency toward tipping over laundry baskets and running around with unmentionables flapping from his mouth like flags. This post is for the little man who stole my heart even as he unrolled the toilet paper throughout the kitchen.

I have a theory. My theory is that every single person in this country can do something to help rescue animals, and I'm going to prove it to you.

First of all, adopt, don't shop. We have all heard this saying, but what does it mean? It means forgo that perfect looking puppy with the exact breeding that your mom's dog had or your child wants, and do a little research. Whatever breed you desire, I guarantee there is a rescue out there with that breed. It may take time and you may wind up with an adult instead of a puppy, but it can be done. Also, open yourself up to other breeds and do NOT buy a dog because it is popular. Remember when 101 Dalmatians came out in the theater? Within a year shelters and rescue organizations were overwhelmed with families dropping off their high-strung spotted dogs because they had been found to be too much work. 

Can't adopt? Consider fostering. I hear people say "I can't foster because I'll get too attached." Wouldn't that be nice? Seriously, if the worst thing that happens is that you keep the dog or cat, I'm okay with that risk. Kittens are an ideal way to ease into fostering. They are hysterical, low maintenance, and all they need is that spare bedroom in the back of the house that you aren't using anyway. Keep them safe and happy for a few months, then let the shelter/rescue find them permanent homes. 

Can't foster? Donate money, food, or supplies. Many rescues/shelters have wish list pages. They don't just need dog food and cat litter, but paper towels, detergent - you name it, they need it. Remember your local rescue/shelter when you are getting rid of old towels, blankets and comforters. These make great bedding for animals, especially during wet or cold weather.

Can't donate physical goods? Consider giving up a few hours a week of your time. Walk a dog, play with a cat, or help clean cages. For the more creative, what about painting bright murals on the walls of the local animal shelter? If you like to talk, volunteer to answer phones. Are you good with computers or cameras? Help maintain the rescue/shelter's website, or take photos of the animals up for adoption so they can be posted on their website. 

Can't donate your time? This one is my favorite. Donate your brain and your mouth. Educate yourself about the local rescues/shelters and talk them up. Do they have low-cost spay and neuter programs? What about a drive for donations on your birthday? Post these to social media and then bring those thoughts and factoids up in conversation with the bank teller, your neighbor, your co-workers. The worst that could happen is they ignore you, but the benefit could make all the difference for an animal. 

By the way, those of you near Nashville, TN,  - did you know Metro Animal Control has a fabulous web page with their wishlist and other great information?    www.nashville.gov/Health-Department/Animal-Care-and-Control.aspx     
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There now, see how easy that was? Now it's your turn. 

One of the most surprising things I discovered when I became a writer was how many people out there secretly think about writing but are too afraid or don't know where to begin.

Today I would like to speak to those who are afraid to write (I won't forget about those of you who don't know where to start; we will talk next week). Your fear may be linked to self-esteem, anxiety, fear of failure, or a combination of all these along with something more. You  know the adage about dancing like no one is watching? Well, I recommend you write like no one will read it. Don't twist yourself into knots about what people might think. Make this decision right now - no one will ever read what you write. Let it go. You can always change your mind later, but don't dwell on it. At this early stage you are NOT writing for others, you are writing for yourself.

Secretly (or not so secretly) stalk social media for for those places where authors prop each other up. Facebook and blog sites are full of resources and free support for current and wannabe authors. Just seeing how others overcome their insecurities can be helpful.

Tell someone that you are writing an article or story. This can be a total stranger. When I began Dog Gone, I told bank tellers, check-out clerks, and salespeople long before I told my friends. Consider it practice and choose people you will never see again.

Finally, write something. It can be as simple as the title to an article on knitting. How about your grandmother's recipes you always meant to organize and publish? Write three sentences for the introduction to those scrumptious directions. When I began writing Dog Gone it was meant to be a short story and I never planned on sharing it with anyone.

Start small, take a breath, and begin your story. You got this.

Stay tuned for additional tips and next steps.


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