Lisa Begin-Kruysman, Author "Dog's Best Friend" - Will Judy, Founder of National Dog Week and Dog World Publisher

 

Paperback Available on Amazon

Publisher: McFarland (September 10, 2014)

Pre-order Kindle

Publisher: McFarland (October 31, 2014)

 

For many, Rockefeller Center evokes the images of happy ice-skaters and the lighting of America’s most famous Christmas tree. But for me, the Lower Plaza of this iconic New York City location conjures nostalgic scenes of dogs jumping through hoops, herding sheep, showing off their obedience skills, and prancing and parading in elaborate parades!

The last week of September, from the period of the 1930s through the 1950s, canines took over Rockefeller Plaza in celebration of each year’s greatly anticipated observances of National Dog Week, established by Captain William Lewis Judy, a man clearly ahead of times. Judy published Dog World magazine for four decades and in 1928 launched NDW to officially honor man’s best friends for all the ways they served humans.

Judy, a minister, teacher, lawyer, decorated WWI soldier and ultimate dog-professional was also among the first to write about the spiritual connection between dog and human.  With humor, honesty, and intelligence, Judy’s writings positively influenced a new generation of dog ownership. He even helped to establish the DWAA (Dog Writers Association of America), giving the dog-writing profession the respect it deserves.

I recall the day I first read about Judy and his volumes of magazines, books and dog-training materials. Reading about Judy’s life inspired me to be an author. It hasn’t been easy. As someone with no connections in the dog world or publishing scene, I was truly an underdog writing about an obscure topic. I had to get my bark on and remain positive in my goals even in the face of rejection. But I prevailed and this week, I am happy to report that my book about this man and his contributions to Dogdom has been released. Dog’s Best Friend: Will Judy, Founder of National Dog Week and Dog World Publisher (McFarland & Co.) is now available.

I began writing this book with my beautiful Portuguese water dog, Hooper curled up at my feet. But in 2012, during a six month period, my husband battled a major health problem, Hooper passed suddenly, and Hurricane Sandy devastated our community. My husband is well now, and we are still picking up the pieces in the aftermath of that catastrophic storm, but Hooper is now a just happy memory, and I find strength in our sweet dog, Teddy, who came to us while I tried my hand at fostering.

In weathering all kinds of storms, I always seek refuge in my writing. With a pen and a pad, I can get my thoughts down anyplace, anytime and find an emotional safe haven. Reading the words of Judy has always put me in a good state of mind, and when I see those old photos of dogs living it up in mid-town Manhattan, it gives me hope that perhaps someday, all dogs can have their week celebrating under a golden September sun as thousands of adoring dog-lovers cheer them on under the watchful gaze of Prometheus.

 

About The Author:

 

 

Lisa Begin-Kruysman is an award-winning author and blogger.  A graduate of the University of Connecticut, she has studied writing with the Institute of Children's Literature, The Society of Children's Writers and Book Illustrators and the Highlights Foundation. A former Human Resources Associate in the entertainment industry, she currently resides in Ocean County with her husband Rich, and foster-to-forever dog Teddy. Through her artwork and writing, she aspires to educate and enlighten the world about the unique bond that exists between humans and their dogs and to ultimately improve the welfare of dogs across the nation. 

Please be sure to check out her blog dedicated to the National Dog Week Movement with over 200 posts related to all things dog!

Also by the Author:

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Something's Lost and Must be Found: Seven Short Tails of Inspiration on a Long Leash  Published 2011

An engaging Short Story Collection (aprox. 25,400 words) for dog-lovers and fans of Inspirational fiction; inspired by the search and rescue dogs of the soul. Based on the first one-hundred posts of a devoted Dog-blogger. Now with a seventh story! A pawsitively dog-friendly read. A portion of all downloads will go to help some animals in need.

 

Links:       Author's Web      Nationaldogweekbook's Blog                                      

                    Author Facebook Page        Twitter @dogweek  

                    Amazon       Amazon Author Page

 

Author Jayne Martin and Dixie

Dixie

 

Small Packages

 

Her name is Dixie.   She is a seven-year-old, 5.08-pound Chihuahua and yes, I’m one of those goofy owners who, on occasion, have been known to dress up their dog.   What can I say?   I was denied a Barbie as a child.  
 

Unlike me, she does not need an IV of coffee to wake up in the morning.   Her eyes spring open and she’s ready for the day.   It’s usually about 7:00 a.m.   I hear her stir and try to stay still as I can.   I do not want her to know I’m awake yet, hoping to get a few more minutes of respite from an increasingly crazy world.  I can feel her staring at me from her perch on my pillow, her breath at my ear, then her tiny tongue ever so lightly on the tip of my nose – and I’m screwed.   Just a one miniscule twitch, but that’s all it takes.   She pounces:  “I know you’re in there!”  I roll over and duck my head under the covers, but to know avail.  When the Chihuahua is awake, everyone is awake.  
 

Finally, I give in and out we go for her morning potty.   Dixie was very easy to potty-train because every time she peed or pooped I would always clap and shout “Yay, Dixie!”  I sometimes wonder what my self-esteem level would be if every time I peed someone would clap and shout, “Yay, Jayne!” but I’ve yet to find that kind of devotion.  
 

Into the kitchen we go to get her breakfast, Dixie prancing at my feet.   I get the can from the refrigerator, scoop out a large tablespoon onto a saucer, and stick it in the microwave for nine seconds -- no more, no less -- so that it is just the right temperature for the princess.   The sound of the timer going off sends her into a dizzying twirl of anticipation and joy known as the “Happy Dance.”   Dixie is the very definition of joy.   She’s exploding with the stuff.   This can be hard to take when you’re a natural born curmudgeon like I am, but damned if she isn’t winning me over.  Still no coffee and yet here I am smiling.  
 

As a puppy, Dixie was highly influenced by my elderly cat, Chelsea, who slept most of the day.  So Dixie eats her breakfast, then back to bed she goes leaving me to meander into my office to begin my day’s work.   For most of my life I was known as a “cat person.”   I preferred cats over dogs for the same reasons many do not – their complete indifference to what you think of them:  Feed me, clean my sand box and maybe, when and if I’m in the mood, I’ll let you pet me.  That’s something I can relate to, and yet another possible reason why I’m single.  But, somehow, this tiny creature has totally stolen my heart and I live to do her bidding.   
 

My work day ends promptly at six.   I know this not because I have a clock, but because every day, at just that moment, Dixie will bring her toys, one-by-one, into my office.  First, the purple bear.   She looks up at me with it in her mouth, her big brown eyes telling me it’s time to play now.   If I fail to respond, this will go on until her toy basket is empty -- the pink flamingo with one foot chewed off, the little yellow chicken with the broken squeaker, the “Grrrrrona” beer bottle complete with stuffed lime in the top – until finally I shut off the computer and engage in a rousing game of fetch.  
 

“Goooooooo get it!” I shout, followed by a shrill and rapid “C’mere, c’mere, c’mere, c’mere, c’mere…”  She never tires of this.  I will collapse before she does.  

 

Dixie also enjoys watching TV, mostly reality shows, “Underdog to Wunderdog” being her favorite.  I pick her up and she crawls up my chest, comfortably settling onto “the boob shelf.”  There is something about loving a little dog that is so visceral, especially when she is sitting right on top of my heart, her breath rising and falling with mine.   I cannot begin to describe how calming it is.   Okay, not a few glasses of Chardonnay or a couple of Xanax calm, but pretty damn near.   And you can still drive if need be.   

 Jayne Martin

 

Jayne Martin’s book of humor essays, “Suitable for Giving: A Collection of Wit with a Side of Wry,” is available in paperback and digital formats.  Her short story “The Heart of the Town,” won the Fall 2013 WOW-Women On Writing Flash Fiction Competition.  Previously, she wrote for television.  Credits include “Big Spender,” written for Animal Planet and available on Netflix and Amazon.  You can find her daily at injaynesworld.blogspot.com.

 

 

 

Available on Amazon and Kindle

 

 

 

Screenplay written by Jayne Martin

Buy on Amazon

 

Links:

 

Author's Blog

 

Amazon "Suitable For Giving"

 

Author's Amazon Page

 

 

 

The Writer's Companions

Days spent on the computer are shared moments with the six-pack. Surrounded by fur I write and smile! Wouldn't you smile too?

 Chloe stretches and jumps down so the others can come aboard.

Front to rear, Bertha, Miss April in Paris, and Rascal.

The only male Bray, still afraid of his shadow after three years here.

Annabelle, so old, but so dear.

Annabelle, Bray and Chloe star in my book "The Unfaithful Widow". You will meet all of the pack in my new book, still in the works! It's my crazy life with dogs.

Writer With Dogs Talking About "Everybody Loves Ika"

Peggy Mullins' new book "Everybody Loves Ika: One Woman's Memoir Of Her Dog, An American Pit Bull Terrier" is almost ready for release. This is a true story about Peggy's Pit Bull and how Ika helped heal her through his loving nature. The cast of characters includes a few horses and a cat! Stay tuned for details. Follow Ika's own blog and be the first to know when you can buy the book! Click here to go to Ika's blog.

"Awkward Family Pet Photos" New Book By Hollywood Dog Lovers And Our Own Pet Photo Contest

Two Bits Of Doggie News! Photo Contest Time For Writer With Dogs Win $100 For Your Favorite Animal Shelter and A Soon To Be Released Book That Will Be A Must Have For Dog Lovers! Dog Contest Rules Follow After Book Info!

I just received an e-mail on a new book of dog photos that will be in stores November lst. The book is titled Awkward Family Pet Photos by Mike Bender and Doug Chernack and features outrageous pet photos, including dogs, cats, birds, rats, horses, pigs, goats, and exotic pets such as reptiles, sugar gliders, ferrets, and monkeys. It is sure to shock and delight anyone who has ever shared that uniquely special relationship with a family pet. Check out their website. You can pre-order the book! Perfect for gift-giving with the holidays sneaking up on us.

Mike Bender is a professional screenwriter living in Los Angeles whose credits include Not Another Teen Movie and the MTV Movie Awards. He is also a regular contributor to Esquire. Mike’s dog, Din-Din, had final approval over his author photo.

Doug Chernack is a professional screenwriter and producer living in Los Angeles who has created and produced shows for E!, Fox Sports, and the Golf Channel. He has been known to take his fish, Porky, on walks around the block.

I will be sharing more on this great book with you soon!

Writer With Dogs Photo Contest

It has been been almost a year since I had a dog photo contest so I think it is time.

Send your dog photos to my e-mail address bb-bjd@comcast.net . Deadline for receiving photos is November 10. Winner will receive a $100 check made out to their favorite animal shelter. Have fun and raise money for a good cause! In submitting photos you agree I can post them on my blog and on Facebook. Photos will be posted on Facebook and everyone can vote for their favorite. I will share the link here to the photos as soon as they are up. There will be a week of voting and on November 18th the winner will be announced.

So here are the rules:

• Send me one or two photos of your dog or dogs, include a short bio on them and what makes them special (they are all special, but sometimes there is a great 'tale' behind a dog that isn't always wagging). Please send in jpg format.
• Include a short blurb about your local rescue group and a link to their site.
• Be sure I have your contact information.

Remember to send to my e-mail address - bb-bjd@comcast.net. Photos will also be posted on this blog as they come in! So keep checking back.

Buy a new dog photo book and enter a dog photo contest to win money for your favorite rescue good. Ahhh, life is good!