Giveaway, Guest Post

Cat and Dog Mystery Tour

The Chicks are happy to welcome the Cat and Dog Mystery Tour today, featuring some of your favorite cozy authors – AND a giveaway! Read on to learn more about the authors, their pets, and the prize…

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Hello from the cat and dog cozy mystery series authors! We’re so thankful to the wonderful Chicks for hosting us this Friday, and for all of you readers who are following along on our tour. You heard about our real-life animals yesterday (if you missed yesterday’s post, the tour schedule is posted farther down), so today we’re asking our human characters “How did you meet the animal(s) in your life?”

Brandy Alexander, human heroine in Colleen Mooney’s New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles: My first dog was a small, Schnauzer mix that my dad brought home, and she made me hers. She ignored everyone else in the household. When I lost Cricket Ann I decided I wanted a dog most like her so I found a rescue group who just did Schnauzers. I decided to volunteer for them and when I went to my 5th rescue call, there was my Meaux. It was love at first lick. He was so scared I didn’t want to put him down so I held him in my lap while I drove all the way home. He was mine before I put it in PARK. I’ve rescued other pets I’ve seen on highways or living under abandoned cars in bad neighborhoods. I’ve never met a dog that didn’t like me.

Cooper Harrington, human hero in Tammy L. Grace’s Cooper Harrington Detective novels: My late uncle suggested I get a dog for companionship. He missed his dog who had passed away and had been a fixture in his office for years. I think he wanted a dog, but not the full responsibility. I found Gus through a client who was a breeder. He was actually payment for services rendered. The best trade I ever made! Gus is my best friend. Sometimes I forget he’s a dog.

Ashley Adams, human heroine in Sandi Scott’s Seagrass Sweets Cozy Mysteries: I was heartbroken and lonely when Dizzy came into my life—a rescue that ended up rescuing me. Her antics kept me amused and her curiosity kept helping me solve all these murders.

Alison Golden, author of the Reverend Annabelle Dixon Cozy Mystery series: My son who was ten at the time, really wanted a ginger tabby. I think he was inspired by the book A Street Cat Named Bob. I searched and searched the various local cat rescues but there were no ginger tabbies. Finally, I was needing something to keep my twins occupied on New Year’s Eve afternoon and as I searched Craigslist, there was a picture of a ginger tabby who needed adopting. The adoption fair was that afternoon about 20 miles away. We went down there and met her, and of course, came home with her because who can resist a ginger tabby kitten. We were told by her foster mother that she was mad. We didn’t care. She is quite the maddest, noisiest cat who thinks she’s a dog I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a fair number of cats in my time.

Kat Harper, human heroine in Paige Sleuth’s Cozy Cat Caper Mystery series: Matty used to be my neighbor’s cat—until my poor neighbor ended up being murdered. I didn’t intend to keep her at first, but how could I resist those striking green eyes? Tom came a couple weeks later. He had been with a foster family that could no longer keep him, and I agreed to take him in—temporarily. But somehow he snuck into my heart and stayed there. I have always loved animals but never had one of my own until Matty and Tom. Now, I’m not quite sure how I lived without them for so long.

Sabrina Daley, human heroine in Meredith Potts’s Daley Buzz series: My corgi, Snickerdoodle, was a rescue. And although I got him from the shelter, I feel like he rescued me. It was love at first sight. I am truly blessed to have him in my life.

Tess Thomas, human heroine in Kathi Daley’s Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series: I found Tilly shivering in my wood pile when she was just a puppy. I brought her in, gave her a home, and we have been best friends and partners ever since. I found my orange stripe kitten Tang at the home of the first murder victim I stumbled across, and I adopted my black long hair kitten Tinder from the local shelter.

Beatrice Young, human heroine in Alannah Rogers’s Beatrice Young Cozy Cat Mysteries: My Maine Coon Hamish and little black guy Lucky are rescues. I literally rescued my Himalayan Petunia from a suspect when I was investigating yet another case; the same thing happened with Simon—he was just a little tiny ginger kitten too, but he took to his new home and his new furry brothers and sisters like a charm. I really hope I don’t have to investigate any more suspects with cats as my fiancee Matthew would probably kill me if I got another one. My other 4 cats probably wouldn’t like it either—they can get pretty competitive for my attention!

Harlow Reese, human heroine in Claire Kane’s Siamese Sleuth Mystery series: I found Charli as a kitten at the Humane Society. She was adorable and had jewel-blue eyes. We’ve been best friends ever since.

Clarissa Hayes, human heroine in Sandra Baublitz’s Dog Detective series: I met my Saint Bernard, Paw, when he was a puppy. My uncle Harry, police chief of our local town, discovered Paw at a puppy mill that he shut down. Fortunately, Paw was unharmed, and my uncle asked me to foster him as the local shelters were filled with the other dogs from the mill. I fell in love the instant I met Paw and gladly adopted him. The other dogs at the mill were all able to heal and find loving homes.

Readers, now it’s your turn to tell us how you met your animals! If you don’t have a pet, you can comment about a former pet or a pet in your extended family.

GIVEAWAY: Each author is giving away one ebook during the blog tour, and every blog you comment on earns you another chance to win (only one comment per person per blog will be counted for giveaway purposes). Ten ebooks = ten different winners! Please include your email address with your comment so we can reach you if you win.

Learn more about us, our books, and our characters by visiting all of our blog tour stops. And remember, each tour post you comment on by July 27, 2018 earns you another chance to win one of our ebooks.

July 5, 2018: Bibliophile Reviews
July 6, 2018: Chicks on the Case
July 9, 2018: Melissa’s Mochas, Mysteries, and Meows
July 12, 2018: Dru’s Book Musings
July 14, 2018: Lisa Ks Book Reviews
July 16, 2018: Brooke Blogs
July 18, 2018: A Cup of Tea and a Cozy Mystery
July 20, 2018: MJB Reviewers
July 23, 2018: Thoughts in Progress
July 25, 2018: Escape With Dollycas

About the Authors

Colleen Mooney writes the New Orleans Go Cup Chronicles humorous mysteries and loves to travel. An avid animal lover, she also directs and manages a New Orleans Schnauzer rescue.

Tammy L. Grace is the award-winning author of the Cooper Harrington Detective Novels and the Hometown Harbor Series. Join Tammy’s exclusive reader group, and she’ll send you a fun interview with the dogs from her books as a FREE thank-you gift.

Sandi Scott spent a lifetime reading cozy mysteries before finding the courage to write them. She writes about the women she wants to be and the pets she wants to meet! To get the first book in both of her series free, join the readers’ group Sandi’s Sleuths.

Alison Golden is a writer, blogger and mother of two. To get a free copy of Death at the Café, the prequel to the Reverend Annabelle Dixon cozy mystery series featuring Biscuit, the church cat, plus two more books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, please sign up for the Cozy Mysteries Insider mailing list.

Paige Sleuth writes the Cozy Cat Caper Mystery series. She plots murder during the day and fights for mattress space with her two rescue cats at night. When not attending to her cats’ demands, she writes.

Meredith Potts writes the Daley Buzz Cozy Mystery series. She loves corgis, cozies, and cupcakes. Sign up for her mailing list and be the first to know about her new books.

Kathi Daley is the USA Today bestselling author of eight mystery series, including the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series and the Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. She writes cozy mysteries that warm your heart and feed your soul.

Alannah Rogers writes the Beatrice Young Cozy Cat Mysteries. The heroine of her stories is Beatrice Young, a 64-year-old amateur sleuth and Cozy Cat Cafe owner who lives in the small town of Ashbrook, New Hampshire with her 4 cats: Hamish, Lucky, Petunia, and Simon. The first book in her series is only 99 cents, and fans can stay connected through her Readers Group.

Claire Kane is a connoisseur of classic fashion statements, craves a good rootbeer float, and always chews with her mouth closed. Of course, she also has a weak spot for murder mysteries.

Sandra Baublitz loves writing mysteries with furry detective crime-solvers. Her first Dog Detective short story, The Mystery of the Blue Dolphins, featuring Paw and Clarissa, is always free to download.

138 thoughts on “Cat and Dog Mystery Tour”

      3. Books and animals are a wonderful combination, aren’t they, Zuccie? And the Chicks’ blog is one of the best. Thanks for stopping by! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  2. After my cherished Himalayan died, my family knew I needed another companion. We already had a ginger tabby named Oliver in the house, but he’s attached to my mom. We drove all around NJ on different weekends looking at rescue cats available. We even tried one who had no history and was sickly and feral so we tried to socialize her for 3 weeks before returning her. Then a friend told me about a different shelter in her town. There were so many cats, especially black male cats. I wanted a girl, but the shelter manager knew the critters so well and chose this skinny long black cat with 2 hidden white spots. I kept saying no, but when my parents saw how happy this little guy was to meet me, it was a done deal. He chose me. I couldn’t argue with the little guy. Now he’s a big 3 year old who gets stories written about him weekly.

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    1. Aw, what a sweet story! Animals do have a way of picking their humans. My two cats were supposed to be fosters, but after a week here they decided they were going to stay. Who was I to argue? –Marla (Paige Sleuth)

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  3. Great question and awesome answers. We always meet our dogs and adopt them from the SPCA. Right now we have two beautiful dogs. A coon hound and a puggle.

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  4. I don’t have a dog now, but right after we moved in, our then-neighbor said, “Would you guys be interested in a dog?” His sister was going through a nasty divorce and needed to rehome her beagle-lab mix. The first time I saw Casey, he was scrabbling up the front stairs eager to greet us.

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  5. I grew up with dogs and horses. As an adult my daughter had a cat. My career and moving often was not a pet friendly situation … but … the family gatherings I was able to attend always included everyone bringing their dog. When I complete my “in progress” move … I’ll be looking for a cat.

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    2. I echo Sandra’s thoughts. How cool for everyone to bring their dogs to your family gatherings! I hope your move goes smoothly, and I’m sure you’ll find the perfect cat when the time is right. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    3. Sorry to hear you can’t have pets, Mark. Like the others have said, you’ll have to get your pet fix with books and watching pet videos on FB.

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  9. I wasn’t allowed dogs or cats when growing up but I sure made up for it later. I only obtain rescue dogs or cats as they are the most needy and end up being the absolute best pets. At the present time, we have three furbabies: Jack, Jill, and Leo. They are from different shelters at different times but looks related and get along fabulously! I am really looking forward to the box set because I have enjoyed many of the authors’ other books.

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    1. I remember you sharing a picture of your dogs, Cheryl, and they are cuties for sure! And you’re right about rescues making the best pets. Just to clarify, we authors have no plans to put out a box set; we’re just on blog tour together. But all of our books are available individually. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  10. I had to have my Maddie put to sleep in February of this year due to pancreatic cancer. I cried for 2 weeks and said I would never get another dog. As it happens I work with a couple of dachshund rescues and in March I was to pick up a long haired red dachshund that was 13 years old, deaf and has bad vision and take her to a rescue group. As soon as I picked her up she lay her head on my shoulder and sighed. I knew immediately she was meant to be mine. So I adopted her. She is without a doubt the best dog I have ever had. She doesn’t let the fact that she’s deaf interfere at all!

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    1. My deepest condolences on the loss of Maddie. It always feels like they take a piece of our heart with them when they go, doesn’t it? So glad you have a new sweet girl. My Buffy was deaf and had bad vision when she was older but didn’t let it stop her, like your furbaby.

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    2. So sorry to hear about your Maddie, Patty, but I’m so glad you found room in your heart for your current dachshund. I read a meme recently that said animals never live as long as we’d like, but it’s the universe’s way of allowing us to meet more of them. It was written more beautifully than that, but I can’t remember the exact wording. At any rate, it really resonated with me, since I think many of us animal lovers have experienced at least one devastating loss, and yet we can’t imagine having never met our current pets either. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    3. So sorry you lost Maddie, Patty. I lost my sweet girl around the same time and am still sad. It’s devastating and leaves such a hole in your heart. I’m glad you have a new friend and so glad she found a home with someone like you.

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  11. A work friend of my mom’s had a daughter who’d had toddlers, much to the dismay of the previously-spoiled 7 year old white Persian. She came to live with us, since I was 7, too. Definitely no rampageous toddlers in our house! That cat raised me for 10 years and definitely left me well broken-in, to the delight of decades of subsequent cats.

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  12. I don’t have any pets right now, but have in the past. I’ve adopted from shelters, inherited pets, gotten newborns (once weaned) from friends, and once adopted a very friendly dog who kept showing up at our door–no tags and we could never find his owner. Legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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    1. Sounds like there have been many animals in your life! Way back when I had a cat who spent more time at the neighbor’s than at our house. I always wondered if he thought he lived there. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    2. It is always fun to have newborns. I had a cat, KitKat, who was a stray I was trying to tame. She came in the house one day (very unusual) and went under the bed and had three kittens. It was a pleasure to watch them grow up.

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  13. My calico, Aly, came to us from the neighborhood. She would come around the house across the street and would RUN to me if I was outside! I finally got tired of seeing such a beautiful cat loose outside so I brought her in and made her an indoor kitty.

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  15. I don’t have any cats right now, but I do have a black Labrador. I love animals and reading about them, especially in the cozy mysteries.

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  17. I met my animals because my children got them and left them with me. I have one little dog that my son left me and 2 cats that my daughter left me. Sometimes I admit that I don’t like the responsibility, but they give me so much love that I can’t resist their little faces. I only wish sometimes that I didn’t have to work so I could spend more time curled up with them and of course with a good book!

    Thank you so much for a chance to win. I have read books by some of the authors and am excited to read more.

    Cathi_7@yahoo.com

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    1. I hear you, Cathi. My cats get me up way too early with their demands for breakfast, but I can’t resist their sweet faces either. And animals definitely make good reading companions! Good luck in the giveaway. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    2. Pets are a big responsibility but they give us such unconditional love. My elderly cat wakes me several times a night. Fortunately, I work from home so I can take a catnap in the middle of the day. Best wishes for the giveaway!

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      1. Sandra, I do the same thing! Usually by the time the cats are settled in the morning I can’t get back to sleep right away so I mess around on the computer for a few hours then take a nap. It works out pretty well this time of year when the daytime temperatures are in the 100s. I sleep through the worst of it! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    3. You are right about a big responsibility, but they are so loving and irresistible they make it worth all the effort.

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  18. I met my fur baby Cody when I went to the animal shelter. I still remember seeing him in the corner of his cage too shy to come near. He was the most beautiful collie/German shepherd mix and only 8 weeks old. We battled parvo together at 10 weeks and spent the next 14 years as a family. He is now in doggie heaven with my other fur babies.

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    1. Aw, Cody sounds like he was a wonderful dog. My cat Molly hid under the bed the first week we had her, and then we found out she had ear mites. It was not fun trying to give her her medicine! But she’s a regular family cat now, and no more ear mites for her, much to everyone’s relief! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    3. Cody sounds wonderful and I bet he was beautiful with that mix. Glad he was part of your life for 14 years…I wish they lived forever.

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  19. I loved reading about everybody’s babies! Alison, I had an orange tabby named Bob — total coincidence! Thanks everybody for stopping by!

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    1. Thank you, Sherri! I was happy to read that, unlike my own heroine, not all of my fellow authors’ characters ended up with their animals thanks to a killer on the loose! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  22. Well, I met my dear sweet kitties when their mama was sick. Sabrina smelled some soup I was making and came to the door. I could tell she had had kittens, but she was really thin. Every day she would come back and I would give her food and water. I would also rub her belly and say “Bring me your kittens”. One day, she brought them, one by one, and left them in my care. There were three kittens, 2 boys and a girl. We gave one boy away, but kept Sabrina, Teddi and Tony. Sabrina died 2 years ago, Tony died last year an Teddi is celebrating her 22nd birthday as of June 15th. catwoman-1@comcast.net

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  23. I adopted my kitty from the animal shelter. Poor baby was terrified & huddled in the corner. I was worried she wouldn’t get adopted unlike all the other super friendly kitties. She’s super sweet & cuddly, just very skittish.

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    1. My Molly is a shy one too, but once she opened up to us we found out what a huge personality she has. Sometimes they just need a little extra love and patience. She’s still not a fan of strangers though! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    2. My female hides from strangers but my male cat loves to meet them. Amazing how animals have their own unique personality, just like us humans.

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    1. So sorry to hear about your family’s struggles this year, Karen. When the time is right, I’m sure the perfect dog will come into your life. Wishing the best for you and your family. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  25. What fantastic stories!! Love them all. And we Chicks are thrilled to meet so many new author friends and readers on your visits to Chicks today!! My ups and downs with our present Golden, Farley (that’s “Marley” with an F) are probably overly-documented, but his older half-brother Willie was a doll. We had pick of the litter and almost chose another puppy, but he ensconced himself under my raincoat and I couldn’t resist him.

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    1. Thank you so much for hosting us today, Lisa! Our characters love talking about their pets as much as we authors do, so it was a pleasure to share their stories. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    2. Thank you, Lisa! I love the name Farley and how Willie snuggled under your raincoat. Dogs know a good human when they see them. 🙂

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  26. Thanks so much for visiting us as part of your blog tour! Loved hearing your stories.

    I’m writing this as our dog is asleep on my foot with her tennis ball in her mouth. Springer Spaniels (she’s our third) are so smart and sweet (and of course energetic…)! ❤️

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    1. Thank you for having us, Cynthia! Your dog sounds like a cutie. I have my cat Anna Belle lying beside me right now. She’s conked out from this blog tour! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  27. After my 19 year old cat, Ms. Mouser passed away, I thought I might not get another cat, but life is really empty without an animal to share it with. So, my BFF’s daughter thought we should visit the shelter to check out the kittens. Two kittens came to me right away and they were the ones I brought home. Hamilton and Jefferson now let me share my life with them. They picked me and they make me laugh every day.

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    1. I’m so happy Hamilton and Jefferson found you, Dianne! It’s always hard losing a pet, but like you said, life isn’t the same without one around. My two cats make me laugh constantly too. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    2. My condolences on the loss of Ms. Mouser. My mom had a cat, Amber, who lived to be 19. It’s wonderful when you can have a furkid with you that long. I love Hamilton and Jefferson’s names. My cats make me smile every day too.

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  28. We adopted our cat Tigger from a local Humane Society and our pug Boomer my daughter bought from a local breeder. He had been returned to her, I don’t know why, he’s the sweetest dog.

    Linda Henderson

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  29. Didn’t make it here yesterday but have to say that all of my fur babies have been strays or adopted from animal shelters. We took in sweet Murphy, a Sheltie Collie dog after we saw her on TV, and Chester a beautiful coffee cream colored Tabby (who pawed at and picked us as we went by his cage) from an animal shelter when it flooded in our area. These babies make the best pets ever!!

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  30. our cat was dumped into our neighborhood. I’ve been told he hung around for 6 months before cozying up to my dog oriented husband by trying to become our garage cat. He had blood on his paws and my husband brought him into the house & asked me to take take a look. I quickly pointed out it wasn’t his blood and then found the mouse in the garage he had been playing with. No one was permanently hurt and after checking around & a vet visit, He adopted us. That was 14 years ago.

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    2. “Garage cat” – I like that. Tabby sounds like one smart feline! Thank you for sharing and visiting with us on our tour.

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  31. My adopted our dog Artie from Petfinder.com. My wife saw him when she was looking to adopt after our old dog passed away. We are so blessed to have adopted him.

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    2. My condolences on the loss of your old dog. I’m so glad you found Artie and he’s lucky you found him.

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  32. I love it that so many of you rescued animals. All of my animals many animals through the years have been rescues. I will never ever buy a dog when there are so many dying in shelters or suffering in puppy mills. Annie was a stay who followed my husband home from a church league softball game. Ginger was living on a chain. And Johnny, aka John Stamos, was a foster failure from a local shelter who survived distemper.

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    1. Rescues are the best, aren’t they, Randi? And I love how your animals came to be in your life. My two cats are also foster failures, just like your Johnny. I can’t imagine two more perfect cats! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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    2. I love rescues. In my case, all my pets, except one, have been strays who found their way to me. We live in the country where pets are often dropped off to fend for themselves. It is so sad. Pets are not disposable but many people seem to think they are. Grrr!

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  34. I read do reviews mysteries mostly cozy at our age and health it not possible to have a crybaby much to my dismay. I read a lot of cat and dog mysteries. My heart hurts every time I see a Bengal cat needing a home. It been a year since Kato cross over the bridge.

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    1. Caring for pets can be difficult for some, and I’m so sorry for the loss of your Kato. I’m glad you’re still able to enjoy animals in mysteries though, and thank you so much for posting reviews of the books you read. They really are appreciated. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  35. I met my Kiki kitty when a friend of my daughter had to find a home for her. I said I would take her sight unseen and it was love at first sight when I did see her. She’s such a sweet kitty and she always knows when I need some cheering up- she comes over and snuggles me!

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    1. Aw, it sounds like you and Kiki were made for each other! Cats are good at knowing when we need some extra special attention, and they’re usually all too willing to give it to us. Thank you for stopping by and commenting! –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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  36. The ten ebook winners are Michelle F, Cathi, Sharon G, Dianne C, Christy M, Jen B, Sharon B, Patricia T, Jana Leah B, and email starscroll***gmail.com. Congratulations, all! I’ve sent each of you an email, so please check your inbox (or spam folder). Thank you so much to everyone who took the time to read and comment on our posts and to the awesome Chicks for hosting us. I loved chatting with you all and hope you enjoyed learning more about us and our books, and possibly discovered some exciting new reads. –Marla (aka Paige Sleuth)

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