Blessing of the Animals

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Prefer Puppy Love or Pussycat Passion? Author’s Animal Lover's Quiz Reveals the Beastly Truth

Folklore credits the first valentine to an imprisoned Saint Valentine in third century Rome. He sent the first "valentine" to his beloved by signing it "From your Valentine." Today the tradition continues but it is really going to the dogs…and cats.

According to Diana L Guerrero a recent survey revealed that most pet owners would pick a pet over a person. This news might be startling to some but is indicative of changes in American households. For instance, pet spending has more than doubled from $17 billion in 1994 to an estimated $38.4 billion in 2006. According to Guerrero more pet households now exist than those with children.

“This means that if you want to get into the heart of your sweetie this Valentine’s Day don’t forget to include something for the pet. There is a wide assortment of gifts to select from--everything from a crunch cards (pet card with a treat) or reflective pet ID tag to high end crystal embedded collars, and if you want to share a quiet human only romantic interlude…consider sending the pet out for a s-paw day.”

Diana L. Guerrero talks about timeless traditions and contemporary ceremonies for pets in her soon to be released book, BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677).

The unusual book is filled with ideas and tips for pet parties, pet weddings, and other furry festivities. Readers will find ceremonies and tips for mutt-rimony, holidays such as Valentine’s Day, and other trendy activities.

To find out if you prefer puppy love or pussycat passion take Guerrero’s quiz by selecting one preference from each line:

__Outdoor stroll to __curling up by a fire
__A good massage or__basking in the sun
__Drool when happy or __purr with bliss
__Engage in group play sessions or __enjoy one-on-one activities
__Enjoy a spa day or __would rather attend to your own personal hygiene
__Take guidance easily or __prefer to be in charge
__Prefer day time activities or __stay up all night
__Relish attention or __prefer to initiate interaction
__Like to share bed with a loved one or __ prefer your own bed

For the key to Guerrero’s quiz visit http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com

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Review copies of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677) are available to journalists. Contact Sterling Publishing Publicity at (212) 532-7160.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS is available for preorder from Sterling Publishing, Amazon.com, and BarnesandNoble.com and will be available at booksellers throughout the United States in April of 2007. Online previews of BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS are available online at http://www.blessingoftheanimals.com.

Diana L Guerrero is available for interviews visit http://www.dianalguerrero.com for additional information.

Labels: animal lovers gift, blessing of the animals, california author, diana l guerrero, pet quiz, puppy love, pussycat passion, valentines day

Monday, January 22, 2007

Author Says Mardi Gras Krewe Welcomes REAL Paw-ty Animals

Carnival, most popularly known as Mardi Gras season, started on January 6th (the end of the twelfth day of Christmas). Most of the infamous parades, balls and related festivities take place two weeks before Mardi Gras Day (Fat Tuesday) which is February 20th.

According to author Diana L Guerrero—you can see some real animals in New Orleans during this time. When Guerrero says animals, she means the four legged members of the Mystic Krewe of Barkus, a Mardi Paws society whose membership is limited to canines and is headquartered near the “flea market” of New Orleans.

Diana L. Guerrero mentions the group in her soon to be released book, BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS: A GUIDE TO PRAYERS & CEREMONIES CELEBRATING PETS AND OTHER CREATURES (ISBN 1402729677).

Guerrero said, “In the past the group has picked clever themes such a ‘Jurassic Bark,’ ‘Lifestyles of the Bitch & Famous,’ and the ‘Wizard of Paws.’ This year the theme is ‘A Street Dog Named Desire.’”

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS is a unique look into timeless traditions of animal blessings, contemporary creature celebrations, and touches on pet pageants, pet parades, and other quirky pet friendly activities. The author discovered the Krewe of Barkus during her research for her newest work due out in April.

Although the Mardi Gras tradition arrived in America in 1699 the Mystic Krewe of Barkus surfaced just 15 years ago.

“Each year the krewe donates the proceeds of the parade registration fees, merchandise sales, and ball profits to worthy animal welfare groups. I think it is great that even if you can’t attend, they encourage you to support a dog-gone good cause through the purchase of a membership or the krewe’s memorabilia.”

Guerrero was sorry to hear that there was no yappy hour at this year’s Barkin’ Up the Ritz Ball on February 9th since the Windsor Court Hotel event is for humans only--but anyone can join the Krewe of Barkus--and parade is filled with those canine members.

Pet parents who don’t parade can join the paw-ty at Armstrong Park in New Orleans beginning at 10:30am. The parade will start at 2:00pm.

Krewe of Barkus