LIVING LIFE TO THE MAX

"THE SPRINKLING OF MAXDOG" (Wordless)

2012-01-30T18:48:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

My friend, my companion, nothing he lacks...

My beautiful dog...my 'Sprinkling of Max!'

Sending lotsaluv

WHO IS TOBY?

2012-01-27T10:00:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

On the 24th January, TOBY turned 18 months old!

So, who is TOBY?

TOBY is my ‘Sprinkling of MAXDOG'

He's an incredibly special Golden Retriever, who chose me on that first day of his life.
Over the last 18 months, TOBY has grown into a vibrant, strong and demanding, 40 kg pooch. He’s a creature who has fully entrenched himself as one of our precious family members. This young animal does indeed test my patience, but he also ignites my love.

He teaches me daily that life is constantly changing and that a wonderous world exists 'out there'.

And I mustn't forget that he's a fast learner - remember how he surprised us all with his amazing stage performance in the production of 'Annie' last year. He was only 9 months old at the time - just a baby.

Nowadays, TOBY is mainly a family dog. His training has slipped somewhat with my recent publication of MAXDOG, but he's still eager to learn and I plan to spend more quality time with him this year.

TOBY has a gorgeous, fluffy tail whose functionality is confirmed when it sweeps my coffee table clean of its contents. Our "Goofball" provides an example of energised living that I never imagined.

Our ‘Sweet Hooligan’ usurps our swimming pool, and effectively relocates it into our home after demonstrating his rendition of ‘shake’ ,’rattle’ and ‘roll’.

TOBY retrieves everything – including my underwear, and he follows MAXDOG’s tradition of running trenches in our passage, then dropping to the floor to stare at me, innocently.

You can’t ignore him; his evidence surrounds us. His tiny Golden hairs escape the clutches of all state-of-the-art vacuum cleaners.

Never fear if you’ve forgotten his food – Toby reminds us, with purpose!

Poochy arrived with a full PR Function too - should we be grateful?

He announces visitors with euphoric applause. He showers our guests with blankets, carpets and anything he can find. All this, he does whilst grunting melodious preludes to their stay.

And when the tempo has eased, he swaggers to his corner, to fall into doggie-dreamland and occasionally enhance our ambience with healthy emissions.

Toby also provides a free gardening service for his household.

It's not often though, but when he does, you WILL notice: Clumps of grass are carefully extracted from my manicured lawn and designer holes are strategically placed - just for us!

But when I’m lonely, TOBY is immediately there – snuggling to my side and looking cute with some toy in his mouth. I have to smile and tickle his tummy.

Most Goldens come with a demeanour that oozes trust, loyalty, and life-long devotion. In Toby's case, he's been nurtured by faithful 'Aunt Tam' (MAXDOG's soulmate) for his role as my companion. What a privilege he's had to have spent his formative years with his beautiful Matriarch:

He’s grown from that sweet little pup....

...into a statuesque dog;

a perfect Golden specimen!

As anticipated, life with a Golden is always uplifting and my
‘Sprinkling of MAXDOG’
continues to enrich my life!

Happy 18 months TOBY!!!
I love you, my 'Sweet Hooligan'.
May you live your days, with us, in happy contentment
...and may there be MANY more!

Sending lotsaluv to you all.

PRETORIA NEWS: MAXDOG BOOK REVIEW (23 Jan 2012)

2012-01-23T16:26:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

MAXMOM here...

SUNDAY's CHATTY POST and PACK CATCH-UP

2012-01-22T13:36:00.003+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Our city has been washed clean with all the recent rain we've had. The local park looks green and lush, if not a little slushy. It's perfect weather for hadedah ibises, who systematically scout around in search of half-drowing crickets and, once satiated, settle for a few hours on the neighbour's roof to dry their large and cumbersome feathers.

"Tweety", our resident weaver bird and his harem are also doing well. As a diligent provider to his ever-growing feathered family, he happily spends his whole life collecting seeds on our front lawn. What a simply beautiful, feisty and determined little feathered friend he is. Aint he sweet?

The past two weeks have been absolutely incredible!

Sometimes I have to pinch myself and ask is this really happening?

Is MAXDOG really in print?

I feel so blessed. My original goal of simply trying to make my story available to my blogging-buddies who may have wanted to read it, has gained an unknown momentum. Things seem to be moving beyond all my expectations. I am still struggling to comprehend that I have actually written a book, let alone all this publicity which is going along with it. It feels rather like being encased in a bubble. When is it going to pop?

To give you an idea, these are the main events which have happened over the past two weeks:

* MAXDOG's first book review in "THE WITNESS",

* An article about MAXDOG in the "RANDBURG SUN"

*A MAXDOG 'give-away' in "PETS HEALTH" (A magazine which is distributed to Veterinary practices around the country.

* My appearance as a guest on SAFM radio last week and the subsequent response to the photographic and audio presentation on youtube.

*Being given the opportunity to write PORCUPINE PRESS's blog for them.

*Making the decision to order another 1000 copies of MAXDOG because we are going to run out soon (and the real publicity hasn't yet hit the market).

*The wonderful news that MAXDOG will soon be available as a 'Print-on-demand' book via Amazon.com (in about one month's time) and will therefore become freely available to my international audience. It is already listed on the UK's 'BOOK DEPOSITORY'

****MAXDOG as an "eBOOK" is now available!!! ... from the

UK BOOK DEPOSITORY

*The news that CNA (a large book and stationary store chain in SA has ordered a bulk-order of MAXDOG.

*An invitation from our local pet store (P.E.T.S) in Rock Cottage shopping centre to do a book signing soon.

*The news that MAXDOG sales in the large bookstores are going very well indeed.

*The many emails and feedback from people who have read the book and are singing it's praises. Here is one 'snippet' from Gail in Scotland:

"The next time I get a blank look when I try explaining to someone the appeal of writing a dog blog, I shall direct them to Maxdog, as in it you have put into words many of the things I have tried to tell people, and you have expressed them all so vividly and so much better than I ever could. "

(Thank you, Gail!)

I feel totally humbled by all this...and enormously blessed too.

Many thanks to everyone for your continued encouragement and support. I could never have embarked on this journey without your love and faithful presence in my life.

Thank you!

---xXx---

Home life chugs on. My daughters are living elsewhere nowadays and are reaching for their dreams. Our pack of canines has been left to deal with a quieter house, with only 'The Boss' and me to keep them company during the week. This quiet reverie is disrupted again when the weekends arrive. Nobody receives a bigger welcome than my two daughters when they open the front door on a Friday.

Toby remains a "Sweet hooligan", while Tammy continues her role as the regal Matriarch.

She is slowly, but surely, aging and struggles somewhat with her arthritis. We give her glucosamine regularly as well as her eye-drops and she is enjoying the HILLS J/D Diet too. Her arthritis doesn't deter her however from a happy game of 'bitey-face' with the large 40kg goofball named 'Toby'.

King Toffee has gained great benefit from his deafness in recent months. To him, the world is no longer a threat and he has adopted a very 'chilled' demeanour.

Walks, too, are very pleasant with "The King" around. His history of a 'lack of social skills' is no longer a problem. So long as he's near our feet and other dogs don't crowd him, he's fine and happy to run along; enjoying his new-found freedom in his old age.

King Toffee has recently been blessed with a wonderful donation of dog food - a whole case of tinned HILLS K/D diet to help him with his ailing kidneys. (from 'Carole' at P.E.T.S store at Rock Cottage) Toffee is in doggie heaven with this food and always arrives at my side, post meal, smugly satisfied. To him, it's lip-smacking stuff! Thank you so much, Carole, for your generosity!

Well, that's all the news for now. Once again, please accept my sincere apologies for not visiting many blogs. Also accept my love and thanks for the role you all play in my life.

Sending lotsaluv

MAXDOG: SAFM AUDIO CLIP ON YOUTUBE

2012-01-19T07:27:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear friends,

Many of you will be aware of my recent interview on SAFM about MAXDOG with Karen Key, as part of their programme on Mental Health.

The international radio interview took place on Tuesday 17th January 2012, at 21h30 (SA Time).

Karen chatted to me about my recently published book MAXDOG as well as my battle with depression and anxiety.

I have had many positive responses to this particular interview and know that it will be worth your while to listen to it, if you so choose.

Many of my readers/followers/supporters/fans/friends/family may have missed the programme and I want to give them the opportunity to do so too.

For your added interest, this clip is peppered with MANY photos of MAXDOG too.

MY SUGGESTION:

Please allow the audio/photographic experience to fully upload before watching!

ENJOY!

With love

MENTAL HEALTH WEEK and MAXDOG report...

2012-01-16T13:20:00.004+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

So much is happening in my life that I can hardly think straight at the moment...

My interview with the pretty, young reporter from the RANDBURG SUN, on Friday, went very well indeed (in my opinion). 'Karishma' seemed to enjoy our chat, but one never knows with these things. Hopefully she will be able to put something nice together with all the information I have given her. I also gave her a copy of MAXDOG and hope that she will enjoy my book.

Thank you, Karishma, for taking the time to hear about MAXDOG...

(Karishma Thakurdin: RANDBURG SUN REPORTER)

To my readers living in the Randburg area - look out for the article about MAXDOG in Thursday's edition of RANDBURG SUN ( 19th January 2011)

Well, Friday was a brilliant day in many respects. My heart skipped a beat when Porcupine Press (my publishers) phoned me to tell me that CNA (One of the largest chainstores of books and stationery in South Africa) have put in a bulk order of 100 books. This is fabulous news for both Porcupine Press and me! This order will help greatly with the publicity of MAXDOG too and hopefully other companies/organisations will follow suite with future orders. MAXDOG will be on CNA shelves in the next month or two.

---xXx---

The very important news, however, is that this week, for me, is...

DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AWARENESS WEEK!

It is time to acknowledge the many people around the world who suffer from this illness - including me.

I have received so many emails from friends, who have taken the time to share their own journeys with this sometimes debilitating illness. More often than not, it is the loneliness and isolation of sufferers which hits the hardest. We sometimes feel so alone, but still have to face the horrible social stereotypes, judgement and taboo within our communities. This must stop! It is time to not only speak out, but to learn more about my illness.

One of the themes in MAXDOG is exactly this!

Not only is it a story about my amazing dog, but it is an account of my own journey to 'healing' and my management of this illness.

My dream, through MAXDOG, is to create awareness about this condition and to play my part in ridding the world of these dangerous stereotypes...

(121 million people around the world suffer from this illness)

http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/definition/en/

The good news is that there are many places to seek help. A simple google search will enable you to find the help that you may need. In South Africa, the people to contact are:

SOUTH AFRICAN DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP.

This site has a wealth of valuable information.

Don't delay, seek help!

---xXx---

Tomorrow night, I am sheduled to be interviewed about MAXDOG by Karen Key (SAFM presenter) as part of their radio programme on Mental Health. Thanks to the vigilance of 'Fran' in New Zealand, I was alerted to the fact that my international followers will be able to

LISTEN TO ME, LIVE!!!
Please click HERE
Once you are on the above link, please select "SAFM"

If this link doesn't work, please try this one http://streema.com/radios/SAFM#

Yes, on Tuesday evening (17th January) at 21h30 (SOUTH AFRICAN TIME), you can go to this link on the Internet to listen to the interview, about MAXDOG, LIVE! I believe it will be for about half an hour. Please tune in to support me. Please would you perhaps also take the time to drop me a note if you are going to be listening to the program. You can do so either in the comments section - under this post - or via my email:

carylmoll AT yahoo DOT com.

(It would be so nice to know which of my blogging-buddies are on the other end of the airwaves when I go 'live'...kind of 'moral support', if you like.)

Other good news is that my publicist - Helen Holyoake, from HELCO PROMOTIONS, has managed to secure a number of book reviews for MAXDOG in the next few months. Publications include: Citizen, Daily News, Pretoria News, Sunday Times (read/write), Vets Life, Pets Health, Horses in Harness, Animal Talk, Marie-Claire, Essentials Mag, 'O' Mag, etc.

I must tell you, I feel rather shell-shocked with this whole journey. At this stage, I am still trying to comprehend the first little fact that MAXDOG is actually in print. All this emerging publicity is very new to me and rather daunting to say the least. What keeps me going is that I believe so strongly that MAXDOG's story really needs to get told. I really want to give voice to the powerful relationships which exist between companion animals and their owners, as well as to throw light (via my personal story) on the hope which exists for people, for people like me, who battle with 'Depression and Anxiety'.

Further news is that MAXDOG is now listed on 'bookdepository.co.uk' - another channel for ordering your copy of MAXDOG.

Hopefully this week will also shed some light about what is happening regarding the 'Print-on-demand' version of MAXDOG (scheduled for Amazon.com.) I've had a number of hiccups with this process, but hopefully I'll hear some good news soon.

MAXDOG ebook, too, will soon become available for purchase on a number of sites.

Please watch this blog for updates.

On the homefront, 'Scotch' - Miss "R"s guinea-pig - went in for the 'big snip' on Friday. I am happy to report that he has recovered from his ordeal. He's also been deemed fit to 'socialise' with the other resident guinea-pigs at Onderstepoort Veterinary training facility (where Miss "R" is a student). He is the cutest little bundle of fluff that I have seen in a long time and I have developed an affinity for his sweet little 'Guinea-pig-giggle'.

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends across the world and wishing you a wonderful, happy and fulfilling week.

ROLLING INTO THE PACE OF 2012

2012-01-12T16:00:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

...and a very HAPPY NEW YEAR to all my readers!

MAXMOM here...

Hi there everyone.

2012 is upon us and the cogs of business are starting to turn again. By the time the public schools begin their academic year, next week, the city will be back to a buzz.

In our household, most things have also regained a semblance of normality. I need to start writing again, but I must admit that I've had a dip in motivation in recent weeks. The writing ‘itch’ isn’t quite upon me yet, but I can feel its 'call' slowly emerging. This year, when things with MAXDOG settle down, I will be revisiting my old project – writing up my collection of childhood farm stories.

There are also a few other projects which I have in mind, but for the moment, I am just going along with the flow.

My publicist – Helen Holyoake of HELCO PROMOTIONS – has being doing some sterling work for MAXDOG during my absence. She has managed to secure me a number of book reviews which will be featured in various publications over the next few months. On Tuesday, next week, I have a radio interview scheduled to be broadcast live on SAFM. Please tune in at 9.30pm : I'll be chatting to Karen Key about MAXDOG,as part of their 'Mental Health' programme. And tomorrow, I will be meeting with a journalist from our local community newspaper - the RANDBURG SUN. They are planning an article about MAXDOG too.

At the moment, MAXDOG is on many of the shelves of the larger bookstores in South Africa.

Sales are slow, but certainly not stagnant. Perhaps when the reviews start hitting the public eye, we’ll see an increase in sales. Then again, who knows? All-in-all, there are about 350 copies of MAXDOG ‘out there’ at the moment, so I am happy with the progress in this journey.
Copies of MAXDOG have been sent (amongst others) to :USA, Canada, Australia, France, Ireland, Scotland, Yorkshire, Germany and even Kathleen Coy (the artist of the MAXTERPIECE) received her copy:

Have you got your copy of MAXDOG yet?
If not, please contact me at: “carylmoll AT yahoo DOT com”.
You can also read more about MAXDOG and the various outlets HERE.

Our three dogs are all very well. Aunt Tam is getting old now, but still up for a jaunt at our local dog park. (She is the lightest coloured golden in the picture above) It’s the highlight of our canine companions' day. Even King Toffee comes off his throne to take part in this daily excursion. One would never say that he is 14 years old - turning 15 in June. A grand old age!!!

(Miss "R" and the pack)

The doggie park is increasing in popularity each week. Every day we see new dogs and their owners arriving. It is simply wonderful to watch the pooches playing and enjoying time together off lead. It's equally pleasant meeting new faces and enjoying the comeradie.

Toby is a ball of unabated energy. (I am sure that he's the biggest hooligan in the park).

At home, he has developed a habit of collecting blankets when visitors arrive and rushing to wrap them up, snorting throughout the whole process.

It's quite endearing, but can also be disconcerting. He's a big, strong dog now, but an absolute goofball. He remains...

OUR SWEET HOOLIGAN.

We’ll see how the journalist reacts tomorrow to Toby's welcome, lol! Sometimes it’s best just to leave him outside on these occasions…but not for long though…remember...

Golden Retrievers HAVE to meet ALL visitors!!!

(It’s just a Golden thing.)

Well, that is all for the moment.

Wishing all my friends the very best for 2012.

I hope this year will see us all reaching for our dreams.

Sending lotsaluv

MAXDOG DISTRIBUTION OUTLETS, General News and POTP needed...

2011-12-29T18:52:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

GET YOUR COPY OF MAXDOG NOW!!!

Available at:

EXCLUSIVE BOOKS:

Clearwater, Sandton, Hyde Park, Cresta, Greenstone, Mandela Square, Sandton City, Centurion Lake, Pietermaritzburg, Westville(Durban), Century City (Cape Town)

ESTORIL BOOKS:

Cresta, Fourways, Irene

ADAMS BOOKSELLERS:

West Street (Durban), Musgrave (Durban)

ONLINE:

eBOOK

For more information about MAXDOG, click: HERE

-----------------------xXx------------------------

OTHER GENERAL NEWS:

Our festive season has been punctuated by some thunderous storms across the Johannesburg landscape. The skies have produced some truly creative and heavenly showpieces:

(Above: Our local park)

Below:

After the storm, even the rainbows appear unusual:

On Christmas Day, Toby spent hours enjoying his BONE, whilst we had our own culinary feast...

Afterwards, he took control over the lounging chairs in the garden...

But vigilant dogs shouldn't go to sleep with their bones unattended!
Clever Aunt TAM retreated to a cool corner in the garden, dug a hole and buried TOBY's bone...

The sluthful Matriach!

KING TOFFEE checked out a gift fit for a King...'Twas the Boss's Christmas gift...

A giant Ferrero Rocher chocolate!

Sorry Toffee ....in your dreams!

Finally, there are so many of our special friends across the blogosphere who need 'The Power of the Paw'. I would like to send them my special thoughts and prayers and a MAXDOG message to:
"LIVE IN THE MOMENT!"

(a "present" always available to us)

Please visit them to send some love:

ROMPING AND ROLLING IN THE ROCKIES

MAGGIE

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends in cyber-space,

MY CHRISTMAS MESSAGE: "You are NOT alone!"

2011-12-24T13:55:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

For many people Christmas is a time of family, sharing, goodwill and togetherness. Gifts are distributed and meals shared together. Homes are adorned with beautiful decorations, music is in the air and a mood of joviality, familiarity, comfort and festivity prevails. Deep affirming sentiments fill the atmosphere.

For some people, Christmas is a more a spiritual time – a time to acknowledge a personal spiritual space. Time is spent worshipping and acknowledging our personal God. But it is, once again, a communal time – sharing, caring and worshipping together and claiming the true meaning of Christmas.

But for thousands of people, Christmas is a dreaded time - of deep despair, loneliness and desperation. As families (religions and personal families) congregate around one another in cultural and religious celebrations, there are many people who feel excluded, marginalised and alone. Some feel this on a deep psychological level whilst others feel it on a practical level. Poverty is rife – practical, religious, spiritual and psychological poverty. Depression too abounds.

My intention of today’s post is to give a loving touch to those who fall into the last category – some of you may be reading this blog.

So, today I want to reach out and say that I care about my world and I care about the people in my world - you!

My message is this:

You are not alone! You may feel alone, but you are part of many people who feel lonely and depressed - some 121 million people!. You are not alone!

For some of us, Christmas is often a confusing time fuelled by contrasting life experiences and the angst of the festive season. We try to make sense of the events around us. What is all this hype about?

The good news is that Christmas really is about goodwill and the good news also is that the atmosphere of goodwill really is there. You just have to notice it.

People do care. I care! You care!

Today, I want to give you a (((Big-Cyber-Christmas-Hug)). I want to reinforce the so-called ‘cliché’ – You are indeed special! You are a unique creation. You have talents and a potential that has been gifted to you. If you choose to do it, you can make a difference in this world. You have a gift called creativity – from which other’s can benefit. Forget the stereotypes, the judgement and all those things that serve to diminish you. You are worth it!

My love and goodwill extends to you on this Christmas eve...

Happy Christmas, my special cyber-friend!

You are not alone!

Sending lotsaluv

MAXDOG: TV INTERVIEW VIDEO CLIP

2011-12-22T11:54:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

Hi there everyone,

I finally managed to upload the 7 minute video clip of my recent television interview.

The interview about my book MAXDOG was conducted by Sindy Mabe - one of the presenters on the "Sunrise"of ETV on the 13th December 2011.

This footage is courtesy of ETV.

If you would like a copy of the book, please email me at

carylmoll@yahoo.com

If you would like the eBook in PDF version, please email me too.

Wishing all my readers a happy Christmas!

Enjoy...

Sending lotsaluv

Catch-up news...PHOTO OVERLOAD and some captions.

2011-12-21T17:00:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

(Christmas Time)

Dear friends,

There is so much 'catch-up' news to share, so I thought I'd do so in pictures today...with a few captions...

Above & Below: Me at ETV studios last week - interviewed about MAXDOG on their Sunrise Show

Caught a crazy plane to join my family afterwards.

One can't help but giggle at the Kulula Planes.

Resident kitty at our apartment at Marina Beach.

Hawkers and their goods on beachfront.

Chill-out time, despite the weather.

Bad weather = Good food at the
"Waffle House"

Tidal pool at Marina Beach.

Back home: 'Scotch' gives Miss R a warm welcome.

Article about MAXDOG in one of the shopping centre's newspaper.

Toby snoozing.

"Glad to have you home...family!"

Weather in Johanneburg much better!

Perfect Christmas weather.

"King Toffee" on the prowl.

The best-dressed Christmas house in the neighbourhood.

Who can resist feeling Christmasy?

Toby watching me carefully - in case I disappear again.

Even the pooches get into the Christmas spirit.

WISHING ALL MY READERS...

A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A FESTIVE SEASON FILLED WITH LOVE, FAMILY AND COMPANIONSHIP.

Sending lotsaluv,

MEMORY QUILT FOR THE PITTIE PACK

2011-12-19T21:59:00.003+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends around the world,

Well, it's nearly Christmas and I don't know about you, but my household is getting busier by the minute. Baking, wrapping, Christmas trees, shopping and endless family activity. It certainly is a time for everyone to pull together and celebrate our deep connections!

But amidst all this, my mind has been occupied by the happenings in blogville and the incredible love which is prevailing at the moment. My heart continues to want to reach out to Sandra during her time of need. But we all feel so helpless.

Today, I thought I'd put up a picture of my own little '6 inch x 6 inch' effort towards the memory quilt which Agnes at DACHSIES WITH MOXIE is putting together for Sandra.

If you haven't heard about this project yet and would like to participate, please click

HERE

Here is the 'explanation' around my own particular little 'square' :

My 'heart-dog', ie Angel Maxdog is in the background and the blue colour of his heart is meant to blend into the 'sky'. The 'sky' symbolises the place where all animals who have crossed the Rainbow bridge find their resting place. The sky also symbolises our connections to bloggers across the world. The four little hearts in the square represent 'us' here in South Africa - Tammy, Toffee, Toby and me (Maxmom).

My personal message attached to our little square is this:

"We are sending all our 'hearts' and love to Sandra and her family. We are all in this together."

What a fabulous idea put together by some of the incredibly compassionate, talented and creative thinkers in blogville! Thank you to Agnes for putting this particular quilt together. I'll be posting my little square off tomorrow in the hope that it gets to the USA before the deadline.

Thank you to all the bloggers who have initiated the opportunity for us all to participate in these loving gestures. I never cease to be amazed by the generosity and compassion of the bloggers in our community - not to mention those special bloggers who take it upon themselves to get the ball rolling to make something beautiful happen.

Thank you!

May I take this opportunity to wish all my friends a wonderful, happy and peaceful Christmas. Thank you for what you have all meant to me during this past year. I cannot begin to tell you how much you continue to enrich my life.

Sending lotsaluv

A TRAGEDY IN OUR BLOGGING COMMUNITY...

2011-12-17T17:56:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

It's Christmas time -

This is usually a time for family, togetherness and celebration. Yet, it is with a deep sadness that I convey the terrible news that one of our long-standing blogging-buddies...

KISSA-BULL

in Houston, Texas, suffered a terrible housefire in the early hours of yesterday. They lost everything, including five of their dogs. All human beings are safe, but among those who died was Shelby, the sweet rescue doggie who was found near death in a parking lot about 18 months ago and nursed back to health. There are five, bright, new stars in our midnight sky tonight and blogville is stunned.

My heart goes out to Sandra and her family as they face the heart-breaking devastation of this event. Please know that we love and care about you, Sandra. The blogging community is right behind you - with our thoughts, prayers and small contributions.

Please may I appeal to my readers to open up your heart and consider giving a donation to help this family to start rebuilding their lives. In the usual, amazing fashion, blogville has roped up the "Power of the Paw" in our community to help one of our own. A secure donation site has been set up, which you can access

HERE.

Please contribute, if you can.

Sending lotsaluv

MAXDOG UPDATE - INTERNATIONAL READERS

2011-12-14T19:46:00.000+02:00

Dear friends and readers – particularly my INTERNATIONAL readers and supporters of MAXDOG…

This is a quick update. I am on holiday at the seaside with my family as I write this update and unfortunately my internet access is extremely limited here. I felt however, that I should inform you about the latest developments surrounding MAXDOG as soon as possible – particularly for those readers who have been waiting, expectantly to hear about where they can purchase copies of the book.

Most of my readers will be aware that MAXDOG is currently available in South Africa. The book can be purchased through many of the larger book retailers here – including Exclusive Books (Clearwater Mall, Cresta, Hyde Park, Greenstone, Centurion, Sandton City, etc) and Estoril Books. MAXDOG can also be purchased online through http://www.porcupinepress.co.za/ and http://www.kalahari.com./ The book can also be procured by contacting me directly: carylmoll@yahoo.com

The arrangements for my INTERNATIONAL READERS (in terms of printing and distribution) however are presenting a number of hurdles. I am doing my best to try and iron out these problems, but as it stands at the moment, it appears that the book may only be available on AMAZON (and other distribution channels) in the New year. In addition, that particular book (The international version) may either exclude the photographic colour insert (which is in the South African version of the book) or the photographs may appear in black and white. (A decision about this is pending)

In the light of this news and the uncertainty surrounding exactly WHEN MAXDOG will be available for my international readers, I would like to suggest that you consider ordering your copy directly from me. This way there is certainty surrounding your book and you are assured of the inclusion of the photographic section. As I have explained previously, the international postage charge is rather pricey (R150), which will put the cost of the book (for International readers) up to R310. I apologize for this, but my hands are tied in this matter. Please be assured that I have tried to do my absolute best for the benefit of my readers, but it is proving more difficult than initially envisaged.

If you would like me to post you your book at this price, please contact me: carylmoll@yahoo.com and I will get your copy into the post as soon as I get back to Johannesburg (on Monday 19th December).

I apologize for any inconvenience caused with the delay in international distribution. I am doing my best to overcome the hurdles which have been presented to me and will update you as and when we have managed to find a solution.

Sending lotsaluv

BLOGGING BREAK , ETV and purchasing your copy of MAXDOG ...

2011-12-12T06:31:00.004+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear friends,

'Twas a quiet, relaxing weekend - just what I needed! Even the dogs took the opportunity simply to 'be':

I think I am ready for tomorrow - it's gonna be a big day for me:

Firstly, I'll have to be up at the crack of dawn to be at the television studio at 07h00. If you are in South Africa, please join me and tune in to "ETV" on their sunrise show at 07h34 to watch a live interview between Sindy Mabe and myself. I'll be chatting about my recently published book, MAXDOG.

Once the interview is over, I am sure that I'll go and have a 'cuppa' with my friend Lorraine and get to meet her new guide-dog puppy "Themba". (Welcome little "Themba"!) Later in the morning, I'm off to the airport to grab an aeroplane and fly down to Kwazulu-Natal to join my family at the seaside. (I've never flown on my own before) I can't wait to be with them. I've missed them terribly in the past 3 days.

At this point, my butterflies are flying in formation, but I am sure as tomorrow draws closer, I will begin to feel a lot more anxious. Surprisingly though, I am looking forward to meeting Sindy and to the whole experience (also a new one, I might add) of live television.

After feeling really unsettled on Saturday evening, I received the perfect sms from my sweet husband:

It read:

"Live Life to the Max...for Max!"

The perfect message at the perfect moment!

Thank you, 'Mike' :)

So folks, I am not sure if I'll have another opportunity to blog for a while. I will most probably be 'out-of-office' for the rest of the week (at least). In the meantime, you will be able to read updates about MAXDOG on Facebook or you can watch the Twitter feed on the RHS toolbar of this blog.

Let me also take the opportunity of wishing you all a fabulous week. Thank you again for your love and support during this exciting adventure with

MAXDOG.

In the meantime, if you would like to order a copy of MAXDOG, you can do one of the following:

SOUTH AFRICA READERS:

* Consult your local large bookstore

* email me: carylmoll@yahoo.com (will get back to you on the 19th)

* contact PORCUPINE PRESS at info@porcupinepress.co.za

* ORDER ONLINE through Porcupine press: Click HERE

INTERNATIONAL READERS:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

info@porcupinepress.co.za

Read more by clicking 'MAXDOG:THE BOOK!' link at the top of this blog

Sending lotsaluv to you, my special friends,

IS IT WORTH IT?

2011-12-10T19:46:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Suddenly the house is empty. All is quite and reality sets in. It’s been a hard couple of months – committed, determined and endless hours of hard work towards the finish line of the MAXDOG journey. The past two weeks have hardly allowed my feet to touch the ground. It’s been surreal.

But now I am alone – and it’s a Saturday night without my precious loved ones. The contrast is shattering – like when you hit that ‘red’ stop button on a treadmill. Suddenly your world comes to an abrupt halt and you feel like you want to fall over.

You see, my family are at the seaside as I write this – sharing precious time together. And me? I am sitting here - alone in my homesickness. I really am missing them.

You might well ask…Why this situation?

What was the prize for bargaining away this time together with my family? Why would someone choose this when they can be with their loved ones? Maybe my choice wasn’t such a wise one after all.

The value of time together is unmeasurable. Good relationships and companionable, precious moments are treasured more than all the diamonds in the world. One only realises just how valuable it is when they are suddenly absent.

So what bargained it away?

The answer: A short, 6-8 minute interview on TELEVISION for the benefit of MAXDOG.

Is this fair bargain?

Somehow, as I sit here in the deafening silence of the house, with just the dogs to keep me company and waiting for Tuesday, I am not so sure I made the right choice.

CARYL'S SPEECH & MAXDOG UPDATE

2011-12-09T16:48:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hi there to all my friends across the globe!

I believe a number of bloggers have already received their copies of MAXDOG in the post already. I am so happy that they are arriving and really hope that you enjoy my book.

There is so much happening here. The first article about MAXDOG appeared in one of our Afrikaans nation-wide newspapers this morning. If you would like to see the article,

please click HERE (It is in Afrikaans)

Tomorrow my family are leaving for our annual seaside holiday. The bad news is that I have to remain at home with the doggies. But the good news is the reason for me staying at home:

On Tuesday 13th December I am scheduled to appear on television: ETV's Sunrise show - interviewed by Sindy Mabe. This really is a privilege and I am looking forward to it - although admittedly, I am a little daunted. (Yes, MAXDOG appeared on the BBC in 2010, but I've never been on live television before. That was pre-recorded footage) If you are in South Africa on Tuesday... please tune to in to ETV at 07h30.

Well, today, I thought I'd give you the inside of my own speech at the book launch on Wednesday this past week. I also have many pictures from the evening. You can see them in one of the albums on

MAXDOG'S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

Please come and visit to see all the pictures - it's difficult to paste them all up on this blog as well.

So, here's my own speech from the launch of

MAXDOG

Good evening ladies and gentlemen and welcome. I would like to extend a special welcome to our guest of honour this evening – Rudi – MAXDOG’s nephew. Rudi is a 7yr old Golden Retriever with a direct genetic link to MAXDOG.

He is a fully trained therapy dog and is accustomed to environments like this. Please feel free to interact with Rudi. I’m sure he’d love to say hello…

Thank you, Zena, for bringing Rudi along to share the evening with us.

MAXDOG INTRODUCED:

After two years of extremely hard and emotional work, it is a great pleasure for me to formally introduce my book to you this evening. Thank you so much for joining me in what is, essentially, a "MAXDOG FAMILY" celebration. In the past few days I have received many messages from across the globe from my various blogging-buddies who are also part of this world-wide

"MAXDOG FAMILY."

MAXDOG DESCRIPTION:

MAXDOG is the 10year life-journey of a Golden Retriever who touched my heart and the hearts of hundreds of people across the world, through his blog: “The adventures of MAXDOG in South Africa”. This is a story about a remarkable dog, but it is also my personal story about my relationship with my ‘heart-dog’ and how Max assisted me on the path to healing.

WHY MAXDOG? WHAT GOT ME TO WRITE IT?

I remember a day sometime in March last year (2010) when, out of pure fatigue, I took a moment and sat down on a comfortable chair in our lounge. In his usual way, Max followed me, slumped to the floor and placed his head on my feet. It was a mystical moment: everything felt so unreal. There was no getting away from the fact that Max was dying, but it was all so confusing because he had already passed his two week life-expectancy and we had no idea of how long he was going to live. The blogging world had also risen up to deliver a Tsunami of support to us as a family as we faced the reality of having to say goodbye to our canine companion. In a few short months, Max had touched hearts across the world with ‘his’ blog and the cyber-world had mobilised into an unprecedented show of support.

So, as I stared at him that day, I was overwhelmed with love for this dog. I knew there and then that I had no option but to write his story – the full story of the dog behind the blog. I didn’t want his short life to disappear into obscurity. Max had done some amazing things during his ten years with us, not least of which was his devotion to my own healing. There was no debate – I wanted the world to understand how much he’d touched my life. I simply had to write the book.

MOTIVATION/SYMBOLISM OF MAX'S CANDLE

… So I got up off my chair, retrieved a CANDLE and lit it. I put it on my coffee table in my lounge. I promised myself that the candle wouldn’t go out until I had finished the book. Well, today we have the book and I am depleted of candles.
It was a long journey. It’s been many hours of painstaking and emotional work but the tribute to my dog is finally complete. MAXDOG is immortalised in print!

MY HOPE:

… is that this story will touch the hearts of my readers in the same way that Max touched my heart. My hope too is that it will give voice to the powerful relationships which form between companion animals and their owners. I have opened up my personal story about my battle with anxiety and depression – an affliction which is often shrouded in taboo. 121 million people around the world suffer from this debilitating illness and many do so in secret.
The time has come for the world to talk about this condition – openly - and to eradicate the stigma attached to it.
I hope my story will help with this cause.

THANK YOU…

To everyone who has had a hand in the book and to all the people who have come to support me tonight. I am so grateful to my husband and two incredible daughters who have allowed me to share our very personal story.

So now I am going to turn this speech over to one of my special daughters who will share her own point-of-view of the MAXDOG journey.
(Yesterday's post, but here is a picture of Robyn giving her speech)

Sending lotsaluv to all my readers and the amazing friends I have made through blogging.

Enjoy your weekend.

MY DAUGHTER'S AMAZING 'MAXDOG BOOK LAUNCH' SPEECH

2011-12-08T10:03:00.000+02:00

Dear friends and readers across the world,

last night we celebrated the OFFICIAL LAUNCH of my book MAXDOG. Many of my blogging-buddies around the world were there 'in-spirit' and for this reason, I would love to share my daughter's amazing speech with you all. This speech was interspersed with the reading of snippets from the book. (Which I have excluded in this blogpost)

Enjoy....

-----------xXx-------------

Good evening Ladies and Gentleman and thank you so much for sharing this very special evening with my mom and my family. For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Robyn or “Emma” as I’m referred to in the book, and I am Caryl’s youngest daughter.

Tonight we are celebrating my mom’s very special achievement of publishing her first book, Maxdog. In her book, my mom shares her truly inspiring story of how a slobbery, boisterous, bad breathed golden retriever changed her life.

Now, I’m a vet student, and as somebody going into the veterinary profession, I see a lot of people, such as vets, changing the lives of animals. But it is a really special occasion, when I get to witness how an animal can change their owner’s life, particularly when the owner, like my mom, adamantly refused to want the pet in the first place.

I remember the day when Max came into our lives. As a young ten year old I had a passion for animals, something I share with my mom, and it was particularly exciting for me that we would be getting a new puppy. This excitement, however, was one my mother refused to share. She was absolutely and truly determined that this would not be her dog, that it would be under the complete responsibility of my dad and that she would have very little to do with it, even to the point of refusing to come and fetch the little puppy with the rest of the family.

So.. standing tonight at the launch of her book about her beautiful golden boy, its obvious how that plan turned out.

------(reading)-----

So the golden boy managed to work his way into my mother’s heart, and managed to find a solid, comfy place to settle down there. Within months, it was obvious that Max was no longer my dad’s dog- as originally intended, but rather the devoted shadow of my mother.

-----(reading)-----

Having a Golden Retriever in the house wasn’t without its quirks. We had become accustomed to the thick layer of golden hair that now coated the furniture; to the slobber that artistically covered our legs and arms after any encounter with Max and to the rather embarrassing occasions of having our underwear strewn across the lawn for all our guests to see - because Max had made it his personal mission in life to redistribute our laundry.

But despite his many quirks, Max was a family dog and dealing with his idiosyncrasies was well worth it for being able to see the light that Max brought to the darkness of my mother’s depression. My mom described her experience perfectly…

----(reading)----

The golden boy had brought a silver lining to the hard times in my mother’s life and had touched her heart and the hearts of my family. It seemed the fluffy monster had too much love to give and it wasn’t long before my mom was using him to reach out and touch the lives of people across the world.

Now as the youngest in my family, there are certain pressures of being the most technologically advanced so it was a bit of an interesting moment when I came home to find my excited mother typing extravagantly on her computer where she had created a new blog dedicated to the life of her dog.

I knew that my mom loved her dog more than most owners do, and I knew that she had dedicated a lot of her time and energy into spoiling him rotten, so I won’t lie when I tell you that this new adventure initially seemed a bit extreme. I mean I barely knew anyone in my 'technology- driven' generation that had a blog, let alone a blog dedicated entirely to their dog.

But despite my reservations on the idea, I saw how much my mom enjoyed writing and sharing her pooch with the world. Reading over her blog, I admit I had to swallow my fair share of humble pie when I saw just how inspired people across the world were to share in my mother’s stories, even the heart wrenching ones of when our special dog became inflicted with cancer.

One young person, an autistic boy in Ireland had taken a liking to my mom’ s blog, and it was so inspiring to see the good it had brought him, by allowing his parents to help him deal with life and death issues (which are particularly difficult for an autistic boy to understand).

---(Reading)---

I had never believed that a dog could reach out and touch hearts in the way that Max and my mom’s personification of Max through her blog did. It was a sad, sad day when we lost our dear boy after all the struggles, but even in his last “Days of Grace” he continued to be a very special boy, lovingly committed to my mom and those around him.

It may seem strange for someone who has never experienced a furry friend to understand the deep relationship that an owner can have with a dog. But through looking at this amazing story that’s described in MAXDOG, its clear that animals can touch human’s lives in an unbelievable way - just as Max touched all of our lives.

To end off I’d like to say a very special congratulations to my mother on this amazing achievement. I know you have worked so hard and it has been a rough ride to share this personal story. I am really proud of you and I know that 'MAXDOG' “Maxdog” will continue to reach out and teach people to “live life to the Max”

------------------------------xXx-------------------------------------

Should you wish to purchase a copy of MAXDOG,

Please click HERE

or email me at:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

Sending lotsaluv

ps. Sorry that there are no pictures today...things are hectic here...:)

MAXDOG's a BUZZ OF EXCITEMENT!

2011-12-03T11:41:00.002+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends and supporters across the world!

Please can I take a moment to say a special "THANK YOU" to you all for standing by me during this hectic time?!

Like a cloud, my life seems to be drifting past me at the moment. There aren't enough hours in the day and it feels like I'm watching myself from a distance.

But today, I need to interact with my blogging buddies (I'm really missing you!), so I thought I'd simply WRITE! Hopefully one or two pictures will suffice, because there is a lot to tell.

---xXx---

After a few days of intermittent rain-showers, the world looks sparkling again. Even the birds are celebrating in the garden. Our ever-present weaver bird is conscientiously refurbishing his harem...again!

And the "Christmas Beetles" (or Cicadas) are purposefully convincing me that I have a severe case of Tinnitus. Geesh, they are loud! This is most definitely a sign that the festive season is upon us and I haven't even started my Christmas shopping yet.

Toby is a darling!. He cuddles up on the bed next to me just as the dawn is breaking - to receive his early morning biscuit (or two, if he pleads long enough). Aging 'Aunt Tam' and 'The King' diligently wait their turn too. I reach for the tin and select a few. Their eyes are instantly alert. They know that sound well.

That biscuit didn't even touch sides, I think. Toby jumps off the bed to prod Aunt Tam into an early morning game of 'Rough and Tumble'. She's too old now for the serious stuff, so she gives him a cold shoulder. Reluctantly, he settles on the floor to wait for me to consider that it's breakfast-time. Every so often a frustrated "mmmhumpf!" escapes from his vocal chords. He stares at me. It's time to get up.

This past week has been unreal. My efficient publicist, HELEN HOLYOAKE from HELCO PROMOTIONS has secured an interview for me on 'ETV's Sunrise show' with Sindy Mabe, on Tuesday 13Dec at 07h30. Me, on television? Unbelievable! Six years ago, I could hardly enter a shopping centre, let alone consider appearing on television. Yet here I am today with one of the biggest buzzes happening around me - a buzz that I could never have imagined. I've even had to forfeit half of my family sea-side holiday for this appointment, but I have their full encouragement and will be flying down to join them on Tuesday afternoon after the interview. I am looking forward to this whole experience.

On Tuesday this coming week, a journalist from "Die Beeld" newspaper is coming to our house to have a chin-wag with me. I will hopefully be able to answer all her questions, (whilst whispering to Toby to be on his best behaviour, lol.!) This particular Afrikaans newspaper has a circulation of approx. 500 000 readers, so this is a real privilege. I'm rightly apprehensive, but admittedly looking forward to the experience too.

Then on Wednesday evening, the 7th December, it's time for celebration...

MAXDOG's official BOOK LAUNCH!!!

"LOVE BOOKS"

Crn 9th Street and Rustenburg Road

MELVILLE

18h00 for 18h30

If you are in Johannesburg on that evening, please consider joining us. You'll get some interesting 'insider' information about MAXDOG and will be able to meet "RUDI", our guest of honour. :) (Rudi is MAXDOG's Grandfather!)

(Please see the invitation at the top of this blog for more information about the launch)

I look forward to seeing you therel!

The sunbeams are lightening up the garden as I write this. Everything is new and fresh. I think it's time to "put my money where my mouth is", take a page out of MAXDOG's book and to...

"SEIZE THE DAY!"

Sending lotsaluv and wishing you all a wonderful, happy and relaxing weekend.

A NOTE:
If you would like to see some REALLY BEAUTIFUL pictures of my daughter's recent trip to the Pilanesburg Nature Reserve, please click:
HERE

MAXDOG's BOOK LAUNCH HAS A GUEST OF HONOUR!

2011-11-30T17:54:00.000+02:00

HAPPY GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Above: A 'congratulatory' bouquet from one of my supporters.

...thank you Weinerlein family!!!

A happy 'hello' to all my fur-buddies around the world.

Whew! Things are abuzz here...my head is in a tail-spin...I'm a little unsteady with all that's happening surrounding the launch of my precious book

MAXDOG.

If you would like to visit my publisher's website, and specifically the page where you can purchase MAXDOG, please click

HERE

Boy, I am amazed at the incredible support I am getting from around the country.

Thank you friends for your emails! Thank you for your purchases! Thank you for your encouragement!

I am so blessed by you all.

500 copies were printed and published on Thursday last week.

About 250 of those copies are GONE!!!

...to various sources:

Some have been sold/distributed to some of my loyal readers and supporters (A BIG thank you!), some have gone to my publicist and 100 copies have gone to the distributor for the various orders received from bookstores around the country. I'm spending most of my day answering emails and queries, and trying not to drop any catches. It's fun, but it's tough :)

Please forgive me, during this hectic time, for not visiting many blogs. I am sure that you will understand - my special blogging buddies - ?

The official launch of MAXDOG is on Tuesday next week.

If you are in Johannesburg on that evening...

YOU ARE INVITED!!!

Please come and join us in celebrating this milestone! I know its going to be a fabulous evening: Snacks, wine, MAXDOG books and the opportunity to get some 'insider' information about this very personal story. I would love to see you all there and will be honoured by your attendance.

So, will you be there?

It's going to be a book launch with a bit of a 'difference':

We have a special announcement....we have a...

'guest of honour' ....

(drum roll).....

"RUDI"

Yes, Rudi is the celebrity for the evening. He is a 7 year old Golden Retriever, with a genetic link to MAXDOG (Rudi is Max's nephew), and has been an active therapy dog for a number of years. He is highly affable and has been part of the 'Paws for People' (East Rand Unit) for a number of years. (It goes without say that 'Rudi' is a fully trained therapy dog) He is accustomed to small spaces and crowds of people and is a delightful , interactive animal with a beautiful temperament. Rudi will be adding the 'special touch' to the evening. This sweet golden retriever has done a lot of work at a special needs school called "Little Eden" on the East Rand. He is also a show dog and is the grandfather of my current Golden Retriever, Toby.

I will be honoured to have RUDI as my special canine guest of honour. So...come and meet him!

A book launch for a special dog wouldn't be the same without a special dog, would it?

Thank you to Kate, at LoveBooks for allowing us to do things a little differently!

So there you have it...a book launch with a difference!

Thank you, Zena, for accepting the invitation on behalf of 'Rudi'

I am delighted!

MAXDOG's first public engagement

2011-11-26T13:17:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Above: me and Clare-Rose Julius (General Manager of Porcupine Press)

Hello there to all my wonderful friends around the world.

After not getting much sleep the night before, I finally managed to get my act together and have everything ready for MAXDOG's first book signing event.

Above: First customers/readers

Our local community police forum and the management of

RANDRIDGE MALL

organised a 'Carols-by-Candlelight' event last night - in support of our community's current campaign:

"Crime Prevention through Divine Intervention"

The organisers graciously invited me to come along with the very first copies of MAXDOG

("Hot-off-the-press)

to be offered for sale and signing to our immediate community.

Above: Adriana van Eyssen (General Manager of Randridge Mall) buys one of the first copies of MAXDOG.

The atmosphere was festive and happy, and overseen by an engaging Master of ceremonies and our ever present community policing forum.

The SAPS Police Band and the St John's Youth Band entertained the public, and the choir from Kingsway school led the public in the carols. "MAXDOG" too, was present and visible. It was a lovely evening!

I am so thankful to my friends and family who came along to celebrate and to support me.

Above: The Weinerlein family

Above: Candice Botha, me and Andrea Botha

Above: Shelly van Gool and partner

Above: Barbara Allison chats to me.

Above: Lorraine and I celebrate

(Thank you, Lorraine for taking all the other photographs!!!)

Above: Mike Cloete and me

Above: My cousin Doug Shead and me.

Above: My husband Les ("Mike" in MAXDOG) and me.

Thank you Lorraine and Jenny for taking care of all the administration and allowing me to simply engage with the public. I am so grateful for your help and for granting me peace-of-mind despite my initial nerves.

Lorraine and Jenny help me with 'business'.

Above: Not ONE, but FOUR copies to sign for Shirley!

Clare-Rose Julius - the general manager of Porcupine Press (my publishers) also came along to give her support.

Above: Pam and Eugene Halgreen, and Clare-Rose Julius.

Thank you Clare!

It's been really hectic here and I feel as if I am on a treadmill (a fast one, I might add) ... that may not stop. I discovered yesterday that my limit without sleep is 19 hours. (I would have been an interesting subject for a cartoon caricature of 'A walking Zombie'!)

I suppose I shouldn't distress, because this is, indeed, one example of...

"LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX!"

Thank you again to the management and staff of Randridge Mall, especially to Adriana van Eyssen as well as Heather Brits (Honeydew Community Policing Forum), for welcoming me and promoting MAXDOG.

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!

Sending lotsaluv

BREAKING NEWS!!! They're here! They're here! "MAXDOG" IS HERE!...in print...Max and my gift ... to the world!

2011-11-24T16:10:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Today, I collected some of the first copies of MAXDOG from my publishers:

Porcupine Press

...in preparation for our book signing event tomorrow evening.

Clare-Rose Julius (General Manager of Porcupine Press) and me.

On Monday, I will receive a further 150 copies of the book for my personal distribution and sales. My publishers and their distributors are retaining 250 of the 500 initial print-run to cater for the South African orders that have already been received for
MAXDOG.
It appears that South African book stores have responded very favourably to the news. (Yay!)

If you would like one of these books, please contact me urgently!

100 of these books have also been reserved for my readers who have already contacted me. So effectively I (personally) only have 150 left for the moment!

I suspect that MAXDOG is going to fly and I am not sure when we will be doing the second print-run! So please, hurry and contact me if you want a copy from this first print-run.

carylmoll@yahoo.com

My first point of call, after receiving the books, was to my dear friend Lorraine who has stood by me throughout the Maxdog journey. Lorraine insisted that I stop by because she wanted to 'purchase' a book.
"No way!" I said. "You are getting one as a personal gift from me!"

But my friend is rather superstitious about these things and insisted that she purchase one. She wanted to be recorded as "The first-ever purchaser of MAXDOG! "
"Okay my friend, then you can have TWO copies - your purchase as well as my 'gift' to you."

Thank you again Lorraine for all your support!
We opened a bottle of Champagne (a small one) and toasted the milestone:

"To MAXDOG! !!"
"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

---xXx---

PRINT ON DEMAND:

MAXDOG

... has been sent to 'Lightning Source' to be prepared as a 'print-on-demand' book for my international readers. The book will be offered for purchase on a number of online channels but only in

mid-December 2011.

My international readers will, most likely, be able to purchase their copies via Amazon in about 21 days time. I will put the details of Maxdog's progress up on this blog as we get it.

---xXx---

eBOOKS:

MAXDOG

... is also currently being prepared as an 'ebook', which will become available very shortly.
It will be available in PDF format which can be read on most e-readers.

Unfortunately it won't be available in the specific Kindle format at this stage (yet)
Please watch this space as we try to facilitate this service.

Channels for ebooks will also be advised in due course.

All enquiries about ebooks can be addressed to:

info@porcupinepress.co.za
http://www.porcupinepress.co.za

---xXx---

REVIEW COPIES:

We have had excellent feedback from the bookstores in South Africa, who are currently ordering their copies from our distributors - Stephen Phillips (South Africa). Some of the books will also be going to my publicist Helen Holyoake of HELCO PROMOTIONS and will be sent out to various selected journalists for book reviews.

Journalists wishing to review MAXDOG are please to contact

HELCO PROMOTIONS.

---xXx---

DIRECT PURCHASES

If you would like to purchase a copy of MAXDOG, please contact either myself at:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

or contact my publishers

info@porcupinepress.co.za

http://www.porcupinepress.co.za/

---xXx---

FIRST PUBLIC BOOK SIGNING:

JOHANNESBURG RESIDENTS

are invited to join me on Friday night at 6pm at

RANDRIDGE MALL

for book signing and sales of MAXDOG, as well as Randridge Mall's 'Carols-by-Candlelight' ceremony and extended shopping hours on the evening.

Let the Champagne flow!
MAXDOG here we come!!!

---xXx---

Despite the excitement, I am acutely aware of the sense of closure this book is allowing me.

I will never forget this beautiful dog of mine who changed my life so dramatically. We had an incredible journey together and there isn't a day which goes by that I don't miss him...so much!

"Maxi....thank you, my boy, for all you have done for me on my road to healing. You were an amazing dog - my heart-dog! The Golden Retriever extrodinaire! I love and miss you, my boy!

With love from your,

Maxmom"

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

Sending lotsaluv,

Gratitude, not pride...

2011-11-21T18:14:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

MAXMOM here...

Only 5 days to go!

MAXDOG is in the printing process as I write this post.

By Friday morning, we will have the books in print...
for the world to read!

'Shaky' doesn't begin to describe what I am feeling.

My life, at the moment, its quite unbelievable!

There are a number of bloggers who I mention in the book.
If you are interested in who these fur-friends are and my explanation about them, please click
HERE

Not only this but, in the next two days, my eldest daughter writes her final two, major qualifying exams... after 18 years of hard study!

If all goes well, by Wednesday evening she will be a highly accredited young woman ...

Congratulations Doctor Jenny!

You are going to be an amazing doctor!

Not only that, but by Friday afternoon, my other daughter will also have her first degree - a 'BSc' and be well on the road to her accomplishing her own dream of becoming a Vet one day!

3 years down, 4 years to go!

Congratulations Robyn!

You are going to be an amazing Vet one day!

I cannot begin to tell you how proud I am of these two amazing young women...

They have dedicated themselves to their dreams and their talents...

What more could parents ask for?

Jenny and Robyn, my precious two daughters: I love you with all my heart!

Congratulations!

What a privilege it has been to be your mother!

I am so proud of you!

MY SPECIAL ROSES

About to unfold, the petals stretch,

shining bright in earthly sunshine.

Tender velvet; fragrance sweet;

delicate creations - an absolute treat!

My roses are partly me, it seems

uniquely formed; budding blossoms.

Preparing to weather life's big storms,

tentatively, untuitively reaching upwards.

In reverence to our Creator, they tilt their heads

proudly shining His light.

My roses - all petals and brand new stalks;

growing blindly despite the envy of others.

(Caryl Moll)

---xXx---

Thank you to all my blogging friends who have helped me reach for my own dream.
Sending lotsaluv

HOLDING 'MAXDOG' FOR THE FIRST TIME...

2011-11-19T06:34:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

As the birds start twittering in the early dawn, I too wake up. Nowadays its around 4am - when the glow of a brand new day is only beginning to taint the horizon and the earth is still cool. There is so much to be grateful for and so much to be excited about which causes sleep to evade me. I want to rise and seize the day.

Holding the first proof copy of "MAXDOG", in my own hands yesterday, was somewhat an ethereal experience - like floating on a feathery, white cloud and being transported to another mystical world. It is pretty unbelievable.

I have picked up so many books in book-stores during my life, but have never quite (until this moment) appreciated the work that the author must have put in to create an opportunity for me to engage with his/her story (or not). I've always taken this privilege for granted - books and the opportunity to read them - and never given it a second thought. ...until now...having finally written my own.

When I held MAXDOG for the first time yesterday, it felt like I was holding delicate glass. Yet somehow, the cover melted into my hand and I ran my palm over its smooth exterior. It almost felt edible. I held my breath, took a moment to absorb its full glory and then, for the first time, ventured to open it...carefully. Strangely, the first words that hit my eyes felt so new for me - like I was reading them for the first time - and I took a moment to savour what they really meant:

MAXDOG

12 March 2000 - 24 May 2010

Only ten short years!

...but it has taken me two long years to pay adequate tribute to how those ten years affected my life...?

I breathe a sigh of gratitude at the opportunity of finally being able to share Max and my story with the world. What an incredible privilege...

"Thank you!"

Sending all my love to my family, my friends, supporters, prayer-partners and "fur-buddies" from around the world. Your faithfulness has never waivered...and I am so, so grateful!.

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

MAXDOG HERE WE COME!

2011-11-16T09:09:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

The pressure guage in our household is tipping towards boiling point.

Exam tension, book launch nerves, 'year-end' financials, publicity arrangements, painters, dogs, Christmas holiday arrangements, children moving out of home and the daunting, forthcoming public engagements for MAXDOG!

All these worries and concerns are been stirred into a melting pot of emotions.

Life feels pretty tense at the moment. And I am extremely, extremely tired.

I spent most of last weekend with my team - reviewing the entire layout of MAXDOG, once again - each word, sentence, line break, indentation, page number,fleuron, pictures... has been thoroughly scrutinized. Who would have thought that the final days of publishing a book would be so stressful?

My dreams, when I finally fall asleep, are tormented with publicity arrangements and silly worries:

"Will anyone attend my book launch?",

"Will the books be ready in time?",

"Have I remembered to acknowledge everyone who has been so helpful?",

"Will I ever be able to sleep well again?",

"Will I cope on a public platform?",

"What will the reviews be like?",

"Indeed, will I indeed get ANY reviews at all?"

Oh dear!...the joy of an active mind!

Well, the good news is that MAXDOG is finally off to print!

By tomorrow morning, I should be holding the first proof copy in my hands...

YIPPPPEEEEE!
(Let the Champagne corks pop!!!)

I can hardly believe it!

Then I have 24 hours to give my publishers the final 'go-ahead'.

Once that is done, it's totally out of my hands and... I wait...

Next Friday evening, I have my first public engagement:

A 'pre-launch' book signing and sales stall at our local shopping mall's Carols-by-Candlelight evening. RANDRIDGE MALL have graciously invited me to join them, together with our COMMUNITY POLICE FORUM, to present my books to our immediate community. MAXDOG will be 'hot-off-the-press' that night - not even officially launched yet - and there is an open invitation for anyone to join us, and get one of the first copies of the book in South Africa.

If you are not doing anything that evening...PLEASE join me. It would be lovely to see some familiar faces to settle my nerves.

I am daunted (to say the least) but also somewhat sad. The shaping of MAXDOG will no longer be part of my life. It's time to move on. It's like saying 'good bye' to my baby. Let it fly...give it to the world. There's nothing more I can do. I have done my absolute best!

Another piece of good news: We have an OFFICIAL launch date and an official invitation:

"LOVE BOOKS"

in the quaint suburb of Melville, Johannesburg, has agreed to host the official launch of MAXDOG

If you would like to come and celebrate with me on the evening of the

7th December 2011,

please don't forget to RSVP according to the above invitation.

I'd LOVE to see you there!!!

---xXx---

Now for something completely different...

Yesterday, I wanted to do something totally different, so I joined up with Lorraine to go and get some much-needed 'fuzz-therapy'. As you know, Lorraine will soon be getting another new guide-dog puppy (to walk and nurture). Her previous pup - ASTA - is now in official training at the
SA GUIDE DOGS CENTRE.
Lorraine has committed herself to raising yet another puppy for the centre and we went to visit the pups.

'Angie's' pups are nearly 4 weeks old now...the cutest bundles of fur! The pictures speak for themselves...this can be the 'wordless' part of today's post:

My own dogs - TOBY, TAMMY and KING TOFFEE are all doing well too. It's been extremely hot lately, so they spend large parts of the day - simply dozing in a cool spot in the house and avoiding the prevailing tension.

That's all for now. Many thanks to all my readers for your encouragement and support during these stressful past months. Thank you too, to my family, for putting up with the turmoil of my life. I love you. It's time to look forward to the imminent excitement;

MAXDOG HERE WE COME!!!

Sending lotsaluv

A NOTE TO ALL MY MAXDOG READERS

To all my readers who have reserved their copies of MAXDOG...

PLEASE NOTE that I will be in contact with you once the books are in my possession -

after the 25th November 2011

and will then make arrangements for payment and postage.

Please be patient. I have not forgotten you :)

If you would like to reserve a copy of the book, please contact me at:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

or contact my publishers at

PORCUPINE PRESS

infor@porcupinepress.co.za

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

Let's ALL play!!!

2011-11-11T08:19:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear friends,

At the moment, my life is defined by interrupted sleep, nervous energy, dauntedness, angst - of last-minute adjustments, attention to detail, deadlines and days that simply disappear into oblivion!

What a mixture of emotions as I anxiously wait for the publication of my book...

MAXDOG.

As each little hiccup comes to the surface, I jump onto it. I want to the rollout to be perfect. And its tiring!

My sweet pooches linger around my feet while I spend many hours at my computer. My poor family too have also been devoid of my attention in the past couple of months. But the girls have their own focus - final exams! Our household is hardly hanging together.

I have so many emails and queries about MAXDOG which I need to respond to, as well as the last minute small adjustments to the layout. We should be going to print next week. A few minor adjustments have delayed the printing by a few days. Everyone tells me that this is 'par-for-the-course' - nothing unusual when publishing a book! Hopefully, by early next week, I will hold the first treasured book in my hand - the one which I will have to finally 'SIGN OFF'. This process feels similar to giving birth to a child.

Once I have signed my baby off, we go to print. 500 copies of MAXDOG will be printed during the initial print run - in Cape Town. Some of the books will be sent directly to various book stores around the country, some will be handed to PORCUPINE PRESS, some will be given to my publicist HELCO PROMOTIONS, and some will be sent to me for my personal sales.

There are so many questions which keep me awake at night:

Will I receive the books in time for my first public commitment?
How will MAXDOG be received by the general public?
Have I done justice to this incredible story?
Will my blogger-friends be happy with the outcome?
Will I be able to garner sufficient publicity to make up my outlay?

So much about the journey ahead is unknown and I am not one for unpredictability.

While my mind plays 'merry-go-round', life around me chugs along. Our city is awash with purple blossoms at the moment - the Jacaranda trees are in full bloom and it is an incredible sight!

People seek out the highest vantage points of the city to get a glimpse of the annual spectacle. It really is beautiful!

This week, Lorraine and I went to check-out "Love Books" - a quaint little bookstore in the heart of Mellville. (An old, but upmarket suburb in Johannesburg) There is a possibility of MAXDOG being 'launched' at this venue and I was curious to see what it looked like. We decided to make a morning of it.

"Love Books"

... has been in business for about 3 years now and has a buzzing atmosphere. Although it is somewhat on the outskirts of Melville, it is attractive and inviting. It's unpretentious exterior is not an indication of its inside appeal. It fits perfectly with my editor's comment:

"MAXDOG is HAND-KNITTED"

I love it! But it remains to be seen if we can secure a 'date' for the launch of MAXDOG. It's a busy time of the year and nothing is guaranteed. So, I wait...

My first official public committment for MAXDOG will be on the
25th November (In 2 weeks time!)
at our local shopping mall's 'Carols-by-Candlelight' function.

Randridge Mall
...has really given MAXDOG a solid 'thumbs-up' and they are very excited about having me there. I am looking forward to be able to offer the books 'Hot-off-the-press' to my immediate community. I have lived in this community for over 30 years and I want to give them the first opportunity to buy my books.

The occasion is being designed as a community event and they are hoping to promote a sense of intimacy and warmth. The event is being supported by our local community police forum who will have their 'band' in attendance for the singing. MAXDOG has been given pride of place near the stage and will be promoted by the Master-of-Ceremonies. As a reciprocal gesture, I have offered a copy of MAXDOG for a 'fun prize draw' on the evening. :)

To my South African friends...please diarise that date!
I'd LOVE to see you there!!!
You will stand a chance of winning a free copy of MAXDOG!!!
But remember, everyone is invited to MAXDOG's OFFICIAL LAUNCH too...
(At a later date...to be advised ! :) )

In truth however, it is still touch-and-go as to whether we'll have the books fully in print by the time of the Carols-by-candlelight, so I am somewhat nervous. I have been assured however that we'll have at least 100 copies by the evening. The rest of the print-run may have to follow in the next week or two, but my community will be able to purchase some of the books available. Whew! Who would have thought that there would be so much angst surrounding a book launch?

For those of my readers who are asking about my three, faithful canine companions:

TOBY, TAMMY and KING TOFFEE

They are all doing well. The 'Sweet Hooligan' remains true to character. He nudges me to play fetch with him during the day and generally pesters me for my attention (We'll HAVE to get back to training when things settle down!). Both Tammy and Toffee are getting on in years (14 and 11 respectively) and spend a lot of their day sleeping - only to be pawed at, intermittently, by the youthful TOBY. He uses every opportunity he can get to live up to his image.

Toby's take on life:

"Old age? What's that? Let's play!!!"

Sending lotsaluv to you all, as well as my best wishes for a happy weekend!

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

MAXDOG ROLL-OUT UPDATE:

2011-11-08T21:46:00.003+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear friends,

There are approximately 18 days left!!!!

... before the publication of

MAXDOG

This is a time of many varying emotions...

Anticipation, Apprehension, Sleep deprivation, Elation, Celebration, Disbelief, Prayerfulness, Fear, Nostalgia, Humility, Thankfulness...

Would you please allow me give an update on the roll-out process?

As I write this, MAXDOG, is in final production and will be going to print in the next few days.

The book is published by Porcupine Press. You can view their website at:

http://www.porcupinepress.co.za

Porcupine Press is a South African production house that enables self-publishing. They have an excellent reputation and, unlike other self-publishers, they do go through a screening process before they are prepared to attach their name to a book.

We have elected for a limited initial print run of only 500 copies. If you would like to order a copy directly from me, I will reserve one for you with the greatest of pleasure.

(Please email me at carylmoll@yahoo.com).

Alternatively you can approach

Porcupine Press

who will be happy to help you.

---xXx---

PRICING:

SOUTH AFRICAN CUSTOMERS:

The price of the book in South Africa will be R160.

MAXDOG will be available through all major bookstores here in South Africa, but you can also purchase it from me directly (carylmoll@yahoo.com) or from Porcupine Press http://www.porcupinepress.co.za

It will become available as an ebook (during December 2011) – shortly after its launch.

http://www.porcupinepress.co.za

If you would like me to post the book to you, a postage charge will be added to the price of the book: The postage charge in South Africa is R30, in addition to the price of the book.

---xXx---

PRICING

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS

International readers will be able to purchase the book online through a number of channels (including Amazon.com - mid December 2011) as a 'Print-on-demand' book. It will also become available as an ebook at a later stage. The various links to all MAXDOG’s online distribution channels will be pasted up on my blog

towards the end of November 2011:

http://www.africanwhitechild.blogspot.com./

If International readers who would like to purchase autographed copies of Maxdog directly from me, I will do this with the greatest of pleasure. Please keep in mind, however, that I will have to add on a further postage charge.

Unfortunately, postage from South Africa is very expensive and will effectively double the price of your book.

(Maxdog R160 + International Postage R150 = R310)

My suggestion to you, my important reader, is the following cheaper option:

You can purchase the book directly from an online source (eg Amazon.com, during December when it becomes available) – as a ‘print-on-demand’ book, which they will send directly to you. I am in the process of trying to organize special post-cards for autograph purposes which (if you like) I can send to you at a later stage - in replacement of an autograph. Please let me know if you want this.

Please think about all these options above ...

FURTHER LINKS:

Readers can also read about the book, MAXDOG at: http://africanwhitechild.blogspot.com/p/maxdog-book.html

Max’s original blog can be viewed at:

http://www.theadventuresofmaxdog.blogspot.com

MAXDOG on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/#!/MaxdogM

MAXDOG on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/#!/MaxdogM

Max’s memorial website can be viewed at:

http://www.goldenmax.pets-memories.com/

Any further queries can be directed to me:

carylmoll@yahoo.com

or my publishers:

info@porcupinepress.co.za

"Wherever MAXDOG goes, let it do good!"

Sending lotsaluv

POWER OF THE PAW, ANSWERS TO PRAYERS and THANKFULNESS...

2011-11-06T07:25:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Dear friends,

Thank you so much for responding to my call yesterday, to visit my friends,

VAL, JOEY and KEALANI

It is through your amazing support, prayers and encouragement that we are able to rise above the hurdles of our lives, comforted in the knowledge of the love that surrounds. Our blogging community is simply incredible and I am so grateful to be part of it.

VAL's latest news is:

"I took Joey today for his emergency ultrasound and NO TUMOR was found and he has NO CANCER!!!!! "

What wonderful news this is!!!

Today I celebrate the incredible

POWER OF THE PAW!

I want to say thank you for your faithfulness and you prayers. Joey's prognosis is good: With the correct medication and a slightly adjusted diet, he should be on the road to recovery very soon. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. It has been a frightening experience for Val and she has taken strength from your comments and your encouragement.

There are many dogs and their owners in cyberspace who need our love, support and the Power of the Paw. Another wonderful friend is BLEU, another beautiful Golden Retriever, who has sadly stumbled out of remission and has resumed his fight against the dreaded Cancer.

Please, if you can, pay these friends a visit too and give some love. They are incredibly brave people and are an example to us all about what it means to live life positively - taking each day for the joy that it offers.

Finally, I came across an old poem again - one which I am sure we all know very well. Nevertheless, I was astounded, yet again, by its beauty and wisdom and felt I should share it ... again. We can never be reminded too much that, when things seem to be falling apart, it helps just to take a deep breath.

DESIDERATA

Go placidly amidst the noise and the haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,

be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even to the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;

they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain or bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love,

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,

whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life,

keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann,

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends around the world and wishing you all a happy, healthy and thankful weekend.

What a blessing our blogging community is!

JOEY needs our prayers...

2011-11-05T17:14:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

Dear friends,

Life is so fragile and so precious. One of the biggest lessons of life

- taught to me by my Angel MAXDOG - is...

"LIVE IN THE MOMENT"

When worry and fear take over, it is wise to reap each moment and each millisecond for everything that it is worth. When one doesn't know which way to turn, it is wise simply to take on the mantle of:

"Seize the Day...or Carpe Diem"

Well, today I am asking you, my special readers to seize the moment and to pop by a very special friend's blog

"MY BOO BEAR."

Val and her two special Golden Retrievers, Joey and Kealani, have been my blogging friends buddies for nearly three years. Amongst other bloggers, Val became such a support to me during my Maxdog's "Days of Grace", when I learned to take every moment with my special dog and to 'LIVE IT TO THE MAX'.

Uncannily, Val and I have shared some simple, but very similar moments.

For example:

This is my own picture of MAXDOG when he was so ill during his

"Days of Grae":

...and this is Val's picture, this week with JOEY...

Well, Val's JOEY is very ill at the moment and understandably, she is terrified.

JOEY hasn't been eating well and has lost a significant amount of weight in the past three weeks. His liver enzymes are far from normal and he is vomiting up his food. As we speak, he is at the Vet hoping to find the cause of his condition.

PLEASE...

would you pop by Val's blog and offer her some support. I know how much it means to get comments on your blog at times when you feel so alone.

Please would you also say a special prayer for JOEY .

This special doggie is only four years old...far too young to be fighting such a fight!

Val, Joey and Kealani...

my own thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Often our fears are the worst element of any fight...

Hang in there, special buddies!
We love you,

Sending lotsaluv

HILLS PET NUTRITION's generosity.

2011-11-03T14:00:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends across the world!

There are only 3 weeks to go before the launch of MAXDOG.

If all goes well, the books will be in print by the 21st November 2011. If you still haven't reserved your copy yet, please drop me an email at

carylmoll@yahoo.com.

and I will do so with the greatest of pleasure.

Excitement and anticipation is bubbling in our household. Things are hectic. There are urgent tweaks which need to be made to the final layout, a million phone calls to conduct, long hours of concentration, publicity, administration and then, of course, my usual role as 'super-mom'. Not only this, but our home has been invaded by painters and tree fellers for the past week. (There's nothing like a new coat of paint to make one feel revived again.) However, the tree fellers are another story...

Spare a thought for my sweet pooches.

(TOBY: "Whats happening, Maxmom?")

An invasion of their territory has required some urgent contingency measures. Unfortunately their running space has suddenly shrunk. Most of the time, I've kept them indoors with me, at my feet. Not exactly the most comfortable arrangement for dogs who generally enjoy the outdoors. Thank goodness it's only been temporary.

Nevertheless, all the commotion in our home has made our animals restless.

TOBY wasn't sure what to think when he discovered that his favourite "PEE-tree" was being cut down - the same tree under which Aunt Tam has spent many lazy afternoons.

Generally I hate removing trees, but this one had pushed it's roots firmly under our patio and lifted the concrete. We had no choice but to get rid of it before it caused too much damage. TOBY, however, was unimpressed.

How nice it was, amidst all this chaos, to suddenly receive a pile of food vouchers from HILLS PET NUTRITION in the post. As many of you know, HILLS PET NUTRITION were the first company to place a bulk order of my MAXDOG books.

So today I went to collect some of the food from the Vet. This is top-class prescription dog food and I am thrilled. The company has also graciously thought of all my dogs, so I was able to choose specific food for their particular needs.

TOBY received his 'Advanced Fitness' food which should spur him on to greater energy, and eleven-year-old AUNT TAM' received special food for her arthritic joints - 'Hills Prescription Diet j/d' - with high levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulphate. (I firmly believe in the advantages of these two ingredients for older dogs!). Fourteen-year-old KING TOFFEE received his special 'kidney' prescription diet too.

I have always been reluctant to promote companies on my blog, but in this case I have no hesitation in giving HILLS PET NUTRITION a 'shout-out'. Self-publishing a book, like MAXDOG, comes with massive expenses and HILLS PET NUTRITION, have so graciously helped me a little - by purchasing a bulk order of my books and giving me a supply of dog-food, in exchange for me placing their company logo on my blog. This particular blogpost is not part of the deal, but I really am grateful and I really wanted to say

THANK YOU!

And yes,

TOBY, TAMMY and KING TOFFEE agree...

THANK YOU HILLS PET NUTRITION!

Sending lotsaluv

WORDLESS: My education is broadened with a Vet student in the house...

2011-11-02T13:32:00.000+02:00

(Okay, just one word... the name of Miss "R"s new guinea pig...)

SCOTCH!

POT PLANT OWLS & MAXDOG

2011-10-31T09:46:00.001+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here...

Hello there to all my friends around the world!

ONLY 3 WEEKS TO GO!!!

...before the publication of my book,

MAXDOG.

I can hardly believe that two years of hard work is finally coming to fruition.

If I think back, I would never have believed that this point was possible. In my mind, there were simply too many obstacles. But it's here...finally...and I'm struggling to believe it.

In 21 days I will have the book in my hands: - my gesture of goodwill to my blogging friends and a tribute to my first heartdog,

MAX!

I know it's going to be a tearful moment.

But life carries on, irrespective of achievements, downfalls, health, wealth or moods. The sun rises and the sun sets. This is the way of the world.

Our world saw some rather large thunderstorms over the weekend. My heart goes out to those without shelter during these times. Particularly my new feathered friends - the Spotted Eagle Owls and especially the POT PLANT OWL. Let me tell you a bit about them...

On Friday I went to meet Allan & Tracy Eccles. They are the couple who have produced a very beautiful, 'must read' and 'must-have' book:

One of my very dear blogging friends, Val, from "MY BOO BEAR" (in the USA) is one of the moderators in the Pot Plant owl "chat room". She recently pointed me to their very friendly "chat room", and also suggested that I try and make contact with Allan & Tracy. Ironically this fabulous couple live only 6 kms from me. Yes, can you believe it:- a cyber-friend in America, suggesting that I visit her cyber-friend who happens to live just up the road from me, here in South Africa? Lol!

The world sure is shrinking!

Anyway, this is an incredible project and I'd like to tell you a bit about it:

Four years ago, a Spotted Eagle Owl decided to make her nest in one of the potplants on Tracy & Allan's balcony, in a townhouse complex in Radiokop, Johannesburg. The owl seemingly chose carefully: Ironically Tracy & Alan just happen to be bird lovers. Another reason for their choice was because the owl's natural habitat is being encroached upon by property developers. Their 'wetland', adjacent to Tracy & Allan's home, is shrinking and the potplant on the balcony appeared to be a safer alternative for her to prepare her nest.

A lot of water has gone under the bridge since then and the pair of Spotted Eagle Owls are currently rearing two chicks from their 4th clutch. This entire story is somewhat of a miracle and I encourage you can read more about it on the

Pot Plant Owl website.

I do, however, have some fabulous pictures to show you - from my visit on Friday.

Here they are:

The current chicks...22days old!

"Mamma" sits in the twin pot - opposite the chicks - keeping constant watch for predators. Should any approach (like the pesky crows), she hoots for her mate, who is quick to spring into action.

There are also a few more pictures on my other blog, if you are interested.

Click HERE

The Pot Plant Owl and her chicks can also be viewed live on Tracy & Allan's webcam. The webcam has been set up from their 'hide' in their bedroom on the first floor.

We are privilege to be able to witness some incredible footage.

You just HAVE TO click here!!!

WEBCAM.

I strongly encourage you to go and visit them. The chicks are already 25 days old and will be leaving the nest soon. Sadly, 2011 viewing will then be over. Only next year, this time, will the owls possibly mate and produce another clutch of eggs. So, please take advantage of this unique opportunity and privilege.

I would like to say a special thank you to Tracy and Allan for their amazing hospitality. What a pleasure it was to meet them and get to see the owls and their chicks. I would like to thank them too, for all they are doing to protect our feathered friends. What amazing people they are, and what beautiful, extraordinary and awesome birds they have chosen to protect! I commend them for their dedicated work and passionate approach.

Please click here if you would like to visit
TRACY AND ALLAN's BLOG

My best wishes go to the PPO, "Pappa" and their two chicks.

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends and wishing you all a very happy week.

FIREWORKS - Some remedies.

2011-10-28T09:31:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!

MAXMOM here..

Hello there to all my friends across the world.

Firstly, let me say a big 'Thank you' for all your comments and suggestions regarding yesterday's post about Tammy's response to fireworks. Your feedback is valuable and I really appreciate it.

There were some extremely valuable suggestions which I received from readers and followers of this blog, so I thought that I would post them up today. We can all benefit from this knowedge.

Obviously, one has to try and find the correct solution for each of our particular pets. Some things work, other things don't. It's a matter of trial and error. The age, experiences and traits/personality of our particular animals are also contributing factors, as well as our own particular reaction to the dog's response. It we are uptight, they become uptight too. It's important to stay calm. Our relationships with our companion animals are complicated and I can also buy the theory that how we respond to a dog's behavioural isses plays a vital role in dealing with their presenting problems.

Nevertheless, it is up to each of us to find our individual solutions for our dog's issues.

In Tammy's case, I continue my search...

Having said that, Tammy is much better today.

The setting off of firecrackers in our particular neighbourhood has eased, but it takes only 'one' 'Bang' to change Tammy's paradigm. Last night, we gave her a double-dose of meds just before sunset, and it seemed to do the trick. I just wish that the setting off of fireworks could be restricted to specific times - this would be so helpful for us all, and will enable us to make contingency plans for our animals.

Here are some suggestions (that my readers have sent me) to deal with pets who are traumatised by fireworks. Thank you again for all your suggestions. Please take a look at some of the links. You never know, you may just find something that helps your animal.

1. THUNDER JACKET/SHIRT

South African outlet: http://www.ttouchsa.co.za/files/shop/shop_item.php?pid=64

International: http://www.thundershirt.com/lpc/

Some of my readers have had great success with the use of this jacket. Some have also indicated that it had no effect whatsoever. The jury is out on this one, although those who have had success, swear by it. Some of my followers have suggested that a TIGHT T-SHIRT can also have a good response.

2. PHEROMONE SPRAY

This is (apparently) a room spray, which emulates the pheromones of a whelping bitch. Although I've not tried it (yet), I have heard that it can help.

Available from Veterinarians.

3. ENVIRONMENT

This particular website offers valuable information about how we can make our environments more comfortable for our pets. It also gives a few other pointers

http://www.rspca.org.uk/allaboutanimals/pets/general/fireworks

(Thank you, RILEY, for this particular suggestion!)

4. RESCUE REMEDY

This remedy doesn't work for my own particular pets, but some of you have had success.

Available from many outlets. In South Africa: Dischem stores.

5. PRESCRIBED MEDICATION

(Consult your Veterinarian!)

I always believe in consulting a Veterinary practitioner when it comes to problems with my pets. They are the people with knowledge better than our own.

In Tammy's case, we've tried many things. Our vet finally prescribed medication a few years ago. The thing to remember here (I find) is to try and administer the meds an hour or two prior to the event. This is often not possible, but would be hugely effective for our animals if fireworks could be restricted to certain times and that we were given notice of these times. Unfortuntely here in SA people are generally lawless and inconsiderate about these matters.

6. SOUND THERAPY, CD's, AUDITORY AIDS and DESENSITISATION

* SOUND THERAPY FOR PETS:

http://www.soundtherapy4pets.com/

*Some of my readers have suggested the particular 'SOUNDS SCARY' CD's:(http://www.kyronlabs.co.za/products/print.php?pid=109)

* Kathleen Coy has had great success with her dog, Cloud, by using a particular classical CD

'Through a Dog's ear'

http://throughadogsear.com/

This CD can be purchased via

http://www.amazon.com/Through-Dogs-Ear-Canine-Companion/dp/1591796423

or in South Africa, via:

http://www.kalahari.com/books/Through-a-Dogs-Ear-Music-to-Calm-Your-Canine-Companion-v-ume-1/632/32452361.aspx

* An excellent article on desensitisation :

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/2718221/Help-for-dogs-fearing-fireworks.html

Again, THANK YOU to all my readers for your valuable input.

If there are any readers out there who are still setting off fireworks,

PLEASE, I am pleading with you...

Please keep in mind the devastating consequences of your actions.

Our animals are suffering!

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends around the world

Fight? Flight? Euthanasia? Celebration?

2011-10-27T09:37:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

BANG!!!

After the first one, Tammy comes charging at me. Her expression tells me everything I need to know. These sounds are familiar and I feel a prevailing helplessness overshadow. This time, it’s “Diwali” and I believe this celebration can be five days long. It started yesterday.

Tammy’s eyes are saucers of blind terror. Her ears are firmly plastered back against her skull. And she is panting heavily. Those first bangs have shifted her brain into another, impossible gear – one of total, utter panic. Her face has instantly narrowed in response and she looks gaunt and old. In a few minutes her tongue will be blue too. She darts down the passage, crying, whining, only to sprint back again – to me, her only source of futile comfort.

BANG!!!

In the past we’ve tried everything. We stay home on these occasions. We close the doors and the windows too. We try and block off the invasive sound. We turn on the TV and the radio and turn up the music. We move all glassware off the low coffee table in our lounge. And we also reach for her prescribed tranquilizers and give her a double dose.

The effects of more explosions in our neighbourhood are shocking - to say the least! But I know that there is absolutely nothing I can do for poor Tammy – except to forge through this storm. There’s no telling how long these devastating celebrations will last. It’s at times like these that the idea of euthanasia is very much in the foreground of my mind.

BANG!!!

Tammy is one of the lucky ones however. Others, who don’t have their owners at home during these festivities, will try and seek refuge wherever they can. Some dogs impale themselves on palisade fences in a desperate attempt to escape their properties. Others run wildly – either to get horribly lost, or to meet their death in oncoming traffic. I know that tonight, the SPCA’s will have a massive intake. The emergency Vets will too.

I look on helplessly at poor Aunt Tam. She’s 11 years old now and doesn’t deserve this. I know my attempts to console her will all be futile. I look at the trail of white hair littering my carpet – there are tufts everywhere – all a sign that she is severely traumatised, already.

BANG!!!

For over two hours we sit and battle her terror as the explosions around our neighbourhood continue in earnest. Tammy’s response is to try and reach the highest elevation that she can. This means climbing on top of everything in an attempt to escape the assault on her senses. She scales the furniture, she claws at us, she cries, pants, turns in circles. Nothing works.

Her arthritis is the least of her worries. She climbs on top of us and reaches to the top of the backrest of the couch. Despite our ‘No!’s, she is determined to continue climbing upwards, as high as she can, even if she topples over the edge. Her plight is desperate. We pull her back safey, only to have her clawing again at our legs. She’s very strong and my attempts to help her are exhausting.

BANG!!!

“What shall we do?”

We decide to call an emergency vet – to get advice. This is the worst she’s been and the medication isn’t helping one bit. I explain our problem whilst Tammy whines and claws at my legs. She eventually bumps over the computer. Her panting makes it hard for me to hear the person on the other end of the line. She’s desperate and considers me to be her only escape route.

“There’s nothing more we can do,” the Vet explains. “You’ve given her the maximum dose. You’ll just have to wait it out.”

BANG!!!

I know it would be pointless taking her to the Vet’s rooms, because if they kept her overnight, she’ll gnaw at the cage and eventually be returned to me with bleeding gums and toenails. It’s happened before. I call another vet.

This time, they are more helpful. He’s in theatre, but the receptionist says she’ll ask him. Will I call back in 5 minutes time? Of course I will. I stand up and walk up and down the passage. Tammy follows me. Toby, too. He’s equally confused – his faithful ‘Aunt Tam’ is giving off mixed signals. I can’t sit down either, because she’ll shred my legs if I do. I already have telltale red stripes down my arms. I can’t put her in the kitchen either because she’ll claw the door down and shred her paw-pads. There are no answers – except to walk with her. Sitting on the floor is impossible because she climbs all over me, hugging my shoulders. Rubbing her ears is a futile exercise too – she won’t sit still. Wrapping her up in crepe bandages, shutting off her ears…all are pointless exercises.

BANG!!!

I’m back on the phone to the receptionist. “Give her another double dose,” she tells me. “It should knock her out.” I’m desperate now. I’ll do anything.

The bangs outside continue with escalating fervour. Tammy is hyperventilating by this stage. If she continues like this perhaps she’ll pass out herself and it will save me the trouble. Her tongue is blue from her efforts and I’ve never realised exactly how long it is, until this moment. She refuses all water – knocking over the water bowl in her confusion. She’s running rings around everything and taking on the fight of her life. She’s also fighting the effects of the medication now, together with the fireworks - as if her life depends on it. Hopefully she’ll eventually succumb to the medication.

---xXx---

The good news is that we made it through the night. But there’ll be another like this…and another. I don’t have the answers for my dear ‘Aunt Tam’. There’s only one –

BAN FIREWORKS!!!

But that isn’t going to happen. Humanity is far too selfish.

… Some of us humans call this a celebration! Really?

And there’s more to come: Halloween, Christmas, New Year and any other opportunity our species can get to 'have a blast'!

I simply cannot understand it.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: TOBY - Canine Olympian Extraordinaire

2011-10-26T10:21:00.000+02:00

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!