Author: David Rosenfelt

Hardcover: 320 pages and also e-book format

Genre: Legal Thriller

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing (August 6, 2009)

Language: English

Order at Amazon

Authors Website: www.davidrosenfelt.com

 “I’m representing a dog in a custody fight? Is that what you’re asking me to do?”

“ I wouldn’t categorize it as asking,” he says.

“I already have a dog, Your honor.”

“And Now you have two.”

In Rosenfelt’s excellent seventh legal thriller to feature Paterson, N.J., defense attorney Andy Carpenter (after Play Dead), Andy takes on another canine client.  New Tricks is the story of Attorney Andy Carpenter representing an adorable Bernese mountain dog puppy, whose owner was brutally murdered, in a custody fight. Few can rival Andy’s affection for dogs, and he will do whatever it takes to insure that this little pup doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. But his playful new friend possesses a deadly and valuable secret that a number of people are willing to resort to violence to obtain. It will take more than Andy’s usual courtroom theatrics to save this dog; including a little help from his beloved golden retriever, Tayra. Andy soon discovers that everyone around him is in danger, including his longtime girlfriend, Laurie, and he will have to come up with some high-new tricks to save those he holds most dear.

About David Rosenfelt

David Rosenfelt, a native of Paterson, New Jersey, is a graduate of NYU. He was the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures before becoming a writer of novels and screenplays. “Open And Shut” was his first novel; “First Degree,” his second novel, was named a best book of 2003 by Publishers Weekly. He currently lives in Southern California with his wife and 35 dogs.

Happy Reading!

From the voice of Sassy the Cat

For those of you who haven’t visited the blog EVER, we’ll you’ve been missing out on me.  Here are Thirteen Things all about me, so read carefully.

I like being the only cat on this blog. If there were others, it would cramp my style.

I don’t like the sun, the wind, the rain, the cold, the heat. What do I like – not much.

I like sleeping all day and waiting until cover of darkness to go outside

I like walking all over mom’s desk, sitting in windows, jumping on furniture, walking across the tops of the couch.

I like driving the dogs crazy, it’s my favorite pastime. I came up with a plan to sell them on e-bay; mom wasn’t to pleased with my idea.

I like when Mom is happy. That’s when she gives me extra attention.

I like living in the garage and getting that entire place to myself. Haha! The dogs have to share that small box they call a dog house.

I like giving advice on the blog, oh, wait that hasn’t happened yet, but I’m told I’m getting my own advice column. Other cats are going to write to me with their problems. Just like Ann Landers or Dear Abbey, I’ll be Dear Sassy!  I’ll have lots of fun with that one.

I like being the subject of mom’s writing; that means she cares about me.

I am guard kitty of my own front porch. If any of those male cats come by, I just send them away with a scratch and a hiss and I’ll rip you to pieces warning.

I think I want to be a movie star. Mom writes another blog, Hollywood Daze, and I wonder if she could put me over there on that blog, “Sassy the Cat Hopes to a Hollywood Celebrity.”

While mom is busy writing, I go sit on the wall outside her window and keep an eye on her.

I don’t care much for the taste of raw meat from those pesky birds. Now, that mom feeds me every day, oh! I don’t have to work so hard for the food, I just have to look cute and she brings it every day. Now, if that isn’t training your humans.

***

Now that I’ve shared with you, can I sit in your lap? I need attention and mom is busy at the computer. Leave me your invite in a comment.

Photographed here in this article is an adorable black puppy walking with the couple. Is this Kate’s birthday present?

What would you name this puppy if you were the royal couple?

Racing in the Rain

Garth Stein presents this wonderful book for young readers, adapted from the adult version, of Racing in the Rain; My Live as a Dog. Told from the dog’s point of view. If you have ever wondered what your dog is thinking than this is a book to be read.

Book Synopsis

Enzo is the lovable mutt who tells this story. Enzo knows he is different from other dogs; most dogs love to chase cars, but Enzo longs to race them. He learns about racing and the world around him by watching TV and by listening to the words of his best friend, Denny, an up-and-coming race car driver, and his daughter, Zoe, his constant companion. Enzo finds that life is just like being on the racetrack – it isn’t simply about going fast. And, applying the rule of racing to his world, Enzo takes on his family’s challenges and emerges a hero. In the end, Enzo holds in his heart the dream that Denny will go on to be a racing champion with his daughter by his side. For theirs is an extraordinary friendship  – one that reminds us all to celebrate the triumph of the human (and canine) spirit.

This book is both for adults and has been specially adapted for young readers.

Dog Names – Top Five

Bella

Bailey

Max

Lucy

Molly

Cat Names – Top Five

Bella

Max

Chloe

Oliver

Lucy

A rescued dog repays the favor by rescuing

an elderly man from a house fire

A New Police Dog

I guess one could say the economy is getting better for animals as well as humans. A new police dog has his work cut out for him and some big paws to fill. Viper, replaces the current canine Sampson who will retire in a few weeks.

All in a Day’s Work

Josh, the police dog, named for an army sergeant killed in Afghanistan in 2007, is the key in the arrest of four armed robbery suspects.

Barnyard Guest Makes a Visit to Dog Warden

This animal found himself in the wrong barnyard. A pig makes a pleasant guest at the local animal shelter.

Oh! the dogs Spencer and Tasha wish they could sit on Sassy the cat.

The Best Christmas Ever by Jamie Camarena

“Good morning Spencer,” said a voice. Spencer kept thinking that it was an angel. “Spencer! WAKE UP!” screamed the voice. Spencer jolted up and hit his head on the ceiling of the doghouse roof. “What do you want,” said Spencer groggily. “Oh good, you’re awake,” said the figure of Tasha. She was standing over him smiling with her tongue lolling out. They walked out of the doghouse and stood at the back door. Mom was cooking breakfast. “Guess what?” asked Tasha.  “What?” asked Spencer? “Sassy told me that in about a weeks’ time it will be Christmas day. We get to open presents and maybe we get to go to their Grandma and Grandpa’s house,” said Tasha jumping up and down. Her tail was wagging. That made Mom come to the door. She tapped on the window which made Tasha stop what she was doing.

Tasha the Dog

Later Sassy came walking on the wall. “Hey guys. Tasha did you tell Spencer about Christmas day?” asked Sassy. “Yeah, I think we should get everyone Christmas presents. It would be a nice surprise,” suggested Tasha. “Yeah, it would be nice to give them something, but we have no money,” said Spencer. “Well, let’s do what we did on Halloween. How about we take some money from John’s wallet again?” asked Sassy. “Well yeah we didn’t get caught last time,” said Spencer. “But it is more money,” said Sassy. “I got it!” Shouted Tasha. “How about we make something, like a card or a picture in a frame of the three of us for the family,” suggested Tasha. They argued until they finally agreed to make something.

Later Sassy came over with Mist and they had brought art supplies. “I knew that the moment that Sassy came over Tasha had an idea,” said Mist. “So were making presents?” asked Mist. When Tasha, Sassy, and Spencer nodded their agreement Mist said. “Well let’s get started.” They spent the next hour working on their art projects. When they all finished they showed each other. “What did you make Tasha?” asked Sassy. Tasha made a card saying Merry Christmas! I Love You. She also made a frame with a picture of the kids in the family.  Sassy made a frame of Mom and her on the couch. All the three made a big card and a picture of the three of them together with the family. But Spencer’s was the most precious of all. He made a beautiful picture of Jamie and him with her arm around his neck and his tongue lolling out.

Sassy the Cat

On Christmas Eve night they wrapped their presents and hid them under the dog house. In the morning they heard a noise in the house. They got up and they scratched at the door. Mom came to the door and she tapped on it. Then she went back to the dining room. Then Jamie came and she called John over. They opened the door and closed the screen door behind her. Since it was torn halfway from the corner up they could get in and out. Jamie and John brought them to the dining room. Mom allowed it since it was Christmas morning and it was cold outside. They had presents to. Sassy got a toy mouse and some kitty treats in her stocking. Tasha had got a bone with a big red bow and a pack of squeaky balls to play with. Spencer had got a bag of treats and a new bed for the doghouse floor.

Spencer the Dog

When everyone opened their presents Sassy, Spencer, and Tasha ran outside to get their presents. When they got back inside they ran to the dining room and gave everyone their presents. Everyone loved their presents and they gave Tasha, Spencer, and Sassy big hugs. Spencer had got a big hug and kiss from Jamie. They took pictures and then they got ready to go to the family’s grandma and grandpa’s house. The pets were allowed to come with because of the gifts. When they got there they had a super fun time playing in the backyard with the kids. When it was dinner time they were let back in and they ate with the family.

After they got back home they stayed up a little later than everyone else. “Sassy, I love Christmas time, It was awesome,” said Tasha. “Yeah it is. I love Christmas to,” agreed Sassy. “Spencer, what do you think?” asked Tasha. “I loved it!” shouted Spencer.

THE END!

Hero Awards

There is an old saying that a dog is man’s best friend. From these stories, I would say that man might also be a dog’s best friend.  Enjoy!

Carrie Underwood takes the wheel from Jesus and pulls over to rescue two dogs abandoned on the side of the road.

Dog found Swimming in the Gulf of Mexico Rescued by Fisherman

Rescued Dog Saves Owner From Heart Attack

14 Pets Who Saved Human Lives

Winners of the Fourth Annual Dogs of Valor Awards