REVIEW OF THE PURR SHOP – OR – HOW I LEARNED TO SHOP LOCALLY INSTEAD OF BEING SCAMMED

 by Mel Dawn

Review: 5 out of 10.

Finding a new umbrella to buy can be a challenge at the best of times. I received one in my FabFitFun box last spring. It was only a month before it broke. I then purchased one from Home Depot. It’s small and compact, which is great, if I can find that trigger point to get it to stay up. So, let’s say I was super-happy when I saw a purple cat umbrella online at The Purr Shop. 

Initially, I saw The Purr Shop advertised on Facebook. But since there are so many scammers out there, I proceeded with caution. I only found 2 Better Business Bureau complaints. Not bad, considering that FabFitFun has over 2000. I even discovered that they’re located in the USA (or so I thought!)

So, I went ahead and ordered my new umbrella, along with some other goodies. The other goodies were great, by the way. 

The umbrella, not so much. 

I ordered a Purple Cat Umbrella, but not only did I not receive the correct colour, I received some sort of terrible cheap knockoff umbrella. 

Please refer to the photo above from their site. The brand I received is not even right. In the photo online, the purple umbrella says "Rechap" for the brand and has a silver inside, and mauve outside. The one I received says "Like Rain". I can see a blue umbrella on the site but the one I received looks nothing like that and even the sleeve isn't tagged.

As you can see from the photo, I didn't receive the correct item at all.

Normally I'd be fine with a blue cat umbrella, but not only is this not the brand as advertised on the site, but it's some cheap knockoff. The umbrella is made from some sort of cheap garbage bag plastic that I can poke my fingers through.

Also, the plastic totally smells really really bad. I've placed it outside. I'm sure that it wouldn't pass any North American guidelines for plastics manufacturing. I've never even smelled anything this bad.

I ended up putting the umbrella outside for a week. Then I contacted The Purr Shop. No response, but not a surprise considering their BBB reviews. I discovered that both their addresses listed online are actually for UPS Stores. So, this is a company located in China that has faux USA addresses. Sad. 

I took it to Paypal to dispute the cost. After all, why should I pay for junk? They ruled 50/50. So, in order for me to get a refund, I must return it. Since it cost me about $30 CAD, and would cost me $20 CAD to send back, I decided to just keep it.

Fortunately, the plastic smell has greatly dissipated. 

Let’s hope I can get a few years’ usage out of it and hope it doesn't break.

Lesson learned – Shop local from meow on!

PS: Check out my cat care book here: getbook.at/ameowzon 

#1 Solution for Writer's Block – Attend a Writing Festival!

by Mel Dawn

Are you a writer or author who is stuck? Often all it takes is a bit of time and encouragement to help you complete the next novel or book. But if you're not ready for that, a flash fiction story or short poem can help you feel that you've accomplished something, even though it's already March! 

I already have a few books out, but I can still use some good advice for my personal writing projects. Perhaps one of the best ways to seek inspiration for your next big project is from others. But not just your potential readers – though they're awesome – but from other writers too. Let me tell you about Creative Ink Festival. You may have attended writing conferences and conventions before, but this one is different.

It's called a festival because it's more of a community celebration of your writing abilities, no matter if you're a beginner, experienced, or a bestselling author. On this long weekend, everyone gathers together to learn, socialize, and celebrate. 

I've been attending since the beginning. Creative Ink Festival offers such a warm, inviting, and even healing sort of environment. You'll feel happy and welcome for the entire weekend. It's tough to go home at the end, but you can take home your memories, experiences, and newfound knowledge which will encourage you to work on your next big masterpiece, or even that little poem that's been earworming through your mind the past year.

I participate in CIF a slightly different way. Each year I think about a new project I'd like to work on. Usually it begins right after the last CIF, then continues on throughout the rest of the year. Early the following year I begin proofreading and editing, then I move onto formatting and graphic design. Finally, there is one more proof from a friend who's an editor/proofreader, more revisions, then onto the printing press it goes. 

Right before the next CIF, my book is ready to go. I participate in panels and the co-authors' table. There is also plenty of time for bragging rights, as everyone is excited to hear what you're working on next. So, I use CIF as inspiration for my next project and this is how it helps me to accomplish my goals. 

One year I wrote The Aquaria Chronicles (working at getting that back up), last year I finished Just One More Purr eBook, Just One More Purr in print, and this year I have completed Zombie Survival Club (to be up soon). Anyway, I didn't want this blog about me, but more about Creative Ink Festival, and to show you how it's possible to accomplish your writing goals by attending on the March 29th - March 31st, 2019 weekend this year. (See, I did it and you can too!)

If you haven't already registered, you can do so HERE. I hope to see you soon!

Flash Fiction: The Key to Time

The Key to Time

by Mel Dawn

Jane was going through the junk in the attic of the new house they had just bought. The former owners had never tossed anything out. Annoyed, she grabbed stuff and tossed it into a garbage bag. 

She grabbed another book off the shelf. Something dropped to the floor by her feet. It was a set of ancient brass keys. 

She briefly wondered what they could be for, but remembered there was an old desk here.

Now, she could see what was inside. The third key worked.

The drawer opened. Inside were several photographs, letters, and a small jewel box. When she touched a girl’s ring, the ghost of a little girl popped out of the box. 

Jane smiled at the image. 

“Hey, Jane, are you done up here yet?”

“Just a minute.”

“Do you have the garbage?”

“No, I want to have a better look.”

“I thought you said it was junk.”

“I think we can donate some to the Museum. These things belonged to a family and were very important to them. I’d feel bad just tossing it all out.”

“Works for me,” said her husband.

Flash Fiction: Theftproof

Theftproof

by Mel Dawn

Mark entered the cafe and tossed his backpack onto the floor.

“Hi, I’m Mark.”

“It’s ready.” She handed him a large brown bag and several drinks.

He carried his order to the table. “What the?” he exclaimed. “Someone has taken my bag!”

xxx

“That was an easy steal,” Tony thought.

Not bad. A tablet, a flip phone, and a box. He opened it.

Mist swirled out of it, along with the figure of a woman. “Return me or I shall haunt you forever,” she screamed at him.

It wasn’t just the image. Tony felt coldness and despair pierce his heart. He quickly closed the box and tossed it back.

“Now!” the voice yelled.

He raced back to the coffee shop.

zzz

Mark was in despair. They had searched all over. Then a man rushed in. 

“Sorry, I grabbed it by mistake!” He dropped the backpack onto the floor then quickly left.

“Mom!” said Tony, in relief. He pulled the box from the backpack. “Now we can resume your celebration of life.”

Good Mews! Cat Care Book Success

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Getting Just One More Purr Packages Ready for Shipping

MORE PURRS PLEASE!

A cat care book for cats and the humans who love them. This handbook treats the natural stages of life with lightheartedness and humour at a time when you may be stressed out or unhappy with your chronically or terminally ill cat. Learn coping strategies to help you look after your kitty, including how to spend quality time together, so you and your beloved cat can live a happy and furfilling life.

Provides support for cat owners with sick cats, cats with illness, cats with chronic illness, and cats with terminal illness. Mental health support for cat owners. Palliative care tips and cat health tips for cats. 

Just One More Purr: Chronic and Terminal Illness Support for Cats and the Humans Who Love Them is for everyone who loves their cats and wants to assist them through difficult times. 

This e-book edition contains additional content.

"After reading this book I feel like a whole mew person." ~Meowster Hide

Quick Tips & Cat Care Guide

Need more cat care tips? Check out my book on Ameowzon right meow: Getbook.at/ameowzon.