I have been appearing as a guest on television for a many years now but never as an author so this was a first. View the clip here.

On Saturday morning, I appeared on the CBS Morning show to discuss pet etiquette during the summer months, especially when a dog owner is eating out or traveling. I showed viewers the Pet Gear stroller with removable cabin so that you can your dog can be enclosed while you are dining out at a café. The Midnight Pass Petcruiser/Autocruiser can kept your pet safe in its car seat but also, it can serve as a suitcase. I packed the storage compartment with the travel essentials such as shampoo, feeding bowls, clothing including raingear, food and snacks, and the AAA Travel Book and the Comfort Zone Pet Spray. Lastly, I showed The Pet Set Stationary. This lovely stationary is a great way to write your hostess a thank you note for inviting you and your dog for a fun weekend.

I am most happy that showed the book cover four times. So, I hope people pre-order the book because it is not in stores until July.

Check out this review about the party here.

Tonight was everything that I wanted my book party to be. It was lively and elegant. It was the most fabulous book party. 175 guests came to the William Secord Gallery, the famous 19th and 20th century dog painting gallery to meet Miss Fido Manners, preview the book and feast on wonderful gourmet nibblies and champagne. Mary Bloom, my favorite photographer, captured it. See the photogallery.

The William Secord Gallery is located on the Upper Eastside and houses a wonderful collection. The gallery is absolutely fascinating for dog lovers. It was the perfect place for my party. Bill Secord is such a gentleman, and his staff is absolutely amazing. Galina, the Gallery Manager, is a lovely woman. She was so reassuring while planning the party. David Frei, the publicist for and the co-host of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show served as the host of my party. David is such a good friend. Mark Fahrer was the caterer. He prepared a wonderful selection of hors d’s. Southern Wine and Lowery Liquors in Sunnyside (Queens) supplied my guests with an abundance of Perrier Jouet. I believe the invitation captures the spirit of the gallery and compliments those involved. View the invitation here. My publisher, Adams Media, provided my guests with free books. I didn’t realize that at most book parties, invitees pay for the books. And the W Hotels provided us with the gift bags.

The gift bag was a “petiquette� kit stuffed with dog grooming supplies and other extras. Bamboo supplied brushes, Eve Envy gave their whitening products, Bobbi Panter gifted shampoo, Virbac presented us with toothpaste and toothbrushes, Doggy Styles Designs furnished Miss Fido logo shirts, and Sexy Beast presented cologne samples. Even a company Clean Control Corporation from Georgia allotted some of their odor and stain carpet pet treatment. And, Modern Dog supplied the stylish reading materials.

And how can I not mention the enhancements. The room was decorated with lovely bouquets from 1-800-Flowers. The bouquets were only white so as not to detract from the art.

Although I had no idea what to wear, my new friend, AOL journalist and stylist Rachel Felder, was on hand to make suggestions. She thought I should wear Cynthia Rowley. Actually, the two of us met at a Cynthia Rowley children’s book party event at the W Hotel. So, she make the professional introduction. I wore a beautiful, pewter colored dress over black trousers with metallic shoes and carrier a small metallic clutch filled with the essentials. It was a night for confidence, fun and a bit of indulgence- so I broke out the Chanel Star Red lipstick. I wear this lipstick once or twice a year. The few times of the year that I really want to exude confidence are the times that I wear red lips. This was night, I matched my lips with red nails and toes that were very visible. Just so you know, my look rocked out. Thanks to the folks at Cynthia Rowley.

I really have to have thank the friends that brought gifts John C. from Nutro; he bought me a wonderful, Italian pen, Greer G. bought a wonderful brass ornament, Jane St. L. from Dog Fanciers Club bought me flowers and Carrie F. from Farnam sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Stephanie Ellis and Tammy Hansen came up Florida from the Luxury Pet Pavilion and took me out for dinner after the event. Bill Secord, signed a collection of his works. If you don’t have any of Bill’s book buy them now. Hell, if you don’t have my book, buy it now from Amazon, Barnes & Nobles or Borders.

Most importantly, I need to thank my friend and publicist, Amanda Leesburg. Amanda and her dog Max are immortalized in my book. So are so many others that were at the party are in the book. Lewis Berman, D.V.M. as Dr. Sherman. Christopher Trela, Beth Adelman and Mordecai Siegal are mentioned in the acknowledgment. Poor Nancy Zatzman. Her house got hit by lightning and she couldn’t be with us. Although I dedicated the book to my parents and Glenn and Lee Baker, Glenn was there too. For it is those four, that I dedicated my book too. Their love is with me and forces me to go everyday and just work harder.

Even Getty images came to photograph the celebration. See here.

Of all nights, I will always remember this night because I was truly a star.

Three years ago, Woofstock, North America’s largest outdoor dog festival hosted their kick-off event as a Doggie High Tea at Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Canada. This year, Woofstock did the same again but at this High Tea, Marlene Cook, the founder and owner of the brand, honored dogs living with cancer and canine cancer survivors. As a fundraiser, all donations were given to Ontario Veterinary Trust.
Since I meet her last summer while on a business trip to Toronto, Marlene and I have become friends. And, since the reason that I stayed at the King Eddie in the first place was to enjoy the doggie tea service with my dog. It was a happy to host the tea. It was unfortunate that my book was not shipped. I would have enjoyed signing books for the tea participants.

The majority of attendees were dealing with or have dealt with canine cancer. The biggest challenge was keeping the mood in the room upbeat and fun. The designer challenge helped; local designers and their canine models competed to win a free booth at 2008 festival. Additionally, about 25 dogs and their owners walked down the red carpet as a tribute walk. While all this was going on, guest dogs chomped on hotel-made biscuits and lapped up beef broth. Most breeds were represented but the big dawgs in the room were a trio of black Newfoundlands. They even inspired my June Good Manners Pet podcast.

On an ending note, all the media networks were in attendance so the event will receive good coverage in tomorrow’s papers and television networks. And, although I went to bed early tonight, I woke up to the sound of my own voice. At first, I thought I was dreaming but I was hearing my voice on Toronto’s City TV telling the dogs and their owners be proud and walk down the red carpet.

Today was the beginning of my career as an author. I signed my new book, The Miss Fido Manners Book of Dog Etiquette at BEA today in the Adams Media booth, #3915. See press release here. Considering my anxiety level all week, the signing went exceptionally well. But up until the event, my biggest worry was that I would be seating at the booth and that no one show up for a book, even thought the book was given away from my publisher. My friends, Mordecai Siegal and Mary Bloom told me to relax and not to worry because they believed that people would come. And they did. I signed about 200 books in 40 minutes. Mordecai stopped by to support me and Mary photographed my first signing. See photos here.
Miss Fido books were given to book lovers throughout the United States. Victoria Pericon stopped by as well as Nikki Moustaki, Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert from Palm Beach, and I discussed pet office etiquette. Even though she was not signing books at BEA, author Diana Guerrero, came by the booth to pick up a book. She was wearing a very ornate safari hat, promoting her book, Blessing of the Animals. It was a pleasure to meet her since I endorsed her new book.

To my surprise, Thames was on his best behavior. Now, he is generally always a well-behaved dog but an hour long appearance with many people approaching and petting him could be stressful. Although I was signing books, I kept a watchful eye on him. He was dressed in a doggie t-shirt, a promotional item, supplied by Adams. He greeted everyone exceptionally well. He sat on a lime green ottoman that matched the trim of the t-shirt. I believe because of its color, the Adams team brought it in especially for him. For those of you who don’t know, he is an English Toy but his coloring (Black and Tan) is described as a King while the tri-color dogs are described as Princes. My Hudson would be a Prince. So Thames is an English Toy Spaniel, (King Charles), while Hudson is a English Toy Spaniel (Prince Charles). To learn more about English Toy Spaniels, visit my breed club site. Thames was a little king, sitting on a throne, holding court, while they dog lovers came by to touch him. Eventually, he fell asleep. Ruff day for him.

Because I had to leave for Canada later in the day, I really didn’t have the time to enjoy BEA. I really loved to network but did not have the chance to or see other dog writers like Arden Moore. I went by the Bowtie Press booth. Bowtie President, Norman Ridker, was there with Operations Vice-President and Karla Austin. Andrew DePrisco had just finished his signing with his illustrator, Jason O’Malley. I attended their book party for their new book, Woof! earlier in the week at a club in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. It was very fun and Andrew has many nice friends including his partner who is a good-looking and lovely man.

At BEA, I also got to meet Marty Becker, DVM at the HCI booth. I have heard some much about him over the years. Unfortunately, I never have seen him on television but he seemed very nice. I must admit that I was totally taken with his Bulgari eye glasses. They were black and shiny and way hip. Just very cool. And after complimenting him on such fine, eyewear choice, he gave his wife full credit as his stylist. Good choice, Mrs. Becker. While I was at the HCI booth, I got to see Darlene Arden. She signed and gave me a copy of her new book.

But really, the cherry on the top, was meeting Grammar Girl. My friend, Stewart Justus at Hunter Mfg., turned me on to her podcast on Quick and Dirty. Grammar Girl, Mignon Fogarty, was so nice and sweet. I told her that I modeled my own podcast after her very popular one. I write it out so that listeners, should they choose, can follow along with the written word. If you write often, especially for business, you are sure to become a devotee like me.

All-in-all, best day ever.