Sunday, September 30, 2007

Four-Legged Friends Reading Challenge

*** This is a sticky post, scroll down for new ones***
There have been changes made to this post, they are in bold.

So, it is 2 AM. I cannot sleep because the day was really bad, so I get to thinking, what can I do with myself. (And, yes, that is me in the picture at right... It's old, so I don't necessarily look the same. For starters, I have different glasses. It was also back when my house consisted of four cats and a dog.) I am going to have a reading challenge, that's what. I don't know if I get enough readers to my blog to have a large turnout, but regardless, the challenge can very easily just be for me. (Just so you know, the title is subject to change... I am not really at my most creative right now.)

If people plan to join in, here is the run down:1. This challenge is in memory of my four-legged friend. I have put down four animals this year, and they were all very loyal animals. Sandy was the hardest because she was my best friend. I know they say 'mans' best friend, but that is sexist, she was my best friend.

2. In memory of Sandy, this challenge will begin on September 20th. That was the day that I brought Sandy home for the very first time. Then, I had to come up with an end date. Three months puts it too near Christmas, so we are going to have a weird end date: February 26th. That was Shelby, Sandy's older sisters, birthday. So, the challenge runs for 5 months.

3. The books? Read books that have animals as the main character or an important character. They do not have to believable, in other words if they talk that is fine, but let's keep it with animals of the 21st-century. I am a huge fan of fantasy, but in other words, let's leave the dragons out of this one. So, the animal does not have to be the main character, but they have to play an important enough role that you remember them afterwards. The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks, for example. It is one of my favourite books because of the dog. And, no, this is not a dog challenge, other animals count as well. (Authors like Robin Hobb and Philip Pullman also count.)

4. The aim? 3-5 books. Page limit does not matter, so if you read a picture book to your child at night and it is Bambi, count it. The point is just to honour our four-legged friends. Do the animals have to have four legs? No. If you want to read a book about a monkey and count it, go for it. When you read a book, review it in some manner on your blog and then I am not sure. If get a lot of participants, I will start a blog for it, if I don't get a lot of participants, then just be sure and comment on my blog and say that you reviewed or make a wrap up post before February 26th and post the link in my comments.

5. The prize? I have five months to figure that out. I figure it will probably be a book, likely something like Marley and Me because I really like that book and it reminds me of Sandy. There will be other things too, and they will all be Sandy inspired. All you have to do is read some books to be entered.

6. So, what now? Think about your lists, if you don't have them finished by the 20th, that is no big deal. You don't even have to have a list at all, just comment and let me know you are joining in. If you want to join after the 20th, that's fine, there is no deadline for joining in. I know the 20th is short notice, so I am being flexible.

7. The button... did I mention it is 2AM? If anyone gets ambitious and wants to make me one, I would be very thankful. If not, I will play around with photo shop in the next few days. I have done some thinking about the button, and you know what, I am not going to have one. You guys can be creative. You can either take the picture of Sandy with the snake or worm or whatever you want to call it in her mouth, or you can post a picture of your own pet, both living or deceased. As I say in the next section, this is supposed to be about your pets, not just mine. I think it will make it more special if people post their own.

8. Bonus portion: Think of this challenge in memory of your pets that have gone on before you or even those that are still alive. When you make your intro post, tell us something about your pet. Why they were special, some fun story, how much you miss them, etc. Posting pictures is also good. I like pets. Especially dogs, I am very much a dog person.

9. Now, I bet you are thinking, what does Sandy have to do with books? Everything! Some of my most special memories of me and Sandy are of her laying beside me while I read. At night before bed, in the afternoon on the couch, outside on the patio, etc. Me and Sandy spent a lot of time together that way, and I will always think about her when I read.

10.My suggested food while you are reading? Baby carrots. I used to much on carrots and never really think to give them to Sandy, but she loves them! So, baby carrots turned into half the bag for me and the other half for her. Actually, that's what I did with her for her last night. I ate carrots with her. She did not eat a lot, but I think baby carrots will always remind me of her.

47 comments:

  1. Sniffles! That's great Kail, now I'm tearing up again and have to go hold my Jasper (who is a dog if anyone else who isn't Kail (who knows that) is wondering).

    Hope you get a lot of readers!

    Sonja Marie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous8:42 AM

    Sorry to hear about your dog. :( They quickly become such a treasured member of your family that it is hard to see them go.

    If you need a suggestion for a book involving animals I would suggest Tailchaser's Song by Tad Williams. The book revolves entirely around cats with the main character being a cat!

    Tailchaser's Song


    Remy
    www.thefantasyreview.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've posted this on my novel challenges blog - so hope you will get a good turnout for it! I will be participating and will let you know after I've selected my books :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'll join this one. I don't have my list yet, but I will probably have one made by the 20th. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kelly...again, I'm going to tell you how sorry I am about Sandy. I know it was a hard decision for you. I'd love to hear what you think about Marley & Me. It's really so good. But without spoiling anything, the ending might be a little more than you might want to take on.

    But you know me!! Can't resist a good challenge. I'll join you in celebrating Sandy's life!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Glad to see people joining in! I think this could be a fun challenge, I look forward to seeing people's lists!

    And Stephanie, I have read Marley and Me before. I read it last year. And, you are right, not the book for me right now.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This was such a sweet post Kailana :) I'm in! I'll post my list later on and come back and leave another comment when I have it up!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks Chris, I am glad you are joining in!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Count me and Max in! :P HUGS

    ReplyDelete
  10. yay, you and Max are very welcome Ames. :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. This is wonderful! A great way to remember and show love for our pets. You can count me in. I'll work on my list of books and post about it soon.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Count me in too. I will post my list later this week.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would really love to participate in this challenge - but I am just way too overextended right now! Despite that, I *did* decide to post some memories of pets. You an read it here.

    ReplyDelete
  14. You can count me in! I love books about animals too and I've been meaning to get around to reading (or re-reading) a few. Kavik the Wolf Dog was a favorite when I was little I might make that my first.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Here's my list:

    http://blbooks.blogspot.com/2007/09/four-legged-friends-challenge.html

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great idea! I'm in. My post and picks are here.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Marley and Me is a fantastic book. I read it last year.

    Our dog loves baby carrots too. I find this very weird. Ha! So when I have some, I have to chop some up for her too.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Anonymous11:14 AM

    I'm so sorry for your loss. My 4 legged- friends are as much a part of the family as the bi-pedal. I know how hard it is to lose that unconditional, unwaivering love and loyalty. My heart goes out to you. I'll be participating in the contest. Don't know my list yet, but Dean Koontz's Watchers, one of my all time fav books w/ a dog will be among them!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Okay, my list is up.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anonymous4:17 PM

    So sorry for your loss!
    Know your Sandy is running over the rainbow bridge and waiting for you.

    My golden girls are sending puppy kisses your way...

    Sandie

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh, so sorry to hear about your loss.

    I really excitedly suggest Ishmael for any of your participants who need suggestions!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh, Kailana, I'm so sorry about your loss. I'm challenge overloaded, but stopped by to send *hugs*.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks everyone, I really appreciate it!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm so sorry to hear about Sandy. The reading challenge is a lovely way to honor and remember your best friend. I think I can make room for this one and will come up with a list over the weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  25. First let me say how very sorry I am about your beloved friend Sandy! What a beautiful post, full of such love!

    I heard about your challenge through Chris, and I just thought it was such a wonderful way to honor your sweet friend. My daughter will be excited beyond words when I tell her about this challenge. I wasn't even going to join myself, that is until I read your beautiful post. I'll be back later with links to our lists.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks ladies for your kind words! You have been added to the list and I look forward to seeing what books you are going to be reading. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Well, as expected Annie was extremely excited about your challenge!

    Annie's list

    and

    Debi's list

    Thanks for hosting this. And again, I'm so sorry!

    ReplyDelete
  28. I've come up with a "paw pile" - books I will choose from as challenge reads. Here's the link:

    http://exlibris.typepad.com/ex_libris/2007/09/the-four-legged.html

    ReplyDelete
  29. OK....I made a post today with my list! And a few pictures of my babies!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Anonymous12:19 PM

    I know how hard it is to lose a pet. I have lost two of my cats and they were my friends also. A friend gave me the cat I have now and I so love him. I am siging up for this challenge.
    kim in Ohio

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.. My dog Taylor (aka Fuzzy Butt -and also a lover of baby carrots!) is my best friend as well, our pets are our families in all the ways that really matter..
    I haven't done much with blog challenges yet, I'm doing my first now for a cozy mystery one. But dogs are my favorite subject so I'd love to give this a try as well! :)

    Happy Reading
    Amy

    ReplyDelete
  32. Yay, I will add you guys to the list, thanks for stopping by. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I haven't read all the comments yet, but it looks like you may have more readers than you realized! I'm sorry to hear about your loss, but I love it that you shared baby carrots with Sandy on her last night. That is such an unforgettable image. Here's a hug for you:

    {{{{{{{{{{ Kail }}}}}}}}}}

    Anyway, I'm in. I'm taking you up on the challenge. I posted information about your Four-Legged Friends challenge on both my Book Buddies blog and my Taking the Challenge blog. Here's a link:
    http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2007/09/four-legged-friends.html

    Oh, one more thing ... Oprah has made a mess of the book clubs on her site, so I'm starting Book Buddies here on blogspot. Come take a look, and give me any suggestions you can think of:
    http://bookbuddies3.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  34. I am so sorry for all of your losses this year, and can definitely relate, having had to put a pet down for the first time in my life this year. That loss is so difficult!

    I'll be joining you in the challenge. I will have to think a bit about what books I want to read. What a wonderful way to honor your pets and what a wonderful way for me to honor mine.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Anonymous2:22 PM

    Oh damn...my mascara's running down my face.

    I'm no good at challenges, but I'll be happy to plug it on Bookie for you.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Thanks everyone! I have enjoyed reading all of these comments! I still have my moments, but this week has been better than last. I think this challenge was the best idea that I could possibly come up with because it gives me something positive to concentrate on. I am also all excited about planning my prize packs. :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Is it too late to join in?

    I lost my childhood dog this year (who was also a carrot lover) and your post was just so touching. I've been thinking about dusting off my book blog and joining some challenges and this seems like a great way to start.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Kim, consider yourself added! when you get a chance, please leave a URL to your blog, if not your very first post. :)

    ReplyDelete
  39. So, Kail, can I still join up? I have no idea what books I'll read but I need to do this.

    cjh

    ReplyDelete
  40. Yes CJ, feel free to join in!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Anonymous11:22 AM

    So so sorry about your loss. I am signing up and will put up my list of books on my blog by the end of the week. Sorry for the delay, been moving house and had no internet for over a week. Sorry again, hope you are doing ok.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Glad you are joining in Rhinoa!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Anonymous10:06 PM

    *hugs* I'm sorry for your loss. Sandy was beautiful.

    I'm a little late in joining but I've posted my list on my site: http://flyfarther.net/bookbag/?p=452

    ReplyDelete
  44. Sorry it took so long to get back to you, but here's my first post and a link to my blog: http://twomoredays.wordpress.com/2007/09/27/four-legged-friends-challenge/

    ReplyDelete
  45. Hi there! We've not met, but I saw this linked in a couple other places and decided to join in because you got me thinking of the golden retrieved I grew up with and the cat I have now and how important animals can be to us. I'm a bit late, but so it goes.

    Anyway, my list is here: http://www.bookyooky.com/?p=32

    Oh, I'm Scott.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I am sorry to hear that your best friend and darling dog has died--you must miss her every day in every way.

    My darling golden, Berit, sends big dog kiss complete with "give me a cookie, now" eyes to you.

    I know I am getting into this quite late, but I would love to join the Pets Challenge. How do I do that?
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I'm very late writing about the final book on my list, though I read all the books two years ago. Here's the link to today's post, which includes every single one of books I read for this challenge:

    http://bonniesbooks.blogspot.com/2009/08/merles-door-by-ted-kerasote-2007.html

    It's been two years now, and I hope you are able now to look back at your four-legged friend with joy at the time you had together. Thanks for the challenge.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and commenting!

I am so sorry, but I turned anonymous commenting off. I have had it from the very beginning, but that is how the spam is getting by my spam filter at the moment. If it is a big deal I will turn it back on and moderate all comments. I also changed moderation from older than 14 days to older than 7.