DIANA L. GUERRERO’S ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Volume 2, Number 8 July 27, 2004
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
E-mail: guerreroink@yahoo.com or website http://www.arkanimals.com
Copyright © 2004 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved.
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Welcome! August News & Tips
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Blessing of the Animals
2. August Events!
3. California Writers Club Seminar August 28th
4. Tips for August
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1. Blessing of the Animals
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July 24th and 25th were fun filled days. The annual Doo Dah Parade took place on the 24th and we (The Women of the Big Bear Moose) received a first place trophy for our creativity. Fawnskin launched this "shortest parade in the USA" back in 1976. This year the parade was an astonishing half an hour!

I marched along with the “Shady Ladies of the Big Bear Moose Lodge” in our finest duds…lampshades decorated for the occasion. I was an entire lampshade and the creativity juices were flowing for all of us. Read more about the event and view photos from the link on the index page of www.arkanimals.com!

Pet lovers and a variety of animal pals showed up for my animal blessing at the Fawnskin Festival on the 25th. I started the day with a general blessing that included wild creatures and those critters not present. Then those who wanted individual blessings were invited up to receive them. We had canines, a parakeet, and a tortoise.

The festival was a nice way to spend the day and I loved the commute--a mere half a block! Noel Blanc (Mel Blanc’s son and voice for numerous cartoon characters) humored me with some autographs for my niece and nephews and we took a few snaps. Local historians, vendors, and entertainers filled out the day, but my favorite event was the precious pets competition. Pets “bobbed for bacon” and played musical chairs—or something like that. They were too funny.

August slows down as I embark on the new writing adventure. “Blessing of the Animals” should be released in the spring of 2006. Stay tuned for news. In the meantime, send me your favorite quotes, prayers or resources!

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2. August Events
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Summer is here and the new book is in progress. My only events this month are a book club session and writers club seminar. My schedule seems pretty slow after the insane travel schedule earlier this year.

August 12, 2004 (Thursday, Noon-2pm) Book Club in Big Bear, California

August 28, 2004 (Saturday, 10am-Noon; Luncheon to follow!) California Writers Club in Montclair, California

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3. California Writers Club Seminar August 28th
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The fiction writing workshop was a great success. Writers commuted from all over southern California to attend. We had a super session with editor Mike Foley. If you missed his workshop stay tuned for a repeat performance in 2005!

Don’t miss “Covering Your Ass-ets: What You Need To Know After Your Book Is Published.” Discover the secrets behind successful book sales and promotions. Learn inside tips relevant for after your book is published. This interactive session will answer your questions and reveal:
• What you can expect from your publisher/publishing partner
• Bookseller basics and alternative markets
• How to insure you reap an income in between royalty statements.

This seminar will be presented to the California Writers Club (Inland Empire Chapter) from 10am until Noon. A luncheon will follow. The meeting is open to non-members for $5. The luncheon will be held at a nearby restaurant immediately following the event. (You will pay the server directly for your order.)

Details: Saturday, August 28, 2004 (10am-Noon; Luncheon to follow)
California Writers Club Inland Empire Chapter
Borders Books Montclair
5055 S Plaza Lane
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 625-0424

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4. August Tips: Careers with Animals or Pet Careers
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Thanks to those of you who sent in your comments about what you wanted to see in future newsletters. I will attempt to cover your requested topics every month.

This month I’ll touch on some of the basics regarding animal careers. My office gets numerous calls regarding animal schools, pet jobs, animal careers, and inquiries for help on related topics. One of the more interesting calls in July came from a freelance writer. The article will appear in an upcoming issue of a popular equine publication. (Sorry, can’t say which until it is released.)

First, let me share that if you are hankering for an animal career please read the “Unusual Animal Career Series” I have posted at www.arkanimals.com. This ongoing pet career and animal career series discusses how to define your qualifications for an animal career, how to go about exploring pet or animal careers, and includes specific outlines for careers with animals. You really need to start from part one and continue through each segment to glean the most from it. So far there are eleven segments in the series.

Second, do your homework. If you want an animal career and have allergies to animal dander—well, it cuts down your options. Some people want to make a lot of money and have unreasonable expectations in that realm.

Salaries vary from state to state, but the wages are usually pretty low since the demand is high. You will need to list what you are interested in and then do some research into that particular position. There are some animal careers that pay well, but work is often sporadic. Others require special education or a doctorate to reap higher salaries.

Many people say, “I want to work with ______.” (Insert your favorite animal species or breed.) Animal professionals hear this mantra day in and day out. Very few people go beyond the statement. If you utter that mantra—Is that specialty a reality? How many opportunities does an otter specialist really have?

Next, ask what do you want to do with animals? Did you want to train horses? If so, what type of training? There are so many different breeds and venues that you must define your interests more specifically. Racing? Western? Dressage? Groundwork? Behavior therapy? Carting? Tricks? Rodeo? Or do you just want to handle horses? Exercise them? If so, are you up to mucking stalls? As people age, there are physical limitations as reflexes slow and strength or health diminishes.

If you want a 9am to 5pm job, an animal career that involves working with live critters is probably not something you should pursue. In hands-on animal work you have to get involved in more than just the role you desire. Animal jobs are a 24/7 type of position when you care for creatures. How does your family feel about your time away from home?

Anyway, as you can see there are lots of little things to ponder. Once you define your desires more specifically you can begin to obtain information that will be useful to you. You’ll need to get some hands-on experience, too. If you have done your groundwork then animal professionals will be more open to chatting with you. Eventually you may find that you will be offered an internship or entry-level opportunity.

Remember, the more effort and energy you put into your quest the better off you will be. Don’t have your parents or pals do your work for you. If you are too lazy to do the exploration yourself you won’t be the caliber of animal person most professionals are looking for.

Also, have you seen the sticker, “no whiners?” We mean it! Also, don’t be pushy or rude. We pass the word-- trust me on this one.

Thousands of people contact me regarding animal careers. Most do not do any groundwork. When people contact me I am thrilled to help when they have taken initiative. For instance, I received a cry for help from China. This kid did all her homework, met the key people, and defined what it was she desired, she just needed an extra hand.

Understand that most other animal professionals do not have time to spare. We all have the same challenges. So do your best to be prepared, be professional, and be courteous. If you follow the guidelines outlined in my series you won't go astray.

If you are serious about an animal career you can book an appointment with me from my website or from within the online animal career series. Be sure to fill out the questionnaire after you secure the appointment. I do charge for my time and expertise. If you prefer a group event, you should consider attending one of my animal career seminars or the new teleseminars coming in 2005.

Those who have attended my animal career seminars and have shown aptitude will generally get a recommendation from me for an internship. Nothing beats hands-on experience. I am always thrilled to hear from my former students who are now working in the field!

Good luck and stay tuned for the next newsletter!

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Thanks for joining me. If you have a topic you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please email your suggestion to: guerreroink@yahoo.com. If you would like to advertise or sponsor an event, contact me below.

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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2004 by Diana L. Guerrero
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