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Save the Dates! And/or, be one of 200 people to get an autographed novel mailed to you!

January 5, 2026 | |

Ah, the best laid plans. I had plans for the info below AND more for today, but alas, life and limited energy levels and an important vet visit intruded on my best laid plans. By way of explanation, I spent time this morning recording a podcast for Research Bites, the too-cool for school podcast of friend and colleague, Kristina Spaulding. I’ll let you know when it is out (early February), along with dates for the other novel/canine behavior-related podcasts I’m doing in the next few weeks. (I think twelve and counting so far!) There’s another project I worked on today that is near and dear to my heart that I can’t talk about yet, but, assuredly, I’ll let you know more as soon as I am able.

And Skip is making me a tad nervous–peeing for long periods of time with urine that looks far too dilute for my comfort, so off to the vet he goes as soon as I’m done here. Maggie already has Stage 2 kidney disease, and Skip will be nine years old in March, so I don’t want to mess around. Cross your paws. (I’ll update in the comments when I know something.)

However, I also wanted to send out the dates for my book launch and book tour events that are currently scheduled. Here’s what is in the calendar now–boy do I look forward to seeing you if you are anywhere in the area!:

HELLO WISCONSIN!

Tuesday, February 24th, at 6:00PM. Book launch at Arcadia Books in Spring Green, WI! Read more about it here. I can’t wait to see you at the Gard Theater across from Arcadia Books. I’ll be talking with one my favorite novelists, Nickolas Butler. Can’t wait to see you there!

And, a special offer from Arcadia Books! I will autograph 200 books that can be purchased from Arcadia Books and mailed anywhere within the U.S. on launch day. Jump in and get yours ordered, or better, if  you’re in the area, come out in person and say hello!

Thursday, February 26th, Boswell Books in Milwaukee, WI.  RSVP and Details here!

Friday, February 27th, Lake Geneva Public Library, at The Riveria in Lake Geneva, WI. Details to come!

Monday, March 2nd, 6:00PM, Bound to Happen, Steve’s Point, WI Details to come!

Tuesday, March 3rd, The Lion’s Mouth in Green Bay, WI. Details to come!

Thursday, March 5th, 6:00PM, at Mystery to Me in Madison, WI. I’ll be talking with the imcomparable author, Maggie Ginesberg. Details to come!

HELLO TEXAS!

Tuesday, March 17th, 5:30 PM, at The Twig in San Antonio. More details here!

Wednesday, March 18th, 6:30 PM, at Murder by the Book in Houston, TX. More details here!

Save the next few days after my Houston talk for talks in –maybe?—Houston, Fort Worth, and Austin?
We’ll keep you posted!
MEANWHILE, back on the farm: Saturday was Maggie’s 13th birthday! Her eyes are getting cloudy, her hearing is not as good, but she is still full of joy, can (and does) run circles around Skip, and loves still to work sheep. Her she is (along with lucky Skip) getting a bowl of her ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FOOD EVER, vanilla ice cream.
We got one of our own favorite treats again, a chocolate/pumpkin cake (pre-ganache icing) that I was forced to make for company. Poor us.
What we did over the holiday break: (It wasn’t much of a break this year, but I insisted on doing our annual jigsaw puzzle. I love this one! It’ll be done by the time you read this. Maybe.
I did cook something besides cake, scones, and banana bread… just proof of life that I do include good food in our diet!
And here’s a pic from our sitter, (thank you J!), of the dogs romping when we were gone. I could look at the joy in Skip’s face all day long.
May your day be full of joy this week too. I’ll be back next week to talk about January as the official Dog Training Month, and some thoughts about how we, and our dogs, can enjoy training even more.

21 Comments

  1. Liz on January 6, 2026 at 5:29 am

    Your counters are littered with Kongs, too?



  2. Gayle L on January 6, 2026 at 6:09 am

    I love all your photos of the dogs cavorting. One of my greyhounds has excellent recall, and when I leave her off leash in a safe place she has that same look of pure joy! Simply priceless.

    Good luck with your book release. So far I have all your publications 🙂



  3. Barbara Sivey on January 6, 2026 at 9:43 am

    Hi! I discovered your books through our vet who said our Corgi needed a little more courage/confidence. Your books have really helped, thank you!

    I’m looking forward to your new book release because I love a good mystery. Wishing your tour was closer to the pacific northwest!



  4. Heather E on January 6, 2026 at 10:08 am

    My big older boy dog was peeing amazing amounts and I thought diabetes. But nope, an UTI. Hope Skip’s problem is minor also.



  5. Tara Dougherty on January 6, 2026 at 10:54 am

    I like that you have a yearly jigsaw tradition around Christmas time. Jigsaws can reduce stress especially this time of year. In the office, my colleagues and I had a community jigsaw that we would work on when we needed a break from the computer or work. It was also a great conversation starter.



  6. Kaaren McMahon on January 6, 2026 at 11:10 am

    My daughter travels to Ohio every Christmas and one thing we all do together is a puzzle. Our Christmas tradition! It can’t be more than 750 pieces or it won’t fit on the table.



  7. Maryanne Dell on January 6, 2026 at 2:35 pm

    Be sure to let us know if you ever make it out to Southern Cal for a book signing (or anything). Would love it! Meanwhile, signing up for the signed copy of “Away to Me”!



    • Patricia McConnell on January 7, 2026 at 9:14 am

      Yay Maryanne… let me know in your order who to sign it to!



  8. Candy Stanley on January 6, 2026 at 3:03 pm

    We actually spoke via the radio probably back in the 90s. You had a question and answer program on NPR back then. I called you about my Lab who was afraid of fireworks. We live in Alaska. Anyhow, I have loved your books for years and am looking forward to your mystery novel that is coming out soon. Thanks!



  9. Tails Around the Ranch on January 6, 2026 at 4:32 pm

    Oooh, oooh…come to the Denver area! Would love to get my hands on that book. Nothing like combining dogs and a murder mystery for a great ready. Congrats.

    Hope you’re staying warm. Cake and roasted root veggies-a great way to start out the New Year. Best wishes on your book tour, Patricia.



    • Patricia McConnell on January 7, 2026 at 9:13 am

      Well, Tails, I can’t come to Denver, but you can order a signed book from Arcadia Bookstore in Spring Green and I’ll personalize it to you! wwwreadinutopia.com



  10. Myra Mangin on January 6, 2026 at 8:37 pm

    I live in Australia so your book while in hardcover costs about $70 [ Aus ] here. I look forward to it coming out in soft cover.
    Good luck
    Myra



    • Patricia McConnell on January 7, 2026 at 9:12 am

      Holy moly Myra! Audible? eBook?



      • Amy on January 13, 2026 at 3:25 pm

        Will there be an audiobook? I didn’t see that as an option.



        • Patricia McConnell on January 15, 2026 at 10:21 am

          Amy: Audio book is coming out! I’m checking on the release date, but you would probably order it from Audible. I’ll send out more info when I have it.



  11. muttzrule on January 9, 2026 at 8:40 am

    Fort Worth!? Please do! Otherwise, Daizey will have a very disappointed human on her paws!



    • Patricia McConnell on January 15, 2026 at 10:25 am

      muttzrule from Fort Worth! I’ll try!!!! I’m waiting [im]patiently to hear more about the TX tour!



  12. Sandy on January 9, 2026 at 7:04 pm

    How do I indicate that I’d like to order a signed copy? I checked out the website and put the book in my cart. I didn’t see anything about a signed copy



    • Patricia McConnell on January 15, 2026 at 10:24 am

      Sandy, Arcadia changed the text to make it clear your order is for a signed copy, you got in well before the 200 maximum! So, no worries, you’ll get a signed copy as long as you ordered from Arcadia Books. Thank you for ordering!



  13. Louise on January 11, 2026 at 11:53 am

    California?



    • Patricia McConnell on January 15, 2026 at 10:22 am

      Louise re CA? I wish! But it’s not in the cards right now….



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About the Author

Patricia B. McConnell, PhD, CAAB Emeritus is an applied animal behaviorist who has been working with, studying, and writing about dogs for over twenty-five years. She encourages your participation, believing that your voice adds greatly to its value. She enjoys reading every comment, and adds her own responses when she can.

LEARN MORE FROM PATRICIA’S BOOKS & DVDs!

Patricia is known the world over for her clear and engaging books and DVDs on dog training and canine behavior problems. You can also “meet” Patricia in person on her seminar DVDs, from The Art & Science of Canine Behavior to Treating Dog-Dog Reactivity.

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