Cool Blogs Haute Dogs: C. K. VOLNEK

 PLEASE WELCOME CHARLOTTE (CHARLIE) AND NOAH, SALLY, ISAIAH AND EMMA!

My name is Charlotte Volnek, most commonly called ‘Charlie’ and I write under C.K. Volnek. Why I’m called Charlie? My mom thought I was going to be a boy and when my older sister found out, she never called me anything but Charlie. It’s kind of stuck, even into adulthood. 

 

My web site is www.ckvolnek.com. I’d love to have everyone stop by and see me. Leave me a friendly wave!

Noah, Sally, Isaiah and Emma

I am the proud owner of four Papillon pups. (Though they would probably argue with you about who owns who.) They’re pretty spoiled, but we love them to death. Papillons are very smart and know how to use their ‘cuteness’ to their advantage.

The first Papillon to grace our home was Noah. My husband bought him as a puppy for our anniversary. He’s what I wanted! Noah is a delight and knows all kinds of tricks. He’s a certified therapy dog and we visit several local nursing homes as well as going to teach 5^th grade CCD with me from time to time…always with a lesson, such as unconditional love or obeying.

The next pup we adopted. Sally came to us as a three year-old. She’d been attacked by a bigger dog and almost killed. She was terrified of other dogs and didn’t want to even come out from under the couch. Noah was a year old at that time and would take his toy to the edge of the couch, lay it in front of her and then back away, enticing her to play. Within a few weeks she trusted him and even though it has taken time and patience, you’d never know her as the scared pup who entered out home six years ago.

The last two, Isaiah and Emma are runts. The breeder we bought Noah from called me, looking for good homes for these two cute little bundles. She wouldn’t sell them as they both have health issues. Isaiah is our smallest, weighing in at a little over four pounds and has a bad knee. That doesn’t stop him from wanting to go on walks though. We just have to watch it so he doesn’t overdo. Emma is my special needs baby. She’s not the brightest crayon in the box but is a little lover. She is also going blind. She is what they call a ‘Phalene’ Papillon. Papillon is French for butterfly and the breed is known for their big ears and fringe, creating a butterfly image. Phalene is French for moth… Emma’s ears do not stick up, but fold down, like a moth’s wings.

FIND CHARLIE:

My website: www.ckvolnek.com.  

Blog: www.ckvolnek.com/blog.html. 

Facebook: C. K. Volnek.  

Twitter: CKVolnek

How long have you been blogging?  
I have been blogging for almost a year. I built my web site shortly after my first book contract was signed and began blogging writing tips, authors and book reviews. I’m so excited for my MG novel to be published. GHOST DOG OF ROANOKE ISLAND will be available September 23, 2011.

Do you have a favorite genre that you feature on your blog? 
Since I like to write Middle Grade and YA, I like to keep my blog family friendly. Kids are our future and I love writing for this genre. I’m a pushover when it comes to family. And my dogs are family too…they’re just kids with fur. ;-)

How many books a year do you read?
I love to read though I’m not a fast reader. I sink my teeth into every word, letting the images swell into color until I feel I’m right there alongside the main character. But I do average reading about 2-3 books a month. I also like to read what I write…You’ll find me most times with a good MG or YA story in my hands. Loved the Harry Potter books, Tangerine, and The Beast of Noor.

What does your dog(s) like to do while you blog or read? 
I have a BIG comfy chair and ottoman in my front room where I do most of my reading and blogging. Each pup finds their spot. Two will sleep on the ottoman by my feet while Noah will snuggle on my left hip and Sally on my right. And boy do I get the evil eye if I have to get up, disturbing their sleep. ;-)

What is your dog’s favorite activity? 
My dogs would tell you their favorite activity is to go for a walk. They do love playing with the ‘squeaky toy-man’ as well, but if I mention the word ‘walk’ I better be serious, because they won’t leave me alone until we go. I’m known as the ‘lady with the dogs’ around our small town, because ALL FOUR dogs have to go on the walk at the same time. But just like the chair, they each have their order in which they walk so seldom do I have to untangle their leashes. We get many an amused look as we walk. The dogs enjoy it when people stop to chat with them, but I warn the people not to lean over too far…Noah can’t control his licker and he’ll plaster the kisses on heavy if they get too close. But he’s a lover, what can I say.

Thanks again for allowing me to chat about my pups.

C.K. Volnek

 Look at those ears!