2004 CONTEST
SPECIAL AWARDS WINNERS

James R. Richards, DVM, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

Close to 100 people attended the gala Cat Writers' Association annual awards banquet held in Houston, TX on November 20, 2004. Dinner Speaker, James R. Richards, DVM, Director of the Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, gave a moving speech about the importance of pets in our lives. Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner, followed by an exciting awards ceremony.

Through the generosity of corporate sponsors, the CWA presented the following Special Awards.

Diane Leigh and Marilee Geyer are awarded the ASPCA Special Humane Award for their book, One Day at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter (No Voice Unheard, Publisher). This award was presented by Jacque Schultz. Diane and Marilee's book also won the HSUS Pets for Life Award.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The ASPCA Communications Department sponsors the ASPCA SPECIAL HUMANE AWARD . This award is presented to the author or creator of the work that best illuminates an aspect of the ASPCA's mission, such as pet overpopulation, humane education, shelter adoptions, or the prevention of cruelty. The award consists of a cash grant of $500 and a certificate.

The winner is Diane Leigh and Marilee Geyer "One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter" published by No Voice Unheard.
The judge for this category was Connie McKamey Manager of Corporate Contributions for The Iams Company.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "A very compelling and intriguing way to communicate the need for shelter adoptions. Each story compelled me to read the next story, each time hoping for a happy ending, but knowing not all of them would be."

Kari Winters wins the Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Award for "The Breath of Life" published in The Pet Press. The award was presented by Dr. James Richards.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The CORNELL FELINE HEALTH CENTER VETERINARY ISSUES AWARD is offered by Cornell University's Feline Health Center to the highest-quality entry on the topic of technological advances, research, new medical developments, and innovations in feline veterinary medicine. Qualifying entries include newspaper, magazine, or newsletter articles, columns, or series of articles, books, or radio/television broadcasts designed to educate the general cat-owning public about new developments. The award consists of $500 and a certificate.

The winner is Kari Winters, "The Breath of Life" published in The Pet Press.
The judge for this category was Gary D. Norsworthy, a charter Diplomate of the Feline Practice Category of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.
His comments about the winning entry include: "This well-written article informs cat owners of a common but often under-appreciated, disease of cats. There are good references to other sources of information It is notable that she sought the advice and review of the recognized authority for this disease."

Ron Stob & Eva Stob win the Fort Dodge Responsible Healthcare for Pets Award for their book, A Cat Called Canoe (Raven Cove Publishing). The award was presented by Kelly Goss.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The new FORT DODGE/RESPONSIBLE HEALTHCARE FOR PETS AWARD is for the best published work by a beginning cat writer or photographer. This award (formerly known as the CATalyst) has very specific criteria: At the time of entry, the author (1) must not have had more than three cat-related works published by professional-level markets (e.g., a market that pays $75 or more for each work); AND (2) must have not yet had his/her work honored by a CWA Muse Medallion^TM or special CWA Contest Award. The purpose of this award is to encourage qualifying writers and photographers to strive for the highest professional level of excellence and to provoke a significant change in the recipient's cat-writing career. This is a "turning point" award. Qualifying work includes articles, columns, short stories, poems, photos or illustrations published in any medium, including print and electronic. (First books by new authors qualify for this award only if the author meets the other two criteria above.) The award consists of $500 and a commemorative item.

The winner is Eva Stob and Ron Stob, "A Cat Called Canoe" published by Raven Cove Publishing.
The judge for this category was Sheldon Rubin, DVM, the AAHA Practitioner of the Year and recipient of a lifetime achievement award from the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association.
His comments about the winning entry include: "This was truly one of the best cat stories I have ever read. The authors consistently showed great feline behavior insight while exhibiting tremendous compassion for life and understanding the needs of cats both medically and psychologically."

Steve Dale wins the Friskies® Publication of the Year Award for his column "My Pet World" published by Tribune Media Services. Julie Kahn presented the award.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

THE FRISKIES® PUBLICATION OF THE YEAR AWARD is presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to the writer and publication that have done the most to promote the welfare, health, and proper care of cats during the contest year. The award honors an individual writer's body of work in a single publication/syndication venue. The award is meant to encourage the coverage of cat topics in non-cat-specific newspapers and magazines, and highest consideration goes to those entries. Material published in cat-specific publications also qualifies for consideration. Articles and columns published within the contest period should be neatly compiled in a compact presentation. Content, impact, and volume of articles weigh heavily in the selection. A Baccarat cat figurine and $500 will be awarded.

The winner is Steve Dale "My Pet World" published by Tribune Media Services.
The judge for this category was Sarah Casey Newman, who has been the pet writer and editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch Lifestyle section since its creation eight years ago.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "This writer clearly came out on top. His abundant use of veterinarians and other professional sources in the cat-care field add great credibility and clout to his timely pieces, which entertain almost as much as they educate."

The new HARTZ EVERYDAY CHEWABLE VITAMINS AWARD is offered by The Hartz Mountain Corporation to the highest-quality entry on the topic of senior cats. Topics can include but are not limited to adoption, health, innovative care and senior-for-senior programs. Qualifying entries include books, articles, brochures, newsletters, editorials, photographs and columns. This award consists of a cash grant of $500, a certificate, and a crystal cat sculpture.

The winner is Amy Shojai "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" Published by New American Library.
The judge for this category was Stephen Crane, DVM, Executive Director of the Western Veterinary Conference.
His comments about the winning entry include: "Her research is comprehensive, current and extraordinarily well referenced from today's most authoritative sources. Most of all, there is organized and practical advice for dealing with a wide range of aging issues that are of great benefit to aging cats and the guardians who love them."

The new HARTZ NURSE-MAID AWARD is offered by The Hartz Mountain Corporation to the best single article (published in a newspaper, magazine, newsletter or online), single radio or television broadcast entry on the topic of rescue kittens. Appropriate topics include "how to" articles, stories about feral kitten rescue, early spay and neuter, orphaned kittens and kitten adoption. This award consists of a cash grant of $500, a certificate, and a crystal cat sculpture.

The winner is Joan Lowell Smith "Program with a Purr-puss" published in The Star-Ledger.
The judge for this category was Paula Fasseas, Founder and Chair of PAWS Chicago, Chicago's largest no kill agency.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "She does an excellent job of explaining the process, benefits and reasoning behind trap neuter return TNR. Her research and accuracy are flawless. This is an important article that should be read by every cat lover in America."

The Humane Society of the United States presents the HSUS PETS FOR LIFE AWARD to the creator of the best work of the year that highlights keeping cats in their homes for life. Topics include, but are not limited to, stories about owners overcoming obstacles such as behavior problems, family changes, housing challenges, health issues or other situations that might cause the cat to lose his home, and reporting on legislation or community projects to help abandoned cats. Highest consideration goes to entries that appear in general interest publications or reach non-cat-owning audiences. All venues qualify including brochures, radio and television presentations. The winner receives $500 with an additional $300 travel stipend to offset expenses if he/she attends the Awards Banquet.

The winner is Diane Leigh and Marilee Geyer "One at a Time: A Week in an American Animal Shelter" published by No Voice Unheard.
The judge for this category was Margaret Rucker, DVM, former president of the American Animal Hospital Association and Virginia Veterinary Medical Association Practitioner of the Year in 2000.
Her comments include: "This profoundly moving book was quite difficult to read, because most of the stories were read through tears. The magnitude of the impact of these stores on the reader cannot be ignored. I can only hope and pray it will make a difference."

Dusty Rainbolt wins the Iams® Responsible Cat Ownership Award for her book, Kittens for Dummies (John Wiley & Sons). This award was presented by Kurt Iverson.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The IAMS Company offers the IAMS® RESPONSIBLE CAT OWNERSHIP AWARD for the best individual or series entry (includes articles, features, columns, short stories, books, poetry, etc.) about pet owner responsibility. Entries will be judged on clear writing and should educate readers while promoting positive approaches to responsible cat ownership. The award is $500 and a commemorative plaque.

The winner is Dusty Rainbolt "Kittens for Dummies" Published by John Wiley & Sons.
The judge for this category was Herb Whiteley, DVM, Dean of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
His comments about the winning entry include: "I believe this book would be very helpful to any new cat owner and to experienced owners. It provides an excellent basis for responsible cat ownership."

Merial sponsors the MERIAL HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND AWARD, presented to the entry that best reflects and promotes the strengthening of the human-animal bond, highlighting the bond between a cat and its owner, as well as their relationship with their veterinarian as another direct caregiver. Entries will be judged for exceptional quality and on the ability to convey this concept and connect with the reader. Qualified entries include articles, features, columns, short stories, books, poetry, etc. $1000 and a commemorative certificate will be presented.

The winner is Amy Shojai "Complete Care for Your Aging Cat" published by New American Library.
The judge for this category was Annemarie Lucas, a Supervisory Special Investigator for Humane Law Enforcement at the ASPCA. She has been with the organization for 9 years and is featured on Animal Planet's popular TV program, "Animal Precinct."
Her comments about the winning entry include: "The clinical text, in combination with the personal stories, make this book come to life for readers like myself who adore their kitties and worry about their well being."

The new PETMATE SAFE CAT AWARD for the best entry on cat safety, is sponsored by Petmate Pet Products. The entry should take a positive approach to inform and educate the readership about feline safety issues, which include but are not limited to safe travel, safety in the home, pet identification, medical and training preparedness. Special consideration will be given to single articles in non-cat-specific publications; however, written and pictorial works in all mediums will be accepted, such as on-line columns, newsletter articles, photographs, and radio/TV broadcasts. The winner will receive $500 and a commemorative item, plus an additional $250 travel stipend for expenses if he/she attends the Awards Banquet.

The winner is Amy D. Shojai "Avoiding a Cat-astrophe" published in The Herald-Democrat.
The judge for this category was Julie Levy, DVM, an associate professor with the small animal medicine service at the University of Florida.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "The author has created an entertaining and thoroughly educational article about avoiding common cat accidents. Although numerous how-to articles have appeared on this topic, she has fresh ideas and a logical approach."

The new PRO PLAN PUREBRED CATS AWARD will be presented to the writer or creator of the best entry of the year that focuses on cat breeds, pure bred cats and professional breeder issues including but not limited to health, care, nutrition and showing cats. Qualifying entries include entire publications, such as breed or breed club newsletters, magazines or books, and individual columns, articles, stories, photographs or illustrations featuring pure bred cats. The award, presented by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company, consists of $500 and a commemorative bowl.

The winner is Lynn Thompson "National Alliance of Burmese Breeders Newsletter" published by the National Alliance of Burmese Breeders.
The judge for this category was Elizabeth Hodgkins, DVM, a cats-only veterinarian in Yorba Linda, California, and breeder/exhibitor of purebred Ocicats for the past 7 years.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "Newsletters are labors of love. This newsletter includes love, along with wit, creativity and a healthy dose of stimulating but practical information to show how to care for and live happily with purebred cats!"

Amy D. Shojai wins the Purina® Cat Chow® Nutrition Award for "A Weighty Problem" published in Healthy Pet. Julie Kahn presented this award. Amy also won the Hartz Everyday Chewable Vitamins Award for her book Complete Care for Your Aging Cat (New American Library), the Merial Human-Animal Bond Award for the same book, and the Petmate Safe Cat Award for "Avoiding a Cat-astrophe" published in The Herald-Democrat.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company offers the PURINA® CAT CHOW® NUTRITION AWARD for the best column, article, or book entry on the subject of feline nutrition. Highest consideration goes to those works that are both skillfully written and technically accurate. The recipient cannot be an employee of or associated with a pet food company at the time that the entry is judged. The winner will receive $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.

The winner is Amy Shojai "A Weighty Problem" published in Healthy Pet.
The judge for this category was Ray Russo, DVM. A pioneer of veterinary nutrition, Dr. Russo has been a nutritionist for 39 years.
His comments include: "The author has succeeded in condensing, within a few pages, a wealth of information-a total exploration of her subject matter that would require a dissertation."

Nestlé Purina PetCare Company offers the PURINA® ONE® HEALTH AWARD for the outstanding single article reporting on feline health issues. Articles are judged on excellence of writing and technical accuracy; significance of the topic and public education impact on feline health are also considered. Prize of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl are awarded.

The winner is Franny Syufy "Know When to Call the Vet About Your Cat" published in Cats.About.com.
The judge for this category was Alice Johns, DVM, one of the first board-certified feline specialists in the United States.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "In my opinion, if cat lovers follow this article, a significant number for cats could be helped to lead healthier and happier lives."

The PURINA® KITTEN CHOW® KITTEN AWARD of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl are presented by the Nestlé Purina PetCare Company to the author of the outstanding entry on caring for kittens. Qualified entries may include books, articles, series, columns, short stories, poetry, etc. Entries will be judged on writing excellence and content accuracy.

The winner is Arnold Plotnick "Feline First Aid" published in Kittens USA.
The judge for this category was Donna Stewart, DVM, a member of the AVMA and the American Association of Feline Practitioners. She is an active member of the Cat Fanciers' Association and has been exhibiting since 1997.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "The first thing that struck me was the simplicity of the article. Knowing his background in veterinary medicine, I was struck by his ability to use language that is understandable by everyone."

Nancy Marano wins the Sticky Paws® Training Award for her article "Feline Athletes in Action" published in Catnip.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The STICKY PAWS® TRAINING AWARD, sponsored by Fe-Lines Inc./Sticky Paws®, is for the best article on training techniques. Entries should have a "how-to" focus. Appropriate entries might cover but are not limited to such topics as litter box training, proper scratching behavior, trick training, or training cats to stay off countertops, tables or other forbidden places. The award consists of $1000.

The winner is Nancy Marano, "Feline Athletes in Action" published in Catnip.
The judge for this category was Joan Miller, a member of the Cat Fanciers' Association Board of Directors and the CFA Legislative Coordinator. She bred and exhibited national award-winning Abyssinian cats for 20 years and travels the world as an all-breed judge.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "This article will give cat owners new ways to communicate with their cat, challenge his intelligence and create a special interactive relationship. What a great way to enhance the bond with a cat by guiding and rewarding his natural abilities!"

Beth Adelman wins the Tidy Cats® Feline Behavior Award for her book, Every Cat's Survival Guide to Living with a Neurotic Owner (Barnes & Noble Books). The award was presented by Julie Kahn.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The TIDY CATS® FELINE BEHAVIOR AWARD will be presented by the Nestlé Purina PetCare Company for the best entry on the subject of feline behavior. Highest consideration goes to those works that are both skillfully written and technically accurate. Qualified entries include articles, features, columns or books, and should educate readers while promoting a positive approach to understanding and dealing with feline behavior. The award consists of $500 and a commemorative pewter bowl.

The winner is Beth Adelman "Every Cat's Survival Guide to Living with a Neurotic Owner" published by Barnes & Noble Books.
The judge for this category was Stephen L. Zawistowski, Ph. D., Senior Vice President of National Programs and Science Advisor for the ASPCA.
His comments about the winning entry include: "The author covers just about all of the common behavior questions, and others, about cats, breathing some new life into the stereotyped answers all of us end up giving to these issues. This author definitely has some fun, but still gets the point across."

Betsy Stowe wins the World's Best Cat Litter(TM)-ary Award for her book, Calico Tales and Others (Infinity Publishing). Tom Small presented the award.
Photo: ©Bev Caldwell

The new WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER®-ARY AWARD for the outstanding novel, short story, poem or radio/television dramatic script which portrays cats and cat ownership in a positive way. All fiction genres are eligible. Highest consideration goes to those entries that include cats as an intrinsic part of the plot. Works will be judged for the exceptional, individual quality ("voice" or "vision") of the writer/creator. Eligible works may be published in print or electronic mediums; any scripts or videos must also provide proof of production. A $500 cash grant and a commemorative pewter bowl will be awarded. Sponsored by World's Best Cat Litter®.

The winner is Betsy Stowe "Calico Tales and Others" published by Infinity Publishing.
The judge for this category was Dr. Jack Walther, the past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The SHOJAI MENTOR AWARD, sponsored by past-president Amy D. Shojai, recognizes the CWA member who has offered guidance, encouraging counsel, support, or other help that has had a direct and positive influence on another's writing/publishing success. Qualifying mentor experiences are limited to those occurring within the past three contest periods (approximately the last three years). The recipient shall exemplify the highest ideals of the CWA vision, that is, to promote communal support, networking, and mutual respect between colleagues. Only CWA members are eligible for this award. The honoree shall receive $500 and a commemorative award.

The winner is Steve Dale.
This award was judged by the CWA contest committee.

The KUYKENDALL IMAGE AWARD, sponsored by the CWA, is presented to the outstanding "image" entry featuring cats -- whether photography, illustration or graphic art. This may be a single piece or series entry, including but not limited to photos/artwork published in a magazine, newspaper, newsletter, book, pamphlet, calendar, poster, greeting card or commercial on-line publication. The award consists of $250 and a commemorative item. (This award was previously presented to the outstanding image entry among all Muse Medallion^TM winners in graphics categories of the current communications contest. However, this is no longer the qualifying criteria. An independent expert judge will select the Kuykendall Image Award winner from all entries which are formally submitted for this awards consideration.)

The winner is Lisa Sachs, "The Cats' Book of Romance" published by Andrews McMeel Publishing.
The judge for category was Stephen Huneck, author of the New York Times bestellers "Sally Goes to the Beach" and "Sally Goes to the Mountains." In addition to exhibiting in his own galleries, his work is exhibited in museums and private collections worldwide.
His comments about the winning entry include: "The photo communicates the love and caring the cats have for each other. It also makes us feel love for the cats portrayed, as well as cats in general."

The winner of this year's President's Award is Louise Holton for "Veterinary Care: Guidelines for Veterinarians Treating Feral Cats" published by Alley Cat Rescue.
Photo: ©Betsy Stowe

The CWA PRESIDENT'S AWARD sponsored by the Cat Fancier's Association, is presented to the best entry among all Muse Medallion^TMwinners in the regular contest categories. This "Best of the Best" requires no additional copies be submitted of entries. Muse Medallion^TM winners shall be automatically entered and considered for the honor. Prize is $250 and a commemorative award.

The winner is Louise Holton "Veterinary Care: Guidelines for Veterinarians Treating Feral Cats," published by Alley Cat Rescue.
This award was judged by Fran Pennock Shaw, CWA President.
Her comments about the winning entry include: "In addition to serving an excellent purpose by benefiting feral cats, this article fully meets its own goals of providing information and guidance to veterinarians and feral cat caregivers."