Amanda’s writing about her beloved dogs and parrot has appeared in four Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Beer Dogs Virginia, and countless essays in The Richmond-Times Dispatch. She has written about dogs for ScoutKnows.com, the American Kennel Club, and Everyday Dog Magazine. In 2019, her essay about her two adopted dogs earned a $5,000 grant for the Richmond SPCA. She has joined several of her dogs in various training courses, including basic manners, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and several levels of agility courses. Amanda has also successfully taught all four of her dogs to standup paddle board and learned how to teach her parrot how to spell, count, and identify colors, weather conditions, and more. She has completed CPR and First Aid training for dogs, cats, and birds, and is a certified Life Coach for their human companions. Join her for a creative writing workshop focused on writing about your furry, feathered, or scaled loved ones.
Wild Senses: Mindful Creative Writing Workshops
Workshop III: Smell with Skunk Ambassadors
This 2-hour guided workshop uses creative writing, mindfulness, and meditation to engage one of your five senses.
This third workshop will focus on the sense of “SMELL,” with future workshops featuring each of the remaining two senses.
Each workshop is co-hosted by an animal ambassador from a Wildlife Rescue or Rehab who will help you tap into your animal sense more deeply.
Possum-Bilities will be in attendance with their very own educatioanl ambassador skunks, Frick and Frack, to help you explore the sense of “SMELL,” something they are experts in!
The admission price is $30/person, plus a donation of an item in need (see list of requested items) by the wildlife rescue. Ages 18+ Percentage of ticket sales donated to Possum-Bilities, along with all the items donated by attendees.
Date/Time: Saturday, June 27, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $30/person, plus donated item
Location: Possum-Bilities, 211 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Mind the Dog Creative Writing Workshops
A Writer’s Best Friend: Nurturing Your Relationship with Your Dogs through Writing
“To the world, you’re one person. To your dogs, you’re the world.”
In this playful, dog-friendly writing workshop, we will explore how we relate to our dogs, examine how our dogs relate to the world, and enhance our relationship with our dogs through creative writing. Dogs are welcome to attend and be by your side throughout each session of this dog-centric writing workshop.
The workshop will take place on two Saturday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Registration is $60/person (dogs are free).
FAQs
Who should participate in this workshop?
This workshop is for people 18 years and older and their relatively well-behaved dogs. Dogs do not have to be perfectly behaved–we expect them to be dogs, but they should react to other dogs and people in a way that poses no threat to any other dogs’ or participants’ safety.
What kind of experience should I have as a writer?
This workshop is for all experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned writer with many publication credentials or a new writer looking to try something for the first time, you’ll enjoy this chance to use the written word to get closer with your dogs and enhance the bond you share with them.
Do I have to bring a dog with me?
No. Dogs are not required to participate, but are definitely encouraged to attend. You know your dog best. If this type of environment would not be conducive to their or others’ well-being, feel free to leave them at home.
How many dogs can I bring with me?
We ask that you bring no more than two manageable dogs with you to each workshop, and that you are able to safely and responsibly handle the dog(s) on your own. All dogs must be current on vaccinations.
Can I bring different dogs with me on different days?
Yes, you may bring different dogs to the workshop; however, please provide proof of vaccination for any and all dogs that attend a session with you.
What if my dog has to use the bathroom during the workshop?
In the event that your dog needs to use the restroom during the workshop, please quietly take your dog outside to do their business. Please be prepared with your own pet waste bags and clean up after your dog.
What should I bring?
In addition to a writing utensil and your favorite journal, please bring water for you and your dog(s), pet waste bags, a six-foot leash, and proof of vaccination (including rabies). You may also want to bring a mat or bed for your dog, as well as some favorite treats, chews, or toys.
Does my dog need special training to participate?
No, but familiarity with some basic commands, such as “sit,” “stay,” “place,” “leave it,” “down,” and “come” could prove helpful. Minding basic manners would also be helpful. Dogs are not required to be perfect by human standards in order to participate in this workshop, so long as they can safely be around other dogs and humans. All dogs must be current on vaccinations.
Date/Time: Two Saturday evenings–July 11 and July 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: Book People, 10464 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico, VA 23223
Cost: $60
**The first five (5) registrants to complete the registration form and pay in full will be guaranteed spots in the workshop. After the first five (5) registrants, people will have the option to hold a spot in the next workshop, or receive a full refund.**
Love Never Dies: Writing to Heal From Pet Loss
“The intensity of the grief fades with time; the intensity of the love never does.”
Workshop description coming soon
Dates will be announced soon.
Location: Book People, 10464 Ridgefield Parkway, Henrico, VA 23223
Registration available soon.
This Year’s Past Workshops
Workshop I: Taste with Possum Ambassadors
This 2-hour guided workshop uses creative writing, mindfulness, and meditation to engage one of your five senses.
This first workshop will focus on the sense of “TASTE,” with future workshops featuring each of the remaining three senses.
Each workshop is co-hosted by an animal ambassador from a Wildlife Rescue or Rehab who will help you tap into your animal sense more deeply.
Possum-Bilities will be in attendance with their very own Virginia opossum to help you explore the sense of “TASTE,” a sense in which this creature is an expert!
The admission price is $28/person, plus a donation of an item in need by the wildlife rescue in attendance for that class. Ages 18+ Percentage of ticket sales donated to Possum-bilities along with all the items donated by attendees.
Date/Time: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $28/person, plus donated item
Location: Possum-Bilities, 211 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Workshop II: Touch with Reptile Ambassadors
This 2-hour guided workshop uses creative writing, mindfulness, and meditation to engage one of your five senses.
This second workshop will focus on the sense of “TOUCH,” with future workshops featuring each of the remaining three senses.
Each workshop is co-hosted by an animal ambassador from a Wildlife Rescue or Rehab who will help you tap into your animal sense more deeply.
Possum-Bilities will be in attendance with their very own reptiles to help you explore the sense of “TOUCH,” as these creatures offer many different textures!
The admission price is $30/person, plus a donation of an item in need (see list of requested items) by the wildlife rescue in attendance for that class. Ages 18+ Percentage of ticket sales donated to Possum-Bilities, along with all the items donated by attendees.
Date/Time: Sunday, April 12, 2026, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Cost: $30/person, plus donated item
Location: Possum-Bilities, 211 William Street, Fredericksburg, VA
Testimonials
“It’s such a supportive environment. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I came away from the workshop more energized and productive. I want to jump back into my other writing now.” – Joyce, author and workshop participant
“Here at Canine Adventure, we treat every animal we care for as our own and we want their parents to feel that through our daily e-mail reports. Amanda curated a Creative Writing Continuing Education class for our handlers, which was helpful and fun! Being a loving dog parent herself, Amanda was able to provide examples of what animal moms and dads would want to hear about, all while adding in her expertise from the field of writing.
“She created a fun, informative, and relaxed classroom setting for our handlers to easily learn and ask questions. Her warm and personable nature combined with her knowledgeable content provided a unique and helpful experience that made our handlers better at their job and I’m sure, some very happy clients!” –Hannah Fuqua, Training Coordinator, Canine Adventure, LLC
“Amanda Creasey jammed a semester’s worth of motivation and insight into our hour and a half class. I was amazed by the ease with which she helped a dozen of my coworkers and myself write just a little bit better. Highly recommend for novices, seasoned writers, and everyone in between.” –Robert Cataldo, Canine Adventure handler and class participant
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