Ramona D. Marek, MS Ed., is an award-winning freelance writer, member and former director of the Cat Writers' Association (CWA), member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners' Cat Friendly Practice Advisory Council, nonveterinarian member of the American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians, and former member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. She is a contributing writer for many national and international print and digital magazines, including Cat Fancy, Animal Wellness magazine, Catnip newsletter (published by Tufts University), Cat Talk, and Pet Product News International. Ramona has written about various topics, including the role and symbolism of the cat in fine arts (art, literature, mythology, film, and history), animal health and welfare, and the pet industry. Ramona was the recipient of the 2015 goodnewsforpets.com Human-Animal Bond Award for her article "The Strength of the Human-Animal Bond." She also received The Cat Writers' Association Muse Award in the category of Newsletter Article/Any Other Topic for her article "Estate Planning and Your Pets." Ramona's article "Faint Heart," about feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, published in Animal Wellness magazine, was awarded the 2014 CWA Purina One Health Award for outstanding article reporting on feline health issues and a Certificate of Excellence as judged by her peers. Other articles by Ramona were awarded CWA Certificates of Excellence in 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011. Writing has been a part of Ramona's life since early childhood. Animal welfare, and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves, have also been lifelong passions. After earning a master's degree in education, Ramona taught special education for twenty years in public and private schools. Ramona and her husband, Vladimir, live in Vancouver, Washington.
