Author Events
By The Hatching CatVirtual Events, On-Site Presentations, and Walking Tours
I am available for virtual author events across the United States and for
in-person presentations in the New York City metropolitan region (including northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley). If your organization or library is interested in hosting a program, please contact me at pgavan@optline.net.
I currently offer 7 different one-hour PowerPoint presentations; I can also develop a custom presentation based on your specific needs, including time limits, animal interests, or borough. All of these presentations are ideal for libraries that are participating in the Tails & Tales Collaborative Summer Library Program.
* The Cat Men of Gotham: Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York
* The Seafaring Cats of Gotham: Tales of Nautical Felines of Old New York
* The Dog Days of Gotham: Tales of Pampered Pooches in Old New York
* True and Unusual Animal Tales of Old Brooklyn
* Amazing Animal Tales of Old Queens
* Christmastime Animal Tales of Jolly Old Gotham
*NEW for 2021! The FURst Responders of Gotham: Bravest and Finest Animals of Old New York
Walking Tours
I am also a licensed New York City tour guide. Through Untapped New York Tours, I offer several walking tours based on stories from my website and my book, The Cat Men of Gotham: Tales of Feline Friendships in Old New York. If your group is interested in a tour, please contact me at pgavan@optonline.net.
ZOOM Testimonials
Thoroughly entertaining romp!
Fascinating stories! I like the way you relayed these to history!
So entertaining and enjoyable!
Thanks so much — it was purr-fect!
So awesome! I’m calling my next cat Lord Haggis!
This is such a good show. Thank you! I’m loving it!
Wonderful — meow!
This is a lot of fun!!!
Past Author Events
Amazing Animal Tales of Old Queens
Once upon a time…
• A pig dug up a pot of gold in Sunnyside
• Ten elephants escaped from the Ruhe Wild Animal Farm in Woodside
• A squad of Long Island Railroad canine detectives used their noses to bring more than 100 criminals to justice
• A jet-setting cat was the mascot for the TWA pilots at the brand-new
La Guardia Airport
• An escaped circus tiger was captured in a backyard on Woodside Avenue
• A Pomeranian stopped an Astoria BMT train on the tracks during rush hour
Join me and the Greater Astoria Historical Society on a free virtual tour, as I take you back in time to explore the borough’s history via amazing stories about cats, dogs, elephants, and other animals that made the newspaper headlines in the 1800s and early 1900s.
The Dog Days of Gotham: Tales of Pampered Pooches in Old New York
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Pomeranians, terriers, bulldogs, and other small breeds were extremely popular with socialites of the “fairer sex” and starlets of stage and screen.
Pet dogs were as much a status symbol for these wealthy ladies as were their diamonds and furs. Many women of the Gilded Age loved their dogs more than they loved their children or husbands.
Join me as I lead you virtually down the old city streets while sharing fascinating stories of wealthy and eccentric women and the pampered pooches they adored.
- Hear about Hear about: The spoiled monkey griffon responsible for America’s first doggie day care at the Plaza Hotel
- The French poodle with a $1 million dog yard on Fifth Avenue
- The terrier that inspired Margaret Wise Brown’s last picture book
- The pug reportedly buried at Green-Wood Cemetery—and more!
Recorded Virtual Author Event: True and Unusual Animal Tales of Old Brooklyn
Once upon a time, hundreds of cats worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard; America’s first canine police unit was established in Parkville; a turtle made an annual pilgrimage to a Bay Ridge bar; a dog was an honored guest on the first train through the Joralemon Street Tunnel; and a blind cat who wore glasses saved Brooklyn Borough Hall from burning down when he was 27 years old.
Join me as I take you back in time to explore the city’s history via amazing stories about Brooklyn cats, dogs, horses, and other animals that made the newspaper headlines in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Click here to watch this recorded author event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETBKrw5vB5k
