Darlene Arden's Biography

I was born at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital in Massachusetts where Jack Lemmon made his appearance in the elevator many years before. My mother managed to make it all the way to the delivery room. It seems as if I’ve always written although my first career was as a hyphenate – an actress-singer-dancer-choreographer. I moved into journalism in my mid-20s, having been lucky enough to experience my midlife crisis well ahead of schedule.
I have written countless celebrity profiles for various publications and I’ve written about women’s issues as well for a wide range of magazines, even editing “Daytimer’s Diary.” (Don’t ask!) I spent some time as a travel writer, published mainly in The Boston Herald and The New York Post.
As a child growing up in apartments I was desperate for a cat and a dog. Who knew that life would lead me to another career not just writing about dogs and cats but as certified animal behavior consultant (www.iaabc.org), a speaker, and as part of the Kutztown University course in Canine Training and Management.
Isn’t it odd how doing what you love can bring unexpected recognition? I have walls full of writing awards but the one of which I’m most proud is the Massachusetts SPCA’s Media Award for my body of work. It was chosen by a closed door panel and I had no idea that I was in contention for it until a letter arrived from the MSPCA’s president.
I’ve written five books, the newest, a behavior book titled, “Rover, Get Off Her Leg!” was published in June 2007. I have earned the title of The Toy Dog Authority since I specialize in behavior issues of dogs 20 lbs. and under although I am certified to work with dogs and cats of all sizes and ages.
I currently live in Massachusetts with my retired champion Chartreux cat, Aimee. And for the first time in a long time I am dogless.
I judge Canine Musical Freestyle - dancing with dogs! - (www.worldcaninefreestyle.org) and in my alleged “spare time” I produce and host, “Creatively Speaking,” a cable TV program dedicated to the arts.
I'm the author of, "The Irrepressible Toy Dog," "The Angell Memorial Animal Hospital Book of Wellness and Preventive Care for Dogs," "Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Cannot Get Unless You're a Dog," "Small Dogs, Big Hearts," and released in June 2007, "Rover, Get Off Her Leg!"