DEAR DR.FOX: We wanted to write you and share an unfortunate experience we had fostering dogs, something we no longer do.

Our first few fosters were dogs that the rescue group had had for a while. We took them to the groomer (at our own expense), and when we took them to adoption events, they were the first ones to get adopted. We were thrilled to see these dogs get good homes.

Then one day, the rescue group brought us a dog straight from the shelter. We did the same things for her that we did for our previous foster dogs, but we noticed that she didn't seem to be healthy. Within hours of her being around our dogs, they caught an upper respiratory ailment from her. This meant vet visits for our dogs.

We called the people from the rescue group and told them that the foster had made our dogs sick. They vehemently denied it and said that their vet had examined her and found nothing wrong. Obviously, they were lying, because we know they brought her to us directly from the shelter. We told them that we would no longer be available to foster for them.

I tell this story to make the point that if people are going to foster (and they have pets of their own), they need to be very clear with the rescue group about the health of the animals they are asked to foster.

Our dogs recovered just fine, but it was an unnecessary illness for them and an added expense for us. We learned our lesson. If we choose to foster in the future, we will be more specific with the rescue folks. -- C.R., Tulsa, Oklahoma

DEAR C.R.: Your experience will help others who provide temporary foster homes for companion animals. I do encourage people to take up this very rewarding avocation, ideally coordinated with a well-run animal shelter (where the longer animals are incarcerated, the more they suffer and may become less adoptable).

Full veterinary needs are called for prior to an animal going into a foster home. Quarantine may be necessary. But in emergency situations, such as natural disasters, animal rescue and fostering networks across counties and states are needed immediately. In addition, community shelters are called on to handle displaced people's animals, with support from local and national emergency veterinary services.

I would like to hear from readers about how well prepared their communities are in this regard.

DEAR DR. FOX: We had a yellow Labrador for 15 1/2 years before we had to put him down due to cancer returning for the second time.

One night while in bed, before I had fallen asleep, I opened my eyes and saw him coming into our bedroom. He looked at me and continued down the hallway. (I don't take drugs and did not have any alcohol.) He was translucent, like stained glass.

He never was seen again. He was such an incredible dog and would have made an excellent guide dog or companion animal with professional training. I'm happy to say we had him as part of our family. -- M.A., Jupiter, Florida

DEAR M.A.: Your letter will be appreciated by many readers who share the view that the life we live is but one dimension of many realms we barely comprehend, but are, on occasion, blessed to glimpse through such experiences like yours.

I especially like what ecologist and nature writer Sigurd F. Olson writes in his book "Reflections From the North Country":

"The world of nature does no violence to faiths that speak of personal immortality or reincarnation, for a basic truth encompasses them both."

HYPERTHYROID DISEASE IN CATS AND HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL: POSSIBLE LINK

A recent study reports a possible connection between the fabric stain-repellant perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) with hyperactive thyroid disease, a common malady in felines today. The chemical was detected in the blood of cats with clinical signs of the disease.

This makes PFOA another household chemical to add to the endocrine-disrupting effects of bromide-based fire-retardants in fabrics, especially petrochemical-based carpets and sofas, where cats are in almost constant contact. (A cat may inhale the microparticles and swallow them when they get on the animal's fur and the cat grooms itself.)

Other chemicals, such as Bisphenol A in cat food can linings and phthalates on food packaging, are also endocrine disruptors. They have been implicated in thyroid disease in cats and may also contribute to thyroid diseases in dogs and humans. (From Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry via JAVMA News, Nov. 14.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: Recently, you wrote about humans' love for their animals. It reminded me of an article I'd once read that described the "broken-heart syndrome" we feel after losing a pet. I was wondering if you have any insights on this topic. -- M.M.B., Palm Beach, Florida

DEAR M.M.B.: Your query arrives at a fateful time. Last month, my wife and I had to euthanize one of our beloved cats, Pinto Bean, whom we rescued in June 2010.

He was first seen in the snow in January of that year. Possibly because of food-deprivation anxiety, he loved to eat. His palpable post-traumatic stress disorder quickly dissipated when he was with us and our other rescued cat, Mark Twain, but we could never control his food addiction. The dye of self-survival and semi-starvation had been cast with serious metabolic and other health consequences.

Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, more commonly known as broken-heart syndrome, is a sudden heart condition typically brought on by intense stress, such as grief, and can even cause death. With Pinto Bean's passing, I feel close to that condition right now and can empathize with all who have suffered the loss of a loved one, human or nonhuman.

Intense grief can also kill dogs, elephants and other animals, as the effects of broken-heart syndrome are not exclusive to humans. This condition does need to be more widely recognized; and whatever emotional support can be given to those who are grieving, the better.

I recall vividly Pinto Bean's deep affection and his absolute trust, which I feel I somehow betrayed in having to end his life. But I celebrate the memories of the good life he had in our home and all he gave to us.

DEAR DR. FOX: I had a problem with my 7-year-old cat often vomiting after meals. My vet suggested that I raise his food bowl a few inches. It seemed to work; now he gets sick only about once every two to three months. Just wanted to pass it on to you and your readers. -- C.D., Washington, D.C.

DEAR C.D.: Your veterinarian's advice is a good example of what one can do when dealing with a cat that vomits soon after eating.

A raised food bowl is often the approach taken with dogs that have various difficulties swallowing and engage in frequent food-regurgitation. In cats, food-regurgitation can be the result of eating too fast, a problem with always-hungry cats with metabolic syndrome and related health issues. Recurrent vomiting can also be caused by intolerance or allergy to one or more food ingredients, or fur balls in the stomach.

CBD OIL MAY EASE OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN IN DOGS

Scientists at Cornell University have found that not only does pollen from hemp attract honeybees, but also that cannabinoid (CBD) extracts from hemp can alleviate pain in dogs with osteoarthritis.

A research team at the university's College of Veterinary Medicine reported in Frontiers in Veterinary Science that pain significantly improved in more than 80 percent of dogs taking CBD oil, and side effects were minimal in the intervention arm of the double-blind placebo-controlled trial. (From Frontiers in Veterinary Science via Forbes.com, Dec. 13.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: My old cat is suffering from hyperesthesia syndrome. Are there any home remedies that I can try for him? -- M.K., St. Louis

DEAR M.K.: Hyperesthesia syndrome is as yet a condition of unknown cause and is not uncommon in cats. It is associated with agitation and anxiety, with the skin rippling and the cat becoming hypersensitive to touch during an episode.

In all cases, I would advise the veterinarian to check first for hyperactive thyroid, which can bring on somewhat similar symptoms -- especially when the cat pulls on its fur and engages in self-mutilation.

Wrapping the cat in a towel while comforting and cradling it can help during an episode. Some people have found that giving the cat dried catnip herb can also have a calming effect. An approximate dose of 1/4 teaspoon of dried catnip in the morning and early evening may help, although some cats don't respond to catnip.

At bedtime, I would also give 1 to 3 mg of melatonin. If you have difficulty pilling your cat, crush the tablet in a little canned sardine.

Your veterinarian may wish to prescribe Prozac, which can help alleviate anxiety, or low-dose Gabapentin. Also discuss a nutraceutical supplement to increase brain serotonin, such as tryptophan or L-theanine.

I would also strongly advise feeding your cat a good-quality canned, frozen or freeze-dried cat food that's free of corn and other cereals and of additives, especially coloring agents and preservatives. Or try my home-prepared cat food recipe, found on my website, which has helped improve the health of countless cats over the years. (For more information, go to drfoxvet.net.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have adopted a cat that's neutered and is said to be about 10 months old. I love him, and he likes to be petted, but at night he goes wild. He races through my apartment, and I have to take all breakable items out of his reach -- even those on high shelves and on my dresser. He will even hide somewhere and then rush out and attack my ankles when I walk by.

Will he grow out of it? Should I spray water on him when he gets wild? I am thinking of taking him back to the shelter if this continues. -- A.M., Fort Myers, Florida

DEAR A.M.: Your young cat will become more sedate and less playful with age and possibly obese with insufficient indoor activity. That is one reason why I advise people to keep two cats so they can play with each other and, like ours, race through the house at night during their "evening crazies."

My first cat, Igor, would ambush me when I bent down and then jump on my back to playfully "kill" me. Your cat needs a cat like Igor!

In the interim, engage in some interactive games with your cat such as chasing a laser light or a feather on a string. Some cats will even chase and retrieve small balls of aluminum foil or string, but be sure all such toys are safe and loose threads or other materials are not swallowed. You can even try playing hide-and-go-seek with your cat.

CURIOUS MECHANIAL ENGINEERS DISCOVER HOW CATS' TONGUES TICK

Cats' tongues have tiny, hollow, hook-shaped papillae that wick saliva into fur, according to a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The findings, reported by a team of mechanical engineers, could lead to new cleaning methods or ways to apply medicines, says lead researcher Alexis Noel. (From the Associated Press via NBC News, Nov. 19.)

AVMA BOARD CONTINUES TO OPPOSE DEVOCALIZATION, EXCEPT AS LAST RESORT

The AVMA board of directors decided not to update the organization's stance on canine devocalization, which should be performed only "by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative to euthanasia after behavioral modification to correct excessive vocalization has failed and after discussion of potential complications from the procedure with the owner." The AVMA's Animal Welfare Committee recommended reaffirming the policy and developing educational resources for veterinarians and owners of dogs that exhibit undesirable barking. (From JAVMA News, Dec. 12.)

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox’s website at DrFoxVet.net.)