Sally Blanchard is a woman with a mission and not a great deal of tolerance for those who don't see things as she does.

A behaviorist and editor of her own magazine, The Pet Bird Report, she happily admits some people don't agree with her in-your-face style -- especially the owners of pet shops she has had shut down. But she says she's not as bad as some would paint her.

"In my 25 years of working with parrots, I've made a lot of friends and a lot of enemies," she said. "A lot of people say I'm anti-bird shop, that I'm anti-breeder. I'm not. I'm pro-bird is what I am."

"I'm in favor of anybody who cares to do the very best thing for their parrot," she says. "I know I'm not the only one putting good information out there, but I'm probably the most obnoxious one doing it."

Blanchard, a woman with a piercing voice and a easy laugh, was as full of herself as a scarlet macaw in full feather recently at a three-day conference in Oakland, Calif. She organized it herself, drawing top speakers and several hundred participants from around the world, including breeders and pet-shop owners.

The Pet Bird Report conference offered seminars on raising birds to be good pets (think socialization) and training buyers to be good owners (think education). Positive methods of building trust and solving behavioral problems were emphasized, along with good nutrition and a solid partnership with an avian veterinarian.

More than 4 million parrots are kept as pets in the United States, said panelist Mike Reynolds, director of the World Parrot Trust, and about a quarter are cared for inadequately. Frustration over behavior such as noise-making or feather-picking push many people over the edge, prompting them to give up their birds or stick them in an out-of-the-way place, like a garage. Either is a bad option for an intelligent, social animal.

"People say to me, 'I love my parrot' or 'I love parrots,'" said Blanchard. "I also hear them say 'I love my new watch,' 'I love this car,' 'I love my new blouse.' The question I always have is 'define love.' I don't think 'loving birds' is what it's all about. It's about respecting birds. Seeing them as entities that have intelligence and needs.

"The people who understand this, the people who really care about the needs of these birds are also the people who reap the rewards. They're the people who develop the kind of relationship with birds that really has meaning."

Judging from the dedicated parrot lovers who attended Blanchard's conference, the numbers of such owners are going to grow. And that can't help but make a difference in the lives of those birds who need help.

Blanchard herself shows no sign of losing sight of that goal. "Someone will tell me they found something I said someplace, sometime that made a difference, and that makes it all worthwhile."

PETS ON THE WEB

The Pet Bird Report Web site (www.petbirdreport.com) offers some good content along with information on how to subscribe to the magazine -- which I highly recommend -- and upcoming events. It's a good place to keep up on the latest for your feathered companion. You can also reach the Pet Bird Report at 2236 Mariner Square Drive, No. 35, Alameda, Calif. 94501-1071, or call (510) 523-5303. Six issues per year are included with a $24 annual membership to Blanchard's Pet Bird Information Council.

PET TIP

Richard Torregrossa has a pair of hits on his hands with "Fun Facts About Dogs" and "Fun Facts About Cats," a pair of books from the same people who produced "Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul." The books ($9.95 each, Health Communications Inc.) offer a blend of interesting and useful tidbits, from myths to behavior to health. Where else are you going to find out that 80 percent of dog owners buy their pet a Christmas gift, or that Shakespeare and President Dwight Eisenhower both hated cats?

Q: I have two dogs, both 16-plus years old. My female, a terrier/poodle mix is blind, has allergies and is in poor health. My male, a toy poodle, has cataracts and his vision is very bad, too. They have been together for about seven years, inseparable. He acts as her seeing-eye pal when they go outside. I have pretty much made the decision to put Wendy to sleep. She appears to be miserable, has no pep, and I feel as if I would be doing her a favor.

I don't know if I should put both of them down at the same time. I know that when the male's owner died a few years ago, he grieved for a long time.

I really don't know what to do. It is a difficult decision; these are like my kids. -- K.R., via the Internet

A: No matter the circumstances, the decision to euthanize is never easy. Your love and compassion comes through in your letter, and I know you will do what is best for your pets.

Is your male relatively healthy (considering his age) aside from his vision loss? If his appetite is good and he seems to feel OK, I wouldn't worry too much about his vision. I've known quite a few blind dogs, and they do surprising well, as you've already seen with Wendy. After all, dogs don't need to read the newspaper, pay bills or watch TV. Once blind dogs learn the lay of the land in their homes, they can function quite well in such protected circumstances.

Health is one consideration, but it's not the only one. Your male will most certainly miss his mate keenly. While I have always found animals (and people!) to be more resilient than we imagine they can be, grief is still a very real consideration here.

I don't think you can make a wrong decision here if you keep your pets' needs foremost (as you already are). It may be best to let them go together, but you are the only one who can make that decision.

You may find it helpful to talk to others who understand. Many schools and colleges of veterinary medicine offer pet-loss support lines staffed by veterinary students who can listen and help. These programs are free except for the cost of the call. The oldest of these programs -- and the pattern for the others -- is the hot line at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Their center is staffed 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Pacific time, Monday through Friday; call (530) 752-4200.

Q: I saw an article in the newspaper about domesticated skunks as pets. Do they make good pets? -- G.M., Kansas City, Mo.

A: Skunks are at best a challenging pet, says veterinarian Linda Randall, a board-certified companion animal specialist whose Medina, Ohio, Cloverleaf Animal Hospital deals with exotic pets.

"They aren't difficult to keep in terms of environment, housing and feeding," she says. "But they're very destructive. They will chew, get into everything, tug, pull and swallow anything they can. They're very dexterous with their hands."

They also smell, she notes, even after they've had their scent glands surgically removed. "You have to get them used to bathing," said Randall. "Fortunately, they seem to like the water well enough if you get them as babies -- no more than six weeks -- and start them with baths, nail clipping and so on.

Randall adds that the animals also shed rather remarkably and can be nippy. The latter can be a serious problem, since there's no rabies vaccination available for these pets. "We vaccinate with a product approved for ferrets, but we make the owners sign off on the risk," she said.

That risk increases when the animals reach sexual maturity, which is why Randall strongly encourages spaying and neutering no later than 12 weeks. But even that won't remove the potential threat of biting, she says. "They will bond to certain people, but not to others. And if they bite you, you're at the health department, and you'll probably have to put them to sleep."

If you still want to go forward -- and if they're legal to keep where you live -- you're looking at a pet with a lifespan of seven to nine years. Females run about 5 to 6 pounds, and males, 7 to 8 pounds (although Randall has one patient that tops the scale at 13). Recommended housing is a wire cage with room for a litter box. "Most will use a litter box," says Randall. "They're very clean."

No one really knows for sure what the best diet is for them, she said, because there hasn't been a lot of study. Randall recommends ferret food or a high-quality kitten food.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

Adult dogs make great pets, and there's certainly no shortage of them. Purebreds or mixed, dogs beyond the puppy stages can fit more easily into your household with less time and training than a youngster, and bond just as tightly.

That said, you do need to shop carefully and find out everything you can about any dog you're considering -- you are talking about a lifetime commitment, after all. While expecting to work on some glitches as your new dog gets used to you is reasonable, you want to avoid those animals who have problems you can't handle.

Here are some questions to ask that will help you decide:

-- What do you know of this dog's history? You may be dealing with a shelter, a rescue volunteer, the dog's original owner or breeder, or a nice person who found a stray. If you discover the dog is well-bred and his parents have been certified free of congenital defects, more's the better. If you find out nothing about him because he was a stray, though, don't count him out. If he's healthy and friendly and otherwise fits your size, coat and activity criteria, he can still be a contender.

-- Why is this dog available for adoption? Dogs become available for lots of reasons, some as frivolous as a change in decor. "Losing our home," "divorce" and "death" are some of the better reasons as far as adopting is concerned; "bit our daughter" obviously is not (even if you don't have children). Listen, too, for what isn't said: "He needs more exercise than we can give him" may mean "and he eats furniture when he doesn't get it."

-- What behavior problems does this dog have? Many things are fixable and worth considering if you honestly believe you'll take the time to work with the dog. "Pulls on the leash" is fixable. "A little aggressive" is not, at least not by the average pet owner's standard, and probably not to the extent that you should take a chance on a biting dog. Remember, too, that some problems are the owner's fault, not the dog's. "Won't stay in the yard," for example, may be easily cured by a decent fence and neutering.

-- How is he with children? Other dogs? Cats? Even if you don't have children, you're going to run into some from time to time. The same is true with other dogs. You can successfully avoid cats if you don't have them - providing you keep your pet leashed -- but make certain your prospective pet at least tolerates them well if you do.

If you're getting an animal from a shelter, the organization should have asked the former owner to fill out a card on such things as problems with children or other animals. If you're adopting from a foster home, ask if the family has other animals and children. If there's no way to determine the dog's attitude toward children and other animals but he seems friendly, he may be OK.

If you have doubts, hold out for an animal you're sure will fit with your family. Take your time and keep your heart in check, and you'll find some winners out there -- second-chance dogs who deserve a family, perfect for pampering the rest of their lives. I know. I have two of them.

PETS ON THE WEB

I can't imagine there's a lot of competition for being "The Chinniest Site on Earth," so I'm going to go along with their chutzpah and recommend ChinNet (www.chin.buffnet.net) to anyone who has or is thinking of getting one of these furry critters for a pet. This comprehensive Web site on chinchillas offers care information in several languages, lots of pictures and cartoons, links to dozens of related Web sites and listserves, as well as places to discuss these pets with others who fancy them. You can find a breeder, supplies or a Chin-friendly veterinarian here, too. A good mix of the lighthearted and the serious, ChinNet is both entertaining and educational.

PET TIP

Almost without fail people use one word too much and incorrectly when raising a puppy. The word? "No." Some puppies hear it so often they think it's part of their name: "JoeNO!" "MeganNO!" Used constantly and especially if used in a whiny, pleading manner, "no" loses its value as a training tool.

"No" should be delivered firmly and sharply, as guttural as a low, barky growl -- comparable, in other words to how a puppy's mother expresses her displeasure. Don't whine at your dog: "No, no, no, no. Mommy's fluffums is bad, bad, bad!" Instead, throw the word at the pup.

Because of the overuse of the word, some trainers suggest using another sound especially for correction, something that lends itself more naturally to sounding like a growl, like "arrrggghhh."

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I have a long-haired Chihuahua, and her breath is absolutely horrible. I have tried dog biscuits and a few other "remedies," and none seem to work. Is there anything that you know of that may help Chloe? -- D.B., via the Internet

A: You need to visit your veterinarian. The causes for bad breath in dogs and cats can range from periodontal disease to diabetes to broken teeth to eating something vile, and nothing will help until the underlying cause is accurately diagnosed and treated.

Chances are, though, it's your pet's teeth that need the attention. Small dogs in particular have problems with plaque buildup that can in time undermine the very foundation of the teeth and put a drain on the general health of the animal.

Have your veterinarian check Chloe's mouth, teeth and gums -- and perform a complete dentistry under anesthesia, if warranted. The procedure takes 45 minutes to an hour, and involves not only cleaning and polishing the teeth, but also checking for and treating broken or rotting teeth, cavities, abscesses and periodontal disease.

After the problems are treated, at-home care can keep things in good shape and extend the time between veterinary cleanings. The biggest component of a home regimen: Brushing or wiping the teeth a couple of times a week.

Use a toothpaste made for pets. It tastes better to your pet and can be safely swallowed. Pet pastes contain enzymes that dissolve buildup and don't need to be rinsed away. This is important, because pets can't gargle, rinse or spit!

As for a toothbrush, you can use one made just for pets, or choose a soft one made for children. Another option: a brush that fits over the fingertip, or a simple piece of gauze wrapped around your index finger.

Make brushing part of your petting routine when you're watching TV. Let your pet sniff and taste the paste, then gentle introduce brushing, followed by lots of praise.

Dry foods, biscuits and chew toys can help keep teeth clean, but they cannot substitute for a regimen of proper care -- as you've discovered. Choose toys that have some "give" to them; hard chews such as hooves have been known to break teeth.

Q: I was wondering how much a black Lab/greyhound mix should weigh. She is 6 years old. -- G.N., via the Internet

A: Instead of worrying about pounds, put your hands on her and feel how fit she is. You should be able to feel her ribs beneath a thin layer of protective fat and move her skin across them easily. When you step back and look at her, you should be able to see a tuck-up behind her ribs; she ought to have a visible waist.

Obesity is a common health problem in our pets -- not only in dogs and cats, but also in birds and such pets as rabbits and guinea pigs. The reasons are the same in pets as in people: too much food and not enough activity.

Talk to your veterinarian about your pet's weight if you're concerned. It's a good idea to start any weight-change plan with a checkup and food recommendation. Don't do anything drastic. A sudden change in the amount of food or exercise your pet gets could be dangerous.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600

Solid, tabby or tuxedo, longhaired or short, a cat's coat is one of the most beautiful things about this special pet. It's also one of the most annoying, if you're fussy about fur.

How much do you know about cat fur? Enough to make a decision about what kind of coat type you could live with? Read on:

Cats have three kinds of hair in their coat -- down, awn and guard. The down is the shortest, finest and softest hair. The awn is the coarsest, and the guard the longest. Not all cat breeds have all three kinds of hair. The "hairless" Sphynx, for example, has only guard hairs, and not many of those. The curly-coated Cornish Rex has only awn and down. The makeup of the different hair types can differ, too. The awn hairs are usually shorter than the guard hairs, but when they're the same length, it makes for an especially thick covering known among cat fanciers as a "double coat."

Some cats, such as the Rexes, shed little. Longhairs seem to shed a lot, but that's partly because the hair they lose is longer. But all cats shed, and you need to take the amount shed into consideration when thinking about adding a pet to your household. Call it the "fur level" consideration, and add two others: aesthetics, and time and money.

Aesthetics is easy to sort out, for it's strictly a matter of personal choice. Some people love the sleekness of shorthaired cats, while others prefer a longhaired look. While personality and body types don't always match up so neatly in random-bred cats, it helps to know that in pedigreed animals, short hairs are often lighter, leaner, louder and much more active than the heavier longhaired breeds.

Even if you prefer the feel of a longhaired cat, you need to be aware they require more upkeep. Longhairs, especially the silkier ones such as Persians, mat easily and need to be combed out every other day or so as well as brushed out weekly. Hairballs are a bigger problem in longhaired cats and may require more veterinarian visits or medications. That means money, as does a professional grooming -- most likely shaving -- if the coat gets out of control.

Combing and brushing help keep both hairballs and shedding under control, but they won't eliminate either. Living with a cat is always going to be about dodging the urp-ups in your bare feet and picking hair off your clothes. If you're at the lower end of the tolerance level, invest in lint brushes and think shorthair, or the Rex breeds if you're considering a pedigreed. If you like glorious coats of the longhaired cats, invest in lint-brush stock and jump right in, but don't forget to put on your slippers first.

PETS ON THE WEB

Sometimes I could not be more grateful that I'm a writer, not a radio host, and this is one of those times. I won't have to embarrass myself by trying to pronounce Polski Owczarek Nizinny, an interesting breed of herding dog with a pretty good informational Web site (www.aponc.com). The PON, known in England by the far easier monicker of Polish lowland sheepdog (which is what Polski Owczarek Nizinny translates to), is a medium-sized dog looking something like a bearded collie -- lots of long hair and a fuzzy face.

Its fans brag that the breed is an intelligent dog with a good memory and an intense desire to please. The Web site offers a decent overview of the status of this breed in the United States, with pictures, show results and links to folks who own and show this interesting rare breed. Check out the story of the dog named Bob, who has made quite a career for herself (yes, Bob's a girl) in commercials.

PET TIP

If you have a cat, you ought to have a cat carrier. I've seen people trying to transport their cat in everything from bare hands to pillow cases, and nothing beats a cat carrier when it comes to safety -- for both you and your cat -- comfort and convenience. Skip those cardboard ones the shelters give you to take your new pet home; they're not designed for sturdy long-term use. Others to rule out include carriers with no privacy, or ones that don't clean easily, such as those made of wicker.

Your best bet is a carrier made of hard, high-impact molded plastic that has an open-grid door. Most models have the door at one end, but you may find it easier to deal with your pet if you instead find the kind with the door on the top. These make getting your pet in and out of the carrier much easier.

Another reason to own one: A carrier is an essential piece of any disaster kit, making evacuation easier in the event of an emergency and expanding the possibilities for temporary housing for your pet.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I have a 14-year-old Scottie who has arthritis. The vet has prescribed half a buffered aspirin twice a day. I've heard conflicting views on this -- from family, not professionals -- and I'm wondering what to do. She seems to be in some pain and definitely is suffering stiffness. - K.F, via the Internet

A: I'd go with the good doctor's advice. Buffered or coated aspirin is a commonly recommended medication for creaky dogs, as are some of the newer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory prescription medications such as Rimdayl.

Give your relatives some credit, though: They're on the right track by suggesting caution when it comes to over-the-counter drugs. Drugs behave in different animals in different ways. Cats, for example, cannot handle Tylenol and can be killed by what you might consider a small, cat-sized dose!

Such dangers stress why it's so important to develop a trusting relationship with your veterinarian, one where you feel comfortable asking questions and discussing what's best for your pet without feeling you must keep an eye on the clock or your bank account. You and your veterinarian must work together to maintain your pet in the best health.

A final note: Ask your veterinarian about chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine supplements for your dog. These medications improve the fluid around the joints, making movement easier. Inquire, too, about skipping the name-brand supplement and buying a generic equivalent made for humans at a discount pharmacy or warehouse store. You'll need to work with your veterinarian on the dosage, though.

Q: My puppy is losing his teeth! We were playing tug-of-war the other day, and I noticed one of his teeth in the rope. I called the emergency clinic and they said it was normal. I'm still worried. -- P.D., via the Internet

A: Stop worrying. Dogs have puppy teeth just like we have baby teeth, and they start coming out as early as two months of age. The smaller teeth pop out earliest, with the bigger ones such as canines and molars hanging on for a few months. Your pup's shiny new adult teeth will be securely in place by the time he hits his seven-month birthday, most likely.

Sometimes, though, a puppy tooth will hang around even after it has been pushed aside by its replacement. Talk to your veterinarian if you see this. Your puppy's doctor will probably opt to pull it.

Time now for the advice you didn't ask for: Stop playing tug-of-war with your puppy. Tug-of-war can teach your pet to be aggressive, and I'm sure that's the last thing you want.

Here's how the game plays out, from the human and pet point of view:

You play a rowdy round of tug-of-war with your pet, until you get tired, bored or remember you have to call your mother. You drop your end. You think, "Game's over." Your pet thinks, "I won." Leaving a dog with the idea that he won is never a good idea. Dogs are opportunists: If you aren't a leader, he will be, and that's a road to trouble.

Teach your puppy to play fetch instead. It's better exercise, and it reinforces your role as a fun leader.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies" and "Cats for Dummies," and is the editorial director of the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or e-mail to Write2Gina(at)aol.com.

4520 Main St., Kansas City, Mo. 64111; (816) 932-6600