Baby, 80 pounds of yellow-eyed dog with a decidedly wolfish look to him, eyed me with the barely concealed contempt that people whose livelihoods depend on tourists would love to affect but don't dare. At least not in the "hospitality city" of Savannah, Ga., where tourists who love old houses and lurid murder tales are a cash cow that shows no sign of running dry.

But Baby didn't care about that, nor did the fluffy white cat whose name I never learned, both of them lounging in the November sun outside a landmark seafood restaurant hard by the Wilmington River. I crouched low, and the cat finally came forward and allowed me the pleasure of scratching behind her ears. She purred prettily, and I ran my hand along her silken back, scratching at the base of her tail.

Baby yawned and looked away. He would have none of it, and he had no inclination of moving from in front of the restaurant's screened front door. It was 3 in the afternoon, and I was the only one there -- this being the most off of off-seasons -- and he clearly felt it best if I get back in my car and move on.

"Babeeeeee," crooned a male voice from inside. "Babeeeeeee."

That dog's whole face shifted, his jaw opening in gap-mouthed pleasure at the sound of the voice, his eyes alight with pleasure. He stood then and bowed to me -- it might have been a stretch, but I am firm in my belief otherwise -- and walked graciously forward. I smiled back at the big dog and slipped through the door of Desposito's.

The food was wonderful, but that's hardly the point of the story and this isn't a restaurant review. What I was thinking about, inside the simple cinderblock structure, was how much my life is enriched by animals, all animals, and how I learn something new from them every day I live.

On this trip, through Georgia and the Florida panhandle, the lessons were many. I came to appreciate the beauty of wild birds in a way I never have before, on a trip to Wakulla Springs near Tallahassee. I saw more birds than I can remember, each more beautiful than the other. I was struck more than any by one called the anhinga, a long-necked water bird that dries its ebony wings by holding them up and out in the sun.

I also learned about forgiveness, from a little white dog who'd spent the first year of his life as a football and a punching bag before my friend Peg took him from his abuser. On my last visit, Spitzel, who believes firmly in presenting an intimidating front to strangers to prevent further abuse, tried to remodel my ankles with his teeth. This year, he learned to trust me, and became what he is to the rest of the family -- a loving, sweet-natured dog. And yet, every time a hand is raised to pet him, even from the people he loves, he freezes in momentary terror from a memory he can never erase.

Every day is a trial for this little survivor, but he is a dog, and he cannot help but love and forgive.

Cats, dogs, birds and even alligators -- no day of my trip was without animals, and every day was better for it in some way. And yet, the final lesson was perhaps the sweetest of all: How wonderful it is to come home to your own animals.

After more than two weeks apart, the reunion scene when I picked up my dogs was dramatic. The shrieking. The jumping. The paw-pats, kisses and happy panting.

And that was just me. The dogs were even more enthusiastic.

Home may be where the heart is, but in my life, it's where the animals are. But maybe, just maybe they're one and the same, wherever you go.

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PETS ON THE WEB

You don't run across many Web sites that are nonprofit organizations, but that's exactly the case with Golden Retrievers in Cyberspace (www.golden-retriever.com/golden.html), a fabulous site dedicated to saving unwanted goldens and educating prospective owners about this even-tempered and popular breed.

GRiC provides details on rescued goldens available for adoption, and follows up on their progress with their new family. It's also a gold mine of information on finding a golden puppy or dog, and avoiding substandard and often abusive breeders who perpetuate health and temperament problems in the breed.

The pictures are the best. Young and old, the dogs in their new homes shine with joy. A must-see site for anyone who loves this breed.

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PET TIP

To your cat, it's a fresh new scratching post, complete with dangly toys; to your dog, it's a temptation to forget about housetraining. Much as we may love them, Christmas trees are really not that good a match with pets. The ornaments are appealing and possibly deadly if ingested. Electrocution from chewed cords is a risk, too. Even if nothing worse happens than the tree gets pulled over, that's a mess anyone would rather do without.

The best solution? Set up your tree so you are able to keep your pets from it when you're not there to supervise. A baby gate will keep dogs away; a closed door is even better, for both dogs and cats. If nothing else, use a sturdy base, unplug the lights when you leave, and skip the tinsel and angel hair. Cats love these, but any stringy substance can cause trouble if eaten.

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QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I purchased your book "Dogs for Dummies" over the Thanksgiving weekend, and it's really been helpful to my wife and me. We adopted a 5-month-old terrier mix puppy (Gracie) last Tuesday and have been having a lot of fun getting to know her.

I am still confused as to how to handle one aspect of housetraining a puppy.

We've kept to a pretty steady schedule of letting her outside (a) upon getting up in the morning, (b) 15 to 25 minutes after her first meal, (c) midday, (d) after her evening meal, and (e) before going to bed (and, of course, if we ever see her pacing/sniffing near the door, which she has started to do). It's going really well, with only a couple of accidents in the past three days (and I caught her in the act!).

Gracie stays in her crate at night, as well as whenever my wife and I are away. She has been alone in her crate by day for as long as six hours. My wife and I both work, so our plan is for one of us to come home at noon and let her out.

But what I am not clear on is this: How do we make the transition from keeping her in the crate all day when we're away, to giving her the run of a room (or the house) when we're away? At some point, fairly soon I would think, we have to be able to keep her in the house, outside the crate. Is there a tried-and-true method for easing into that? -- P.N., via the Internet

A: Congratulations on your new baby! She sounds wonderful.

The transition is to gradually -- let me stress that word -- give her the run of the house when you're sure she understands what's expected of her in terms of housetraining (even if execution isn't perfect yet owing to small puppy bladders).

I'd start with putting her crate in an area like a laundry room or kitchen, with the crate door open, toys to play with and chew on (like a peanut-butter-filled Kong) and a baby gate across the door to limit wandering.

Don't make a big deal about leaving. Before you go, ask her to sit, make eye contact and give her a command -- I use "guard the house" with my dogs -- to cue her you're leaving. Then do, without fuss. When you return, be cool. A low-key "good dog" is all that you should give and then check the answering machine, read the mail and so on before addressing her again. She needs to learn that comings-and-goings are a normal part of life.

If you make comings-and-goings as dramatic as Ashley's return to Melanie in "Gone With the Wind," you're setting yourself up for trouble. Excitement and anticipation can lead to some destructiveness problems in the period just before she expects you home.

That said, some puppy chewing is of course normal, which is why you need to leave her the toys. (Grown dogs need them, too, to eat up some of their nervous energy.)

She sounds as if she's doing well, and you'll be able to give her the run of the house eventually. But don't rush it, and if you end up with a mess or a chewing problem, back up to step one and start over.

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

The image of a beribboned puppy and delighted children on Christmas morning is one a lot of parents can't get out of their heads -- and one that sells a lot of puppies every year at this time.

Never mind that humane societies, trainers, veterinarians and reputable breeders say that Christmas morning is just about the worst time to introduce a puppy to the family. To parents with camera at hand, the scene seems worth the trouble of an energetic ball of fluff rolling around on one of the year's most hectic days.

But is it really? Introducing a puppy on Christmas Day is very stressful for all concerned. The puppy needs your attention -- but so does everything else. It's never a good plan in a busy household.

Even if you get your pup before or after the actual holiday, you have some challenges. The first may be finding the right puppy. Many shelters and reputable breeders will not place puppies right before Christmas, because they believe the time is just too high-risk. That leaves you with less-than-ideal sources for your pet.

And that's not all: Consider the problem of socializing and training a puppy in the dead of winter, if white winters visit your corner of the universe in December. By the time the snow starts to melt, you could have a half-grown canine terror on your hands. Even if you're living where a white Christmas isn't a factor, house-training a puppy in the middle of winter is no picnic, especially that 2 a.m. trip to the yard.

Giving up that Norman Rockwell moment when your children discover that St. Nick has answered their pleas for a puppy is difficult. But if you want a better chance of still having that pet as a well-loved member of the family on future Christmases, consider this option: Wrap a collar and leash and a dog book for the children and put that under the tree. Tell your children that their puppy had to wait to be born, but will be with them as soon as she can.

If you decide to go ahead anyway, shop carefully. People who don't know or don't care about the kinds of problems they're breeding are counting on you being too besotted with holiday cheer to do your homework. Make sure you buy from someone who has socialized the puppies in their home from the time they've been born.

Ask, too, about the genetic problems in the breed you fancy, and ask what the breeder has done to eliminate them. For example, don't buy a large-breed puppy whose parents haven't been certified free of hip dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or PennHip. You don't want your pup to be emotionally damaged, and you certainly don't want to be facing expensive surgery to correct congenital problems down the road.

PETS ON THE WEB

A great many of us will be buying holiday gifts for our favorite pets. If you're one of them and ready to jump into the world of electronic commerce, have I got a couple of Web sites to start your shopping!

For dogs, try DogToys.com (www.dogtoys.com), a slick site offering more than 300 of the highest-quality toys, including a good selection of indestructible Kong toys and lots of sturdy plush. DogToys also has the hottest new toy, the Buster Cube, a sturdy kibble-filled puzzle that your dog must work on to solve -- great for home-alone pups with time on their hands.

DogToys also offers a few cat toys, but I prefer the selection at Cat Faeries (www.catfaeries.com). Cat Faeries specializes in handmade toys for cats and fantastic finds for people who love them -- books, jewelry and more.

PET TIP

All the trials of old age can make a dog downright cranky, and make some people long to have a puppy in the house. Of course, you want to be sure your older dog enjoys the addition, or at least tolerates it. So should you add a puppy to an older dog's life?

That depends. For some older dogs, a puppy is a big boost to the senior's enthusiasm for life. For others, a puppy's energy and attention are enough to make an older dog want to leave home. You must determine which of these attitudes your older dog has.

In general, though, older dogs who are still fit and full of life will probably get the most out of an addition to the household; elderly or severely debilitated dogs will enjoy it least. No matter your dog's age, however, try to keep tabs on the interaction until you're sure how things are progressing. Don't let your older dog overextend himself, and put the puppy behind a baby gate or in a crate to give your oldster a break from time to time.

Finally, save some energy and time for dog No. 1: Spend time together, just the two of you, so he realizes that he is still very much loved.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: The first half of your column in today's paper discussed the reasons for having a proper cat carrier. I do have one like the one you recommended, but there are some low-cost vaccination clinics (the kind that you receive coupons for in the mail) that specifically request that you do not use a cat carrier when bringing in your cat, but instead use a pillowcase. What could their reason possibly be for that request? -- S.R., Santa Rosa, Calif.

A: A cat will be more secure and more comfortable in a hard-sided carrier like the one you have. A vaccine clinic can be stressful enough for a cat without being slung about like a bag of potatoes.

Why the pillowcase? A cat in a pillowcase is easier to immobilize than one that must be removed from a carrier. This is especially important considering that many such clinics are held in open-air settings. A frightened cat can be slicker than snail slime and a real challenge to hold, especially when teeth and claws come into play.

My preference remains with the carrier, and with a veterinarian who has time to handle your cat with gentleness and look for health problems. A good working relationship with a veterinarian who knows your pet well is the best preventive medicine you can buy.

Q: I'm a diehard cat lover. I've been through cancer and diabetes with mine, and would do anything for them as long as they are enjoying their life.

I would never let any cat of mine outdoors unattended. Cat lovers are a tolerant people, but I think we do a disservice to each other by not speaking out when it comes to letting cats roam free outdoors. I've seen too many gruesome sights on the side of the road, knowing that I was looking at someone's beloved kitty, hoping that their owners would not have to see them like that and also angry that they think a cat has a chance against automobiles.

There are so many other things that are lethal to them, communicable diseases and dogs, and where I live there are also coyotes in abundance. I don't hesitate to share my views with cat lovers I know; if I can change one mind I'll be happy. I hope that you and others who can reach many more than I might help also. -- M.H., via the Internet

A: Only the subject of declawing is liable to spark a bigger fight than the one you'll get on the topic of indoor vs. outdoor cats. More cats than ever before are living completely inside, and that's changed since I started writing about pets nearly 20 years ago.

Cats do indeed live longer, healthier lives inside, but those who argue against keeping them in point out that indoor cats often have more behavioral problems -- or, at least, problems that we notice more often. If you choose to keep your cat indoors, you must make up for what he has lost -- an enriched and ever-changing environment. Ideally, that means access to fresh air in a screened-in room, but it surely means lots of toys, lots of play and lots of attention. Litterboxes cannot be neglected, and opportunities for scratching must be provided.

Behavioral problems are often our own fault, caused by our ignorance of emotional and physical needs of our caged tigers. If you do your part, your indoor cat will be very happy -- along with being healthy and safe.

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

Few negotiations are as complex and delicate as those between cats living together in a crowded house. Cats are by nature solitary, contemplative beings, and although we now know they are more social than we once gave them credit for, they still can't quite manage the jovial pack behavior of the dog. (Nor would they want to, of course.)

While some co-habitating cats become loving companions -- especially if raised together from kittenhood -- others live in a state akin to a cold war, with territories carefully drawn and fervently defended. One cat lives here, one cat lives there, and as long as everyone gets food, water, a clean litterbox and plenty of attention, life goes on in relative peace and quiet.

Until, that is, something turns up the heat on the cold war. Something like a tiny kitten who refuses to play by the rules.

I've spent some time recently waiting for just such a kitten, Agamemnon the Fearless, in the second-story bedroom of the gracious old South Georgia home where my friends Joe and Peg live, along with a blended family of kids, dog, cats, and a tough-minded cockatiel named Ed. ATF is one of two family additions that have taken place while I'm visiting. While the kitten was an unplanned delight, the other, the golden retriever grandpup of the aging Sundance, has been anticipated for months.

The cats are not happy with either addition, although of the two youngsters, the kitten seems to be the bigger problem as far as they're concerned. Four cats reside here, more or less peacefully, two upstairs and two down. The stairs function as sort of a demilitarized zone that not even the dogs dare cross.

Agamemnon doesn't know or care that he's heading where he ought not. The pint-sized gray panther, perhaps 8 weeks old and a pound if he's lucky, has a very heavy step on the stairs. Still, it's slow going. The risers are tall, and there are a lot of them, with two landings where the stairs turn again and continue upward. I hear ATF leap up the first flight, then rest, then the second flight, then rest. I know he is considering the final six steps.

His name was not given in jest. He is strong-willed and determined -- characteristics that surely account for his surviving being trapped between the walls of an old house for three days. Stairs are nothing to him. With a final explosion of energy, he gains the landing and heads to where I'm sitting, oblivious to the cats on either side of me.

Darlene, the creaky calico who reigns over the upstairs like an aging and ill-tempered Southern belle in reduced circumstances, warns him with a low yowl that he'd better mind his manners. He shows no signs of complying, so Darlene leaps onto the bookshelf, out of his reach. Momcats, a cross-eyed Siamese, hisses in fury and leaps out the window, perching on a sunny spot along the spine of the roof.

Agamemnon couldn't care less that he has sparked a wholesale re-evaluation of existing treaties and alliances. Yowls and hisses fill the house. Litterboxes are ignored, and even though I am an innocent bystander and impartial observer, I wake up one day to find something unwanted in my suitcase. Who did it? Who knows? The upstairs cats have been spotted in the downstairs hall, and one of the downstairs cats has come in through the second-story window.

The human contingent reacts with as much patience, understanding, extra litterboxes and strong cleaning solutions as can be mustered.

These things don't always work out, but in this case it seems they will. As I'm about to head for home, the spats have become less frequent, along with the messes. The four cats have reclaimed their old territory, and the baby Agamemnon is free to roam both upstairs and down. Within a few months, I'm sure, only my suitcase will bear the scars of conflict. A small sacrifice for peace, to be sure.

PETS ON THE WEB

The American Federation of Aviculture (http://www3.upatsix.com/afa/) is a nonprofit group that supports the keeping and breeding of pet birds, and educates and lobbies on their behalf. While most of the Web site is used for encouraging people to join the organization, a little digging around will reveal some useful articles on such topics as feather-picking and aviary construction.

PET TIP

When you have pets, accidents happen, which is why you should always have clean-up supplies on hand. Cleaning up messes quickly is not only better for your carpets, but it helps to prevent a repeat -- old smells tend to encourage pets to create new ones. Avoid cleaners that contain ammonia -- it smells like urine to pets -- and do look for those that contain enzymes designed to break down wastes and neutralize odors. You can find a selection of the latter at any good pet-supply store.

You can also make a fairly effective cleaner for fresh urine accidents with water, white vinegar and a gentle dish soap such as Ivory. Combine a quart of hot water from the faucet with a teaspoon of Ivory and a teaspoon of white vinegar. Blot the area with paper towels, then apply the solution liberally. Let the solution sit for a few minutes and blot again. (If you're worried about color-fastness, test in an out-of-site patch first.)

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I have a 10-year-old miniature schnauzer who started gaining weight about three months ago and is now terribly obese. I live on the second floor, and she can barely get up the stairs. What can I do for a quick weight loss? She can't walk very far without stopping and lying on her side. She pants constantly and seems to be miserable. Please help! Her name is Jil, and I love her dearly. -- E.C., via the Internet

A: Call your veterinarian right away, and especially before starting any weight-loss program. Because her weight came on so quickly and she is so incapacitated, you need to be sure there aren't other health problems involved. If everything checks out, follow your veterinarian's advice on a weight-reduction diet and a gradual increase in exercise.

No quick fixes here, though. Weight loss needs to be gradual for safety's sake. Pets become obese because of us. Your pet gets the exercise, food and treats you give her, no more and no less. She's not able to go to the store or prepare food on her own, or join a gym if she fancies.

Treats seem to be one of the biggest contributors to this epidemic. Some people give their pets plenty of between-meal goodies, not only from the Milkbone box but also from their own plates. All this adds up! Cutting out treats can be hard on both pet and pet owner, so try to cut back and switch to a low-cal treat such as carrot sticks.

Q: As you already probably know, Labs need a lot of attention in the early stages of life. I have a 7-month-old black Lab/chow mix (mostly Lab), and I want to know when I should start training -- I mean really start training. He has an attention span of about 15 to 20 minutes; then he loses interest. I don't want to force him too much, but I want him to listen.

My training experience has been limited to Rottweilers only. I had great success with them, but as you know, their disposition is greatly different from the more docile Labs. I am concerned about breaking the Lab's confidence.

With that in mind, can you give me your best recommendation for this loving, fun, intelligent and loyal companion of mine, so we both have many happy years together? -- P.T., via the Internet

A: All dogs need a lot of attention in the early stages of life. They are born as little sponges, soaking up good and bad behaviors from the very beginning, and that's when training should start, with gentle handling and exposure to the normal noises of a human household.

I'm a great fan of puppy classes, which begin as early as 12 weeks and are geared to teaching puppies to learn. These classes are loosely structured and lots of fun for both pets and people.

No dog needs to have his spirit broken to be trained. Training should be a way of forming a bond between you and your dog. In recent years, positive, reward-based training methods have gained wide acceptance, and I encourage you to take a class and learn how fun training can be.

Training in short intervals is highly effective and can more easily be fit into today's busy schedule. You can even train your dog in less time -- one minute here to sit before getting a food dish, a five-minute down-stay there while you iron a shirt. A good reference on this kind of training is Carol Lea Benjamin's "Dog Training in 10 Minutes" (Howell Book House-Macmillan General Reference), which can help you to integrate training your dog into your daily life.

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