My friends in the Midwest write that the snow is finally melting, and that their joy at the prospect of spring is lessened somewhat by the mud their dogs track in constantly. Even where I live, in generally sunny Northern California, the every-other-day rainstorms have me likewise tracking dogs through the house with old bath towels.

I fondly remember the days when I had one smallish dog, Lance, and he waited at the door for his paws to be wiped, lifting each in turn to make the job easier. Sure, I could train the three I have now to do the same, but I think about it only when it rains.

Mud isn't the only problem pet lovers deal with, of course. In fact, I've long considered that one of the great questions of our time is why in a house that's mostly tile and hardwood floors do dogs and cats choose the only piece of carpeting around when they feel the need to vomit?

While you're pondering that, let me offer some tried-and-true tips for keeping pet mess to a minimum.

-- Search and destroy past messes. Sometimes you can see them and not smell them; other times you can smell them and not see them. Chances are your pet knows where they are -- and will want to update the odor. Pet-supply outlets offer black lights that show old messes you might not be able to see. Veterinarians and trainers sometimes have these available for renting. Surface cleaning isn't enough. If the mess has soaked through, you must pull up the carpet and clean or replace the padding below.

-- Catch what you can. Put mats everywhere: Inside and outside of doors, under dishes and anywhere else that messes happen. If you want to experiment with color, look for car mats. They're easy to clean and come in a few colors besides basic black.

-- Don't delay cleanups. When accidents occur, you must clean them up promptly and thoroughly. Messes are easier to clean when they're fresh, and are less likely to leave a permanent stain.

-- Don't use ammonia-based cleaners on pet messes. They smell like urine to a pet -- ammonia being one of the byproducts of decomposing pet waste. So instead of making the area smell clean, ammonia products make a mess site seem even more attractive to your pet.

Instead, use products designed for pet messes. These liquid products -- Nature's Miracle, Simple Solution, Fresh 'N' Clean and Nilodor are a few on the market -- have enzymes that break down organic wastes and neutralize odors. For fresh urine, you can make up a good cleaner on your own. Dog-lover Anne Cotton of Massachusetts has a good recipe: One quart hot water from the faucet, one teaspoon Ivory dish soap, one teaspoon white vinegar (it neutralizes the odor). Shake a bit. Blot the area with paper towels, then wet with the cleaner to cover but not enough to soak the area. Let sit 15 minutes, then blot again.

I keep a "pet mess kit" -- paper towels, old bath towels and cleaning solutions -- in a bucket in the hall closet. I'm not the neatest person around, but my house is as clean as it can be with three muddy dogs tracking in and out. I'm proud of that.

PETS ON THE WEB

The Spinone Italiano is the latest breed to gain full status at the American Kennel Club, and starting in September the fuzzy dogs will be eligible to pursue AKC championships. The Spinone is a large dog with thick, wiry coat and an appealing fuzzy face. Breeders brag about the dogs' temperament and hunting ability, and insist that any potential owners have a high tolerance for messiness -- the Spinone is no dog for the white-carpet set. The Spinone Club of America's Web site (www.spinone.com) offers everything you could possibly want to know about the breed, and includes plenty of pictures and experiences from loving owners.

THE SCOOP

Bigger is better when it comes to buying a bird cage. A good rule of thumb: Whatever the pet store labels for the bird you choose, pick the next size up, at the very least. A cockatiel, for example, will be happier in a cage made for a small to midsized parrot. Buying the biggest cage you can manage does come with a word of caution, though: Make sure the bar spacing is appropriate for your bird. Your bird should not be able to fit his head between the bars. Basic spacing for a cockatiel is 3/4-inch. Finches need less room between bars, while Amazons, Macaws and other large parrots need more.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: We recently bought a hand-fed cockatoo from a local breeder. It was a big outlay, not just for the bird, but also the cage, a play gym, toys, perches and more. She recommends buying an air cleaner, too. But before we pull out the credit card again, we want an assurance that this is really necessary. -- D.B., via e-mail

A: Paying attention to air quality is good for your bird, and good for you, too. Some species of pet birds --- your cockatoo is perhaps the best example -- give off a lot of feather dust, a powdery natural grooming material that originates from the powderdown feathers over the flank and hip areas. (Other dusty species include the cockatiel and the African grey parrot.)

One dusty bird can really reduce the air quality of a room. More than one can make it downright unbreathable for both you and your birds. (Remember: Feather dust is not a problem when a bird's in a natural environment outside.) It's a matter of personal preference, of course, but if you're living with one or more dusty birds, I agree with your breeder: Go for the air filter. You and your bird will both breathe better for your decision, and you can look forward to a reduction in your home's dusting requirements.

Another related item to consider is a humidifier. Our climate-controlled houses are often too dry for our birds, many of whom are of species most at home in tropical rainforests. Daily misting of your bird is a great idea but so, too, is keeping the moisture content of the air up with a humidifier. If you live in Hawaii or South Florida or another tropical environment, lack of humidity isn't a concern. In other parts of the country, however, dry air can make your bird uncomfortable.

Q: In response to the reader with the "outdoor Persian," we do have an indoor Persian who gets hairballs so bad that he vomits several times daily. Since he is not shown, we now shave him with professional pet trimmers. He is so happy. Although he is almost 12, he acts like a kitten once we are complete.

His appearance is comical when first trimmed: big head, fluffy tail, large legs and paws and a slim, stylish body. His coat is soft and velvety when growing out. Once it reaches approximately 3/4 to 1 inch (in about two months), we trim again. He is used to it and does not fuss much if we proceed quickly. -- E.Y. via e-mail

A: Nothing succeeds like excess, and that's true in a lot of dog and cat breeds. Generations of breeding for lots of showy coat have produced animals who are at least a part-time job to maintain in top form. Fine for show people, but not for pet owners -- which is why there's plenty of business for groomers.

If you cannot or don't want to keep up with the brushing, combing and dematting of a high-maintenance breed on a daily basis, clipping is best solution. Still, it seems sadly counter to the reason why many people buy these breeds in the first place. After all, the long silky coat is part of the appeal of a Persian.

If you want a shorthaired Persian, incidentally, you don't have to shave one. Most people outside the show world don't know that some popular cats come in long- and shorthaired varieties. The oddly named Exotic Shorthair, for example, is really a Persian with short hair. Like the Abyssinian but want a little more coat? Try a Somali.

In all practicality, though, most cat-lovers will find the feline love of their life among the ranks of the homeless. Kitten season is close at hand, and if you're thinking of a visit to your shelter, be sure to factor in the responsibilities that long hair brings when you're choosing your pet.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.

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

There has never been a better time to have a parrot as a pet. The hand-raised and well-socialized baby birds available from reputable breeders and bird shops today are a far cry from the days when most pet birds were wild creatures torn from their homes overseas.

Today we know more about proper nutrition, more about preventive health care, more about behavior. And as a result, the potential for an incredible relationship with a parrot -- everything from the smallest budgie to largest macaw -- has never been better.

To make the relationship work, however, you need to set the right tone from the first. You need to assure your new bird that you are a wonderful, kind and fun person, but you also need to gently but firmly establish that you are the boss. This is done through consistent, firm handling and gentle training -- never, ever through punishment.

It's not hard, if you follow some basic guidelines:

-- Learn when to leave your bird alone. Birds are emotional and sometimes quite moody, and there are times when it's best just to let them be. As you come to know your bird better, you'll be able to identify clearly the times when he wants to be with you and when he wants to be left alone. Give him space when he needs it.

-- Control your bird's comings and goings. Instead of opening the cage door to let your pet out, ask your bird to step up onto your hand and then bring him out. Likewise, give the "step up" command when it's time to put your bird back in his cage. This routine may seem like no big deal to you, but you're sending a message of leadership to your bird.

-- Keep training sessions short and upbeat. Parrots are highly intelligent, but they don't have the longest attention spans. They get bored easily. Several short interactive sessions a day -- just a couple minutes at a time -- are better than one or two long ones.

-- Don't let your bird ignore a command. If you say "step up," persist until your bird complies, or you'll set yourself up for trouble down the road. Birds are very smart, and if they figure a way around you, they'll take it. Once your leadership starts to erode, you'll have a hard time reclaiming your position.

-- Keep your bird at a level lower than your head. In the bird world, higher birds are leader birds. In the beginning, keep your bird's cage and play gyms below the level of your chin. When playing with your bird, keep your arm low, too, and don't let your bird on your shoulder. Later in your relationship you may allow your bird higher perches if he's not too much of a social-climber. Some birds, though, always need to be kept "down" to prevent misbehavior and aggression.

-- Talk to your bird. Make eye contact and say anything or everything that's on your mind. Birds learn by repetition and by mimicry, so start "naming" things for your bird. For example, when you want to pet your bird, ask him if it's OK, saying something like, "Want a pet?" or "Want a tickle?" or even "Tickle, tickle?" When your bird makes the connection, he'll drop his head to ask for petting -- or he may even use the phrase you've chosen!

Above all, don't ruin any good habits the breeder instilled in your bird by letting your pet become a demanding brat. Set limits and stick to them. Your bird will love you for it.

PETS ON THE WEB

No, they're not really pets, but I can't imagine there's an animal lover out there who doesn't find butterflies appealing. The North American Butterfly Association Web site (www.naba.org) offers a great deal of useful information, including some you might not have thought of on your own. For example, the NABA explains why the current fad of releasing butterflies at weddings isn't such a good idea for the environment or the butterflies themselves. The site also answers questions on butterflies, explains where and how to see them in your area, and offers some useful links to other butterfly-related spots on the Web. Also included is information on how to join this nonprofit group.

THE SCOOP

The end of winter means wet dogs, whether it's from melting snow or the rains that herald the coming of spring. And wet dogs mean wet-dog smell, one of the nastier odors around. I live with wet-dog smell all year-round -- it's part of the deal when you share your life with retrievers -- but find the smell intolerable in the winter only, when the house is closed up tight. The best wet-dog odor-chaser I've found is OrangeMate Mist, a non-aerosol product made from citrus extract. (The same company also makes the product with lime or lemon extract.) I keep a can in the car and two in the house, and find that nothing chases away wet-dog smell more quickly. The products can be found in grocery or hardware stores, or from home catalogs such as The Vermont Country Store (802-362-8440). The 7-ounce size retails for about $10, but it lasts forever.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: People should go to the pound to adopt a pet and forget how wonderfully pretentious they will be with an artificially expensive purebred. We should help the growing pet population by adopting the available dogs instead of getting one from a reputable or backyard breeder. Put these people out of business, I say! - M.R., via e-mail

A: This is where good people can agree to disagree. While I have always supported shelters and rescue groups, I also recognize that some people are going to want a purebred animal. There's nothing wrong with that choice. Purebreds offer predictability in terms of size, appearance and temperament. For some people, predictability is important.

It's important to remember, though, that it's not an either-or situation -- either you get a purebred or you go to a shelter. The facts are quite the opposite: You can find plenty of purebreds in shelters! A good place to find any pet is a shelter or rescue group, always. The shelters are full of animals, purebred and mixed, who'd be wonderful pets and desperately need a second chance.

But if someone wants a purebred puppy, making a careful choice in regard to the breeder is very important. If you buy from a reputable breeder, you greatly lessen the possibility of getting an animal with health or temperament problems. You also send a message to careless breeders and puppy-mill operators.

The bottom line is to take your time, do your homework, and consider all the possibilities. Shelters and rescue groups offer wonderful dogs, as do reputable breeders. As for the rest -- I wouldn't recommend them.

Q: Our 15-year-old male cat died recently, leaving a sister, and we're planning to get another kitten. I've heard lots of the basics about how to introduce a kitten, but wondered if gender makes a difference? -- A.S., via e-mail

A: Because older cats do so poorly when stressed, you should think very seriously before introducing a kitten to your household.

A kitten's playful ways just aren't appreciated by a geriatric cat and may prompt behavior problems such as litter-box avoidance or a loss of appetite -- the latter a serious health concern in all cats, but especially in older ones.

You know your cat best, though. If she's in good health and her outlook is friendly and playful, then a new addition might be OK. I don't think the gender of the new kitten will make that much difference.

The key to introducing cats is to do it slowly and let them have their own space. When you're gone, keep the kitten in a separate room, with food, water, toys, a scratching post and a litter box. That way your older cat can have some peace.

When you're home to mediate, let the pair work things out on their own as much as possible. Don't thrust the new kitten on your old cat. Keep the kitten occupied with play -- chasing a toy on a string is great fun. All the energy you can help the kitten burn in play will be energy not spent pestering your older cat.

If you're not sure your cat will welcome a kitten, don't get one. Let her be the special one for the rest of her life, and consider a new kitten after she's gone.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.

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

Madison Square Garden in New York City is a pretty big place, and it is packed during the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. I was there for the recent event because it's the ultimate dog fix, because I was covering it, and because I wanted to meet up with some of my best friends.

I knew the last task would be the hardest because I had never met them, had only the faintest clue what they looked like, and had no knowledge what they sounded like. How could this be? Friends I'd never met? Easy: We were part of the big community of pet lovers on the Internet.

I belong to a couple of mailing lists, the online equivalent of a discussion group, and I frequent a few online message boards. Over the years you get a feel for the people, and you start to form friendships with those with whom you share some commonalities -- same kind of pet, same kind of attitude toward pets.

In recent years I've met a few such people in person. One couple in particular are now among my very best friends, even though they're 3,000 miles away. I spend a week or two in their home every fall, and I know their kids (two), dogs (four), cats (six) and bird (one) almost as well as I know my own family. Heck, they (BEGIN ITALICS)are(END ITALICS) my family. The same is true of a couple of dog lovers who live much closer to me, a mere four-hour drive away. We were once just words on a computer screen. Now they too are family.

Still, it's one thing to visit someone's home -- you can guess it's them when they answer the door -- and quite another to find someone in a crowd as vast as the one at this dog show. A couple of people found me the first day of the show; I found the rest the second. I never would have spotted the retriever gang I was hoping to find had not one of them been wearing a T-shirt with a likeness of her dog on it -- the same rare breed I have.

"Is that a flat-coated retriever?" I ventured. "Are you Gina?" she said. The answer, in both cases, was "yes." You'd have thought we were a couple of spies talking in secret code -- "The owl hoots at midnight." All that was missing was a secret handshake.

Instead, there were hugs all around and plenty of pictures. We imposed on some jaded New Yorker to take our group picture in front of the wall of show-dog pictures. The woman was amazingly patient, snapping a single picture with at least a half-dozen different cameras. Everyone wanted to remember the moment.

This group of purely electronic acquaintances, mostly golden retriever owners, had decided to come to the show to meet. They weren't people with show dogs, for the most part -- just people brought together by the love of their dogs.

I later caught up with the flat-coat group, in the area where the dogs are displayed when they're not in the ring. Again, it felt like home. One woman I've "known" for about four years now (but never really met until the second day of the dog show) knew me well enough to know what I needed most. "Do you want a dog fix?" she asked. I spent the next few minutes snuggling with one of hers, which made being away from mine a little easier.

The Internet is a mixed blessing, many have argued. For some, it is isolating: Their contact with other people never goes beyond the electronic level. For others, it's dangerous: They fall deeper and deeper into destructive obsessions. But for others -- and I'm certainly one of the fortunate -- the Internet has been a way to connect with people you'd never have met otherwise, people who really ought to be in your life.

That's what I was thinking when the nice New Yorker told us all to smile for the camera. I put my arm around a fellow animal lover and was happy as a golden retriever to be with my friends.

THE SCOOP

New York City was one of the first to put in a pooper-scooper law, and the penalty for ignoring it will cost you dearly: $100 if you're caught. There are a lot of dogs in the city -- all sizes, shapes and mixes imaginable -- but not a lot of dog mess. In fact, I didn't see any during my stay. And that's pretty amazing considering that the few blocks around Madison Square Garden during the Westminster show are teaming with 2,600 of the nation's top show dogs -- a high concentration, even for population-dense New York. There was a whole lot of scooping going on, with the simplest of devices in use: the plastic bag. Forget all the fancy scoops you might see in the catalogs. The pros use a simple sandwich bag for small dogs, and any manner of larger ones for dogs as large as Great Danes. It's easy, it's neat, it's done ... just like that. There's no excuse not to scoop, even if your town won't fine you for leaving a mess behind.

PETS ON THE WEB

A must-see stop for dog lovers in New York is the William Secord Gallery, offering the loveliest of dog paintings at prices out of the range of most of us. Secord used to be the curator of the Dog Museum of America, and when that organization moved to St. Louis, he opened a gallery. There's always a stunning show during Westminster, and this year's was no exception, with the work of 19th-century painter Sir Edwin Landseer on display. You don't have to come to Manhattan to see the collections, though. The gallery has put it all on the Web at www.dogpainting.com. Just make sure you're sitting down before you click on the prices.

QUESTIONS FROM THE PACK

Q: I'm very frustrated with my parrot, Charley. He's an Amazon (yellow naped) and a real brat. I scold him all the time and even yell at him sometimes, but he's very poorly mannered. What can I do? -- G.R., via e-mail

A: Have you ever had a teacher or boss who never had anything nice to say about anything you did but came down hard on you if you made a mistake? Did you find that person likable? Do you enjoy being around that person, or were you stressed-out waiting for the boom to fall?

We're not sure why so many people are so quick to criticize and so slow to praise, but we do know this all-too-human tendency can have a negative effect on your bird. Instead of waiting to catch your bird doing something wrong, look for opportunities to praise your pet. A few sweet words, a favorite treat or a neck scratch -- your bird deserves these signs of respect for being the kind of companion you want him to be, however briefly he's managing to pull it off.

Is he playing quietly with a toy? Staying on his play gym? Show him you approve! Spend time with your bird every day, working on good behaviors, playing with toys together, and just plain hanging out. Talk to your bird, snuggle your bird, if he likes that sort of thing (not all do), and take time to figure out your bird's favorite places to be scratched.

If the only time you deal with your bird is to (occasionally) clean up the cage, change the food and water, and yell at him for screaming, you're not holding up your end of the deal. Ideally, your pet bird should be a member of your family. Make him one, and always keep an eye out for opportunities to let your bird know he's appreciated. He'll appreciate you in return!

You might also benefit from a call to an avian behaviorist, who can help show you how to train your bird. An avian veterinarian should be able to refer you to someone.

Q: I watched the Westminster dog show, and I was glad that poodle didn't win. That haircut was ridiculous! Why is that necessary for showing? I feel sorry for the dog. -- P.H., via e-mail

A: You may not have liked that big white poodle, but this Westminster finalist came into the show as the top dog in the sport. As for the haircuts, these dogs are used to it, and after their show careers are over they're usually cut down into something easier to live with. The poodle's show cut has a sensible origin: It was supposed to help the dog while swimming. Hair was removed from where it was thought to be in the way, and was left where it was thought to keep the dog warm -- over the chest and neck, over the ankles and hips.

Things have gotten pretty ridiculous since, I agree, but don't look for any changes soon. Even a good dog couldn't win without that haircut. It's interesting to note that there has been a surge of interest in using the larger poodles for their original purpose -- as smart, responsive and hardworking retrievers. The poodles who work in the field are usually cut short -- not shaved, just trimmed down. They swim just fine, thank you very much.

Gina Spadafori is the award-winning author of "Dogs for Dummies," "Cats for Dummies" and "Birds for Dummies." She is also affiliated with the Veterinary Information Network Inc., an international online service for veterinary professionals. Write to her in care of this newspaper, or send e-mail to writetogina(at)spadafori.com.

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