When veterinary oncologist Dr. Melinda Van Vechten was starting her career in the late '80s, there wasn't much to offer a person whose pet had been diagnosed with cancer.

"People were pretty much told 'Your pet has cancer' and that was that," she says.

That's not the case anymore. Today, says Van Vechten, there's a wide range of options, everything from hospice care aimed at pain-management to the most aggressive surgical, chemo and radiation therapies. The outcome? Cures for some pets, long-term remissions for others and, for the rest, a good quality of life for a little extra time.

For many people, even the latter outcome can be a better option than nothing at all.

Van Vechten's recently opened veterinary hospital -- Northern California Veterinary Specialists in Sacramento, Calif. -- covers the range of options and outcomes. The hospital has such cutting-edge diagnostic and treatment equipment as a CT scanner and a nuclear accelerator, and all the latest medications for fighting the disease and treating the pain.

But perhaps the most poignant sign of how hard the fight against cancer can be, the center also has a quiet room set aside for tearful goodbyes when there's nothing more to be offered to a pet except a final release from suffering.

With the life of an animal not that long to begin with, at least not compared to a human lifespan, even the victories can seem short-lived. But for many people, a few more months or a few more years with a pet is worth pursuing, if a good quality of life can be maintained.

"People like knowing that cancer's not the end of it, that something's available," she says. "It's all about getting the word out that there's something we can do."

That "something" can be expensive, no doubt about it. In a concrete bunker in the rear of the center, the nuclear accelerator looms. The cost of the equipment and the highly trained operators make radiation therapy an option out of reach of many pet lovers, admits Van Vechten, who says that some cancer treatment regimens can easily run into five figures. Even the cost of finding out exactly what's wrong with a pet can be prohibitively expensive for many people, when factoring in the use of diagnostic equipment such as an ultrasound or CT scanner.

For Van Vechten, it comes back to options. She says being a veterinary oncologist is about helping people make their decisions knowing what all their choices are. It's also about helping them to be realistic about the probable outcomes of those decisions.

As you talk to Van Vechten, you get a sense of how oncology is different in human medicine vs. veterinary medicine. In human medicine, allowing someone to die of cancer virtually untreated except for pain medication can be highly controversial, and euthanasia is even more of a highly charged topic. In veterinary medicine, euthanasia is an accepted and merciful end to suffering, a final act of love for a cherished animal companion.

"In my years of practice, I've had very few people who wouldn't let go when it was time to let go," says Van Vechten. "Sometimes it's not humane to keep treating an animal. I don't go for the maximum days of life. I go for the maximum quality of life."

For some pets with cancer, the quality is very good indeed, and so is the length of time left to be shared. These are the victories most savored by pet lovers and veterinarians alike.

SIDEBAR

Cancer: Know the signs

According to veterinary oncologist Dr. Melinda Van Vechten, these are some of the warning signs of cancer in dogs and cats:

-- asymmetrical swelling

-- lumps and bumps

-- a wound that doesn't heal

-- unexplained weight loss

-- lameness that can't be attributed to injury

-- an older pet who's not thriving

-- unexplained vomiting or diarrhea

Any of these signs should be checked out by your veterinarian without delay. A couple of the best ways to protect your cat or dog from some common cancers are to alter them and keep them from secondhand smoke, according to Van Vechten.

Q&A

Lower voices earn respect

Q: Around our house it's "Wait until your father gets home" as far as our dog is concerned. Bess is our corgi, and the only person she minds is my husband. She ignores me and our 8-year-old daughter. It's irritating! Why doesn't she listen to us, and how can we change things? -- F.P., via e-mail

A: A deep voice gets respect. That's true with people and that's true with dogs.

"Most men have deeper voices than do most women," says dog trainer and award-winning author Liz Palika, who notes that canine mothers use a deep growl when correcting bad behavior in their young puppies.

Most women start out with higher-pitched voices than most men have, and when women get frustrated or angry, their pitch goes even higher. "In verbal canine language, a high-pitched voice means either play or hurt," says Palika. "Neither of these convey authority."

Palika says people with higher-pitched voices can learn to speak so their dogs will respect them. "A deep sound, such as 'acckkk' or 'errr-errr' -- think of Tim Allen in 'Home Improvement' (saying) 'power tools, errr-errr!' -- is all that's needed," she says. "The sound gets the dog's attention."

I have a funny story to add to this: In gatherings of dog trainers, I've noticed that both men and women use deeper voices and authoritative body language with each other -- probably because they're used to being aware of the impact of pitch and stature more than most other people.

At one meeting years ago, I listened as a controversial issue was being discussed. The dog trainers dropped the pitch of their voices and pulled themselves up on their toes like terriers who'd spotted a rat. They made clear, bold eye contact when arguing their case, and even averted their eyes submissively when conceding a point.

To this day I don't remember the topics of discussion, but I clearly remember the body language of the people in the room. It was like watching wolves on a nature show.

Save the houseplants!

Q: Is it possible to have both houseplants and cats? I ask out of desperation. My two cats seem to spend their days thinking of new ways to destroy my plants. -- H.L., via e-mail

A: You'll need to make some compromises. First, check your plants to make sure none of them presents a health risk to your cats. You can find lists of toxic plants in many general-reference cat books, or on the Web site of the Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc). To protect your plants, hang up as many of them as you can, and cover the soil of those you can't with sharp-edged decorative rocks to discourage digging.

You can also make the leaves icky-tasting by coating them with something your cat finds disagreeable. Cat-discouragers include Bitter Apple, available at any pet-supply store, or Tabasco sauce.

Give your cats plants of their own. Sow grass seeds in a shallow planter and keep a fresh crop of seedlings for nibbling. In an area away from your cats, put some catnip in pots. Once these plants are established, you can use fresh trimmings to rub on cat trees and to stuff in toys to keep your pets entertained.

I'd also recommend more activities for your cats -- more toys and more interactive games, such as using a cat "fishing" toy. Your cats are probably a tad bored, and more opportunities for safe, nondestructive play will help keep them out of trouble.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

THE SCOOP

No matter the size, dogs are wolves

As strange as it may seem when considering the incredible range of sizes, shapes and even coat types and markings, every dog from the smallest Chihuahua to the tallest Irish wolfhound is genetically a wolf.

Mark Derr, author of "A Dog's History of America" and "Dog's Best Friend" and a regular contributor on dog-related issues to national magazines, points out that the dog was reclassified as a wolf several years ago, and is no longer considered to be a stand-alone species.

Our meddling into their breeding is behind the wide range of types in dogs, and it's likely if we stopped today, dogs would eventually mix it up on their own until they ended up looking a lot more like wolves, says Derr.

"When left to breed freely, dogs revert to a generalized pariah-type often associated with the dingo or pariah dog of India or generic husky -- a medium-sized, prick-eared animal with a ginger, black, black and tan, white, and parti-colored coats," notes Derr. He adds: "The dog doesn't have to revert to the wolf. The dog is a wolf -- albeit a wolf who exists in human society." -- G.S.

PET Rx

Know when your pet might have a fever

Everyone with a dog or cat should be able to take a pet's temperature.

Although you can find a special thermometer for dogs and cats in any pet-supply catalog or well-equipped pet store, you can also use an ordinary glass or digital-readout "people" device from your pharmacy.

To take your pet's temperature, lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y. Gently and slowly insert the thermometer about 1 or 2 inches into your pet's fanny.

Leave the thermometer in place for a couple of minutes. In a normal cat or dog, the temperature should be between 100 degrees and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, and the thermometer should be almost clean after it's removed. Anything much above or below that range is cause for concern, as is any blood on the thermometer. Call your veterinarian if you have concerns.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

PET TIP

Hypoallergenic dog? Don't bet on it

All dogs have the potential to cause misery in allergy sufferers, no matter the breed or mix, or the hair (or lack thereof). So say top allergy and asthma specialists, such as Dr. Harold Nelson of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.

The dogs that are widely hyped to be safe for allergy sufferers are those with poodle-like coats. The list includes poodles, of course, and all those doodle-poodle mixes. Some people also believe dogs with little or no hair are also good for allergy sufferers.

The problem with the fur theory, according to Nelson, is that it's not the fur that causes the problems. He says allergies are caused by a substance found in the sebaceous glands in a dog's skin. The substance clings to the skin and hair, and ends up everywhere. Sneezing and wheezing in people with allergies are the result.

"The animal's hair is the carrier, not the source," says Nelson, who adds that every warm-blooded animal produces similar allergens. In other words, if you really want a hypoallergenic pet, think reptile, or maybe fish.

That said, some breeds seem to be better tolerated by some people with allergies, but reactions vary from person to person and dog to dog. The American Kennel Club suggests 15 breeds that may be easier on allergy sufferers. These include: the Bedlington terrier, bichon frise, the hairless Chinese crested, Irish water spaniel, Kerry blue terrier, Maltese, all three sizes of poodle, Portuguese water dog, all three sizes of schnauzer, soft-coated wheaten terrier and the xoloitzcuintli (like the Chinese crested, a small hairless breed).

In general, smaller dogs seem to be less of a problem than larger ones, but Nelson points out that this is because smaller dogs put out smaller amounts of allergen. Bathing your dog frequently can help, as can keeping pets out of your bedroom so you can have an allergy-free sleep.

BY THE NUMBERS

Pet popularity grows

The American Pet Product Manufacturers Association started tracking pet ownership trends in 1988, when 51.7 percent of U.S. households reported keeping a pet. In the last decade, the trend has gained momentum:

Year U.S. households with pets Percent of total U.S. population

1996 99,000 59 percent

1998 100,400 61 percent

2000 101,868 62 percent

2002 104,090 62 percent

2004 110,633 63 percent

ON THE WEB

Cat images sites keep multiplying

Where will it end? There seems to be no shortage of Web sites for people to share their goofiest pictures of their cats.

One of the best-known is My Cat Hates You (www.mycathatesyou.com), which has been so popular, the images were compiled into two books and a Page-a-Day calendar (all available for sale on the Web site, of course). Then came the Stuff on My Cat site (www.stuffonmycat.com), to which people submitted images of bemused kitties with everything from CD cases to candy bars piled on top of them.

But wait. There's more! How about Cats in Sinks (www.catsinsinks.com) and The Cat Box (www.flickr.com/groups/catbox), for pictures of cats in boxes. For that matter, just go to the photo-sharing site Flikr (www.flickr.com) and search for images tagged with the word "cat" or "cats." You'll find enough images -- more than 400,000 -- to keep you looking for years. -- G.S.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

When Elaine Richards first saw something move across the lanes of traffic on one of the busiest stretches of highway in the country, she thought it was a discarded magazine, pushed along by the brisk winds off the San Francisco Bay.

Then she hoped that's what it was, not wanting to consider the alternative. She saw people pop out of their cars in the midst of stalled rush-hour traffic. They would then close their doors, no doubt shaking their heads in helplessness.

And then she knew, for certain.

What had flittered across the lanes was a kitten, stranded on the roadway approaching San Francisco's Bay Bridge. She also knew she was his only hope.

A sensible woman, she realized the traffic was at a dead stop and that the kitten would die if she did nothing. He was standing on the center shoulder, every hair erect, his tail puffed out to the fullest.

"I couldn't live with myself if I left him," she said. "I knew the worst that would happen was that people would get mad at me. I said to myself, 'I'm going to get this guy off the road.'"

The terrified kitten wouldn't cooperate. He started across the traffic lanes, and Richards shooed him back onto the center shoulder. And then ... she lost him.

Another driver told her the kitten had disappeared under a nearby car. Richards asked the driver not to move, and looked underneath.

"I saw little white toes and great big eyes sitting on top of the wheel. I never heard a little animal hiss so loudly," she said. "I said to the driver, 'Do you have a coat or something so I can grab the kitty?' His passenger handed me a very nice scarf."

She took a deep breath, dug in tight with her fingers and pulled the little scrap of fur out. "He bit me like a stapler," she said. "But I couldn't let go. I knew he was dead if I let him go."

She scruffed the kitten and handed back the scarf with a thank you. Back in her car, she watched the kitten disappear under her dashboard as she headed for the animal control department in San Francisco. She knew she and the kitten both needed medical attention.

In San Francisco, the kennel attendant couldn't extricate the kitten from the dash and said that the animal control officer would have to try later. Richards decided the cat was fine where he was, and she'd come back after meeting her obligations in the city.

Later, the kitten was pulled out with no small amount of fuss. "She had a good grip on him, and he was making noises like something a lion cub would make," she said. "Hissing, spitting, yowling."

Eventually, it took a pencil in the fanny to get the little guy moved to where he could be reached.

Richards named the little gray ball Nimitz, after the stretch of freeway where he'd been found. She knew the bite meant he'd need to be quarantined, and she feared he was too wild to have potential as a pet. But soon she found allies: a friend who was willing to adopt him, and an animal control staff eager to tame and treat him.

She and the kitten spent the next 10 days on antibiotics, and eventually she was allowed to adopt the kitten for her friend Kerri Pidnow.

What she took out of the shelter was a completely different kitten from the one she'd left there. "He was purring in my arms," she said. "A little butterball."

Nimitz has settled in happily into his new home with Pidnow and her cat, Mouse. As for Richards, the experience has changed her.

She has now gone through two animal-behavior classes and has signed up to volunteer at the Oakland SPCA. When she was the only one willing to help little Nimitz, she realized she was capable of helping even more.

"I was a kitty's superhero," she said.

From the animals of Hurricane Katrina to a kitten on a California freeway, never underestimate the power of one person who says, "I need to do something."

If enough of us say it, the world will be a better place for us all.

Q&A

More exercise for active dog

Q: I have a very active border collie/blue heeler mix. He is about 8 months old and has recently discovered how fun it can be to destroy the carpets. He also loves to make a mess. We have a dog door, so when we are gone he has full use of the house.

He obviously is getting very bored. We run him four miles a day, but besides getting a companion for him -- I can't get another dog at this time -- what can we do? Doggie day care? Doggie gyms? Behavior training? -- M.M., via e-mail

A: Sporting breeds, herding breeds and their mixes are notorious for their high activity levels, especially in their adolescent and young adult periods. That's why I never recommend dogs such as border collies for people who plan to do nothing more than give them a sedate daily walk.

These dogs are just too high-drive for many situations, especially when you factor in that these are also some of the smartest pets around. (Contrast the active herding and sporting breeds with sighthounds such as retired racing greyhounds. These "40 mph couch potatoes" are often a better choice for a more sedentary household.)

I do like the idea of doggie day care for active dogs, providing nonstop supervised play. These businesses are still relatively rare, though, and the prices can add up, so they may not work for you. (I've used day care from time to time with one of my young dogs, with good results.)

Normally, I'd say your dog needs exercise, but four miles a day ... wow! Can you supplement that with 30 to 40 minutes of retrieving every day? The more exercise, the better.

While you're gone, I'd limit your dog's range and leave him with something to keep him busy. One suggestion: stuffed Kongs.

You take your basic Kong dog toy, stuff it with peanut butter and bits of kibble or biscuits, and freeze it. Then give it to your dog when you're leaving the house. With a simple Internet search, you can find all kinds of recipes and ideas for stuffing Kongs. There's also a machine available for dispensing stuffed Kongs throughout the day. (KongTime retails for $140 to $150 from pet suppliers.)

Use a baby gate or other barrier to keep your dog in a small area with his Kong and other chew toys while you're gone to minimize distraction and destruction -- no more free run of the house!

You might also consider getting involved in a dog sport. Since you and your dog are both so fit and athletic, I bet you'd both be great at canine agility.

No chocolate

Q: We have a 14-year-old Westie who is doing very well, and we try to keep him on a diet. The problem is that my wife tries to slip him treats that I think may be bad for him, especially chocolate. I've read that chocolate is a no-no. Can you advise us? -- R.D., via e-mail

A: Chocolate is indeed toxic to dogs. Even though it would take more than a little treat to make most dogs really sick, you're better off not giving your dog any of it.

Many people who have their dogs on good, sensible diets seem determined to botch things up by stuffing their pets full of treats all day long. Although an occasional treat won't do much harm to a dog's diet, acting like a nonstop goodie dispenser will sabotage your overall efforts to keep your pet at a healthy weight.

Get your wife to understand that food is not love. Keep treats to a minimum. And instead of handing out foods with chocolate, high fats or processed sugar, give tiny amounts of healthy pet treats, or even slivers of carrots or apples, or small pieces of rice cakes.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET TIP

Rough rope perfect for feline clawing

You don't have to declaw your cat. If you discourage your pet from clawing your furniture and offer attractive alternatives, it's likely you can have your décor left alone without putting your pet through the ordeal of surgery.

Some cats like to scratch horizontally, some vertically. It's good to offer choices -- sturdy cat trees and posts, as well as products designed for a good horizontal scratch. Sisal rope is an attractive scratching material for many cats, and it can be wrapped around vertical elements to freshen up a worn post or tree.

For corners of the furniture that are attracting feline attention, use double-sided tape (or a product like Sticky Paws) to discourage your pet. Place cat trees or posts next to the area you're trying to get your cat to avoid, and reward your pet for using an acceptable alternative. You won't have to live with a cat tree in the middle of the living room forever: Move it in small increments until it's where you want it.

If your pet's a catnip junkie, be sure to rub some fresh clippings on to the approved scratching area to make it even more appealing.

ON THE WEB

Plenty to learn on SF SPCA site

The San Francisco SPCA has been one of the most influential animal shelters in the country, a pioneer in the no-kill movement, as well as its efforts to humanely reduce feral cat populations and increase the reach of kinder methods of training and behavior modification for pets.

The organization's Web site (www.sfspca.org) shows its interest in spreading the word beyond the borders of the notably progressive city. Printable information is available on topics ranging from disaster preparedness to pet loss and providing for a pet in a will. There's also top-quality information on working through behavior problems with dogs and cats, and on fostering orphaned kittens.

While a lot of the information is of interest only to people in the San Francisco Bay Area, there's enough here to help all kinds of pet lovers to make the site worth a visit. Plus, you can order cool SF SPCA logo gear online!

BREED TYPE

Ridgeback excels as family companion

The Rhodesian ridgeback was bred in Africa as an all-purpose farm dog, family guardian and hunter. They have developed into a breed almost ideally suited to be a family companion: athletic but not hyper, friendly but not fawning, protective but not aggressive.

The ridgeback is a short-coated dog ranging from 70 pounds to 90 pounds. The breed gained its name from the distinctive ridge of hair along its spine, the probable legacy of an African dog believed to be one of its ancestors. They are clean and quiet, and they shed very little.

Ridgebacks are hounds, and therefore somewhat stubborn and independent. Because they will cheerfully take off after anything that smells interesting or runs past, good fencing is essential. They also need daily walks, and a chance to get some free running exercise in a safely fenced area once or twice a week.

Rambunctious as a puppy, the mature ridgeback is quiet in the home and great with children. And in the home is where a Ridgeback needs to live, as these dogs are very attached to their human family members and will be unhappy if isolated.

Rhodesian ridgebacks also possess one other notable breed trait: They like their food. It's critical that you not allow your dog to overeat, because few ridgebacks have any kind of "off" switch when it comes to food.

Ridgebacks can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, thyroid disease, cataracts and a congenital defect known as dermoid sinus. Some Ridgebacks are ridgeless. So if the ridge is important to you, make sure the puppy you obtain has one. To avoid problems with health or temperament, get your ridgeback from a reputable rescue group or from a breeder who is a member of the Rhodesian Ridgeback Club of the United States (http://rrcus.org). -- Christie Keith, pethobbyist.com

BY THE NUMBERS

Little birds rule

The ownership rates for birds have remained pretty steady at 6 percent of the total U.S. population. Small birds such as cockatiels and parakeets are the most popular among bird keepers (multiple answers allowed):

Cockatiel 38 percent

Parakeet 32 percent

Finch 7 percent

Lovebird 7 percent

Conure 6 percent

African Grey 5 percent

Canary 5 percent

Dove 4 percent

Amazon 3 percent

Cockatoo 3 percent

Macaw 2 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET Rx

Spring brings garden hazards

Snail bait, weed killer, fertilizers and even some mulches can be toxic to a pet, which is why it's important to keep your animals in mind when thinking of spring gardening.

Read all labels and follow directions carefully when handling yard chemicals, making sure substances have dried and the containers are properly put away before pets are allowed back into any treated area.

Hand-pick any mushrooms for disposal, and check your yard for other toxic plants. The American SPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) has a list of potentially deadly plants on its Web site.

And always know how to get in touch with your veterinarian if your pet gets into something dangerous. A delay in getting help can cost your pet his life.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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

We're not done with winter, but gardeners are already thinking of spring. And if you are a dog lover who also dreams of a beautiful yard, take heart: Dogs and lush gardens aren't mutually exclusive.

But you can't just plant whatever you want where you want it and throw a bored, unsupervised dog into the mix. Instead, plan your yard to take your dog into account, and mind your dog's needs to get him to leave the plants alone. The basic guidelines:

-- Exercise your dog. A dog with too much energy isn't one you want to leave alone all day in a nice yard -- and yet that's exactly what many people do. If you don't take care of your dog's exercise requirements, he's going to take care of them on his own, by digging a hole to China or by removing the shrubs in your yard.

Dogs who don't get daily exercise are likely to expend that energy and cure boredom doing things people don't like -- digging, chewing and barking. Dogs who are well-exercised are more likely to sleep while you are gone.

When you leave, you should also offer your dog alternatives to choosing his own amusements: Provide him with chew toys. You can make them more appealing by praising him for using them and by stuffing hollow toys -- such as a Kong -- with something delicious, like peanut butter.

-- Work with your dog's habits. Observe how your dog uses your yard, and plan accordingly. For instance, many dogs consider it their duty to run the fence line, leaving a well-worn trail where many people hope to put flowers. Instead of fighting with your dog, go with his natural instincts. Place your beds and plantings away from the fence line, and let him do his guard-dog patrolling behind those plants.

-- Consider giving your dog a yard of his own. At my house, the dogs are never let out in the main yard without supervision, but they come and go at will into a side yard that's just for them. A low fence covered with climbing roses hides from view both the dog yard and a separate vegetable garden. The layout's ideal; now if I could just find the time to get all the planting done!

-- Redirect digging. Some breeds were developed to dig, and expecting them not to indulge in it is unfair. You can find most of these digging dogs in the terrier group -- the word terrier comes from terra, for "earth."

You can keep many dogs from digging if you keep them exercised, limit their access to dirt, and make the digging experience unpleasant. Sometimes, putting the dog's own stools in the hole and covering them with dirt deters them. Many dogs won't dig if their own mess is under the surface.

Another option is giving your dog a dig zone. While hardly clean fun, it is good fun, especially for dogs who are happiest with their noses in the dirt and their paws flying.

-- Put special plants in safer places. Raised beds and hanging planters are the place to put your most precious plants. In borders, put the plants that can take being stepped on in front.

What are some dog-friendly plants? Mint is a good one. This plant is nearly indestructible and greets each assault with a wave of cool mint smell. Some lilies are tough enough to be stomped or sat on, as well, and your gardening center may have suggestions for others that are dependable growers in your region.

Dogs don't know a wisteria from a weed, and they never will. That's why it's up to you not to leave them unattended around plants you want left alone. When you leave for work, limit your dog's space for his safety and to protect your plants. Most of a dog's time alone is spent sleeping anyway, so he doesn't need to have the entire run of the house and yard. Outings -- for jogging, walking, fetch or swimming -- should be done with your supervision.

If your dog is allowed in your yard under your supervision only, the chance of his digging or chewing is just about nil -- you can stop him before the damage is done. And you can enjoy your beautiful yard together.

SIDEBAR

Help for the dog-challenged gardener

Any dog lover who aspires to having a beautiful yard needs to get a copy of Cheryl S. Smith's "Dog Friendly Gardens, Garden Friendly Dogs" (Dogwise, $20). The book goes beyond the general suggestions to make specific recommendations that match up with the breed type of the gardener's dog.

Smith also offers suggestions to fix the bane of dog-loving gardeners: the dreaded yellow spot. Best recommendation? An out-of-sight potty zone. If that won't work, flushing the area as soon as possible with lots of water to dilute the urine will help.

Q&A

Older pets perfect for older people

Q: I share your sentiments about the inherent dignity and wise eyes of older pets. I have worked in animal rescue for 30 years with our local humane society and on my own. It is so hard to convince folks to adopt those older cats and dogs.

To me, it is a no-brainer: Once the kids are grown and gone, what better pet for a mature person than a mature cat or dog? My compassion and love for all my pets grew even stronger in their elder years as I recognized that they would not be with me forever. Older animals have much to teach us about the aging process and how to do it with few complaints and much grace. Can you please pass along the word? -- J.R., via e-mail

A: You bet I will. Even though it's still hard for older dogs and, especially, older cats to get attention in the shelter, it seems that more people are now embracing the idea that an older pet can be the ideal companion. These animals are perfect for older, quiet households, and many adult animals are great for young families as well. After all, it's a lot easier to adopt an adult dog with the house-training done and good manners instilled. These pets are out there if you look.

Many people who'll consider pets from 2 to 5 years in age will balk at any pet over the age of 5. And that's a shame, because many of these pets are in the prime time of their lives, with many years of love and companionship to share.

Shelters often offer incentives to people who adopt older pets, by the way.

Unwelcoming cat

Q: Help! Two months ago I adopted a 5-year-old declawed female Siamese mix with long hair. My 12-year-old declawed female Siamese has yet to accept the new addition. We've had lots of flying fur, spitting, growling, etc.

I have used a spray bottle to separate the two, but she keeps stalking the younger cat. The new cat is in a separate room for safety, but I hate to keep her isolated. She is afraid to come out of the room and mingle with the family. Should I be patient or give up? -- P.C., via e-mail

A: Be patient. In fact, that separate room is the best place for the new cat. Outfit it with a place to sleep, a cat box, food and water dishes, and toys and a scratching post. Let her relax in her new environment for a couple of weeks. Don't even try to have the two cats together. Spend time with both in their own areas, and don't feel bad about the new cat -- cats sleep most of the time anyway.

The cats should never be forced together, but when everyone seems to be settled into their own spaces, you can experiment with leaving the door to the bedroom open for increasingly longer periods of time. Let the cats choose how much to interact, and don't get impatient if each chooses to stay put.

Although in some cases cats never will learn to get along, most cats will eventually come to some sort of agreement if allowed to choose introductions at their own speed.

Remember, though, that even cats who get along may not like to share. Separate cat boxes and feeding areas may always be necessary. In fact, when it comes to cat boxes, the rule of thumb is that you should have as many as you have cats, plus one.

(Do you have a pet question? Send it to petconnection@gmail.com.)

PET Rx

Human drugs helping pets

Without being able to use drugs marketed and approved for use in human medicine, veterinarians would not be able to provide the best care for pets.

According to Dr. Duncan Ferguson, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Georgia who specializes in clinical pharmacology, perhaps 90 percent of the drugs commonly used in veterinary practices are human ones, a figure that may come as a surprise to many pet lovers.

Ferguson says veterinarians are allowed to use these drugs because they've been accepted as part of standard practice, based on widespread documentation in research literature, textbooks and other professional forums.

Many pet lovers are amused when they hear about human drugs such as Prozac or Viagra being prescribed to pets, but it's nothing new. There may be differences, however, in why the medication is being used. Prozac, not surprisingly, has been used to treat a variety of pet behavior problems. Viagra, though, is sometimes prescribed in pets not for its commonly known human problem but rather to treat a pulmonary condition.

(Pet Rx is provided by the Veterinary Information Network (VIN.com), an online service for veterinary professionals. More information can be found at www.veterinarypartner.com.)

PETS ON THE WEB

People, pets share more than love

If I think about all the diseases one can contract from animals -- from rabies to bird flu and more -- it's almost enough to make me want to go pet-free and wrap myself up in plastic. Almost? Well, not really.

But it is pretty mind-boggling how many diseases and parasites can be passed between species. Some basic precautions will keep your family healthier -- people and pets alike. To learn more, visit the Web site of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (www.petsandparasites.org). You can find all you never wanted to know -- and more -- on the subject, plus the information you need to know to keep the nasty stuff at bay.

The site is geared toward the owners of dogs and cats. In a way, that's too bad, because people with less-common pets, especially reptiles and rodents, need to know that their pets can make them sick, too.

PET BASICS

Comfortable collar can be stylish, too

Your dog's everyday collar should be a buckled collar, either flat or rolled, made of fabric web or leather. Either a flat collar or a rolled collar will work fine on dogs with short or medium fur, but rolled collars are preferable on dogs with thick, long fur at the neck, such as collies.

Never leave a slip or choke collar on an unsupervised dog -- it's too easy for the moving ring to catch on something and kill your pet.

Fabric web collars are fun because of the incredible variety of colors and patterns, and because some dogs are more apt to chew off a leather collar. Other dogs may find a fabric collar irritating and may do better with leather. As long as the collar is well-made, both sturdy fabric and leather will last for years.

In recent years, quick-snap closures have become popular, especially on flat web collars. And it's easy to see why: Press in at the edges, and the collar's off easily for baths and changing tags. Press the tips together, and snap! It's on again.

Because they are so simply adjusted, web collars with quick-snap closures are ideal for growing puppies. Be sure to adjust it for a correct fit. The collar should be loose enough to work two fingers in between the material and the neck, but tight enough not to slip over a dog's head.

While some people may think that elegant canine collars are a recent development, it's simply not true. Those who can afford it have always put ritzy collars around the necks of their prized canine companions -- gold and silver, pearls and other gems have been part of the society dog's wardrobe for centuries. -- G.S.

BY THE NUMBERS

Dogs and dollars

Pets can be expensive to care for. Not including veterinary costs, here are the 2004 average reported amounts spent on dogs:

Food: $241

Grooming: $107

Treats: $68

Parasite control: $64

Toys: $45

Beds: $40

Chews: $25

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PET TIP

Keep plants just for cat's pleasure

It's easy to grow an indoor garden for your cat.

Sow a fresh crop of grass seeds every couple of weeks in a wide, shallow planter. Alfalfa, rye and wheat seeds are ideal. You can find seeds from catalogs or nurseries, but be sure to choose those that have not been pretreated with chemicals.

Parsley and thyme are also popular and can be grown indoors for your cat's nibbling pleasure. You can also keep a crop of catnip or valerian on hand. Most people know about the amazing effect catnip has on some cats, but not many people know that valerian is another plant that tickles a cat's fancy. Plant both of these in cat-proof areas, or your pet may pull the seedlings out by the root. After the plant is large enough to stand it, trim off pieces for your cat.

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 petconnection@gmail.com. You can also read her frequently updated Web log or view her column archives at www.spadafori.com.

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