Call them the Finger Crossers, if you will -- those folks who know if their dogs get loose they'll get them back only when conditions are absolutely right (if there isn't another dog to play with, a squirrel to chase or a scent to follow). Or if they're fast or lucky enough to corner their dogs.

If you're one of these folks, you may well be in the majority. While "Come" or "Here" is one of the most basic of dog commands, it's probably the one most dogs know and respond to the least. Some dogs are naturally more inclined to come when called than others: Herding and sporting breeds and mixes are generally more interested in staying close than independent hounds, terriers and mixes of those breeds. But a reliable recall is possible for any dog -- even yours.

Figuring out why your pet won't mind is the first step toward fixing the problem.

Maybe your dog is afraid to come to you. If you're one of those people who have to chase their dogs, you may also be someone who isn't very happy when you've finally caught up with him. Screaming at your dog for running away or punishing your pet when you collar him at last is a good way of making sure the next time he gets loose he'll run farther, faster. Wouldn't you?

Being reunited with you should be a positive experience. Never, ever punish a dog for coming to you or for failing to come.

If you're not punishing him, perhaps your dog really doesn't understand what you want. Few people practice the recall command enough -- or at all. You probably use "Sit" a half-dozen times a day, just around the house, but you probably don't use "Come" or "Here" in the house when you want your dog near you. Maybe all you have to do is open the refrigerator. If that's the case, your dog doesn't understand the relationship between the command and the action of coming to you. He just knows if he's sitting in the right place at the right time, you might drop some food.

Or maybe your dog doesn't see why he should listen to you. You may have a dog who believes what you want is only one of the factors that go into his deciding what he's going to do. A dog who knows what's expected of him and respects you is going to mind you. A dog who thinks you're a dope who couldn't catch a bus is going to treat you like the fool he thinks you are.

If the problems are training and respect, you can fix them both together. Train your dog, work with your dog, treat your dog fairly, and the respect will follow. Teach your dog the "Come" or "Here" command in increments, on a standard 6-foot leash, on progressively longer and lighter lines, and with lots of positive reinforcement. Practice, not just in formal sessions but in everyday life, in ever more challenging situations. Sharpen up all your dog's manners, because they all help build your dog's respect for you.

Elicit the help of a trainer if you just don't seem to be getting anywhere. It's worth the time and trouble: Getting a dog to come when called is more than a nice party trick -- it could save your pet's life one day.

SIDEBAR

Tips for catching a loose dog

Your dog slips out the door and runs down the street, toward a busy boulevard. You know he won't come when called. What should you do?

There are a couple of tricks you can use to catch him. Try to sweet-talk him in with a kneeling, open-arms stance, or run away from him, enticing him to follow -- the chase instinct is very strong in most dogs. Another strategy is to use a command he knows well, like "Sit." Once he's planted, you can take him by the collar. (Don't forget to praise for the sit!) He may respond to treats, if you have time to grab a handful.

A loose-dog situation is not about obedience -- it's about keeping your dog from becoming road-pizza. Once you catch your dog, say a little prayer -- and then vow to train him to come to you when called.

Q&A

Adopting a cat now 'orphaned'

Q: My neighbor died about two months ago; she was only 32. She had a cat, but I don't know the age or anything about the animal except the name.

My neighbor's mom is taking care of the house and cat. She never stays long at the house, maybe 10 minutes at the most. The cat is always at the window either pawing for attention or rubbing her head against the glass so we can pet her.

I know she is lonely and deprived of attention. My heart breaks every day for this cat. I just don't know what is going to happen to her.

Do you think it's a good idea for me to see about adopting her? I have two dogs, and I have never had a cat. -- C.L., via e-mail

A: Your neighbor's mom must be reeling from the shock of her daughter's death, and she's trying to do the best she can. Losing a 32-year-old daughter is not something any parent plans on, that's for sure.

I encourage you to gently ask whether the cat is available for adoption. If she is, I think you should strongly consider adopting her. With two dogs, you're no stranger to the responsibility of caring for pets, and I bet you'd love having this friendly cat in your family.

I'm guessing your neighbor's mom hasn't a clue what to do about the cat, and she would be relieved and happy for the animal to move to your house.

As for your caring for the cat, you'll be fine once the introductions are over. Set the cat up in a room of her own, away from the dogs, and let her get used to her new surroundings without doing anything more than hearing and smelling her new roommates. Once she's settled, introduce the dogs one at a time on leash, and monitor their interactions with the cat until you're certain they know she is family, not a chase toy.

Most dogs and cats can learn to at least tolerate each other. If you have trouble, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a trainer or behaviorist who can help.

Sleep, kitty!

Q: I need my sleep. But just as I'm going to bed, my cat thinks it's time to play. Why does she do this, and how can I make her stop? -- W.I., via e-mail

A: Cats like to play when we're winding down because a cat is a creature of the night -- or at least, the twilight. Cats sleep all day and most of the night, so they can be at their liveliest when the sun is setting. The early bird may get the worm, but it's the twilight kitty who scores the mouse.

While many cats eventually figure out that we're not much fun after dark, some never stop pestering their owners to play -- especially young cats, who just don't understand why you're so willing to cash in your chips when the night is still young.

Try playing with your cat an hour or so before bedtime to take the edge off the kitty crazies. A couple of extra play sessions throughout the day will also help.

Also, feed your cat his biggest meal of wet food immediately before your bedtime, to give you a head start and to take advantage of the natural tendency of cats (and people) to feel a little sleepy after a meal.

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

THE SCOOP

Tiger cats tops in popularity

We humans have long had a desire to meddle with other animals, and that's certainly true of the cat. While we've been content overall to leave most cats in a pretty predictable size and shape -- especially when you consider what we've done with dogs -- we've done a lot with the feline coat. Consider this: The Cat Fanciers' Association lists more than 60 color patterns for the Persian alone.

But the tabby rules. Those tiger-striped markings are the original pattern of our cats' ancestors, and they can still be observed on some wild relatives of the domestic cat.

Tabbies come in several distinct patterns and many colors, including red (more commonly called orange, ginger or marmalade), cream, brown and gray. The tabby pattern is so dominant that, even in solid-colored cats, if you squint a little you can often discern faint tabby markings, especially on the head, legs and tail.

The word "tabby," by the way, comes from Atabi, a silk imported to Britain long ago that had a striped pattern similar to that of the domestic cat.

ENTER CONTEST FOR PET GEAR

"Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?" ($12.95 each, HCI) are co-authored with "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker. The books explore dozens of the serious, silly and just plain quirky questions that pet lovers have about their animals.

The contest features free pet gear from Bamboo and Petmate, with weekly winners choosing between prize packages for either cats or dogs. No purchase is required. For information or to enter, visit www.PetConnection.com. You'll also find a searchable archive of past columns, a popular Web log and more.

PET Rx

Does the nose know dog health?

Can you tell if your dog is sick by checking his nose? Not really, but there's more to the story.

A dog's nose is usually damp because tears are constantly produced to lubricate the movement of the eyes. Because this lubrication is so critical to eye health, the dog's body routinely produces more tears than are needed. These excess tears flow through the naso-lacrimal (literally "nose-tears") duct and out the base of the nose. (People also experience this when crying.)

As the tears drip down into the dog's face, the animal licks the nose, spreading the tear fluid over the nose, which wets it. Then, evaporation causes the nose to be cool. The moistened nose is better equipped to dissolve airborne chemicals, which contributes to a better sense of smell.

When a dog is sick, the body uses up more internal fluids in the process of fighting disease. This increased use, especially with a fever, causes relative dehydration, even if the dog is drinking a normal amount of water. This dehydration results in decreased tear production, and hence a dry nose.

However, the same dry nose could be because of fluid loss from panting on a hot day. Some dogs have problems with blocked tear ducts, so there is less fluid flowing through the ducts to moisten the nose at all times.

The bottom line: A dry nose is one indicator of hydration, but it indicates illness only if it's coupled with lethargy and other symptoms.

A calm, relaxed dog officially has a fever when you either stick a thermometer where the sun doesn't shine or use one of the new instant ear thermometers and determine that the dog's temperature is above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit.

(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 BY THE NUMBERS

Tanks for the effort

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the top complaints of people with fish have mostly to do with the time and effort spent keeping the tanks and water clean. The top drawbacks (multiple answers allowed):

Cleaning 66 percent

Keeping water clear 42 percent

Algae 39 percent

Fish fighting 22 percent

Equipment cost 22 percent

PETS ON THE WEB

Helping

Why are pets given up? The top reason for dogs is "moving." For cats, it's "too many in home." The rankings and the studies that produced them come from the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, a nonprofit organization of veterinary, humane and breeders' groups formed to get the real story on what causes pet overpopulation and how to deal with the problem.

On the council's well-organized Web site (www.petpopulation.org), you'll find information that challenges assumptions about why pets end up homeless. Behavior and housing problems are significant for both dogs and cats, which makes pre-adoption counseling extremely important.

Getting good information about why people give up on their pets is the important first step when it comes to formulating plans to fight pet overpopulation.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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

No matter how sweet, no matter how lovely and no matter how well-mannered they may be, for homeless cats, this time of year is not their friend.

That's because late summer and early fall are peak kitten season, when so many kittens are born that there aren't enough homes for them all. And that means an adult cat will hardly get a look when someone visits the shelter.

That's a shame. Because as cute as kittens are, an adult cat can often ease into a household more quickly, and without the sometimes over-the-top behavior of an energetic youngster.

If you're trying to find a home for an adult cat -- perhaps because a relative or neighbor has passed on, or a cat has just "showed up" and you already have a houseful -- it's never an easy task. But if you're determined to do your best for the cat -- and be patient while you try -- you probably will succeed.

The first step to placing an adult cat may be convincing prospective owners that an adult cat is worth considering, or that two cats are better than one if there's already a resident cat. Here are some tips to follow:

-- Do everything you can to make the animal more adoptable. The pet has a better chance for adoption if her vaccinations are current, she uses her litter box reliably, and she's altered.

-- Don't lie about the pet's problems or why she's being placed. Although finding a new home for a pet with problems takes longer, you can usually still do so. But the person who gets such a pet without warning is likely to bring her back, take her to a shelter or give her away -- maybe to a horrible situation.

-- Spread the news. Make up fliers, and take out an ad in your newspaper and on Internet sites. Post the fliers everywhere you can: bulletin boards at work, pet-supply stores and your veterinarian's office. Give some to your friends and family to post where they work, too. Talk up the cat (at least briefly) with everyone you know. Even people who don't like cats (or don't want one) may know someone who is looking for a pet. The more exposure you can get, the better. If a thousand people hear or read about the animal, you probably will get no interest from 999, but you need only one person to provide a good home for the cat. And that's the one you need to reach.

-- Ask lots of questions and verify that the answers are true. Don't forget to ask prospective adopters whether they've had pets before and what happened to them. Make sure you're dealing with people who realize that owning a pet is a long-term commitment. The person who has had a lot of pets who've disappeared, died young or were given away is probably not your best choice. My favorite question: Who's your veterinarian? Someone who cannot at least name a vet or a veterinary hospital may have pets who don't go there very often.

Above all, don't give up! It may take weeks to find the right home for a pet, but it's always worth the time it may take to get it right. The goal here is not to "get rid of" an animal, but to find a loving, caring and, most of all, permanent home for a pet who needs one. They're out there, and if you keep looking, you'll likely find the home that's just right for the cat you're trying to help.

Or maybe, like a lot of people who foster pets, you'll decide there's room for one more in your own home.

SIDEBAR

Petfinder.com: Advocates for homeless animals

When it comes to helping animals find new homes, no Web site has the reach and the power of www.Petfinder.com. With thousands of shelters and rescue groups listing several hundred thousand homeless animals on the site at any given time, Petfinder.com is a must-visit for anyone looking to adopt a new pet.

But Petfinder is more than a matchmaking service for people and pets. In the weeks following Hurricane Katrina, Petfinder stepped up to help coordinate disaster response for the animals left behind. And recent changes on the site help pet lovers solve behavior problems that leave pets in danger of being given up.

I've been an unabashed supporter of PetFinder.com since its earliest days, and I'm happy to see the site just keep getting better.

Q&A

In defense of declawing

Q: Having recently lost our 21-year-old cat who passed away after a slow decline from kidney failure (and three years of daily fluids which we lovingly administered), we decided to adopt a kitten to befriend our 2-year-old male cat (rescued and nursed through a near-deadly upper-respiratory infection).

After contacting a local rescue group, we were told that we were not suitable pet owners because we were "declawers" and that no organization would adopt out to "people like us." I was angry and horrified to think that local shelters would rather put down animals than adopt them out to us.

We treat our pets like members of the family. Declawing is not a cosmetic procedure like ear- or tail-lopping, which I'm not a big fan of. My cats and I have a great loving relationship that is not hindered by my attempting to modify their natural behavior. They can feign scratching and scent-mark their territory, the house, with their paws to their hearts' content.

Can you speak to this issue? -- M.B., via e-mail

A: Rescue organizations and shelters are trying to do what's best for the animals in their care, and they're defining "good home" as they see fit. I can't fault them on trying to do their best for animals, although I have run across many instances where I felt they could have bent the rules to fit the circumstances where a good home needed a little leeway.

I find it interesting, however, that you are opposed to ear crops and tail docks, and yet you see nothing wrong with amputating all the final digits of a cat's front toes as a pre-emptive form of behavioral modification without even trying to train him to use a scratching post. What's the harm in trying non-surgical strategies first? Declawing is to me a last-ditch response to a behavior problem that can often be dealt with more humanely.

As for adopting a kitten with the intent to declaw him, why not instead adopt a cat who has already been declawed? It seems to me that this would keep everyone satisfied and would provide a cat with a wonderful home.

Running dogs

Q: I think you've answered this before, but I can't find it. My daughter is on her high school cross-country team and wants to have our puppy as a running companion. The pup's a golden retriever, 9 months old. Any precautions? -- M.W., via e-mail

A: A healthy adult golden retriever will make a wonderful running companion, but let this pup grow up before your daughter starts hitting the pavement with her. Putting a lot of miles on a young dog who's not fully developed isn't a good idea, and it could lead to injuries.

Instead, work on walks, short runs and thorough leash-training, so when the dog is ready to be a full-fledged running partner, she won't pull your daughter off her feet.

Any serious runner who wants to take on an adult canine running partner needs to check in with the veterinarian and then bring the dog along gradually. A dog is so happy to be out with his person that he won't know when to say "enough." Work on leash-manners -- no pulling -- and gradually building up the dog's fitness level.

Once a dog's a fit running companion, a runner still needs to take precautions. No running in the heat of the day, and no running off-leash in areas where it's not safe or legal. It only takes one squirrel running across the street in front of a dog to provoke a chase and an accident. I used to live across from a park with a running path around its edges, and I witnessed a great many near-misses and a few canine fatalities because of people who believed their dog was trained well enough to be off-leash in a high-traffic area.

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

PET Rx

Fall shedding a normal event

Dogs typically lose their winter coats in the spring, when it is replaced by a shorter, lighter one for summer. In the fall, this cycle is reversed, as the summer coat is shed to make room for heavy protective fur for winter.

The change is most obvious in "double-coated" breeds such as collies, malamutes and keeshonden. Those breeds carry not only a harsh, protective long overcoat, but also a soft, insulating undercoat -- and they lose masses of fur from both in spring and fall.

All shedding can be tamed by a regular and frequent schedule of combing and brushing. After all, the fur you catch on a comb won't end up on a rug.

All shedding -- and heavy seasonal shedding -- is normal, but some heavy shedding can be a sign of health problems. Skin allergies and skin parasites may trigger shedding, and poor nutrition can also be a cause of coat problems.

Become familiar with your pet's normal pattern of shedding, and ask your veterinarian for advice if a pet's coat condition seems to dull or if excessive hair loss is noticed.

(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

Parrot smarts in spotlight

To the folks at the Alex Foundation (www.alexfoundation.org), "bird brain" isn't an insult. Through the work of Irene Pepperberg, parrots have been shown to have a greater understanding of the world and an ability to communicate that goes far beyond "parroting."

Pepperberg's work with African Grey parrots started with Alex, purchased from a Chicago pet store in 1977. Alex can recognize and name colors, can count, and can identify objects from photographs.

The Alex Foundation's Web site gives an overview of Pepperberg's work -- she's currently affiliated with Brandeis and Harvard universities -- as well as offering a gift shop and newsletter archives.

DOGMOBILE

Honda's Element a near-perfect canine conveyance

Few vehicles suit dog lovers as well as the Honda Element. With its easy-clean interior, easy-stow seats and good fuel economy, the Element has to be at the top of any dog lover's short list of vehicles.

To test the Element, I took a day trip of several hundred miles with my youngest retriever in tow to watch some of the world's top canine agility teams compete for slots at their national championships. I flipped the rear seats against the side walls, put down an old bedspread and a soft dog bed, and whistled young McKenzie into her ride.

I immediately noticed a great and surely accidental dog-friendly feature on the Element: windows that are resistant to nose prints. The windows are placed high on the vehicle -- so high that you can't comfortably rest your arm on the driver's side windowsill. And for a dog resting on the floor of the Element, it's tough to put nose prints on the window.

The Element also has clamshell rear doors, the glass opening up for ventilation and the tailgate flipping down to make a great seat.

For two dogs and a longer trip, I'd pop out the rear seats entirely -- not only for the extra cargo room, but also because the seats block the rear windows when they are up, making changing lanes a little more challenging.

My only quibble is a minor one: The cup holders are on the floor, between the two front seats. That meant McKenzie decided to help herself to my drink when I was driving. I'd rather have cup holders come out from the dash, since I don't like sharing my coffee with the four-leggers.

Contrary to widespread belief, you cannot hose out an Element. Instead, I used my forced-air dog dryer to blast any dirt and dog hair from the cargo area before turning the vehicle back in. Everything flew off the rubber mats and out the back door. Sweet!

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Toys for us!

According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, 62 percent of dog owners buy toys for their pets. The top toys reported by those buyers, by percentage reported purchased, with multiple answers allowed:

Balls 63 percent

Plush 44 percent

Rope 40 percent

Hard rubber 31 percent

Nylon bones 26 percent

PET TIP

Make eating a challenge

The latest buzz in bird behavior advice: "foraging." In the wild, birds spend all their waking hours looking for food, while their domestic relatives are bored, often unfit and fat. Making pet birds "forage" for their meals helps keep them happy and healthy.

You can find toys at any bird-supply retailer that will allow food to be hidden inside for birds to work out the puzzle. You can also create your own challenges for your bird, such as by wrapping food in paper that must be torn away in layers before the food can be found. Favorite bits of food -- such as seeds -- can also be used to teach tricks to birds, thereby exercising a pet's mind along with his body.

The harder your bird has to work for his food, the better off he will be, and the less likely you'll be dealing with behavior problems caused by boredom.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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

The idea that seeds are the perfect diet for birds is so common that you could ask most any group of children what pet birds should eat, and they'll quickly squawk: "Seeds!"

Problem is, common wisdom is wrong.

Avian veterinarians say that an all-seed diet is dangerous or even deadly over the long run for pet birds. Instead, the prevailing wisdom from avian experts is to feed the popular pet parrots, from budgies to macaws, a base diet of top-quality commercial pellets supplemented by a wide variety of healthy "people food."

Pelleted diets are readily available from many reputable manufacturers and can be purchased from any bird shop or from many veterinarians who work with birds. These foods are a blend of grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits and various other protein sources. Manufacturers mix the ingredients, and then either bake and crumble them or extrude them, ending up with pellets of a proper size for any given species (large pellets for large birds, small pellets for small birds).

This process produces a food that is superior to the "smorgasbord" way of feeding -- the bird cannot pick out his favorite foods and ignore the rest. Pellets also are convenient for bird owners. These commercially prepared diets are easy to buy and relatively inexpensive, and can be stored nicely in a cool, dry place.

Pelleted foods should be the foundation of your bird's diet, but they're best when supplemented with fresh, whole foods. Add a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with pasta, eggs, breads, rice and unsalted nuts in their shells. Foods that are excessively fatty, sugary, highly salted or overprocessed should be avoided. A good rule of thumb: If it's healthy for you, it's good for your bird, too.

If you're switching your bird to a healthier diet, be gradual and a little sneaky. Start by checking in with your veterinarian to make sure your bird has no health problems that would complicate his conversion to a healthier diet.

Strategies for reforming a "seed junkie" include mixing the old diet in with the new, feeding new foods in the morning when your bird is hungriest, and letting your bird watch and share the good foods you're enjoying.

During the conversion, be sure you observe your bird eating and drinking, make sure that he is passing normal droppings, and check the muscle on both sides of his keel bone (which runs right down the middle of his chest) regularly to be sure he's maintaining weight. Starvation diets don't work with birds.

If you have problems getting your bird to eat properly, ask for help from your veterinarian.

SIDEBAR

Corn muffins and other avian delights

Adding whole-food variety to your parrot's diet can be as easy as defrosting a bird-sized serving of frozen mixed vegetables. If you want to play with your bird's food a little, though, you can modify people foods to be more attractive to your bird.

For example, if you're making French toast for the family, make one slice for your bird by sprinkling seeds into the egg mixture. Or you can make a batch of treats by mashing a cooked sweet potato with orange juice, dividing into small muffin cups and freezing for storage. Thaw one at a time for a sweet, healthy treat.

Parrot lovers also know a dozen different ways to make bird breads using corn muffin mix. Check out the recipe section on the Birds n Ways Web site (www.birdsnways.com/birds/rbreads.htm) for more. And remember that playing with food is OK for your bird, too: Make eating a challenging game with food puzzles to keep him busy.

Q&A

Keep pet info close at hand

Q: I'm not a young woman nor a wealthy one, but I'd like to look out for my little cat. I'm facing some surgery, and I wonder about the "what ifs." What should I do? -- B.F., via e-mail

A: It doesn't matter one's situation: There's always a possibility that something could happen. Depending on the circumstances, the situation may be temporary, or our pets may need a new home for good. Either way, we all need to be sure our pets are covered, and I'm glad you asked.

The first step is to make sure that someone (or a couple of people, better yet) knows you have pets, where they are and how to care for them. Trade information with other pet-keeping friends, family or neighbors, along with the keys to each other's homes.

Make a file with all your pet's information. Pictures and a physical description of your pet are a good place to start. Add an overview of your pet's medical records to the folder, including proof of altering and dates of vaccinations. Instructions for any medications should include not only the dosage and where to find the bottle, but also whatever method you use to entice your pet to swallow the pill.

Don't forget the name, address and phone number of the animal's veterinarian. Write down some information about the tricks and commands your pet knows, as well as any unique personality quirks, such as a favorite spot to be petted. As part of your preparation, talk to your veterinarian about setting up plans for emergency care or boarding.

If you're a good long-term client, you should have no problem getting your veterinarian to agree to run a tab if you cannot be reached immediately. I have an arrangement with my veterinarian that if anyone -- absolutely anyone -- comes in with one of my animals, the doctor will take the pet in and do what needs to be done. And he knows that either I or my heirs will settle the bill later. If you are able to make such arrangements, put those details in the folder, too.

The final bit of information for the folder should concern arrangements for your pet if you never come home again. While no one likes to think about this possibility, you have a responsibility to provide for your pets after your death. You cannot leave money directly to an animal, but you can leave the animal and money to cover expenses to a trusted friend or relative. In some states, you can establish a trust in your pet's name. Talk to your attorney about what arrangement is best for you and your pets.

Keep a copy of the file on hand in case you ever need to be evacuated with your pet. Finally, make up a card for your wallet. Note that you have pets, how many, what kinds, and the names and numbers of the people you have designated to care for them should you become suddenly unable to.

Cats and baths

Q: My cat seems to be able to keep her fur in good shape on her own, and she doesn't smell bad. Is there any need to give her a bath? -- G.K., via e-mail

A: If you have someone in your home with allergies, a weekly dousing of your cat with cool, clear water can help make living with one more pleasant. Otherwise, your cat can stay bath-free unless she gets into something she can't get out of without a little help from some soap and water. Brushing is probably more useful than bathing for helping to keep your cat in fine shape, especially for longhaired animals.

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

ON THE WEB

Canine agility fun sport for all

Recently I had the chance to watch some of the world's best canine agility teams compete in a three-day event in Northern California. Over jumps, through weave poles, across elevated dog walks and through tunnels -- agility is one dog sport that's equally enjoyable for canine and human competitors and spectators. (It's also the place to spot former Olympic medalist Greg Louganis combining his love of dogs and sports, competing alongside other top teams.)

The rush of agility competition is addictive. And although the sport leans toward rewarding the fittest and fastest in both people and dogs -- a top competition is practically a border collie convention -- there's a place for all, even if your goal is just to have fun training and running with your dog.

The United States Dog Agility Association (www.usdaa.com) is a great place to start learning about agility, as is the dog agility section on the Dogpatch Web site (www.dogpatch.org/agility). Clean Run (www.cleanrun.com) and the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org) also offer resources for beginners.

PET Rx

Cats can get heartworms, too

Cats can and do become infested with heartworms. The cat is not a natural host for the heartworm, which means the migrating larval heartworm is not likely to find its way to the heart, should it make its way into a cat's skin from a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes that carry heartworm definitely prefer to feed on dogs.

The cat's immune system is extremely reactive against heartworms. For this reason, it is virtually impossible to detect immature heartworms -- called microfilariae -- in an infected cat. (The cat's immune system removes them too quickly.) Also, symptoms of infection tend to be more immune-related than heart-failure related. Cats develop more of a lung disease, complete with respiratory stress, and chronic coughing or vomiting. Feline heartworm disease is often misdiagnosed as feline asthma. Sudden death may occur just as it may occur in infected dogs, however.

In areas where heartworms are prevalent, giving a cat heartworm preventive can protect your pet. Talk to your veterinarian.

(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.)

BREED TYPE

Sense of humor needed with this terrier

Moose, the adorable little dog who played Eddie on the popular TV series "Frasier," died a couple of months ago of old age. His death reminded me, once again, of the impact a single dog can have on the popularity of a breed.

In Moose's case, that breed is the Jack Russell terrier (known by the American Kennel Club as the Parson Russell terrier). Along with the dogs who played Wishbone on the children's series of the same name, Moose took a little-known breed popular with the small East Coast horse set and made the Jack Russell a dog everyone wanted.

Problem is, the Jack Russell isn't a dog everyone should have. The small dogs are known for their brains, athleticism, fearlessness and tenacity. People who happily live with these dogs are known for their patience, tolerance and, above all, an active sense of humor. The latter is especially important, because if you can't laugh at a Jack Russell's antics, there will be days when you'll cry.

The Jack Russell wasn't developed to spend days on the couch quietly, but rather to work hard, killing all pests from bugs to rats to other small predators such as foxes. Modern pest control may have eliminated the need for a four-legged exterminator, but nobody told the Jack Russell.

Today's descendants of those fearless terriers are active dogs who will spend their days digging and barking if not kept otherwise engaged. When living with people who understand them, who keep their minds and bodies exercised, who train them and work them constantly, and who set limits and gently but firmly enforce them, the Jack Russell is an outstanding companion.

They're a happy, bright and utterly adorable dog in a small, easy-care package -- less than 20 pounds -- with either smooth (Wishbone-style) or broken (Eddie-style) coats. If you don't know Jack, though, you're better off with a less lively canine companion.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Treat us nice!

The majority of pet lovers make a regular practice of giving treats to their pets. The percentage of people who buy treats, by the kind of pets they keep:

Dog 88 percent

Cat 65 percent

Bird 80 percent

Small animal 75 percent

Reptile 8 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

THE SCOOP

Clumping is tops in the cat box

The most common type of cat-box filler is clay. Clumping clay litter has become increasingly popular, both with owners, who appreciate the ease of keeping the box clean, and with cats, who seem to have fewer accidents with clumping fillers. The advantage to clumping fillers is that when wet, they form lumps that can be removed from the box with a slotted scooper. Clumping litters are essential to the operation of various automatic box-raking appliances, which lift out and dispose of the clumps soon after they're formed.

The only problem with clumping litters is a concern some have regarding kittens who might eat the litter and become blocked as a result. While it wouldn't hurt to avoid clumping fillers until your kitten is out of the "taste everything once" stage, no scientific evidence exists that clumping cat-box filler is dangerous for your kitten.

Award-winning writer Gina Spadafori has two new books out, which were co-authored with "Good Morning, America" veterinary correspondent Dr. Marty Becker: "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and "Why Do Dogs Drink From the Toilet?" 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.petconnection.com.

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