This is the time of year when many people get new cameras, new pets or both. With the holidays being one of the prime times for getting family pictures, you'll want to include your pets in the images you'll treasure for years.

Digital photography has changed everything for the casual photographer. Instead of wasting roll after roll of film -- or not bothering to take pictures at all because of the trouble and expense -- it's now possible to take hundreds of pictures, happy in the knowledge that if there are just one or two good ones out of every few dozen taken, nothing has been wasted except possibly time.

With a few clicks of the mouse, the out-of-frame, out-of-focus or "just not right" images are jettisoned forever. A few clicks more, and those images with potential are fixed up and made suitable for framing -- a crop here, a red eye changed to brown, the elimination of items cluttering up the background.

The result: great pet pictures you'll want to keep and to share.

Years ago a pet photographer told me the best suggestion he could offer when it comes to getting good pictures is to constantly be taking them. That's advice I'm finally following, but I've also had good luck paying attention to these other tried-and-true tips:

-- Head outdoors if you can. Taking pictures outside gives your pet a more natural, healthy look. If your pet is a solid, dark color, use your flash to bring out the detail in your pet's face. If you do end up with red eye, use photo-editing software (basic programs come free with many new computers) to fix the problem.

-- Get close. If you want a good picture, you need to go where your pet is. Shoot at just below your pet's eye level and zoom in as closely as you can for good detail.

-- Watch your backgrounds. Think neutral -- a plain wall, not a cluttered cabinet. Think contrast -- light for a dark pet, dark for a light one. If your cat loves to sleep on the busy fabric of your sofa, for example, consider throwing down a solid-colored blanket first. You might be able to edit the distraction out with photo-editing software, but it's easier to avoid it in the first place.

-- Be patient. If your pet does something cute and you miss it, don't despair. Chances are if you're patient and keep your camera ready, you'll catch the repeat.

-- Get kids to help. I love pictures of kids and pets, and I've always found that kids make the best photographer's assistants as well. Children can help by getting a pet's attention with a toy or treat, or by holding the pet for a picture of child and pet together.

-- Be creative. If you want your pet to kiss your children, do as the pros do: Put a little butter on your children and let the pet kiss it off. This is a tip I got years ago when I interviewed a woman who trained animals for commercials. I've smiled every time I've seen a dog smooch a kid on TV since, knowing that more than affection was at play.

-- Take some "record keeping" shots. You never know when a pet will get loose, and having good pictures can help with a swift recovery. Take a picture from the side and one from the front, as well as close-ups of any distinctive markings. Get prints made and put them in a place you'll remember, just in case you need to make up "lost pet" posters.

Enjoy and share your pictures! You'll find several sites on the Web (I use Flickr.com) that welcome communities of people sharing their photos. Online photo-processing companies offer more than prints of digital images these days: Think note cards, calendars or even posters.

So get out there with that new camera, whether it's a pint-sized point-and-shoot or a sophisticated digital SLR. You'll never find a subject more patient than your pet, especially if treats are involved for good behavior.

Q&A

Play keeps cat away from tree

Q: I read your warning on tinsel, but my cat just can't resist it. Should I remove everything dangly from the tree? And is there something I can do to indulge his playfulness safely? -- B.W., via e-mail

A: If you can't keep your cat away from the tree -- by keeping him out of the room when you're not around, for example -- then yes, I'm afraid all the dangly things have to go. Of course, you might not have much decoration left when you're done, since the ornaments and light strings might also be too much temptation for a playful kitty.

The appeal of tinsel is based on hunting instincts. As any cat lover knows, cats love to follow motion, pouncing on toys as if they were prey. When stringy substances are eaten, however, they can bind up in a cat's intestines and often must be surgically removed. Strings that are electrified -- such as power cords and lights -- offer even more hazards.

You can safely play with your string-fixated cat with several different kinds of toys. Any cat who's fascinated by tinsel will surely flip for supervised play either with cat fishing poles or special gloves with dangly items from the fingers, such as the toy offered by the pet-products company Bamboo (www.bamboopet.com). Added bonus: Playing with toys helps to wear your cat out without teaching him that it's OK to nip or claw at your hands.

No teasing, please

Q: May I add another tip about how to behave around dogs? Tell parents to teach their kids that it's not acceptable to tease dogs by barking back at them or by poking at them through fences. Doing so just provokes and incites dogs, and someone else may end up the worse off for it. -- G.S., via e-mail

A: While it may indeed seem safe and fun to tease a dog behind a fence or, worse, on a chain, the game is indeed a dangerous one. Such teasing may teach a dog to become aggressive, to the extent that if the boundary or restraint is removed, the dog may well attack.

Parents need to teach children to leave any dog they don't know alone, and not to approach a dog they do know if the animal is confined or restrained. For more information on safe behavior around dogs, visit the Web site of the Humane Society of the United States (www.hsus.org) and search for "dogs and children." The site also offers information on anti-chaining laws, which help to prevent attacks by removing a form of restraint that behaviorists believe makes dogs neurotic and aggressive.

PET BUY

Clever house for a bunny

Bunnies love to play, love to chew and love to hide. In the Bunny's Magic Dream Cottage ($20), they can do all three. The cottage is the brainchild of Tania Fardella, animal lover and longtime bunny mom. Fardella believes bunnies get the short shrift when it comes to clever and safe toys and other products, so the graphic designer decided to launch her own business.

The Cottage is the first of the 24 Carrot Lane products, available from the company's lovely Web site (www.24carrotlane.com), which also offers resources for people with pet rabbits. Since healthy, happy rabbits will normally chew on their toys, Fardella even had the water-based ink sent for testing to be sure it's rabbit-safe. And the cottage itself is made of recycled cardboard.

The attractive item is perfect for keeping house rabbits busy while satisfying some of their most basic needs.

THE SCOOP

Older dog may love a puppy

Will your senior dog welcome or loathe the introduction of a new puppy to the household?

In general, older dogs who are still fit and full of life will get the most out of the energy a new puppy brings to a family, while debilitated oldsters enjoy such rambunctious company less. A dog who's unsteady on his feet or seems confused at times is probably better off without being pestered by a puppy. Be kind to your old friend, and let the puppy-picking wait.

If you do choose to add a puppy, be sure to monitor interactions. Don't let the youngster pester or hurt your senior dog, end play sessions before your oldster gets tired, and make sure to continue giving your first pet plenty of one-on-one attention.

PET Rx

Get a finicky canine back on track

Is your dog a finicky eater? You can get her eating regularly with a "tough love" approach.

Because health issues can contribute to a lack of appetite, you must have your pet thoroughly checked out by your veterinarian before you start any retraining. If all checks out, follow these rules:

-- Rule No. 1: No food except for your dog's regular food. Many dogs learn by accident that if they turn up their noses at their regular diet, they'll be offered yummier options. During the retraining, stick to one brand of high-quality food -- your veterinarian can offer a recommendation.

-- Rule No. 2: No free-feeding. Your dog will now eat two meals a day, one in the morning and one at night. Water, of course, should be available at all times.

-- Rule No. 3: One half-hour for meals, no more, no less. Put your dog's dish down in an area with few distractions, such as a laundry room with a baby gate across the opening. Set a timer for 30 minutes. Whatever your dog hasn't eaten at the end of that time gets tossed.

Your dog will not be harmed if she misses a couple of meals or goes a couple of days without eating -- assuming, of course, that she is healthy to begin with. A healthy dog won't miss many meals before hunger will have her eating what you set in front of her, on a regular basis.

Don't try this "tough love" approach on cats. When a cat stops eating, the action can trigger a fatal liver disease. Talk to your veterinarian about any concerns you have regarding your cat's eating habits.

(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

How many birds?

Birds of a feather don't flock together, at least not in the homes of bird lovers. Trends in pet ownership suggest that most people who want a bird will have just one at a time. Number of birds kept:

One 52 percent

Two 25 percent

Three or more 23 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Site offers guide to pets in wills

Your pet is counting on you to provide for his care if something happens to you. Although I typically hear from older people regarding this issue, it is something that every pet lover needs to consider. And not just in case of death: Would someone know what to do for your pet if you were in an accident?

The Web site of the Association of the Bar of New York City (www.abcny.org) offers information on providing for your pet if you can't. You can access the information by clicking on "Reports, Publications, Forms," then on "Brochures, Books" and finally by clicking on "Providing for Your Pets in the Event of Your Death or Hospitalization."

Although the information specifically applies to New York state law, it's broad enough to outline all the options. Even better: The association provides sample documents to show how to draw up agreements that will protect your pets.

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

Keeping cats inside offers so many advantages. Protected from the hazards of cars, predators and infectious disease, a cat is likely to live longer when not allowed to roam. It's more neighborly, too, since a free-roaming cat isn't going to be using the flower bed next door as a litter box.

But an indoor life is not without challenges, and one of the main ones is obesity-related health problems. Fat cats are more likely to become diabetic, more likely to have problems keeping themselves clean and more likely to have difficulty moving comfortably.

When a dog's overweight, the plan to slim down is an easy one: less food, more exercise. Dogs are generally not finicky and will eventually eat diet chow without much complaint. As for exercise, almost all dogs love a daily walk, and many are equally excited about a game of fetch.

Cats, though, are more likely to turn up their noses at reduced-calorie foods, and a couple of days without food can quickly turn dangerous for fat cats, prone as they are to developing fatty liver disease. As for walks and fetch, most cats would rather not play.

That means slimming down a fat cat may be more of a challenge, but it's not impossible. Start with a checkup and diet direction from your veterinarian, but as for the exercise, it's all up to you. The best part: Transforming your cat from a couch kitty to a lean house tiger is fun for you both. Some tips:

-- Set aside time every day to play with your cat. Cat fishing poles, with strings ending in feathers or other cat-attracting toys, are a great way to get your cat moving. Some cats love chasing dots of light from a laser pointer, while others can be encouraged to chase toys and even retrieve them.

-- Offer your cat ways to play when you're not around. Cat trees and tunnels can be great for cavorting, or for hiding when a cat just wants to be left alone. Check out toys stuffed with catnip for extra appeal, or those puzzle toys that keep a cat's interest by making play a test of both body and mind.

-- Make getting food more difficult for your cat. All most cats have to do to eat is waddle over to a full dish. End free-feeding, and make a cat's food hard to get. Break the daily measured portion into smaller meals, and put these small plates in places that require jumping or climbing to find. Some cats may also enjoy puzzle toys that make them work to get out bits of kibble.

-- Consider safe outdoor space. Converting a screened-in porch to a feline jungle gym will give your pet more reasons to stay active. Remember that cats like heights, so build in tempting overhead spaces that require effort to reach. There's nothing a cat likes better than looking down on people, after all!

Don't forget that it's possible to fence in a portion of a yard to let your cats roam without leaving your property. Several companies now offer fencing designed to keep cats in, or you can quickly locate do-it-yourself instructions with a simple Web search.

Whatever you do, don't keep your cat inside and offer nothing in exchange for the pleasures of nature you're denying him. Enrich the indoor environment, and you'll have a cat who's not only safer but also healthier and every bit as content as one who comes and goes at will.

SIDEBAR

Feline freebies can keep your cat busy

You don't need to spend a lot of money to keep your cat busy. Many cats enjoy hiding in empty boxes and paper bags, for example, while others like chasing the retaining rings off plastic milk jugs and the centers of toilet paper.

For the cat who loves to retrieve, try wadded-up tissue paper or junk mail envelopes with crinkly plastic windows, or the corks from wine or champagne bottles.

Freebies that can turn dangerous are string, floss, ribbon, twine, rubber bands or anything that your cat can swallow. Play with string things carefully, and put them securely away after the game is over.

Q&A

Dog's coat keeps getting thinner

Q: My miniature American Eskimo dog, Shilo, turned a year old in October. She had her first litter of puppies in September. The father was a miniature wirehaired terrier. She stopped feeding the puppies when they were between 6 and 8 weeks old, but she is still shedding excessively.

Her mane is all but nonexistent. Is this normal? Is there anything I can feed her that will help? The vet doesn't seem concerned. He says it's probably hormonal, but she's cold when I take her outside. Any suggestions? -- D.L., via e-mail

A: My first suggestion would be to spay your dog. There's no shortage of pets needing homes, and you're adding to the problem by breeding your dog. Not to mention, you're putting her at greater risk of potentially deadly infection and reproductive-related cancer by not spaying her. So call your veterinarian and make that appointment. It's the best thing, all around.

As for coat loss, your veterinarian's right in that it's hormonal. As anyone who's ever shown a dog can attest, unspayed female dogs are always "blowing coat" because of hormones. They blow coat after coming into season and after weaning puppies. And sometimes it seems they blow coat just because you've paid for dog show entries, asked for time off from work and made your hotel reservations.

When these dogs are finally spayed, they usually develop a coat that any dog show competitor would love -- lush, thick and glossy. And the same will happen to your dog once she's spayed, so get to it! I doubt she really needs a sweater for her short trips outdoors, but if it makes you feel better, it won't hurt to get her one until her coat comes in full again.

Feline ultimatum

Q: I have a cat who does not stop meowing. I have one week to get him to keep quiet or he has to be out of the house. Help, please. I am desperate! -- C.G., via e-mail

A: You're going to need more time than a week to solve this issue, if you can solve it at all.

The first thing you need to do is ask yourself: Is this new behavior, or has the behavior increased lately? Any time a pet changes the way he or she behaves, you need to explore the possibility that the change is health-related. Changes in vocalization in cats are often because of health issues, and any cat who is suddenly noisier or more quiet or whose voice changes needs to see a veterinarian.

If the behavior isn't new, you need to ask yourself if it's natural behavior for your cat. The so-called "Oriental" breeds and their mixes are much more vocal than other cats. In fact, the chattiness of these breeds is one reason why many people like them! If your cat is a Siamese or Oriental breed, you will not be able to change your cat's basic nature.

If it's not health- or breed-related, your cat may be noisy because you've taught him to be. If, for example, you've rewarded his meows by feeding him or by opening the door whenever he wants to go out, you might be able to untrain your cat with the help of a behaviorist. Ask your veterinarian for a referral.

I'm not sure who's pushing the one-week ultimatum on you, but to be fair to your cat, you need to negotiate more time, at the very least. Adult cats have very low adoption rates. If you give up on your cat, his future is not a bright one. So please, see if you can negotiate a better understanding of what's normal for your cat, or at least get more time to try to minimize the conflict.

PET Rx

Overgrown beak needs vet's look

Contrary to advice that can still be found in books or on the Internet, beak trims should not be a part of routine health maintenance for birds. Although beaks are constantly growing at a rate of 1 to 3 inches per year, depending on the species, the beak of a healthy bird will remain at a healthy length with normal chewing activities.

Overgrowth of the beak is frequently a sign of illness, such as liver disease or malnutrition. Any bird whose beak seems to be too long needs to see a veterinarian expert in avian medicine to determine the cause of the problem and treat it accordingly.

(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.)

THE SCOOP

Watch out for cat in dryer

Cats love warmth, and at this time of year they are especially eager to search out the warmest, softest place to nap. Unfortunately, some cats have been killed in one of those spots: the clothes dryer. It's sadly easy for a person not to notice a cat in the dryer, to add clothes and then turn on the appliance.

The obvious answer is to keep the dryer door shut at all times, but it's hard to get an entire family to comply. If you can't be sure you can keep the door closed, it's important to convince your cat that the dryer's not a good place to nap.

You can try scaring your cat to help convince him to stay clear of this dangerous appliance. If you find your cat in the dryer, close the door for a few seconds (with the machine off, of course) and pound on the metal with your palms, making as much noise as you can. Then open the door and let your cat make a run for it.

I normally would not recommend any training method that would scare an animal, but the risk of death here is too great to ignore. A couple of scary moments in the dryer is vastly preferable to such a horrible death, in my book.

PET TIP

Charities need holiday gifts, too

Every year at this time I like to suggest that instead of spending money on gifts that will likely go into the closet to be "re-gifted" to someone else next year, give the pet lovers in your life something that will make a difference: a membership or donation to an animal charity.

The best place to start is with your local shelter. Even modest organizations usually have gift membership programs in place. For your contribution, your gift should come with a year's subscription to the group's newsletter and sometimes discounts on local goods and services.

Animal-health foundations are also a good bet. Your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine will have a fund set up to accept donations, either for scholarships or ongoing research into animal health. To find your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine, visit VetNet (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetnet.html). The Morris Animal Foundation (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org), AKC Canine Health Foundation (www.akcchf.org) and Winn Feline Foundation (www.winnfelinehealth.org) also accept donations to support research into animal health.

National advocacy groups have a wide range of programs and agendas, and you should investigate a group's goals and funding prior to making a donation in another's name. For every person who thinks the animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (www.peta.org) is courageous, there are at least that many who are extremely opposed to them. Likewise with a group such as Heifer International (www.heifer.org), which works to provide food animals to Third World countries. A heroic effort to some, but probably not the best donation in the name of the leather-avoiding vegan in your life.

Some charities are notorious for paying high salaries to executives while delivering relatively little funding to the programs they're supposed to be supporting. Several Web sites are good for investigating charities, among them GuideStar (www.guidestar.org) and Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org).

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Help with pet care

Despite the media interest in new pet-care services such as doggie day care, most people are still using the more traditional businesses to help them care for their dogs. In 2004, the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association asked dog lovers which services they'd used in the past six months (multiple responses allowed):

Kennel/boarding 41 percent

Pet-sitting 39 percent

Other service 17 percent

Day care 3 percent

Behavior consulting 2 percent

Pet taxi 2 percent

PETS ON THE WEB

Everything finch on lively site

Vivacious and entertaining, finches are a great fit for many different kinds of pet-loving households. Finchworld (www.finchworld.com) is a great place to start learning more about these fun little pets and their wild relatives.

The site offers information on a few dozen species (including canaries, which are technically finches). If you don't know much about finches, you'll be surprised and delighted with the variety of species available beyond the commonly sold zebra finch. And if all you want to do is watch the wild ones, you'll find information you need to enjoy what you're seeing outside. A bulletin board allows finch fans to discuss their favorite birds.

Click on any listed species to find a picture and related articles. Navigation across the top of the home page will take you to more detailed information on care and health topics, with many articles geared for beginners.

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

During the holiday season, people travel to be with family and friends. Despite all the best and warmest of intentions, the potential for friction is always there, and one area of possible conflict comes with a collar: the visiting dog.

While it's natural for a dog lover to want to bring a pet to a family gathering, it's not always a good idea. Before you consider bringing your dog home for the holidays, be realistic about how others might view your furry family member. For example:

-- Is your dog comfortable in new situations? Many pets aren't all that keen on being dropped into a houseful of strangers. If your pet's the nervous type, and especially if he's the snappy type, he's better left off the visitor's list.

-- Is your dog well-behaved? A dog who loves everyone is wonderful, but only if his loving exuberance is tempered with good manners. A dog who's going to bounce up to toddlers or jump on older folks who aren't steady on their feet shouldn't be given the opportunity to do either. And of course, any dog who isn't reliably house-trained has no business visiting someone else's home.

-- Is your dog clean? If you want to live with a smelly dog, that's your choice, but you shouldn't expect others to tolerate it. A bath before visiting is the minimum requirement. Even better: a professional grooming and a nail trim to reduce the possibility of any scratches.

Even if your dog is a model of clean-smelling decorum, he may still not be well-suited to a holiday visit. Are there friends or family members who are allergic to dogs, or afraid of them? Mild allergies may not be triggered if your dog is freshly bathed, but the holidays are no time to be dealing with the dog-phobic. Will you be visiting a house that already has pets? If the resident pets aren't welcoming or at least tolerant, your dog isn't a good addition to the mix.

If everything checks out, your dog is ready and your family or friends are welcoming, do everything you can to make the visit a pleasant one. Remember that people without dogs don't need to be as careful about keeping food out of reach, so watch for temptations, whether it's a candy dish on a coffee table or a holiday turkey just a little too close to the edge of the counter. Better still, crate your dog during family meals, especially if he's used to being fed from the table. Your relatives may not think food-stealing and begging are as cute as you do.

Feed your dog his meals away from the crowd -- in a crate is ideal (see sidebar) -- wash his dishes separately, and when you take him outside, don't neglect your cleanup responsibilities. A supply of plastic cleanup bags is necessary for when your pet is away from your own home.

If you keep on top of all the potential problems, your well-mannered dog may be the hit of the holidays. And that means you'll both be welcomed back again.

SIDEBAR

Crates are great for traveling, visiting

Not too many years ago, my dogs traveled loose in the car, and I thought nothing of it. And then, the most minor of fender-benders opened my eyes to the danger I was putting us all in.

One hard tap on the brakes and the small dog riding in the front seat slammed into the windshield. The big dog in the back seat thudded into the back of my seat with so much force I thought I was heading for the windshield, too. Neither the dogs nor I were damaged beyond a few bruises. But these days, my dogs travel secured, either in crates or harnessed to the seat belts.

Crates are the most versatile pet protection you can have. A sturdy crate and a dog trained to be comfortable inside one can travel safely in the car and be left alone for a while in a hotel room or strange house.

A dog who's used to being crated will be able to handle the relatively routine overnight stay at the veterinarian's with less stress for all. Finally, crates are also essential emergency gear in time of disaster. Because, well, you never know.

Q&A

Rabbits? Buy hay by bale

Q: Our household has been home to many pets over the years. At one point, we had a small flock of hens, a beehive and a fish pond outside. Inside were a dog, a cat, two bunnies, a guinea pig and a newt who lived to be 9 or 10.

The bunnies, Mr. Bun and Basil, had big cages with multiple levels and litter boxes for when they were inside. They each would get time every day to scamper in our very secure back yard. They would have their fun, and then come to the patio door and scratch to be let in, just like a cat or a dog. Mr. Bun would go out in the early morning to enjoy the garden, and then come bunny-leaping when I called to give him his breakfast.

I have a tip I hope you will pass on. Bunnies need timothy hay for digestive reasons, and they are supposed to have fresh hay every day. The hay in the pet stores is sold in a tiny bag and won't last long, while a bale of timothy hay from the feed store costs about the same and will last a whole summer. I used to peel off a flake at a time and give the bunnies all they wanted. -- J.D., via e-mail

A: I do exactly the same as you do, buying hay by the bale and providing my bunnies with all they want to eat every day. As you note, the roughage is essential to maintaining the health of the rabbits. I don't give my bunnies commercial pellets at all. Instead, I provide fresh hay and green leafy vegetables daily, with constant access to clean water and occasional treats of root vegetables and fruits. (Apples and carrots are favorites with my rabbits, Velocity and Annie.)

The biggest problem with buying hay by the bale is storage. If there's room on a covered patio or in the garage, the hay will keep for months, as long as it's protected from direct sunlight or moisture.

Your rabbits -- and mine -- are the truly lucky ones. The care of most pet rabbits is inadequate, because people just don't know enough about proper husbandry and because these lovely pets are often seen as little more than throwaway pets for children. And that's a real shame, because with proper care, room to roam and time to bond, rabbits can be surprisingly affectionate and wholly entertaining.

The best source of information on keeping happy, healthy rabbits can be found on the Web site of the House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org). Membership in the society is $18 a year and comes with a wonderful quarterly newsletter.

PET BOOKS

Cat celebration in lovely verse

This time of year it seems we're all looking for little gift books. For the cat lovers on your holiday list, you'll find few books sweeter than "Catku: What Is the Sound of One Cat Napping?" (Andrews McMeel, $10). Writer and designer Pat Welch has a good sense of what makes a cat tick, and sums it all up in this collection of clever haiku. Some samples:

"Your friend's sudden moves

And loud voice are amusing.

We'll be dumping him."

"The cat's motto is

Live and let live. Exceptions

Are not infrequent."

"Am I in your way?

You seem to have it backward:

This pillow's taken."

Amazing how a cat's personality can be summed up in just three lines. Nice work!

PET BUY

Dress-up collars for fine canines

My Mascot (www.mymascot.net) is a small company with a passion for innovative design in well-made collars and leashes. The designs in canvas, braided polypropylene and leather feature bright colors and fastening hardware in the shape of bones and horseshoes. Collar prices range from a suggested retail of $28 to $68; leashes cost from $48 to $88. Clever charms and ID tags complement the line.

The company sent me a Sailors Knot collar in red, white and blue ($38). The weave was smooth, the colors were true, and the collar looked great on Woody, my 2-year-old black retriever. Although the collar seemed more than sturdy enough for everyday use, I wouldn't leave a pretty, pricey collar on dogs with as much fondness for swimming and mud as my retrievers have.

It's great-looking gear for city dogs, or as special-occasion wear for those pets with more opportunities to get their collars dirty.

DOGMOBILES

Toyota off-roader can handle it all

Finally, a true dogmobile challenge -- 14 hours of driving over a holiday weekend with light off-roading at the destination. Packed up inside: two retrievers, plus crates, leashes, training tools, dishes, food, water jugs and more.

The new Toyota FJ Cruiser was up for it all, delivering a comfortable freeway ride and an effortless off-road performance at the site of a competition for hunting dogs. Fuel economy was reasonable as well, with a rating of 17 city, 21 highway, although the growly V-6 insists on premium fuel. At the end of the trip, the upholstery was easy to brush clean of dirt and debris.

The Cruiser even had one of my favorite dog-friendly features: flip-up rear glass that allows for cool-breeze cross-flow when the vehicle is parked.

But no vehicle is absolutely dog-perfect, and the Cruiser is no exception.

The rear seats don't fold flat, and the cargo space was too narrow for my side-by-side dog crates. Those problems won't be an issue for someone with dogs smaller than retrievers or fewer than two in number.

The most serious drawback to the FJ is thankfully an option: Toyota has the most dog-unfriendly alarm imaginable. You can't leave the car unlocked, or lock it and leave the alarm disengaged. The Cruiser will lock itself and set the alarm.

Once it's set, any motion inside the vehicle -- such as dogs left briefly inside while the driver takes a bathroom break -- triggers the horn and headlights. Only the dealer can turn off this dreadful feature, although if I could have found the right wires, I swear I would have ripped it out myself at the second rest stop.

The blinged-out version I test-drove topped out around $30,000, but the basic FJ starts at a tick over $23,000. In all, this Toyota with its head-turning retro styling is well worth considering -- without the alarm -- for any dog lover who needs a rugged four-wheeler.

PETS BY THE NUMBERS

Treats and more treats

Too much food and not enough exercise add up to overweight dogs and cats. Perhaps not surprisingly, the number of people who give treats to their pets is increasing in tandem with reports of obese pets by veterinarians:

Dogs given treats

2000 79 percent

2002 81 percent

2004 88 percent

Cats given treats

2000 54 percent

2002 56 percent

2004 65 percent

Source: American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

PETS ON THE WEB

Urban Hound offers help for all dogs

Even if you don't live in one of the three cities covered by the Urban Hound Web site (www.urbanhound.com), you'll find great information on dogs and their care. The site is one of the most attractive and well-organized pet-care sites I've ever seen, with content developed by professional writers and editors.

The professionalism shows, especially in one of the best features on the site, an analysis of the pet insurance companies. The Urban Hound staff takes a real dog -- a healthy 5-year-old Labrador named Quigly -- adds in hypothetical health problems, and looks at payoffs and problems with each plan.

The site also offers solid advice on health, behavior and laws pertaining to dogs, along with areas for discussion and shopping. If you live in New York, Chicago or San Francisco, you must visit. Even if you don't, the Urban Hound is well worth browsing.

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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