Born and raised on a small family farm in Southern Idaho, I've been blessed to spend my entire life surrounded by animals. Growing up, we had dairy and beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and lots of cats and dogs. Today, I live with my beloved wife of 26 years, Teresa, and our two children, Mikkel and Lex, on our Almost Heaven Ranch in extreme Northern Idaho. We have two dogs, five cats, four quarter horses and a betta.

I knew from age 7 that I wanted to be a veterinarian. The local veterinarian came out to the family farm to help a holstein cow who had milk fever, a condition where the cow who just calved has such low blood calcium that the nerves can't fire, paralyzing the animal. I watched as the vet poked a needle into the cow's jugular vein and hooked up a jug of calcium fluids to gurgle into the black-and-white statue. Suddenly the calcium took hold, the nerves and muscles came to life and the cow rose to her feet and ran off, the needle popping out of the vein like a half slingshot. Everyone who witnessed this resurrection was impressed, but for me it was much more than that.

I loved pets and people, and I knew becoming a veterinarian would allow me to help both.

After graduation, I went back to Southern Idaho, where I practiced for 16 years. My partner and I had a chain of veterinary hospitals in Idaho and Utah. I have taught in all the veterinary schools in the United States, lectured to veterinarians and staff in more than 40 countries, been writing constantly about pets and their care, and serve as the resident veterinarian on "Good Morning America." I'm still a practicing veterinarian, at the North Idaho Animal Hospital in Sandpoint.

My philosophy of practice has always been to "match the science with the soul." This means I strive for a state-of-the-art veterinary practice with competent veterinarians and staff who are lifelong learners (the science) balanced with a veterinary team who is caring and compassionate (the soul).

Whether I'm communicating one-on-one or through the media, my goals are always the same. These are the things important to me:

-- Authenticity. I tap into a rich network of experts and do the research to make sure that when I'm writing about a subject, I can present the current best thinking.

-- Pre-cradle to post-grave. There's much more to veterinary medicine than just treating accidents and illnesses. There's prenatal care and pet selection (pre-cradle), preventive health care, treating accidents and illnesses, grooming, nutrition, geriatric care, euthanasia, and bereavement counseling (post-grave). I know it's much better to prevent problems than to treat them. And just because a pet isn't sick, it doesn't mean the animal is healthy. There are many degrees of health, and I always aim to optimize a pet's health, happiness and longevity.

-- Celebration. I often say, "There's only one greatest pet in the world, and everybody has that pet!" I love to write in a style where you enjoy learning, smile when appropriate, and find reasons to love your pets at an even richer, deeper level.

-- Threat level. I won't unnecessarily alarm you to a problem that is of minor significance, but I will always give you a head's up on real dangers. For example, the threat to pets from poinsettias is minimal, but the threat to cats from lilies is serious. I will never be a "Henny Penny" communicator where a potentially fatal danger lurks everywhere. I will alert you to real threats as they emerge (such as xylitol toxicity) and revisit ones people tend to ignore (such as obesity and dental disease).

I'm a veteran veterinarian, and I love practicing and communicating with people who love pets as much as I do. I've pulled a puppy wiggling from its mother and watched the animal take a first breath. I've been there when a cat, cradled in her family's arms, drew her last breath. My hands have healed some pets and comforted others, made dogs' tails wag and cats purr, hugged an anxious pet owner, and poured the last few handfuls of dirt on my pets' graves at our Almost Heaven Ranch.

I know most of you believe your pet is special, unique and precious, and think that if I could just come and visit your home and witness the love, loyalty, tricks and endearing qualities, I'd most certainly agree.

While I'll have to visit most of you via television, radio, in print or on the Internet, remember that I know there is only one greatest pet in the world, and that's your pet!

Thank you for welcoming me, once again, into your home as the new member of the Pet Connection team.

Q&A

AKC still runs dog-show game

Q: When will puggles compete at dog shows? Who decides? I love my puggle, and I want to see others on TV. It's not fair, and it seems kind of snobby! -- I.F., via e-mail

A: The American Kennel Club decides eligibility for most U.S. shows, and you'd better not hold your breath hoping to see your puggle invited to compete.

People who love "designer dogs" such as puggles (pug-beagle mixes) may call them "breeds," but the AKC sees it differently. To have a breed, you have to be mating examples of that breed to other examples of the exact same breed. All the trendy designer dogs have parents of two different breeds. In the AKC's eyes, that makes them ineligible for competitions aimed at dogs who are a member of an established breed.

"Most breeds started as some kind of mix as people were searching and selecting for a dog that had all the traits that they wanted. Eventually, those traits became fixed, the dogs bred true to those traits and the dog became a purebred dog," explains David Frei, spokesman for the Westminster Kennel Club and the show's longtime announcer. "As long as a Labradoodle is a poodle crossed with a Labrador, where the resulting offspring vary in their traits -- for example, some with poodle coats and some with Labrador coats -- those dogs will never be considered a purebred, and the combination will not be considered a breed."

Is there any hope for the Labradoodle or puggle lover who dreams of seeing one of these dogs as the Westminster Best in Show? Frei hedges his bets a little.

"As traits get fixed and Labradoodles are bred to Labradoodles -- instead of Labradors to poodles -- to produce a consistent type in all regards, then there is the chance they will be recognized," he says.

"The AKC will decide. A breed has to have a widespread geographical following, a certain minimum number of dogs, a parent club, and a good record of its breedings. That is the starting point in the recognition process," says Frei.

Since these dogs aren't even at that starting point, and may never be, dog shows will be out for a long, long time. But remember that there are plenty of other canine sports that welcome any breed or mix. -- Gina Spadafori

Mix pets carefully

Q: We have a mellow 8-year-old cat who doesn't seem that interested in hunting, and my daughter wants a cockatiel as her own pet. What do you think? -- G.P., via e-mail

A: While many people successfully manage multispecies households, you must always be careful when you're mixing predators and prey.

That's true when you have dogs and cats, and it's true when you have cats and birds, or small pets such as rats, hamsters or lizards. The lion doesn't lie down with the lamb in the wild, and you should not expect your cat to consider your cockatiel as his brother. Keep these pets safely apart.

Also consider the stress factor. Birds know that cats are predators, and birds are prey. Gerbils and hamsters know this, too. It can be tough for tiny prey animals to see a deadly predator lurking about all the time -- even if their cage is very secure.

If your daughter intends to have the birdcage in her room with the door closed when no one is around to supervise, you'll probably be OK.

A warning though: You should regard anytime your cat gets his paws (and especially his teeth or claws) on a pet bird or rodent as a medical emergency, even if the smaller pet seems fine. At the very least, your little critter may need a course of antibiotics. Once prey animals such as birds seem sick, they're often too sick to be saved. -- Dr. Marty Becker

PET BUY

Giving pets a big boost

It used to be pet columnists and trainers were asked for advice on how to keep dogs off the furniture. I guess that war is over, and the pets have won, to judge by how many products are now available to help older or injured pets get up where they used to not be allowed.

The Pet Steps ($40) from the pet-products company Petmate (best known for its line of animal carriers and airline crates) is 20 inches tall, designed to come up to the level of most sofas. The product is easy to move (only 4 pounds in weight), made of sturdy plastic and covered with carpet for better traction. They come in different colors to help match home decor.

Long, low-slung dogs such as dachshunds are prone to back injuries. If you're going to let them up on the furniture, it's a good idea to minimize the jumping up and down. Getting steps or a ramp and training the dog to use them can help. -- Gina Spadafori

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Signs of stress in your canine

Do you wish your dog were more like a stuffed animal who could comfort you but didn't require any energy on your part? Unfortunately, many people seem to want this type of dog. Maturing and aging will slow a pet down, but waiting for your pet to become mellow isn't the best way to get the most out of a relationship with him.

Dogs have natural behaviors that need to be shaped for a good fit into our lives. Dogs don't raise themselves -- they are dependent on their human families for socialization, training and care.

Exercise and socialization go a long way toward calming a "hyper" dog.

Signs of canine stress may include scratching, hyperactivity, excessive vocalization, destructive chewing and digging, shedding, difficulty learning, running away, shivering and aggression.

Signs of a relaxed canine are belly-up sleeping or resting, easy breathing, initiating play, stretching, relaxed muscle tone, relaxed ears and eyes, and being responsive to training.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PET CONNECTION ONLINE

PetConnection.com features a weekly contest for free prizes, tips on pet health and behavior, a searchable archive of all past columns, reviews of "dogmobiles," products and pet-care books, and a popular Web log offering frequent contributions from the entire Pet Connection staff.

PET Rx

Thin cat or fat, talk to your vet

Can a cat be too skinny? Yes! A healthy cat should have a small amount of fat padding over the ribs. When you press in just a little and move that skin back and forth over the ribs (the way you'd move a shirt over the ridges of a washboard), you should be able to feel those ribs. A cat who's too skinny -- and especially a cat who loses weight quickly -- needs to see the veterinarian.

When an older cat becomes skinny, it may be a relatively common malady called hyperthyroidism. In cats with this disease, the thyroid gland starts overproducing its special hormone, making these cats lose weight and often seem more active than normal for older cats. Veterinarians sometimes call the condition "zoom around the room" syndrome. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can be deadly. Fortunately, treating the disease is a real veterinary success story.

The overactive thyroid can be persuaded to slow down using drugs, surgery or radiation therapy. Radiation therapy involves a hospital stay, but it usually resolves the problem permanently. Other pet lovers decide on surgery or daily medication. If you're facing this decision, discuss all the options with your veterinarian, and choose what's right for you and your cat.

Hyperthyroidism is what makes many cats look like a rack of bones, but it's certainly not the only possible problem. The cat could have a digestive problem, suffer from a severe internal parasite infestation, or even have an autoimmune disease. If you're free-feeding in a multicat household, your skinny cat may simply be losing out at the trough.

Bottom line: A cat who's too fat or too skinny needs to be checked out by a veterinarian. -- Dr. Marty Becker

BY THE NUMBERS

How big's your dog?

Although small dogs seem all the rage these days, canine popularity isn't much influenced by size. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, dog lovers like their pets no matter what size (multiple answers allowed):

Own small dogs 43 percent

Own medium dogs 34 percent

Own large dogs 44 percent

PETS ON THE WEB

Watch videos on feline care

Have you ever struggled to give your cat pills or liquid medicine? Ever pulled out your hair over the prospect of trimming your cat's nails? Help is just a few clicks away, thanks to a collection of cat-care videos produced by the Cornell University Feline Health Center and available on the veterinary college's Web site (www.vet.cornell.edu/FHC).

What a fantastic idea! In addition to demonstrating giving medication and basic grooming, the site also provides information on caring for a diabetic cat. Each video is a few minutes long and breaks each subject into easy-to-understand segments.

That these high-quality videos come from Cornell is no surprise. The Feline Health Center program of the university's College of Veterinary Medicine has offered the very best in cat-care information for a long time now. It is one site every cat lover should bookmark. -- Gina Spadafori

Pet Connection is produced by a team of team of pet-care experts headed by "Good Morning America" veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and award-winning journalist Gina Spadafori. The two are also the authors of several best-selling pet-care books. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper, by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or visiting PetConnection.com.

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

Are your pets on your list of New Year's resolutions? They should be, along with plans for making the world a little bit better not only for your animals, but also for others in need.

Although problems can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to animal cruelty or homeless pets, the fact is that every little bit helps. After all, if every one of us animal lovers did one small thing a couple of times a year, the total effort would be grand indeed.

Here are a few suggestions for helping animals in the months to come:

-- Take better care of your own animals. Studies show that, just like many of us, a lot of animals desperately need to lose weight and exercise more. Remember: Food is not love, and lay off the treats.

You and your pet will both do better with a walk or some otherwise active playtime together. Don't neglect other aspects of preventive health care. Use your pet's regular exams to go over those areas that need improving. In addition to weight loss and exercise, your veterinarian should evaluate your pet's vaccination schedule, dental health and parasite-control strategies. Preventive health care saves money, makes your pet more comfortable and helps extend life span. Make that veterinary appointment today!

Part of taking better care of your own pet is making sure your animals are "good citizens" to your neighbors. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. In addition to being inconsiderate, people who allow their animals to be a nuisance give ammunition to communities looking to pass laws against pets.

-- Help others take better care of their pets. If you have a friend, neighbor or relative who is having difficulty caring for a pet because of advanced age or illness, offer to help out. Pets are extremely important to those who are cut off from social activities. Helping people keep their pets is a kindness to both pet and pet owner.

What can you do? Pick up food or litter, or offer to take the pet to the veterinarian when needed. Many times, people who rely on others for assistance are reluctant to ask for more help on account of a pet. So ask if you can help. After all, if you're already going to the pet-supply store or veterinarian, is it really that much trouble to pick up some extra supplies or stay for an additional appointment?

-- Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty should not be tolerated, not only for the animals but also because of the proven link between animal cruelty and crimes against people. Too often, though, animal cruelty is shrugged off by the judicial system as a lesser crime.

Don't accept the attitude that animal cruelty is a normal part of adolescence. Call, e-mail and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases. Demand that young adults get the help they need to break the cycle of cruelty and that adult offenders are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Public opinion counts in these cases!

-- Pay to spay. Don't place an animal in a new home unless you've made sure the pet won't reproduce. You may think you're doing a good deed in finding a home for a pet you cannot keep, or for a litter of kittens born in your garage to a semi-wild mother cat. But if you don't pay to spay, you really aren't helping.

Instead of placing a pet for free, spay or neuter the animal and then charge an adoption fee to cover the cost of the procedure. You'll save the adopter time and will ensure that the pet you place won't add to the overpopulation problem.

-- Help a shelter or rescue group. Volunteers are always needed to help with the animals in the shelter or to foster pets who need a home environment. But if you don't want to contribute on a regular basis, then see if you can help on a short-term project.

Many groups have fund-raisers throughout the year. They need volunteers to help with ticket sales, setup, concessions and cleanup. You can also help by finding out what your local shelter or rescue groups need in the way of services or supplies and then calling to ask for donations.

Shelters are in constant need of pet food, litter, old newspapers and towels, as well as office and janitorial supplies and building materials. Get a wish list from your shelter and get to work!

Q&A

Safe carriers for cats, too

Q: I read your column with the advice about putting dogs in crates when traveling, and I'm wondering: Why didn't you mention anything about cats?

Cats and kittens also need to go in crates, especially if they have to be transported by car. Otherwise, they'll seek a safe spot and may end up lodged under a seat or somewhere in the wiring under the dashboard -- and they might lacerate someone with their claws on the way there.

Lots of people I know say their cats hate getting into crates. Of course they do if the only time the crate comes out is when the cat has to go to the vet!

We've overcome that little problem for our cats by keeping the crates in a corner of the living room, with a towel or soft piece of fleece inside. The crates are a favorite napping spot for all three of our cats. When it's time to go to the vet, instead of the crate being that "awful thing" they have to get into when they go to that "awful place," the crate is a piece of home that goes with them. It gives them a familiar, safe place to hide. I usually cover the crate with a towel when we're at the vet so the cats feel more hidden and secure. -- K.B., via e-mail

A: That particular piece was about holiday travel with dogs, but you can bet I've written plenty about how important crates are for all pets. That includes not only cats, but also birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets and more. Having a secure way to take a pet out of the house is always important, but never more so than during a time of emergency.

Your tips are wonderful, by the way, and will help many cats be more relaxed in their crates no matter the circumstances.

No outside dogs

Q: I wholeheartedly agree with your stand against "outside dogs" and hope that people take your advice not to get a dog if it is not going to be part of the family. How sad it is to think of all the lonely dogs outside alone year after year, especially in the coldest parts of the country. What's the matter with people, anyway?

Could you mention one more reason not to abandon a dog to the outdoors? In addition to all the points you made, these dogs are probably denied prompt and proper medical care because their owners do not notice their ailments. -- K.H., via e-mail

A: Happily for the dogs of the world, there are lots of pet owners who agree that dogs are not happy living their lives completely alone outside. Their numbers are bolstered by people who agree for a different reason -- they live near outdoor dogs, and have to listen to the barking of these neglected pets day and night.

Humane societies, behaviorists and other experts have long agreed that making a dog part of the family makes them not only happier, but also less likely to be a nuisance or a danger. This is especially true if the dog is maintained outside on a chain.

And yes, I've neglected in the past to mention your point that dogs who live completely outdoor lives may not get the attention they need when it comes to medical care. That's because it can be difficult to spot the sometimes subtle early signs of serious illness in an animal who isn't living underfoot.

CHANGES COMING TO THE PET PAGE

Starting with next week's issue, you'll see some changes to Pet Connection.

Becker is also the host of "The Pet Doctor With Marty Becker," which has been airing on PBS stations around the country since early December. In association with the American Animal Hospital Association, Becker hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, "Top Vets Talk Pets," on the Health Radio Network. He has appeared on Animal Planet and is a frequent guest on national network and cable television, and on radio shows. He has also been interviewed for countless magazine and newspaper articles.

He is an adjunct professor at both his alma mater, the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and at the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Additionally, Becker has lectured at every veterinary school in the United States, and has been named Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year by the Delta Society and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Becker is co-author of the fastest-selling pet book in history, "Chicken Soup for the Pet-Lover's Soul," and is either sole author or co-author of other top-selling books, including other animal books in the Chicken Soup line. With Gina Spadafori, he is co-author of "Do Cats Always Land on Their Feet?" and the New York Times best-seller, "Why Do Dogs Drink Out of the Toilet?"

Pet Connection is also gaining the contributions of other pet-care experts. Behavior experts Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp of AnimalBehavior.net are writing "On Good Behavior," a series of tips to make living with a pet easier. In addition, Christie Keith will be contributing to the Pet Connection on a regular basis. Keith is a longtime pet-care writer with a special interest in health and nutrition.

All members of the team will contribute to the frequently updated Pet Connection Web log. Information on all Pet Connection contributors, the Web log, column archives, popular "dogmobile" reviews and more are all available at PetConnection.com.

DOGMOBILES

Newest Jeep offers dog-friendly value

When did DaimlerChrysler become such an innovative, value-oriented car company?

First, the Stow 'N Go seats on the Dodge and Chrysler minivans knocked my socks off, enabling very comfortable vehicles to go from hauling a soccer team to hauling a team of sled dogs in about the five minutes it takes to fold all the seats into the floor.

Then I get the Jeep Compass Limited 4-by-4, the new "cute ute" from the venerable line of rugged off-roaders. This one's a great dogmobile at fantastic price -- starting below $16,000 for the two-wheel-drive version, with the four-wheel-drive vehicle I test-drove optioned out for a tick under $25,000.

What's to like? Just about everything:

-- The back seats fold flat easily.

-- The cargo area has rubber matting instead of carpet, making cleanup after dirty paws easy.

-- Fuel economy is a 23 mpg city/26 mpg highway (and up to 30 mpg for the two-wheel drive model).

-- Good cargo space for a little SUV.

-- Well-placed cargo anchor hooks.

-- Good ground clearance and easy changeover to the four-wheel drive, both of which you'd expect in a Jeep, after all. This vehicle would have no problem with the fields where I'm often training my dogs.

The only dog-related complaint? The cupholders are down low between the front seats, easy for a dog to put a foot in (or a tongue, in the case of my youngest retriever, McKenzie, who loves coffee with cream.)

Aside from the doggie aspects, this little SUV is fun to drive and very responsive. Pretty darn cute, too.

The Jeep Compass would be a great dogmobile at a higher price. As it is, it's one of the best value-oriented dogmobiles I've driven.

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Dogs need to play

Puppies learn from play to be friendly and relaxed about the world around them. And playtime is a wonderful way to help develop a rich and rewarding relationship with your dog.

Initiate play with your dog by imitating a canine "play bow," front down, rear up and slapping the floor with your hands. Feel the day's tension melt away as you wiggle and giggle, and watch your dog light up in response.

Lead gentle play by example. Make sure canine teeth grab toys -- not flesh -- during play. Use treats and new vocabulary to create new games and keep all play lighthearted, fun and interesting. Vary play, and stop play sessions before your pet shows signs of losing interest.

(Animal behavior experts Susan and Dr. Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.)

PETS ON THE WEB

Is raw food good for dogs?

While home-prepared dog diets will never give commercial manufacturers much competition, there's no doubt that the trend toward "species appropriate" food for dogs has been growing for years.

One such diet is called BARF, which stands for Bones and Raw Flesh, or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. The diet is controversial and hotly debated, with passionate people on both sides. Is raw food a good way to feed your dog, or a serious health risk for dogs and people?

The BARF for Beginners Web site (www.njboxers.com/faqs.htm) won't settle the dispute, but it does offer a great deal of information on the diet, the theories behind it and the balancing act involved in preparing meals. Other fresh-food advocates are less dogmatic (if you will), promoting home-prepared diets of human-grade meats that are not necessarily raw.

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

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.

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