And Gina Spadafori

Universal Press Syndicate

People flip over puppies, but to us, a well-loved older dog is one of the most beautiful creatures on earth. An older dog has a nobleness, a look in the eyes that speaks of years of the special love that only a pet can give -- trusting, nonjudgmental and unwaveringly true.

Your dog's health in later years is not entirely in your control, but you can have a real impact on a pet's attitude. Your dog doesn't know he's getting older. His gray hairs concern him not, nor does he worry about the other visible effects of time -- the thickening of his body, the thinning of his limbs. He doesn't count the number of times he can fetch a ball before tiring and compare that to his performance when he was a young dog in his prime.

A dog lives in the now. Just as he doesn't reflect on his past, he can't imagine his future. Your dog takes his cues from you. When you're upbeat, encouraging and loving, he'll be at his best no matter his age.

This time can be a special one for both of you, and it's up to you to make the most of it.

As your dog ages, increase the frequency and diminish the intensity of his exercise. Instead of taking your dog to the park once a week to chase tennis balls until he's exhausted, take him for a long walk daily. If your dog is having problems with physical activity, talk to your veterinarian. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may help, as may supplements such as glucosamine or alternative treatments such as acupuncture.

Your dog has no real sense of shame or embarrassment, so he suffers no loss of face if you come up with some ideas to make his life a little easier. Truly, the number of ways you can give your oldster a break is limited only by your imagination. Here are a few tips to get you thinking:

-- Beds. Think soft. Think cushioned. Think low. Think heated. Your dog will thank you for all of these thoughts, especially in cold weather.

-- Clothes. Older dogs, like older people, have a more difficult time maintaining their body temperature. This problem is even more pronounced in slender, short-coated breeds like the greyhound or whippet. So check out the sweater selection at your local pet-supply store, repurpose thrift-store children's clothes, or make your own if you're crafty.

-- Ramps and steps. If your dog is allowed on the couch and the bed, get steps to help him if he can no longer make it in one jump. You wouldn't want to watch TV without your dog at your side, would you? A permanent ramp going down the back-porch step or a slide-out ramp to help your dog get into the car will also be appreciated.

While you're making household adjustments, don't forget to make an appointment for a senior dog checkup. Your veterinarian may recommend some diagnostic tests in addition to a physical examination -- typically, bloodwork and an X-ray -- to spot problems early or to establish a baseline of what's normal for your dog. You should also consider having your dog's teeth attended to, because gum infections and mouth pain will severely affect the comfort and health of your dog. Most veterinarians recommend twice-annual exams for senior dogs, by the way.

The senior dog checkup is also a good time to determine if your dog's slowing down means his diet will need to change to take excess weight off his joints.

Helping to keep your older dog healthy and fit will mean his senior years will be happier and more comfortable as time goes by. And that will be good news for you both.

Q&A

Making vet trip easier for cat

Q: When it's time to go to the veterinarian's office, my gentle cat becomes a monster. Our veterinarian says she's used to cats like ours, but I wonder if there's a way to make things easier for all of us. -- G.W., via e-mail

A: Work with your veterinarian to come up with a strategy to make the visit easier for you all, and realize that the staff will have to handle your pet firmly to prevent injuries to your cat and the people around her. Be sure you're using a hard-sided carrier for these trips -- never try to hold an angry cat in your arms or transport her in something that lends very little protection to you or her, such as a pillowcase.

You might also consider using a mobile veterinarian. Although your cat won't be any more pleased to see a veterinarian who makes house calls, at least she'll be spared the trauma of travel.

The temptation when you have a cat who hates the veterinarian is to avoid routine preventive veterinary care entirely. It's not uncommon for cats like these to never see a veterinarian after that first visit has gone so horribly wrong.

If you go this route -- and we're not recommending it, just acknowledging it as a choice many cat lovers make -- the responsibility for spotting illness falls squarely on your shoulders. Be aware of changes in your cat's body, attitude or behavior, all of which can indicate illness and necessitate a trip to the veterinarian's, whether your cat likes it or not. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

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

[Put ABOUT UNDER QANDA]

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a 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.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE BUZZ

Better eye meds may be on the way

-- Dogs with eye problems may no longer have to rely on daily eye drops from their owners. An Iowa State University researcher has developed a way to treat a dog's eyes by producing a biodegradable medicine that can be placed in the tissue surrounding his eyes and will have lasting effects for up to a year. A small incision is made in the tissue around the dog's eyes, and medicine is inserted before stitching the eye back up, all taking only a few minutes. Six dogs have undergone treatment so far with positive results, but further testing will be done before the treatment will be available to the public.

-- Zoo animal manure may be turned into electricity at the Toronto Zoo. There's a plan to build a $13 million facility to use methane gas from the manure to produce power.

-- Veterinarians have a high level of job satisfaction, according to a survey by the American Veterinary Medical Association and compared with national surveys. The survey put veterinary satisfaction just below clergy, teachers and psychologists, and well above the satisfaction of lawyers and physicians. There are more than 88,000 veterinarians in the United States, according to the trade group.

-- Another reason to deem the Tyrannosaurus rex as the king of all beasts is an impeccable sense of smell. In a study by the University of Calgary, the T. rex was found to have the best sniffer of all carnivorous dinosaurs. Researchers speculate the sense of smell was probably used to help the predator hunt at night. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Proper diet key to rabbit health

Diet has a huge impact on the health and well-being of any creature, and the rabbit is no exception. Common health problems in the rabbit directly relate to diet, and include obesity, gastrointestinal diseases and dental disease.

All pet rabbits need a high level of indigestible fiber, which, along with adequate water, is vital for the normal and healthy functioning of their gastrointestinal systems. Rabbits need to have their levels of carbohydrates and protein controlled to avoid obesity and kidney disease.

Properly fed rabbits do not need supplements added to their diets. Rabbits produce a good portion of their own vitamins, amino acids and other nutrients through the production and re-eating of special feces called cecotropes.

A basic healthy daily diet for a domestic rabbit should include unlimited grass hay and a minimum of 1 cup of fresh leafy greens for every 2 pounds of body weight. Use as many varieties of greens as possible, and offer other vegetables and fruits as well, in more limited amounts. Rabbits also need an ongoing supply of fresh, clean water.

Pet rabbits do not need commercial food pellets. If used at all, the pellets should be of a high-fiber, low-protein variety, given in very small amounts. Pellets should never be the only food for a pet rabbit. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

What's up, doc?

A veterinarian's advice is still the most sought after when it comes to pet care -- although the Internet is gaining steadily. Here are the top sources for information on caring for dogs, as reported in 2004 (multiple responses allowed):

Veterinarian: 66 percent

Past experience: 54 percent

Books/library: 26 percent

Friends/relatives: 25 percent

Magazines: 19 percent

Internet: 19 percent

Pet store: 13 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Overcoming dog's fear of strangers

Using yummy treats as a training aid may help to lessen your dog's fear of strangers or other dogs when out on walks.

Walk your dog before meals so he's hungry. At the first sight of a stranger, act jolly and relaxed, and give your dog a treat. Your goal is to help the dog see a stranger as your reason to pull out the treats and be happy.

As your dog begins to show anxiety or fear, stop giving the treats freely. Ask your dog for a calmer, more controlled behavior such as a "sit," and reward him with treats.

Over time, repeat these techniques as you decrease the distance between you and the stranger in tiny stages.

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

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 by visiting PetConnection.com.

Universal Press Syndicate

In these tough times, keeping a pet healthy often means taking a good look and a sharp pencil to every aspect of pet care to make sure you're getting the biggest bang for your buck.

If you're doing that now, you should know that you can save money on your pet's prescription medications in ways that many people don't even know exist. The place to start: With a respectful and open discussion with your pet's veterinarian.

Dr. Patty Khuly, a Miami veterinarian, pet-care columnist and the author of the top veterinary blog Dolittler (Dolittler.com), says veterinarians should be open to helping clients save money on medications -- and that more are, all the time.

"Our job as veterinarians is to help people get their pets the care they need," she says. "What I'm seeing in practice now is that people need to make cuts so they can afford basic and emergency veterinary care. One way I can help make that possible as a veterinarian is to offer options when it comes to prescription medications. People can then weigh those options and make an informed decision."

There are benefits to buying medications from your veterinarian, notes Khuly. Convenience is one factor, and being able to start treatment immediately is another. There's also a risk with some sources that the medication you may buy isn't what you think you're getting -- which is one reason why your veterinarian's help is so vital.

"There's long been a gray market problem," says Khuly. "Some drugs people buy can be ineffective or even dangerous. You have to be careful."

Saving money on prescriptions isn't about cutting your veterinarian out of your pet's health care, stresses Khuly. Ideally, it's about shifting your veterinary expenditures away from retail purchases and toward medical expertise, so your pet can get the necessary medications without cutting into your overall budget for the best care your veterinarian can provide you.

Khuly's tips include:

-- Take the prescription to go. Talk to your veterinarian about getting a better price elsewhere. Your veterinarian may have a reason for wanting you to buy from the practice, and you should listen to and consider those reasons. It's also not unreasonable to ask for price match, which will save you both money and time. But if you can get a better deal on some medications elsewhere, your veterinarian shouldn't mind your taking a prescription away with you if it doesn't risk your pet's health to do so.

-- Go for the generics. The same medications are often prescribed for people and pets both. Instead of getting a name-brand medication, ask your veterinarian if there's a generic equivalent. Some common antibiotics, behavior-modification medications, thyroid and anti-inflammatory drugs can be found in less-expensive generic equivalents. Big-box retailers and grocery stores with pharmacies offer many generic medications for as low as $4 for a typical course of treatment.

-- Look for prescription savings clubs. For a low annual fee, some pharmacies and associations will grant you access to huge discounts on hundreds of different generic drugs and on name-brand medications as well. Pets often count as family where these plans are concerned, so don't be shy about asking and signing them up.

-- Online pharmacies. Shopping online can save money on the animals-only medications you can't buy from a "human" pharmacy. But there is a big caveat, says Khuly: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns against doing business with online merchants that don't ask for a prescription. These may be offshore outfits selling expired, unapproved or even counterfeit drugs. (For more on the FDA's advice in dealing with online pet pharmacies, see www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2006/606_pets.html.) Stick to reputable companies that will work with you and your veterinarian, and you'll likely be fine.

-- Buy in bulk. For pets with chronic illness who need to be on medication for a long while or for life, ask about buying 60- or 90-day supplies. Larger buys of common generic medications can save you enough money to make asking about it well worth your time.

-- Ask your veterinarian to prescribe medications in larger doses and then split them. Many pills are already scored to make splitting easier, and the pill-splitting gadgets found in any pharmacy make it easier still. Splitting larger doses is often less expensive than giving single pills of smaller doses -- but the splitting needs to be accurate for safety.

Some of these strategies are no-risk no-brainers, while others (such as splitting doses) are really not to be undertaken without your veterinarian's assistance and oversight.

And that's really the point, says Khuly. Working with your veterinarian is essential to making sure your pet stays healthy, even as we all work to weather the rough economy.

Q&A

Keeping cat from tripping owners

Q: Our cat, Cookie, loves us very much and wants to be with us constantly. She walks closely to our legs and often stops right in front of us. She has twice tripped my husband and has made him fall. With his bad back, this is a real problem.

He has tried pushing her aside with his foot, but she keeps coming back. We have an elderly friend who comes to visit, and Cookie likes him a lot. We are afraid that she will trip him as well. (I guess I'm a little more nimble, since she hasn't tripped me yet.)

My husband loves the cat as much as I do, and he wouldn't dream of getting rid of her or being mean to her when she does this. But we need help. What can we do to make her stop before someone really gets hurt? -- M.T., via e-mail

A: Try to remember when Cookie began walking near your legs and how you responded then compared to how you are responding now.

Most likely, Cookie's habit began some time ago and was initially met with a positive response from you and your husband. Perhaps, in the beginning, you saw Cookie's desire to be so near you as an adorable trait and responded with lovey-dovey talk, picking her up or providing her with some other type of positive outcome or attention.

Behaviors that become problems often start just like this -- traits that were once considered adorable by the owners. In other words, pets learn how to get what they want by adapting their behaviors based on human responses. If a behavior works in the pet's best interest, it continues, even escalates. The best example of this principle is how excessive vocalization becomes a problem with both dogs and cats. When pets first begin to vocalize, our knee-jerk response is to pay attention to them and give them what they want, such as letting them come indoors or giving them food. Over time, they become even more demanding.

The very best way to decrease an unwanted behavior is to make sure it never works in the pet's best interest, while you at same time begin encouraging a replacement behavior that ideally cannot be done at the same time -- such as sitting and jumping up -- and that rewards the pet for what you do find acceptable and, in your case, safe.

With that said, be prepared for the behavior to escalate before it disappears. When a pet no longer finds a behavior effective, the animal will try harder and harder to get the response it expects. You've heard of the calm before the storm? This is the storm before the calm. Once your pet learns that the behavior will never, ever get the desired response, the behavior will ultimately disappear.

So with Cookie, we would suggest pretending Cookie is completely invisible whenever she walks near your legs. Do not look at, talk to or respond to this behavior.

Your replacement behavior can start by using her kibble for rewards (don't leave food down during the re-training, so she'll be eager for food). Toss kibbles off to the side as you walk and praise Cookie for getting the kibble instead of walking between your legs.

If you run into problems, ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can break down this problem and lay out a targeted modification program for you and for Cookie. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp

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

THE BUZZ

Dogs, falcons work for airport safety

-- Airports are turning to furred and feathered help to keep runways clear, according to USA Today. At the Southwest Florida International Airport, a border collie is used to clear birds away from the airfield, while New York's JFK airport uses trained falcons to drive away other birds. Throughout the nation, more than 20 airports use dogs as part of their effort to control wildlife.

-- A three-legged mare with a prosthetic leg has started a revolution in horse medicine. The Best Friends Animal Sanctuary took in the mare with the injured hind leg and opted to have the leg amputated and replaced instead of putting the animal down, as is common practice. The procedure has been so successful that she can trot and can even be ridden. Many hope the mare's success story shows others that a horse's life doesn't have to end when a leg is irreparably damaged.

-- A canine bloodmobile travels in a 50-mile radius around Pennsylvania to collect donated blood. The bloodmobile is the only one of its kind in the nation and helps serve sick dogs in need of transfusions. Dogs have a greater variety of blood types than humans do, with at least 12 blood types. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

[Put ABOUT UNDER BUZZ]

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a 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.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

PET BOOKS

We humans have taken the rich genetic material of the wolf and have selectively bred the dog to be all things to all people. We've made him small enough to fit in our pockets and tall enough to tower over us, gentle enough to sleep with our children and strong enough to take down a wild boar.

But maybe the dog has changed us more.

That's the argument that Stanley Coren, best-selling author of popular dog books, makes in his latest, "The Modern Dog: A Joyful Exploration of How We Live With Dogs Today" (Free Press, $26). Dogs, he writes, made human existence possible, aiding us as we developed civilization.

But dogs have changed more than our lifestyle -- they've profoundly changed how we see the world. There's no better example of this than Hurricane Katrina. Before the disaster, Coren writes, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency head Michael Brown dismissed questions about evacuating companion animals, saying, "They are not our concern."

But as New Orleans drowned, a new and different attitude emerged. The nation watched, horrified, as people died with their pets or battled the elements trying to save them. One elderly lady's Yorkshire terrier was taken away by a soldier as she boarded a rescue helicopter. "I got nothing and no one," she said, crying. "He's all I got left!"

An officer from the medical corps intervened. "That's not a dog," he told the soldier. "That's medicine. Medicine for the mind." After Katrina, notes Coren, disaster planning for pets really took hold.

His Katrina essay is but one of many that will have the reader pausing to consider how dogs have changed us -- and will change us in the future. This thoughtful book deserves a wide audience. -- Christie Keith

BY THE NUMBERS

Dressing up the fish tank

People who keep freshwater fish such as goldfish also spend money on adding decorative items to their pets' bowls and tanks. A few of the most popular purchases (by percentage reported purchased by fish-keepers) include:

Artificial rocks: 57 percent

Background scenery: 42 percent

Gravel/sand/crushed coral: 62 percent

Plastic plants: 61 percent

Ornaments: 41 percent

Natural rocks: 25 percent

Live plants: 18 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Teaching kittens where to scratch

Go back to basics if your kitten is climbing the drapes and scratching the furniture.

Confine your kitten to a small room, such as a bathroom or laundry room. Place the litter box on the opposite side of the food and water, and make sure he has a cat tree for scratching, with a resting area on top.

Spend time in the small room with him. Use toys, treats and catnip to encourage and reward him for scratching the cat tree. When your kitten has adopted the post for scratching and climbing, it's time to continue the training routine in a larger room.

As you expand his freedom, interrupt unwanted behavior by putting your kitten on the cat tree and rewarding him for scratching where you want.

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

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 by visiting PetConnection.com.

It's no secret that dogs have migrated from the doghouse to the main house to the master bedroom, and cats have gone from mousers to housers. But even as pets have made the shift to full family members for many people, conflicts do arise.

This can be especially true around the holidays, when the kids come home with a four-legged feline "baby," or friends drop by with their dog for a visit and see no problem with welcoming him up on your bed as they do at home.

Minimizing visiting pet conflicts isn't hard, as long as everyone follows basic "petiquette" in planning and managing visits. Here are some tips:

-- Consider your pets -- and resident pets -- before the visit: Even if your pets are welcome, taking them may not be the best of ideas. Visiting is not a good idea if the resident pet will be stressed by yours. It's not fair for the family cat to spend the holidays under the bed because a new dog is roaming the house.

And not all pets are good visitors. Most cats would prefer to stay home, and many dogs are better left behind with a pet sitter or in a good boarding kennel.

To be a good guest, a dog must know basic obedience and be able to remain well-mannered under all circumstances. No knocking over a frail aunt or tiny toddler, and no stealing food off the counters or tables. Since you can't retrain a dog just for a visit, you can solve the pets-on-the-bed problem by bringing along old sheets to throw over the top of your host's bedding.

-- Don't make assumptions: If you're expecting pet-loving company, don't assume they'll leave their pets at home. Ask them, and don't be shy about setting conditions if you're willing to welcome a four-legged visitor.

By the same token, don't presume the welcome mat is out for your pet. Not everyone loves pets, and even those who do may not want your pet to visit for many legitimate reasons, including allergies, non-pet-friendly decor, other pets, and fearful or fragile family members.

It's essential to not only get permission but also to be clear on the rules of the house. A frank discussion beforehand can prevent many conflicts. Ask where the pet can sleep, and where he'll be expected to relieve himself (don't forget to clean up afterward!).

If friendly agreement isn't possible, a pet-friendly hotel room nearby is the best option.

-- Crates and baby-gates: Having your pet be able to relax in a "room of his own" makes visiting easier for all. A crate or carrier is your pet's best friend when you're traveling. Every pet should learn to be comfortable being contained in a safe, secure crate or carrier. This training makes everything better, from veterinary visits to car travel and more.

A crate may be the perfect place for your dog during meals, or when the family decides to catch a movie or go out for a meal. There's no worrying about what your dog will do in a unfamiliar environment when he's sleeping safely in his crate.

If using a crate isn't possible, a baby-gate can keep visiting pets out of pet-unfriendly areas while still giving them the sense that they're part of the activities. These gates are inexpensive to buy at any general-merchandise retailer. A simple plastic gate can adjust to any doorway and will leave no marks afterward.

With permission cheerfully granted and ground rules set before the door opens, having well-mannered pets join in the holiday festivities can be wonderful. It's just up to the humans to make sensible decisions so everyone is comfortable, pets included.

Q&A

Choosing a dog for a home with cats

Q: I have two spayed cats, 5-year-old sisters I adopted as kittens. I grew up with dogs and cats and have missed having a dog. I am now able to adopt a dog, but I want to keep the transition smooth.

I've noticed that some shelters indicate whether a dog gets along with cats. How accurate do you think this information is? And what else can I do to keep from freaking out my cats? -- N.D., via e-mail

A: Shelters and rescue groups can find out this information by getting it from the dog's previous owners, or by exposing the dog to a cat and evaluating the response.

The latter isn't as awful as it sounds. They'd never test a dog who's clearly aggressive, and they don't haul out some terrified guest kitty to be the guinea pig, so to speak. The tester cat is usually a permanent resident of the shelter, often a staff favorite who has proven to be calm and disdainfully confident around dogs. Dogs who are aggressive toward the cat (but not people) are so noted, as are those who are too friendly (and will need training to leave a cat alone), are friendly but not intrusive (ideal), or couldn't care less about the cat (also fine). Ask the folks at the shelter how they determine cat-tolerance in the case of any dog you're interested in.

In general, I'd look for a quiet, gentle and well-mannered adult dog of 3 to 5 years of age or older who falls into the friendly but not intrusive category, preferably one who has lived with cats before. You'll find lots of such dogs in shelters or rescue groups -- check Petfinder.com for all the possibilities in your area.

When you find your dog, don't force the pets to be together. Let the cats decide how much interaction they want, and always offer them an escape route to a dog-free area. It may take a month or more for the situation to settle down. -- Gina Spadafori

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

[Put ABOUT HERE, under QANDA]

ABOUT PET CONNECTION

Pet Connection is produced by a 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.

On PetConnection.com there's more information on pets and their care, reviews of products, books and "dog cars," and a monthly drawing for more than $1,000 in pet-care prizes. Contact Pet Connection in care of this newspaper by sending e-mail to petconnection@gmail.com or by visiting PetConnection.com.

THE BUZZ

The secret behind shar-pei wrinkles

-- Ever wonder why Chinese shar-peis have all those wrinkles? A team of Spanish scientists has come up with the answer. Known as mucinosis, the condition is a genetic alteration that multiplies the activity of a particular enzyme. When it goes into overdrive, it produces excessive amounts of hyaluronic acid, which gathers under the skin and produces wrinkles. The researchers hope that this knowledge of the genetic basis of mucinosis will permit better breeding programs aimed at improving the health of the breed, as well as provide a better understanding of the biology of tissues surrounding cells and the processes of cell recognition and aging.

-- While on a walk with his owner, a normally well-behaved dog bolted across the road and into a lake. Napoleon emerged dragging a sack in his mouth. In the bag: six kittens, probably thrown into the water to drown. Four of them lived and were adopted. "He probably felt they were in danger or something, because he heard them cry out," said Alexandra Breuer, owner of the canine hero.

-- Running across 1,100 miles of the frozen Alaskan wilderness on only 12,000 calories a day is challenging enough, but doing it at 8 mph for more than a week is an astonishing accomplishment. That's why veterinary physiologist Dr. Michael Davis has been given a $1 million grant from the Pentagon to research how the dogs of the Iditarod can endure such intense physical labor. When sled dogs begin running, they initially have a racing metabolism, but after running for a day, their body slows to a resting metabolism, which helps them avoid exhaustion. The Pentagon wants to know if that metabolic slow-down would be possible for soldiers. -- Dr. Marty Becker, Mikkel Becker Shannon and Kim Campbell Thornton

THE SCOOP

Preventive care essential to bird health

A wild bird's survival strategy is to appear as healthy as possible to avoid the notice of predators. Many popular pet bird species are not many generations removed from the wild, but the same survival strategy that worked in a natural habitat is a bad one in captivity. Pet birds will sometimes show no sign of illness until they're too sick to be helped.

Proper daily care -- good nutrition and fastidious cleanliness -- is essential to preventing life-threatening illness, as is a solid working relationship with an experienced avian veterinarian. Here's why an avian veterinarian can make a difference:

-- Scarcity of urgent care. Emergency clinics are mostly geared for dog and cat care, not specialized bird care. And even if you develop an excellent relationship with an avian-savvy veterinarian, he will not always be available for emergency responses.

-- Cost savings. From the startup costs of a proper cage to annual well-bird exams with the necessary diagnostic testing, preventive care isn't cheap. Still, heading off illness is less expensive in the long run than trying to save the life of a bird in crisis.

-- Quality of life. Just because a bird is hiding his illness doesn't mean he isn't feeling dreadful. It may be days, weeks, months or even years before your bird finally gets so sick that he stops caring what happens to him. Misery has been his companion for a long time at that point, and that makes a strong argument for early intervention.

The place to start? An examination by an avian veterinarian, who'll take the time to establish the good health of your bird, correct small health problems before they become critical, and advise you about anything you're doing that might be endangering your pet's health long term. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Who makes pet-care purchases?

The kids may beg for a pet, but mom had better be on board with the addition. That's because chances are she'll be the one doing the shopping. According to a 2006 study:

Women as primary shoppers

All pets 79 percent

Dogs 79 percent

Cats 81 percent

Saltwater fish 67 percent

Source: American Pet Products Association

ON GOOD BEHAVIOR

Door dashes can be stopped

Teach your dog not to dash out the door by always insisting that he sit and wait before exiting your home or car.

Just as you do when putting a child in a car seat, do not make exceptions to the rule. If you are consistent, your dog will accept this routine and learn that it's no go until you say so.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't be careful when opening the front door or the car door. Some temptations, such as seeing a cat or squirrel, may trigger your dog to dash, so always keep a look out.

No training is 100 percent, but you can put a brake on most door dashing with clear, consistent instructions and practice.

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

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 by visiting PetConnection.com.