and Keith Turner

Universal Press Syndicate

Last year we went quirky, choosing the love-it-or-hate-it Honda Element as our first-ever DogCars.com canine hauler of the year.

This year, we went traditional, choosing the quintessential minivan, the redesigned Dodge Grand Caravan, as our "Best in Show." Chrysler may be struggling for survival, but its minivans still offer plenty to the dog lover looking for a comfortable ride for a canine companion.

DogCars.com is the Pet Connection's Web site for reviews of pet-friendly vehicles and pet-related travel gear. Our reviewers test new minivans, hatchbacks, SUVs, wagons and crossovers looking for pet-friendly features, including:

-- Seats that fold flat or are easily removable.

-- Plenty of usable cargo space relative to the size of the vehicle.

-- Wide, square backs and easy-lift rear hatches, with as little rear slope as possible to make the most of the cargo area.

-- All-wheel or four-wheel drive and high ground clearance for those who are into canine competitions.

The Dodge Grand Caravan also scored on economy, with a starting price under $29,000 and fuel economy of 17 mpg (city), 24 mpg (highway), both competitive in its class. The Caravan shares the honors with its cousins, the Chrysler Town and Country and the new Volkswagen Routan.

In addition to the Best in Show award, we also chose our favorites in the eight categories. Looking ahead, we're watching the Toyota Venza -- designed with pet-friendly features from the first -- as a potential Best in Show contender for next year.

-- Best Overall/Best Minivan: The Dodge Grand Caravan. The newest redesign of Chrysler's trademark product offers a larger cargo area and squared-off back, lots of storage compartments, and plenty of tie-downs for gear.

-- Best Compact: Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix. The newly redesigned Toyota Matrix and its littermate, the Pontiac Vibe, offer economy and versatility. Sharing many of the same mechanics as the Toyota Corolla, the Vibe and Matrix come in three versions: a base-level front-wheel drive, small four-cylinder model; an all-wheel drive with a larger engine; and a sporty version.

-- Best Green Vehicle: Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid was redesigned to add room, comfort and efficiency, giving the classic SUV a green twist. The Highlander's onboard computers automatically shift power usage from gas to electric to a combination of both, for an average fuel economy of 27 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.

-- Best Small SUV: Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute and Mitsubishi Outlander (tie). Ford's terrific triplets -- the Escape, Mercury Mariner and Mazda Tribute -- offer on- and off-road versatility, with moderate fuel mileage and fold-flat seats. While they may look different on the outside, their heritage is the same. They tied with a repeat winner in this category, the Mitsubishi Outlander, which offers good value, capacious cargo room and a flip-down rear gate that makes dog-loading easier.

-- Best Midsize SUV: Honda Pilot, Suzuki XL7, Hyundai Santa Fe (tie). The Honda Pilot has been redesigned and gets even better, with a squared-off rear to better handle large dog crates. Suzuki's XL7 is a rugged rig that features fold-flat second- and third-row seats for flexibility when securing crates and carrying cargo. And finally, the Hyundai Santa Fe offers pet-friendly features and great value, with a starting price of around $21,000.

-- Best Wagon: Subaru Forester and Volvo XC70 (tie). Volvo and Subaru have long been favorite brands among dog lovers, and the two companies are among the few that actively seem to push for the pet-lover trade. The Volvo XC70 and Subaru Forester -- both recently redesigned -- will continue to be the versatile workhorses for many dog lovers.

-- Best Luxury SUV: BMW X5 and Acura MDX (tie). Yeah, we know: In this economy, who's thinking luxury? But if you're looking to put down top dollar for a dog hauler, you can't do better than these. Your dog won't be impressed with all the nice features, but they'll make your drive to the dog park a pleasure.

-- Other tail-waggers: Ford Flex and Mini Cooper Clubman. This year, we liked two in the "other" category. With a design that seems to mimic the boxy look of the Honda Element, the Flex has a wide-open interior and seats that fold either flat or flip forward to reveal a hard, carpeted surface providing plenty of room. As for the Clubman, what can you say except "adorable"? The stretch Mini has a lot of space for a vehicle its size, and it turns heads wherever it goes.

You can find full reviews and pet-travel tips at DogCars.com.

Q&A

Keeping plants safe from nibbling cats

Q: How can we get our cats to leave our houseplants alone? -- E.W., via e-mail

A: If your cats love to nibble on houseplants, start by making sure poisonous plants are not on the menu. Many common houseplants can make your cats ill, and a few can be deadly. Among the most dangerous are dieffenbachia, lily of the valley and philodendron. Various ivies and yews can be troublesome, too, and the bulbs of plants popular for "forcing" into early indoor bloom -- such as amaryllis, daffodils and tulips -- can cause problems for the cat who likes to dig and chew.

The Animal Poison Control Center (www.aspca.org/apcc) maintains a list of problem plants, and you should also be able to find such lists in most basic cat-care books. Check your household inventory against the "bad plant" list, and replace any dangerous plants with safer ones.

You don't have to give up all your plants to your cats, however. Instead, keep some plants for nibbling, and put other safe plants off-limits to maintain a lush indoor environment that you and your cats can both enjoy.

Indulge your pets by keeping planters of sprouting grasses growing in an accessible place for nibbling. Special blends of seeds for cats are available in pet stores and specialty shops, or you can purchase rye grass seeds at the nursery. Catnip, too, is something that's always better when fresh, as is valerian. While not all cats react to the pleasures of these plants, those who do will appreciate your keeping it in-house and using fresh cuttings to recharge cat posts and toys.

When your cats have their own plants, you can work on keeping them away from yours. Plants on the ground or on low tables are the easiest targets, so make your houseplants less accessible to the bored and wandering cat. Put plants up high, or better yet: Hang them.

For the plants you can't move out of harm's way, make them less appealing by coating them with something your cats find disagreeable. Cat-discouragers include Bitter Apple, a nasty-tasting substance available at any pet-supply store, or Tabasco sauce from any grocery store. Whenever you find what your cat doesn't like, keep reapplying it to reinforce the point.

Pot your plants in heavy, wide-bottomed containers, and cover the soil of the problem plants with rough, decorative rock to end digging. Foil, waxed paper and double-sided tape are also effective digging deterrents. But I don't like to recommend them as much, because you're going to get tired of looking at these materials. Attractive, rough-edged rocks can stay in place forever. -- Gina Spadafori

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

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 BUZZ

Feline taste test tips to tap water

-- Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, and their near-chronic state of dehydration contributes to kidney and bladder problems. Getting cats to drink more can be a key to better health, but you may not need to offer purified water (as is sometimes suggested) to do so. As reported by Dr. Eric Barchas in his veterinary blog on the Dogster.com Web site, a recent clinician's brief put out by the North American Veterinary Conference suggests that cats like tap water just fine, in fact choosing it over purified water in a small study. No matter what kind of water your cat prefers, chances are he'll drink more of it if it's kept recirculating, so consider one of several pet drinking fountains on the market.

-- "Bad" dogs are box office catnip. "Marley & Me," the movie based on John Grogan's best-seller about his lovable, behavior-challenged Labrador retriever, was the No. 1 seller of tickets on Christmas Day. The comedy received less than sterling reviews from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (avsabonline.org) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (apdt.com), each of which offers suggestions for those trying to cope with their own "Marleys."

-- Cats with piercings? Don't try this at home, unless you're itching to have humane officers come down on you like a load of bricks. A woman in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., had three kittens seized after trying to sell what she described as "Gothic Kittens" on eBay (which doesn't allow sales of live animals in any case). The Associated Press reported the kittens had ear, neck and tail piercings. "It's unbelievable anybody would do this to kittens," said the humane officer on the case. We agree! -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

PET TIP

A crate is key to easier house-training

If you're house-training a new puppy, you'll find it goes more quickly if you use a crate.

Crate-training limits a puppy's options to three: He's either empty and playing in the house, or he's in the crate and "holding it" because he doesn't want to sit in his own waste, or he's at the place you've chosen for him to relieve himself.

Puppies need to relieve themselves after they wake up, after they eat or drink, or after a period of play. Set up a schedule to accommodate his needs -- young puppies, especially small breeds or mixes, can't go very long without eating, drinking, sleeping or relieving themselves -- as you work to mold behavior. A good rule of thumb: Puppies can hold it as long as their age in months. A 2-month-old pup can "hold it" in a crate for about two hours, for example.

Don't punish your pet for mistakes. If you catch your dog in the act, a stern "no" will suffice, followed by an immediate trip to the yard and praise when he finishes up where he's supposed to. Clean up the inside mess thoroughly, and treat the area with an enzymatic solution to neutralize the smell.

If your puppy doesn't seem to be "getting it," ask your veterinarian for a referral to a behaviorist who can help get you both on track.

Remember, the goal is for your puppy to roam free in your house, not to stay in a crate for life. But the lessons of crate-training remain important: A dog who is used to being comfortably confined will be less stressed at the veterinarian hospital and also will have more options for housing in time of emergency. -- Gina Spadafori

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 Association

PET TIP

Variety better for bird health

An all-seed diet contributes both directly (through malnutrition) and indirectly (by weakening the bird, making it easier for infectious diseases to take hold) to a serious reduction in the lifespan of any pet bird -- by half or more in many situations.

Variety is the name of the game when it comes to feeding your pet bird. This means that in addition to offering high-quality pelleted food, you should be offering a wide array of healthy "people food" -- fresh vegetables, fruits, pasta, bread, scrambled eggs. Whatever has good nutrition for you is also good for your parrot.

If your bird is a "seed junkie," talk to an avian veterinarian about a strategy for converting your pet to healthier diet. Seeds are best used as for rewards for good behavior and for teaching tricks. -- 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 by visiting PetConnection.com.

Universal Press Syndicate

Last week I wrote about the promising products that made me take notice as a practicing veterinarian. This week, my focus is on those nonmedical products that caught my attention as a pet lover and that will make taking care of your pet easier or more fun. Just as with the veterinarian breakthroughs, this week's products were gleaned from suggestions from more than 100 experts.

We have the full list of all my "Dr. Becker's Best" products on our Web site, PetConnection.com, so drop in for more information. (Prices can vary widely, so I've listed suggested retail.)

-- Food puzzles. Veterinary behaviorists say it's important to reduce or eliminate the mind-numbing boredom from just eating food out of a bowl. Boredom equals behavioral problems, and behavioral problem may mean a homeless pet. Food puzzles, such as these from Premier (www.premier.com), can help.

The Kibble Nibble appeals to dogs' natural prey and stalking drives. For the kibble or treats to dispense, dogs must roll, push and chase the toy. The Kibble Nibble holds up to 2 cups of kibble or treats. Unscrews for easy loading and quick cleanup. ($20)

The Bristle Bone is a refillable dental toy made with nylon bristles and rubber nubs that gently scrape and clean teeth as dogs chew. ($10-$15)

-- Easier nail-trims. Find the quick for a no-blood, no-pain nail trim with the Quick Finder nail clipper. The product has a light source mounted on it to shine through the nail and colors that tell you when it's safe to cut: red for no, green for go. (www.quickfinderclipper.com, $33)

-- Perfect portions, every time. Petmate's new Electronic Portion Control LeBistro measures meals just as carefully as you do, to ensure that your pet gets the right amount of food, right on time. Program it like an alarm clock, and it dispenses pre-set portions of food up to three times a day. The 5-pound capacity is ideal for those with cats and small dogs. (Petmate.com, $80-$90)

-- Promote prey play. Based on the preying and social behavior of dogs, the Flappy Dog toy simulates the excitement of catching a prey and proudly shaking it. This toy was a major hit with the Becker family dogs. (ourpets.com/products_flappy.html, $13-$17)

-- No more water slops. The DrinkBetter pet bowl encourages dogs to drink at a slower rate and makes less mess while they're doing it. The Drink Better bowl uses a floating obstacle to control the flow of water, encouraging dogs to drink slower and take only as much as they need, without soaking their ears and muzzles or slopping water around the feeding area. (contech-inc.com/products/drinkbetter, $25)

-- Get the pet hair. Eureka Boss 4D Pet Fresh vacuum comes with tools to help pet owners eliminate odors naturally and remove pet hair and dander from stairs, furniture and the floor. We've given this one a good workout, and it works. (Eureka.com, $138)

My Pet Connection co-author, Gina Spadafori, says if you're looking for a handheld, the new Dyson DC-16 kept up with the mess at her home. (Dyson.com, $150)

-- A party for pets. The Puppy Pinata is a plush toy containing treats that stimulate a dog's natural desire to search and investigate. Our dogs smelled the product through the packaging and got as excited about the pinata as a stick-swinging 6-year-old at a birthday party. (www.puppy-pinata.com, $7-$11)

-- Making balconies safer. A great idea, long overdue. Puppy Bumpers fit around the necks of puppies and small dogs to protect them from getting through baby gates and balcony railings. With so many people keeping small dogs in upper-floor apartments, this is one product that really could save a life. (puppybumpers.net, $20)

-- Food and water to go. The collapsible Zuka Bowl has colorful and fun prints and features a carabiner-type clip to attach it to a belt or bag. It'll also fit easily in a purse or in a car. (itzadog.com, $16)

With so many great products to choose from, it's hard to limit myself to just a few. But don't worry: We'll be writing about the best throughout the year.

Q&A

Cat makes a fuss when owner leaves

Q: My cat, Misty, is like a little child. I am a nurse and work nights. When I put on my scrubs, she immediately starts to cry and grabs my ankles with all four paws. She does this only when I put on my scrubs, not when I dress in "street clothes." I keep a special treat to give her, but she still cries. How can I get her to stop? -- E.G., via e-mail

A: Misty has learned that when you put on scrubs, it means you're leaving the house. Many cats become anxious when they see suitcases or other signs that their people are leaving, and this may explain part of her behavior.

She also sees you putting on scrubs and begins to anticipate her treat. Her crying and grabbing your legs may be her way of demanding that treat from you. If you give Misty a special treat when you put on your scrubs and when she grabs your legs and cries, then she has good reason to continue or even increase this behavior. What gets rewarded gets repeated when it comes to pet behaviors. When our pets figure out what behavior works to get what they want or need, then you can be sure those behaviors will continue.

Try feeding Misty in another room when you put on your scrubs to give her something else to do. Your best bet is to completely ignore Misty if she does cry and grab your legs. Begin a daily routine at other times of interactive play with toys, and toss in her special treats at other times.

Be aware that any time a pet behavior that is well-ingrained no longer produces the expected results, that behavior may increase before the pet gives it up and tries a different strategy.

In other words, she may become even more demanding in the short run, but stick with it. No more treats for her leg-grabbing drama. -- Susan and Dr. Rolan Tripp, AnimalBehavior.net.

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

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 RX

Dogs get help with Cushing's

Dogs with a hormonal disorder known as Cushing's syndrome have a new treatment option with FDA approval of the drug Vetoryl (trilostane), until now available only through a cumbersome importation process.

That's good news for dogs, says Dr. Helen Hamilton, a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist in Fremont, Calif. "I've been prescribing it for years," she said. "It's my drug of choice for Cushing's."

Cushing's is a disorder of the adrenals, small glands located at the top of the kidneys. They start making too much cortisol, a hormone meant to help the body cope with short-term stress. Excess cortisol causes symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and increased thirst, hunger and urination. Left untreated, it damages the liver and immune system.

Surgery can cure some cases of canine Cushing's, but most are managed with drugs -- usually the chemotherapy drug Lysodren (mitotane), which erodes the outer layers of the adrenal glands and reduces their ability to produce cortisol. But the process can go too far, and dogs go from producing too much cortisol to producing none. They'll have to take a hormone supplement for the rest of their lives.

Trilostane instead inhibits an enzyme the glands need to produce cortisol. In most cases, excessive suppression of the hormone can be reversed simply by stopping the drug or lowering the dose, although there is still some risk of permanent damage.

"Lysodren is still valuable, and both drugs have their place," Hamilton said. "But trilostane has less risk of side effects and is a gentler drug." -- Christie Keith

PET TIP

Not too late for pet resolutions

With people watching their every penny, make preventing pet problems your focus in the new year. Some ideas:

-- Look before you leap. Choose a pet who fits your family and lifestyle well, and be sure you have time to handle training and behavior issues before you choose your animal companion. Make sure you understand what's necessary for your pet's nutrition, preventive health care and training, so you can set up your pet to start on the right track and stay there. Many pet problems are easier to prevent than to fix.

-- Work to keep your pet healthier and happier. Simple measures such as spaying and neutering and keeping your pet at a normal weight can prevent many serious health problems and improve your pet's quality of life. Ensuring that your pet gets enough exercise can go a long way toward helping with behavior issues and is good for the relationship you have with your animal companion.

-- Prepare for health emergencies. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian who'll answer your questions, present all options and support you in your decisions. Consider getting pet health insurance before you have a pet health crisis, or have another plan at hand in case you need to pay for a pet's accident or unexpected illness.

-- Be a responsible pet owner. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. Train and socialize your dogs so they can be "model citizens" wherever you take them. And pick up after your dog when walking him. All these actions help keep neighborhood relations nicer.

Don't forget that others are struggling now, too. So if you have some extra time or money, please share it for the good of animals and others who love them. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

What we like about our dogs

According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, here are the top reasons why dog lovers enjoy having a canine companion (more than one response allowed):

Source of affection 89 percent

Feel safe in home 83 percent

Beneficial to health 78 percent

Helps me relax 77 percent

THE SCOOP

Puppy teeth may need vet's help

If you have a puppy in your home now, you will be delighted to know that those sharp little baby teeth will be replaced by adult teeth by the age of 4 months -- going from 28 deciduous teeth to 42 permanent ones. But problems can occur with the changeover.

Sometimes baby teeth are retained after the adult ones come in, a situation that can cause many problems, including the misalignment of permanent teeth, incorrect development of the jaw, and infections. Check your puppy's mouth daily while adult teeth are erupting to ensure that the baby teeth aren't being retained -- a double row of teeth, especially in the front, tells you that they are.

Have your veterinarian check any suspicious developments. Baby teeth that refuse to fall out on their own may need to be removed by your veterinarian. -- 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 by visiting PetConnection.com.

Besides my work informing people about pet care through this column and my "Good Morning America" segments (among other media appearances), I'm a practicing veterinarian with more than 30 years of experience. Of course, I'm also a lifetime animal lover who is always looking for new, breakthrough products to help pets and the people who love them.

I read the veterinary journals, check out the convention floor at the veterinary conventions and see which lectures are crowded, and tap into a trusted network of many of the top veterinarians in North America. Every year I ask more than a 100 of these experts to help me come up with a list of the best new products launched over the last year.

What follows are some of the veterinary products that rose like cream to the top. (Next week: non-veterinary products.) We have a complete list on our PetConnection.com Web site, and I'll be talking about these products on "Good Morning America" this week (if you miss the segment, check ABCnews.go.com/GMA to watch it).

-- Making medication easier: There are few things more frustrating to a veterinarian than sending a sick pet home with medication you know the owner won't give because he finds administering it too difficult. That's why many veterinarians are enthusiastic about the introduction of Convenia, an injectable antibiotic that lasts for up to two weeks. For a more low-tech approach, how about Greenies Pill Pockets -- treats you can put pills into? Talk about putting the "treat" into treatment!

-- Testing for heart disease: The same test you might receive in an emergency room is now available for cats and dogs. The Cardiopet proBNP is a simple, minimally invasive blood test that detects heart disease even when clinical signs are absent or nondescript. This development is particularly important because the American Veterinary Medical Association says that approximately 3.2 million dogs have some form of acquired heart disease -- and unlike people, dogs don't have physical signs like heart attacks. Heart disease in cats can be even more difficult to diagnose and may not be known until the heart fails. And for those pets diagnosed with congestive heart failure, Vetmedin is now a choice for veterinarians working to manage the disease and improve the quality of life for these pets.

-- Treating skin disease: ZoonOx is a topical oxygen emulsion that carries a full atmosphere of oxygen, releasing it gradually over time. The benefits of treating patients with difficult skin injuries in hyperbaric oxygen chambers have been understood for years, and ZoonOx offers a similar treatment approach for animals without the cost and difficulty of getting the animal into such a facility. When applied to complex wounds, ZoonOx supplies additional oxygen to the collagen formation process, one of the first steps in the healing and reformation of the skin structure.

In the next column, I'll share the non-medical breakthroughs: Those products that make caring for a pet easier and more fun.

SIDEBAR

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Check it all out at PetConnection.com.

Q&A

Do shelter volunteers put own pets at risk?

Q: I plan to volunteer at the local animal shelter. I have five indoor-only cats at home, and I am very protective of their health. Their veterinarian and I have opted not to vaccinate them for feline leukemia, balancing vaccine risks and their protected indoor lifestyle.

Is there anything I need to do protect my cats from any viruses or other dangers that I could possibly bring home to them from the shelter? -- W.S., via e-mail

A: What an excellent question! These days, pet vaccinations are not a one-size-fits-all annual event. Different pets, their lifestyle, their age and their health determine which vaccines need to be given and at what intervals.

While you can and should take some general precautions, there should be no need to change what you and your veterinarian are doing to protect your own cats, according to Dr. Lila Miller of the ASPCA.

"No one needs to fear volunteering at a shelter. And with simple precautions, anyone whose heart leads them to help shelter cats needn't worry about putting their house cats at risk," she said, adding that prospective volunteers need to make sure their own pets are in good health, up to date on all preventive-care measures and free of infectious disease.

"Consult with the shelter veterinarian to find out if there are any specific disease concerns at the shelter that might affect any animals at home," she says. This information should be provided to your veterinarian to determine if any additional vaccinations or precautions may be recommended, or whether volunteer activities should be suspended temporarily until the shelter problem is resolved.

Because feline leukemia is generally spread through prolonged close contact between animals, because older animals are considered to be resistant to acquiring the infection and because the virus is not long-lived in the environment, Dr. Miller says that your veterinarian may determine that feline leukemia vaccination is still not warranted for your own cats.

General precautions to keep animals at home safe from disease transmission include: washing hands after handling shelter animals or contaminated objects, wearing separate clothing and shoes when visiting the shelter, and using separate equipment on shelter and home animals such as brushes, toys, collars, combs, etc.

Finally, if an animal at home does show any signs of disease, make certain your veterinarian is aware of your volunteer activities and any shelter issues to take into consideration when making a diagnosis.

During these tough economic times, many people cannot make the financial donations they might like to shelters and rescue groups. Donating time is an excellent way to help, and we want to encourage it! -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

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

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

Fossils date dogs back 31,000 years

-- The dog's oldest relative, the Paleolithic dog, lived 31,000 years ago and resembled a large Siberian husky. The animals dined on large meals of reindeer, horse and musk ox. As noted in a paper accepted for publication by the Journal of Archaeological Science, scientists behind the find say the fossil evidence -- found in a cave in Belgium -- pushes the date of the earliest-known ancestor of the modern dog back nearly 18,000 years further than previously thought.

-- About half of pet deaths are caused by cancer, and it is the top leading cause for natural death in geriatric cats and dogs. The Morris Animal Foundation, which funds pet health research, offers advice to pet lovers on how to spot cancer early on its Web site (www.morrisanimalfoundation.org).

-- One calico cat has been deemed station master at a train station in Kishikawa, Japan, and is responsible for bringing in $10 million in revenue to the station. The 9-year-old kitty, Tama, who began visiting the station regularly, became a sensation when she was given a conductor's hat to wear and became the train company's mascot. The train station, which was once in jeopardy of bankruptcy, now draws in flocks of people riding the train to snap a picture of the famous cat and purchase Tama merchandise. And a train has been painted in the cat's honor.

-- Sperm whales prefer to sing duets. Recordings of whales show they match their sound to that of their partner. Songs may be sung to build stronger bonds between whales. Humpback whales have been heard singing love songs to their mates, and killer whales enjoy whistling to bond with their social group. -- Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

THE SCOOP

Cold-blooded pets to warm a child's heart

President-elect Barack Obama's daughters yearn for a puppy, but not every child dreams of a furry pet. Some kids want something scaly.

But which of these pets is best for a beginner? Iguanas are popular but are not suitable for any but the most dedicated of pet lovers -- if for no other reason than they grow to be 6 feet or more in length.

If you have a child who wants something more wild, consider one of these relatively easy-to-care-for reptiles.

-- Bearded dragon: Babies can be highly reactive, but if handled gently, these tough-looking lizards will settle down to be a calm and friendly pet that can grow to a reasonable foot or so in length.

-- Leopard gecko: A popular ad campaign for an insurance company has drawn attention to these lizards. Fortunately, they're good pets and can tolerate gentle handling well. They're smaller than beardies by about half and are fun to watch.

-- Corn snake: Captive breeding has produced wonderful colors and color variations of this generally calm little snake that will rarely try to bite.

-- Ball python: Another easygoing snake, albeit one that will grow to around 4 feet in length and wrap itself around your neck if given the chance. (Lesson No. 1: Undo a snake by starting at the tail and gently unwinding.)

As with all pets (even ones that don't wrap around necks), parental research, oversight and supervision are absolute requirements for safe and appropriate pet-child interactions. -- Gina Spadafori

BY THE NUMBERS

Recession-proof pets?

Spending on pets has increased more than $20 billion annually in a decade. While certainly the most discretionary kinds of spending on pets will likely be among the sectors to take a hit in the weak economy, there's no sign that the love Americans have for their pets is fading. The 2008 spending on pets was predicted at $43.4 billion, breaking down accordingly:

Food $16.9 billion

Veterinary care $10.9 billion

Supplies/OTC medicine $10.3 billion

Live animal purchases $2.1 billion

Non-veterinary services $3.2 billion

Source: American Pet Products Association

PET TIP

New Year's check of collars, tags

Just as you should check the batteries in your smoke detector when the clocks change twice a year, you should make the New Year's neck check part of your pet-care routine. It's easy and will take only a couple of minutes.

First, make sure collars fit properly and aren't worn to the point of irritation or breaking. Take an especially close look at snaps or buckles. ID tags should have current information, including a current cell phone number if you travel with your pet.

Instead of putting your pet's name and your address on the tag, put "Reward!" along with as many different phone numbers as will fit.

If your pet isn't microchipped, make that a New Year's resolution. It's a permanent form of ID that can be a lost pet's ticket home if a collar slips off or is removed by pet thieves. -- 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 by visiting PetConnection.com.