Careless Dog Walker Cause Chaos

An officer, exercising the horses in a paddock at the Park Police stable in the Southeast Washington recreation area, was met upon by an unruly collection of dogs of various breeds. The dogs barked and snarled beyond the paddock fence and the officer began leading the horses to the safety of the stable. Because of the dog's behavior, the officer feared that the dogs might squirm under the fence and follow so he fired one or two shots into the ground. At that point, the dogs skedaddled.

With the horses safely inside, Schlosser said, the officer found the canines a short distance away, gathered around a woman who turned out to be a dog walker without leashes.

I wonder if this is dog walker is bonded, insured and a member of NAPPS or Pet Sitters International.

Pet K9 with Cancer Help Humans

According to scientists at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), studying pet dogs with cancer could yield valuable information on how to diagnose and treat human cancers. Estimates suggest that as many as 1 million new diagnoses of cancer occur in dogs in the United States each year. The condition is treated much like human cancer, with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

The team of scientists, led by Chand Khanna, believes that studying these new therapies in clinical trials with dogs may yield insights into how to improve care for human patients. For example, naturally occurring tumors in dogs have clinical and biological similarities to the human disease. Dr. Khana notes that these trials are designed with the care of the animals as priority, and also that there's an informed consent process each time new procedures are done.

Moreover, Khanna and colleagues say that a pet owner's decision to pursue an experimental therapy is influenced by a number of factors, including the possible risks and benefits of the new therapy as well as the reduced costs for care provided by the trial. Additionally, many pet owners are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment for future human and canine patients.

For more information, view PLos Medicine, where the researchers published their article today.

Dog Friendliness Coming to You

It has been a few months since the NY Auto Show and we just got the word that the 2010 Dog-Friendly Element can purchased on Nov. 16th.

Although we have reviewed the features way back over the summer, let's remind our readers what this fly whip is all about and why it is so dawggie, man.

The new Dog Friendly Element takes that concept canine design to another level. This Dog Friendly version (with an option price of $995) also includes a cushioned pet bed for afternoon naps and all-weather rubber floor mats decorated with an attractive toy bone pattern. Owners can brag about their Dog Friendliness with included emblems that stick onto the outside of the car. You can even decorate the second row of seats with a dog-patterned cover that matches the dog’s bed fabric.

Additionally, the 2010 Honda Element includes a luxurious Dog Friendly™ pet accommodation package with equipment like an extendable ramp for Rover to enter and exit the vehicle, a dedicated fan (because dogs get hot too), and a spill-resistant water bowl.

These features are more advanced than just four-legged frivolities -- they also improve the safety of transporting dogs in the car. The Dog Friendly equipment secures the dog in the Element’s cargo area with soft, seat-belt-grade nylon webbing, which keeps the dog from interfering with the driver and prevents pet and people injuries in the event of a frontal collision.

And between you and me, I am glad that they got a fun-loving Golden Retriever in the backseat and not a dog from a humane organization. It is about selling cars and not K9 politics, folks.

Top 125 Dogs in Popular Culture

Underscoring America’s love affair with dogs and celebrating its 125th Anniversary of the American Kennel Club (AKC) on September 17, 2009, the organization has collaborated with AOL’s PawNation.com to compile a list of the
Top 125 Dogs in Popular Culture. The list brings together canines from diverse backgrounds for a candid look at how dogs have been woven into the fabric of America. Consumers can go to the site and vote for the top dog.

Starting September 15, PawNation.com will host a series of polls that will allow America to vote for their favorite dogs in more than eleven pop culture categories. From movies and music, mascots and literature, to cartoons and TV characters, each week a new poll will allow Americans to review the list, debate it with their friends and colleagues, and pick their favorites.

The first poll will be Cartoon Canines. Visit
http://www.pawnation.com/category/akc-top-125-dogs to vote for your favorite animated dogs. The AKC will tabulate results and unveil the final list of America’s Top 125 Dogs in Pop Culture on November 17, 2009.

Contests, Contests, Contest

So last week, I needed to catch up on my mail and I decided to watch the videos for a recent litter-robot.com contest.

I was excited to see some really good videos. But after about watching about three, I realized that I was only going to see cats using the litter-robot. I guess if I really want the full effect, I can watch my own cats poop in at home in theirs.

Off to Brazil

Mario DiFante and his crew, the producers of Pet Fashion Week NY, are pleased to announce that along with Aktuell Communications, they will be hosting a first of its kind pet industry trade event in Sao Paulo City, Brazil .

Brazil is one of the fastest growing pet market in the world, and is expected to be second only to the U.S. in annual sales within the next couple of years. Currently the U.S. pet market is approximately 42 billion dollars a year with Japan second and Brazil running a close third and expected to overtake Japan in the very near future.

Aktuell is the leading agency regarding integrated marketing services in Brazil and is responsible for producing the world’s top equestrian event, the Athina Onassis International Horse Show.

Aktuell would incorporate the look and feel of PFW’s highly successful NYC event in a uniquely South American setting. The branding elements will be that of the familiar Pet Fashion Week NY although the marketing and development of the event would be a pure partnership.

Aktuell hopes that PFW brand would attract vendors and retailers from both the U.S. market as well as the global pet market.

Good luck Aktuel!

DIY Doggie Magazine

Susan Hartzler, a publicist representing some pet brands, will launch, DIY Doggie magazine on the iPhone in November; each issue will be downloadable for just .99c.

Hartzler teamed up with Graphic Designer Michelle Hunt of Angry Girl Graphic Design to create DIY Doggie. The premier issue is packed with articles, photos and ads that every dog lover will appreciate. Readers are encouraged to enter the contests and show off their beloved best friend by visiting http://www.alphadogpr.com/.

Each issue of DIY Doggie will share unique ideas on bonding with your pet. One important method is to communicate with your dog and celebrated animal psychic Candi Cane Cooper will give tips each month. Leading dog masseuse, Pam Holt from Buddha Dog Massage, offers instructions on massaging your canine at home.

Hartzler, will keep dog lovers up to date on the latest trends for canines from food, fashion, medical breakthroughs, safety and travel, issues surrounding elderly and handicapped canines, anything to do with performance and sport dogs, therapy and service dogs, and all forms of training.

Pets Guaranteed On Board

The Sherpa Pet Group launched the first-ever Guaranteed On Board™ pet travel program (http://www.flygob.com/) and new American Airlines pet travel carriers. Consumers who purchase one of the three new American Airlines-branded pet carriers are guaranteed to board U.S. domestic American Airlines flights with their pets as long as they fill out the Guaranteed On Board form accurately and comply with the terms of the form. If a consumer is denied boarding, the Sherpa Pet Group will refund the price of both the customer and pet airline ticket.

Once a traveler has purchased a new American Airlines pet travel carrier, customers simply visit the Sherpa Web site (http://www.flygob.com/) and complete and print the easy-to-understand Guaranteed On Board certificate. As long as travelers meet the stated requirements, they are guaranteed on board any American Airlines flight. The form follows the flight requirements for the airline, helps the traveler better understand the American Airlines guidelines, and provides basic information to help make traveling with their pet safer and more enjoyable.

The new American Airlines travel carriers are available at PETCO. As the official retail partner for Guaranteed On Board™, new pet carriers and Guaranteed On Board™ program was introduced at a special promotional event at the Union Square PETCO store in New York City at 860 Broadway Avenue.

To celebrate, the Sherpa Pet Group, American Airlines, Kimpton Hotel Group, as well as the American Kennel Club and Cat Fanciers Association, hosted an exciting promotion, “Packed and Ready.” Two travel packages included roundtrip, domestic Economy airfare, hotel and other prizes were awarded at the event. Winners were packed and ready to begin their trip as soon as they are selected because limousines will be waiting to take them on their journey. Winners Lauren Burniac & Olive and their guest Noel Trejo went to San Francisco. Christine Traina & Shuga Pi and their guest Roberta Panos went to Miami.

Patterned in American’s signature red and blue, the new American Airlines pet carriers are available in three approved sizes for the Guaranteed on Board™ program: a medium-sized classic Sherpa Original Bag, and a small and medium-sized Sherpa Sport style carrier. The American Airlines pet travel carriers are available for $60 at select PETCO locations and online at http://www.petco.com/. For more information on the new American Airlines pet travel carrier and the Guaranteed On Board program, please visit http://www.sherpapetgoup.com/.

John Paul Pet Supports the Pink Ribbon

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and John Paul Pet believes your pet can spread the word about Breast Cancer prevention this year with a paw prints and pink ribbon John Paul Pet bandana.

You and your pet can both wear your JP Pet Bandanas to show your support for finding a cure for breast cancer at the dog park, at the mall, or even in your own neighborhood. These unique and stylish bandanas are free with the purchase of a specially-packaged trio of our Oatmeal Grooming products during September and October only.

John Paul Pet supports the NBCAM message of prevention. Since the conception of the the organization in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women age 50 and older and breast cancer deaths have declined. This is exciting progress, but there are still women who do not take advantage of early detection.

• 1. Women age 65 and older are less likely to get mammograms than younger women, even though breast cancer risk increases with age.
  2.Hispanic women have fewer mammograms than Caucasian women and African American woman.


• 3.Women below poverty level are less likely than women at higher incomes to have had a mammogram within the past two years.
  4.Mammography use has increased for all groups except American Indians and Alaska Natives.

You can pick up this pets crusade package at from your favorite stylist, John Paul Mitchell The School, or a specialty pet retailer near you. Call 888-588-1119 to find the nearest location.

AKC Grant for Support and Maintenance of AKC CAR LSU-SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, AKC CAR donated $100,000 to the veterinary school toward the purchase of the AKC CAR LSU-SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit which consists of a truck and trailer. The trailer is equipped with facilities for medical and surgical procedures that can be deployed during natural disasters. Most recently the unit was utilized during hurricanes Gustav and Ike in September 2008 when it helped local veterinarians of Houma, LA care for the animals of their community after the storm. Working with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART), the unit was taken to where it was most needed after the storm.

Recently, AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) awarded a $22,940 Canine Support and Relief Fund grant to Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU-SVM) for the continued support, operation and maintenance of the AKC CAR LSU-SVM Veterinary Mobile Unit. AKC CAR’s recent grant will provide for an additional year of operation for the unit, which is used for teaching veterinary students and community service when not responding to disasters. Grant monies will be used to pay for gasoline for transportation to and from disaster locations, maintenance of the truck which tows the trailer, and to stock the trailer with medical and surgical supplies.

The mobile unit is used at six shelters in this area that have no veterinarian on staff to spay/neuter animals. Additionally, it provides veterinary students with a valuable teaching tool and public service to shelters in need of spay and neuter surgeries for adoptable pets.

Miss Fido Manners Always Helps People

People for Pets contacted me for expert advice for their latest 'Petiquette Dilemma: How do you handle the owners of a neighborhood dog who always ends up in your yard?

Miss Fido Manners: The rules of canine etiquette extend far beyond the home and out into the neighborhood and community. Dog owners must recognize that their behavior, and that of their pet affects their neighbors -in this case, you- whether they live in a house, a condo or apartment. If the dog-owning public practices consideration and promotes cordial relations, they can be an exemplary neighbors. And you can too, without creating neighbor-to-neighbor conflict.

While Miss Fido understands that your neighbor's dog frequenting your yard is troublesome, you do not detail what he does on premises? Does the dog use your lawn as potty area, get into your garbage cans or scratch at your door because he is in love with your pooch? I ask because it is always better to discuss specific concerns in your communication. Remember, your relationship with her dictates how best to approach her. For example, if you are friendly, go see her; If not, address a friendly note to her on your best stationary. Either way, you should express the problem succinctly, offer a solution to show concern for her and the dog. By doing this, you show you care about the dog and your relationship.

Tell her that at least two or three times a week, you find her pooch in her yard doing what. Remind her that you understand taht dogs can be Harry Houdini escape artists or canine high jumpers. Give her the benefit of the doubt that she doesn't know that he is cavorting around your property because there is a chance that a member of her household is letting the dog out and/or she does not know that her fencing is in need of repair. Ask her to take care of the problem as soon as possible by possible repairing or installing a pet fence. And lastly, mention that a roaming dog could get hit by a car, snatched by dog fighters or others with bad intentions, become ill from eating garbage or plants, or be picked up by animal control. More importantly, tell her that you wouldn't want her to neither worry about her family member nor incur additional expensive on his behalf.

Moreover, always try to maintain a cordial relationship with your neighbors because there is a chance that you may be living next to them longer than the life of your dog!

ITALIAN DOG BREEDS SAY ‘CIAO’ TO NEW YORK CITY IN THE COLUMBUS DAY PARADE

The American Kennel Club® is proud to announce its participation in the 65th Annual Columbus Day Parade, the world’s largest celebration of Italian-American culture, on Monday, October 12th from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Fifth Avenue between 47th and 79th streets. For the first time ever the parade will include a procession of rare Italian dog breeds, recognizing Italy’s great contributions to the dog world and celebrating the upcoming Meet the Breeds event at the Javits Center on October 17th and 18th where pet lovers can meet 200 breeds of dog and cat.

The one million parade spectators will enjoy a contingency of over 30 marchers and 13 furry friends including the Bergamasco , an ancient shepherding breed with a striking coat of dense, flat mats that reach the ground; as well as the Cirneco dell’Etna, an ancient dog used in Sicily for rabbit hunting; the Lagotto Romagnolo, a dog from Northwest Italy with thick curly hair and a history dating back to the 16th century and the only two native Italian gun-dog breeds, the Bracco Italiano and Spinone Italiano.

Parade spectators may be surprised to find four-legged marchers in amongst the 35,000 people but Italy has many native breeds that are becoming more popular in U.S. The owners and breeders of these dogs are proud to celebrate their heritage and invite those who want to learn more to come visit these dogs at the Javits Center this weekend.

Ringing the Bells for Purebred Dogs and Cats

American Kennel Club® (AKC) and Cat Fanciers’ Association® (CFA) announced that Meet the Breeds™ Chairperson, Gina DiNardo, will ring the NASDAQ opening bell on October 14th 2009 on behalf of leading toymaker and NASDAQ Member Company, JAKKS Pacific (NASDAQ: JAKK). JAKKS is a licensee of the AKC and CFA and is a sponsor of the upcoming Meet the Breeds event.

AKC and CFA’s Meet the Breeds, held October 17 & 18 at the Javits Center in NYC, is the world’s largest showcase of cats and dogs. The event offers cat and dog lovers the rare opportunity to meet nearly 200 breeds and interact with dogs, cats, puppies and kittens.

DiNardo will be joined by the Cat Fanciers’ Association and American Kennel Club, including CFA President Pam DelaBar and AKC President Dennis Sprung. In addition to being broadcast on national business television at 9:30 am EST, the bell-ringing ceremony will be webcast live on NASDAQ's website (http://www.nasdaq.com/about/marketsitetowervideo.asx) and on the NASDAQ MarketSite Tower in New York City's Times Square.

For more information about Meet the Breeds, visit http://www.meetthebreeds.com/.

Purina Cat Chow has Partnered with Susan G. Komen Cure Foundation

Cats are loving, affectionate, and loyal creatures. With these attributes, they have shown themselves to offer consolation and support to women with breast cancer.

A recent national survey of breast cancer survivors with cats highlighted the connection between owners and their cats by revealing 84 percent of respondents felt their cat had a calming effect during their battle with breast cancer and 76 percent of respondents received daily support from their cat during treatment.

As a result, Purina Cat Chow® has partnered with Susan G. Komen Cure Foundation, for the second year, to highlight that special bond between owner and cat, especially as it pertains to women with breast cancer. The Company has made a donation of $200,000 and created a website, Connected for the Cause.

I encourage you to visit the website and join in the conversation. Explore the beautiful mosaic, watch the videos, and remember to tell a friend.

You can help give even more by purchasing our "Connected for the Cause™" resealable cat food container. For every purchase, Purina® Cat Chow® will donate an additional $3 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Product Features
1) Price of each container is $14.99 and includes shipping and handling
2) Convenient spout and handle for ease of pouring
3) Container will hold 3.5 lbs dry cat food (cat food not included)
4) Dimensions of the container are 4 ½” wide x 8 ½”long x 10 ½” high/

If you are interested in purchasing the container. Check out the Purina Cat Chow website

It would have never happened on Melrose Place

Melrose Place actress Brooke Burns and her 9-year-old daughter Madison are upset over the disappearance of their black maltipoo, Max. The 3-year-old dog ran out a door that had been left open by some painters. According to Burns's rep, a neighbor near Burns' Toluca Lake, Calif., home spotted a couple pick up the dog. It has been reported that the dog was not wearing any tags.

I am going to give Ms. Burns the similar advice I gave to Ms. Hilton when her ChiChi, Tinkerbelle, had gone missing in 2004:

1. Make a flyer. Use 8 X 11 fluorescent paper for higher visibility. Use a recent picture of your pet to make it easier for someone to spot her. List the date and place your dog was lost, breed, sex, age, weight, color, markings and a contact number. (Never give out all the identifying features so that if someone claims to have found your pet , they will be able to convince you by providing you with a full description.) Offer a reward. Post flyers at eye level on utility poles within a one mile radius from your home. Also, place them at veterinary offices, pet shops, grocery stores, grooming shops and neighborhood restaurants and local businesses. Frequently replenish flyer supplies at these locations.

2. Walk the neighborhood. Take turns with family members and walk around the neighborhood during day and night hours. Carry a flashlight to check in dark places. Also, bring your pet's favorite squeaky toy and dog treats. Call her name and make familiar sounds that she regularly hears. It is important to stop often, be quiet and listen for your pet's reply.

3. Tell your neighbors and those working in your neighborhood. Go from house to house and introduce yourself. Explain that your dog is missing. Tell neighborhood staff (housekeepers, guards, caretakers, gardeners) and municipal workers (postal carriers, garbage pick-up crews, police officers). Give them a flyer so that they can help you find your dog.

4. Visit your local animal control, humane societies, animal shelters. Control agencies usually keep an animal for only three (3) days. Visit these organizations by taking turns with family, friends and others. Leave flyers so that they can look for your pet too!

5. Find out if your pet has been killed on the road. Call the city, county and state department of transportation to see if you pet may have been killed on the road. Dogs are generally picked up every 24 hours.

6. Beware! Never wander around the neighborhood alone looking for your pet. Also, be cautious if some calls claiming to have your pet. Have them meet you with a family member or friend at a public location.

Tips for Senior Dogs

According to ASPCA's Stephen Zawistowki, there is approximately 13 million senior dogs (10 and older) and 12 million senior cats (10 and older) in the United States.

Whether you have a senior pet or puppy or kitten, the doctor provides some tips to make their lives longer, healtheir and more comfortable.
— Don’t overfeed your dog or cat.
— For puppies, slim is in.
— Teach your pooch hand signals for commands such as sit, down and come when he is young. If he loses his hearing at any age, you’ll still be able to communicate with him.
— Keep your dog or cat active throughout life. Maintaining muscle strength keeps them comfortable with dog pet and more mobile with walks and playtime
— Take the time for regular brushing and veterinary cleanings to infections that can negatively affect internal organs such as the heart and kidneys.
— Schedule 2x a year veterinary visits for your older pet so you can catch and treat problems before they become serious.
— Don’t ignore lumps and bumps in older pets. Cancer is often highly treatable, if it’s discovered early.
— If your pet’s vision is impaired, don't move the furniture around.
— If necessary, ask your veterinarian about medication to treat arthritis pain in cats and dogs.
—Lastly, don't forget to give your pet lots of love and attention.

Florida teens activities could reveal his future

According to a 1997 study done by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Northeastern University, animal abusers are five times more likely to commit violent crimes against people and four times more likely to commit property crimes than are individuals without a history of animal abuse.

Many studies in psychology, sociology, and criminology during the last 25 years have demonstrated that violent offenders frequently have childhood and adolescent histories of serious and repeated animal cruelty. The FBI has recognized the connection since the 1970s, when its analysis of the lives of serial killers suggested that most had killed or tortured animals as children. Other research has shown consistent patterns of animal cruelty among perpetrators of more common forms of violence, including child abuse, spouse abuse, and elder abuse. In fact, the American Psychiatric Association considers animal cruelty one of the diagnostic criteria of conduct disorder.

Virtually every serious violent offender has a history of animal abuse in their past, and since there's no way to know which animal abuser is going to continue on to commit violent human crimes, they should ALL be taken that seriously. FBI Supervisory Special Agent Allen Brantley was quoted as saying "Animal cruelty... is not a harmless venting of emotion in a healthy individual; this is a warning sign..." It should be looked at as exactly that. Its a clear indicator of psychological issues that can and often DO lead to more violent human crimes.

Does this mean that Tyler Weinman, the Florida teenager accused of mutilating and killing 19 cats in two South Florida towns, Cutler Bay and Palmetto Bay, has a set future?

On Sunday, he was charged with 19 counts each of animal cruelty and improperly disposing of an animal body. Tyler Weinman, 18, also faces burglary charges in relation to four of the cats' deaths.

Authorities have been searching for the responsible person or persons since shortly after the killings began in April.

While detained, Tyler Weinman, offered to tell police "about one or two cats" if they would drop other charges, according to court documents released this week. The documents, which include a further transcript from an interview Weinman gave police shortly before he was arrested in June, appear to show the 18-year-old on the verge of a partial confession.

But the interview stopped before a possible confession could happen, the Miami Herald reports, when Weinman said he wanted a lawyer involved in the proceedings. David Macey, the attorney representing Weinman, disputes the accuracy of his client's statements as recorded in the documents. Calling them "either misleading [and/or] false," Macey cast aspersions on the investigation, which "with its unlimited resources" failed to include a tape recording of the interview.

Macey maintains Weinman is innocent of the charges against him, which include animal cruelty and improperly disposing of an animal body for each of 19 cat killings and an additional four counts of burglary related to the crimes.

Thus far in the investigation, only circumstantial evidence seems to connect Weinman to the killings. The crimes took place in the two Florida towns, Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay, where his divorced parents, between whose homes Weinman split his time, each live. His mother's home in Cutler Bay is on the same street where four of the cat killer's victims went missing. The Miami Herald reports on other possible connections:Investigators have said that they grew suspicious about the teenager after reading comments he made about the crimes on the Facebook and MySpace websites. (Weinman even apparently belonged to a "Catch the Cat Killer" group on Facebook, and he was reportedly known in his community as an animal lover.)

Ducted Tape Cat finds Home, PSPCA Raises Sticky Money

Beyond Sticky's new home and the arrest of her alleged abuser(left), there's even more good news. The PSPCA says that the number of cats adopted from its shelter during the period Sticky was there nearly quadrupled from the total number of cat adoptions from the same period last year, an increase staffers attribute to all the publicity. Plus, the organization received more than $2,000 in donations from members of the public who cited Sticky as their reason for donating

Pet Commitment. Are you ready?

Pets play many roles in our lives. Think about your reasons for bringing an animal into your life and make your decisions based on your needs. Here are some typical situations that offer insights:
•Loss of a loved one or a pet often motivates people to acquire a new pet in an effort to lessen the impact of the loss. Assess your feelings about what you are willing to invest emotionally under these circumstances. Appreciate your new pet's individuality; don't make comparisons.
•Studies show that raising children with pets helps them to be more compassionate and sensitive. Teach children to respect the animal by interacting through daily care and appropriate play. An older pet experienced with children may be less challenging for a family.
•You want protection. While some dogs can provide a level of security, the primary role of a pet should be that of a companion.

But think long-term
Acquiring a pet can be a 17-year commitment. Anticipate lifestyle changes that may present unique challenges for you and your pet and be prepared to make adjustments:
•Starting out on your own may provide the impetus to acquire a pet, but being the animal's sole caregiver can be socially and professionally restrictive. A potential first-time pet owner can get a feel for this special bond before committing in various ways — volunteering at a shelter, fostering an animal or watching a friend's or relative's pet.
•Moving often triggers temporary behavior problems requiring understanding and tolerance. You might have to retrain your pet to adjust.
•A couples' first "baby" is often their pet treated like a child. But behavior that is acceptable in the absence of children is often problematic when kids come along. The pet's world changes and, most likely, so do the rules. Dogs are particularly sensitive to change. Set rules and a routine in the beginning that won't change even if your family does.
•"Empty-nesters" may feel loss when children leave home. Caring for a pet provides a sense of purpose but can also impede newfound freedom.
•Retirement provides time to spend with a pet, but consider your plans and whether a pet can be included. Will you relax at home, travel or possibly relocate? A small dog is a wise choice for traveling. A husky would be a poor choice if kenneled often or you relocate to a warm climate.
•As we approach the "golden years," often our spirit is willing, but our bodies aren't quite up to task. Caring for a puppy or kitten can be exhausting. Seniors would do well to consider an older or smaller, more manageable dog.

Make the perfect match
Do your research. Consider the age, size, weight, temperament, energy, health and life expectancy of the new pet and the people in the household.
Assess the size and location of your residence. If you live in an apartment, consider a cat or a quiet dog requiring minimal exercise. A mastiff or a Great Dane, although large, needs less activity than a Jack Russell terrier. All pets require exercise or they can become depressed, overweight or destructive. The amount depends on the individual. A walk around the block can seem like a marathon to a bulldog but is just a warm-up to a Labrador retriever.
Breeds have specific traits and tasks for which they were bred. If the origin of a mixed breed is unknown, so are the traits, but most bad traits are extinguished in mixed breeds through natural selection. An animal's personality is based both on inherent traits and environmental influences.
The perfect match between a pet and owner is precious. It's your job to create it.

Subsidized Predators

It’s estimated that there are 117 million to 150 million free-ranging cats in the United States. They’re the most abundant carnivore in North America today. Moreover, free-ranging domestic cats are considered subsidized predators. They eat cat food at home, and then hunt just for sport, a strategy that allows them to exist at densities far greater than carnivores achieve in nature.

According to Peter P. Marra, a research scientist at the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center at the National Zoo, pointed out that cats were the only domesticated animal permitted to roam. “Pigs have to stay in pens, chickens have to stay in pens,” he said. “Why are cats allowed to run around and do what their instincts tell them to do, which is rampage?”

Although regular stints outdoors are estimated to knock three or more years off a pet cat’s life, why do pet owners do it? In many cases, cat owners have no idea how to create an indoor paradise for their cats. Appropriate toys which bringing out their hunting instincts, cats trees which allow them to climb and in some cases access to a large window to watch the world go by can keep them satisfied at home.

But experts agree when it comes to the question of whether it’s O.K. to let your beloved Cleo, Zydeco or Cocoa wander at will and have their Hobbesian fun. The authorities on both sides of the alley emphatically say, No. There are enough full-time strays; don’t add in your chipper. It is not fair to the songbirds and other animals that domestic cats kill by the billions each year.

"People fool themselves into believing that by simply putting a bell on a cat they could prevent mortality to birds,” says Darin Schroeder, vice president for conservation advocacy at the American Bird Conservancy in Washington. People fool themselves into believing that by simply putting a bell on a cat they could prevent mortality to birds,” Schroeder said. “But a bell ringing means nothing to a bird.”

As it happens, many temperate-zone birds go through a dangerous time early in life, when they are too big for the nest but still poor at flying. The fledglings spend their time on the ground, hiding in bushes and waiting for their parents to come feed them. They’re incredibly vulnerable,” Dr. Marra said, “and in high-cat densities, the fledglings get nailed.”

Furthermore, while some experts believe that they cats should be taken off to the pound, others stand firm on a policy of catch, neuter and release.

What do you think? I want to know.