Seven ways to avoid pet germs

Reduces your chances of getting sick from your pets by taking these simple precautions:

1. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, handing washing is the most important means of preventing the spread of infecion. After a dog walk , wash you hands with hot water and antibacterial soap. Learn how to best wash your hands here.

2. Wear gloves when cleaning the litter box.
Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite that may be carried in cat feces. Humans may become infected with this parasite through incidental ingestion of cat feces, which can happen by touching their hand to their mouth after cleaning the litter box and before washing their hands. However, pregnant or nursing women, and those individuals with compromised immune systems are at increased risk and should avoid cleaning or changing the litter box whenever possible. If these individuals must clean or change the litter box, we strongly advise that they wear gloves and thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water after completing the chore.

3. Avoid sleeping in bed with your dog or cat.
In fact, a study by Dr. Kate Stenske, a clinical assistant professor at Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine, found that dog owners who sleep with their pets or allow them to lick their face are no more likely to be exposed to E. coli from their pet than pet owners who banish their dogs to the floor. But while disease-causing germs are not a big concern, odors and dirt in general are. Moreover, a Mayo Clinic study reports that owners who sleep with their dogs do not have a restful night sleep. Purchase a pet bed to have a healthier night's sleep.

4. You might love your pet, but don't kiss him on the mouth.
Dog mouths are teeming with germs like salmonella, campylobacter, and cryptosporidium. These germs get into a dog's mouth from eating spoiled food from the street or when he uses his tongue as toilet paper. Moreover, a canine kiss carries these germs from pooch to person.

5. Discourage your pet from snuzzling or licking family members face and/or hands.
It is well known that diseases can be shared between dogs and people - about 75% of emerging diseases are zoonotic, meaning they are transferable between humans and other animals. Ringworm spores can lurk on a dog's coat or muzzle. Every year, an estimated two million cases are reported of the transmission of ringworm from pets to people. To prevent ringworm, one of the most common infections dogs pass to people, wash up after a session of heavy pettting.

6. Discourage your cat from jumping up and walking on your kitchen counters.
Helicobacter pylori, an organism found in cats, can cause gastric ulcers in humans. It has been suggested that it may be transmitted to humans if a cat walks across a food preparation area which is then not disinfected before food is next prepared on it. Simple hygiene, including keeping cats off of counters, is recommended though it isn't known what percentage of cats carry helicobacter.

7. Stop pets from drinking out the toilet.
Bathrooms and especially toilets are havens for germs, bacteria and viruses to gather. To neutralize the germs, bacteria and viruses, the majority of cleansers we use contain toxic chemicals which can cause a variety of health problems for your pet if ingested. To avoid pet health problems, keep toilet lids down.

Additional strategies for feeding your dog

A recent Ladies Home Journal,article, entitled "The Best Way to Feed Your Dog," discussed the when and the what to feed your dog. Additonally, the article mentioned dog allergies, sneaking your pet food, bad breathe homemade diets. After reading this article, I was very disappointed that the author failed to mentioned how to read a dog food label and what are the best food dog food bowls.

To learn about pet food, check out the U.S. Food and Drug Adminstration website. There is section about reading dog food labels here.

To find the best bowl for yo and your pet, consider the below listed factors.

Plastic dog bowls are relatively inexpensive, generally dishwasher-safe and unbreakable. They also come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. Although convenient, plastic bowls can be chewed and/or scratched by your dog, leaving hiding places for bacteria. Moreover, some dogs can develop an allergic reaction which looks like dirt spot or smear on the chin or face from the plastic.

Ceramic bowls can be mass produced or found in an artisan shop or website. Today, they are most created to enhance your kitchen decor. As a cautionary note, check ceramic bowls on a regular basis for chipping and cracking. Whereas bacteria can easily become lodged in the grooves and contaminate a pet’s meal, a chipped or cracked feeding bowl can also be a cutting hazard to a dog’s face.

Stainless steel dog bowls are durable, dishwasher-safe and be purchased for as little ast $1.99 at kitchen supply stores.

Specifically, for a puppy, choose an appropriate bowl for her size. For an adult or senior dog, use larger, raised bowls so she does not have to bend and stretch her neck. And for a dog with a flat face, such as a Boston Terrier, Lhaso Apso, Pekingese, Pug, or Shih Tzuh, choose a shallow bowl, so that if she is eating wet food, she does not put her whole head in the bowl and stain her fur. For a dog with long ears, like a Springer Spaniel or Beagle, use a deep, narrow bowl to prevent dirty and food-stained ears.

Moreover, all bowls should have skid-proof bottoms or should be heavy enough that dogs cannot move them while eating or drinking.

The adventures of Carlos continue

Better late than never! I just received the new book of author Maureen Sullivan and illustrator Alison Joseph in the mail. In three beautiful illustrated books for children of all ages, the dynamic duo describe the adventures of French Bulldog, Carlos-the granddog of Sullivan. The best part is that diehard New Yorkers, Sullivan and Joseph use the Big Apple for all of Carlos's adventures. As a special treat, I am going to read it with my four English Toy Spaniels before going to bed.

Make a Cat(nip) and Mouse Fishing Pole Toy

Make a handmade toy that's purrrfect for your feline friends. This recipe, featured in Chicago's Ready Made magazine, was crafted by cat owner, Connie Crawley. If you feel the instructions are too time consuming, purchase Connie's best stilling mice at her Etsy store.

Get your pet organized

January is National Organization Month. Getting organized is helpful for having a pet. An organizational strategy can help you monitor pet health, care for pet gear and save money.

1. Pet food
Keep your pet's food fresh and your refrigerator odor-free by storing opened cans of pet food inside a plastic container with a lid. Save money by recycling plastic soup containers from the local Chinese restaurant. For dog food bags, use bag clips ($9.99) or transfer bag to a storage container with a seal tight lid.

2. Storing pet's gear
For less than $20, dog owners can purchase a canvas, shoe pocket organizer to store their pet's gear. Put leashes, doggie bags and other canine stuff in the pockets. An organizer can hang on the back of an apartment door or on the inside of a closet door.

3. A toy caddy
A children's toy caddy for about $14.95 is a great way to deal with toys. Store your pooch's favorites in the caddy which can easily be carried with you from room to room to pick up toys, or be stored on a closet or utility room shelf.

4. Where to put grooming equipment
Use a gardner's bag ($13.95) to store grooming equipment. Scissors, combs, brushes and barrets can be stored in the outside pockets. Clippers, shampoos and other fur accoutrements can be placed in the larger roomer interior.

5. Taking care clothing
Keep cleaned clothes and accessories in stored, airtight plastic storge containers which can cost about $28.00. In the spring and summer, store clothes with cedar blocks or balls if fabrics are prone to be endangered by moths.

6. Keeping your pet's calendar
A breed calendar, priced at about $13.95, breed calendar can be used to keep your dog's vet appointments, dates for monthly medications, food purchases, kennel and petsitting reservations, training and other classes and charity and pet events.

7. Record keeping
An expandable file can keep your pet's record's in one place. Price start at $13.95+.

Holiday Pets

With over 71 million pet-filled homes in the US, many pet parents will be searching for the perfect pet gift and other items that can keep pets safe and homes fresh this holiday season. I’ve worked with these companies to find best products that will make your pets wag their tails with joy.

For the first time ever, Hartz compiled the Ultimate Pet Gift Guide. The toys are fun and also designed to promote health and wellness benefits. For dogs, the Dura Play Ball is perfect for toss and fetch games, and the texture will keep your dog busy chewing all day long. My favorite is the Tuff Stuff Nose Diver, perfect for a game of tug-of-war. And for the cats, there's Marty Mouse - an oversized, colorful plush mouse that will keep your cat occupied with its jingling bell, fluttering feather tail and catnip. ($3.99-$7.99)

Next, why not give your pet a stocking stuffer that has health benefits too? Although the Hartz Crunch 'n Clean Savory Flavors Dog Biscuits come in three flavors, they are the only dog biscuits with patented DentaShield® - a technology, clinically proven to reduce the formation of tartar. The biscuits contain breath freshening crystals and contain 17 vitamins and minerals to help support overall good pet health. ($3.99)

For many pet owners, winter can be a worrisome. It means stocking up on products that help remove dangerous ice and snow. Morton Safe-T-Pet™, approved by veterinarians, is an ice melt product, made from organic compound, making non-irritating to paws. The salt-free, chloride free formulation is safer to use around pets than regular rock salt. Stock up before the snow falls and the ice forms. ($14.99)

Lastly, the holiday season brings the challenges of entertaining at home. Now, cat owners can confidently welcome guests into their home without worrying about embarrassing litter box odors. ARM & HAMMER® Double Duty Clumping Cat Litter, combines Baking Soda crystals with odor eliminators to destroy urine and feces odors on contact. Double Duty creates rock-solid clumps, allowing cat owners to easily remove the source of odors and to help maintain a clean litter box. In three sizes ($6.99 for a 14 lbs box)

Sign up for my newsletter here, because one lucky winner will win all of these products tomorrow.

No need for a ticket

February is the month of lovers- dog lovers! On February 15th & 16th, Cupid’s bow takes aim as hounds stroll onto the green at Madison Square Garden and into our hearts for the 134th Westminster Kennel Club. Deemed America’s Dog Show, Westminster is the second longest continuously held sporting event in this country, just one year behind the Kentucky Derby.

You and your pooch can watch the exclusive live coverage from home starting at 8:00 p.m. on USA Networks and CNBC. On the Monday, watch the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups. On Tuesday, see Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, followed by Best In Show.

If you are interested in a specific breed, video judging highlights are available throughout the days on Westminster web site. For more information about the show, the dogs and the judges, visit the Westminster website.

Cool Cat at Grammy Awards

For the first time, a cat food brand was welcomed into the exclusive celebrity gift lounge for 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards presenters and performers. Making a special guest appearance in the lounge, the iconic white Fancy Feast cat posed for photographs with lounge guests such as Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas, Kris Allen from American Idol and DJ Tony from the Ellen Show. For each photo taken with the cat, Fancy Feast made a $100 donation to The Recording Academy's charity, MusiCares® (up to $10,000)

Moreover, Fancy Feast presented lounge guests with a gift package. The gift includes:
• Two luxury heart charms – one for the cat, one for her owner – representing their loving bond
• A sparkling, suede cat collar fit for the most fashionable feline
• A FlipCam Mino for capturing special award-winning moments
• An assortment of Fancy Feast Appetizers for cats, an exciting cat snack that is perfect for celebrating any moment.

Creating exciting eating occasions with eight mouth-watering varieties, Fancy Feast Appetizers for cats give cat owners a unique way to express their love for their cats. These 2-ounce cat offerings are made with real seafood, chicken and beef and contain minimal ingredients for an authentic taste. Prepared in a delicate broth without by-products or fillers, Fancy Feast Appetizers delight cats’ palates with genuine flavors. Since Appetizers are not 100% complete and balanced, they are meant to be served as a complement to cats' regular daily diet.

Now cat owners can celebrate loving moments with their cat anytime. The exquisite, delectable tastes of Fancy Feast Appetizers for cats are offered in the following varieties:
• Steamed Wild Alaskan Salmon Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• White Meat Chicken Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• Seabass & Shrimp Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• White Meat Chicken & Flaked Tuna Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• Tender Tongol Tuna Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• White Meat Chicken & Shredded Beef Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• Steamed Tilapia Appetizer in a Delicate Broth
• Flaked Skipjack Tuna Appetizer in a Delicate Broth

Hmm.....Wonder which one to serve my cats? I bet they would enjoy a little appetizing about now.

It wasn't Uno

Frankly, like many serious dog enthusiasts, I am tired of seeing Uno (the 2008 Best in Show Winner of the Westminster Kennel Club). He just seems to be taken out and shown just everywhere. Don't get me wrong he is a lovely dog. While I found him delightful when he won the coveted title 2 years ago, I am looking forward to seeing what dog will reign supreme this upcoming year.

While I have heard the praises of Uno over and over again, I must admit that I find it extremely ironic that it is a pack of beagles that is terrorizing the North Folk of Island. It seems that disatisfied hunters ditched dogs because they were not performing well in the field. As a result of their desperation, these dogs have become a crazed pack, chasing Orient Point residents and their pets home, even baying, jumping on their residents' doors to be let in and eventually, breaking them from persistence.

It certainly is not surprising since these dogs are starving, ferocious, cold, hungry and desperate after being abandoned by hunters. Think of Dan Ackroyd's character, Louis Winthrope III in Trading Places. Out of desperation, he performed he drank, pointed a gun and stole because he was hungry and cold. All because of the irresponsible acts of other human beings-just like these dogs.

According to Calverton's Kent Animal Shelter Pam Green, five dogs have been picked up on the North Fork so far this hunting season. She expects to see more when the season ends in a month.

As a result, animal activists are trying to help by publicizing the plight of the wild beagles and trying to find homes for them. Two shelters now have five former feral beagles up for adoption between them. And they said that with love and care these abandoned hounds can become loving pets once again.

A View from Veranda

In December, I took advantage of offer to subscribe to various Hearst publications for the sale price of $5.00 each. I must have bought at least 10 magazines in hopes of spotting new trends of which I can apply to my work as a pet trend expert. One of the first magazines that I received was Veranda, a lovely home décor and decorating magazine.

While perusing through the March issue, I spotted a few dogs (Lab Mix, black Labrador retriever, Labradoodle, Golden Doodle, Italian greyhound and and calico, Domestic Short-Hair cat photographed within the home spreads. Moreover, I was happy to read Lisa Newsome's Editor’s Note in which she acknowledges that there were a number of pictures of animals featured in this issue. She wrote that “Pets bring such joy to our lives with their energy, intelligence and loyalty. Even so, they are not for everyone.”

Obviously from her comment, Lisa is a pet lover and I appreciate that she also recognizes that pets are not for everyone, especially those who want to keep a beautiful homes. Let’s face it they commit faux pas. They potty or vomit on the rug and unexpected places. They shed and can cause our friends and family to have allergic reactions. They can even get on our nerves.

However, they are superb companions. And as a result, I don’t mind buying an expensive vacuum that will collect all the pet hair and taking the time to decorate my home with them in mind.

Paw-Themed Holidays

Dogs, cats and pet lovers across the country can expect some paw-themed presents under their trees this year. Although 93 percent of Americans say they’ll spend less or about the same as last year during this holiday season, an Associated Press-Petside.com poll revealed that pet owners are planning to buy their dogs and cats holiday gifts. But other than purchasing gifts, pets are involved in all aspects of the holiday celebration.

1. Getting Pet Prepared
If you are a pet owner and having people over the holidays, try to make your home as comfortable and pleasant smelling as possible. All Dyson vacuum cleaners come with HEPA filters and motorized brush heads for powerful allergen removal and pet hair pick-up. The hand-held DC-31 is priced at $269.99 but as a bag-less vacuum it keeps more money in your wallet.

Additionally, if you are a cat owner, Arm & Hammer Cat Litter Deodorizer, priced at approximately $3.90, neutralizes pet odors, even if you don’t have time to scoop.

2. Pet Tipping Etiquette
Tip your dog walker or pooper scooper one to two weeks’ salary presented in cash in a holiday card. For your groomer, the price of one grooming is a suitable holiday present. Put cash thank you gifts in Pet Set elegant cards and fine stationary. A box of pet professional thank you cards and envelopes are priced at $18.00+.

A tasteful, dog-themed item like a chocolate dog from Martine's Chocolates is a great optional gift from your dog. Dogs are made in dark, milk and white chocolate. Chocolate dogs are priced from $10 and up. Martine's Yorkie, Scottie or Chihuahua, also makes a great secret santa gifts.

3. Holiday Hostess Gifting
Differentiate yourself from the rest of the guest pack by bringing the host of the holiday party something for her or her dog. For the dog, consider the LL Bean Holiday Gift Tote from Planet Dog, priced at $29. The toys will the dog “busy” and away from the holiday hub-bub. For the hostess, purchase a beautiful, hand-painted glass ornament of her breed priced from Bronner's from $4.99 and up.

4. Green Pet Gifts
If you are all about the eco-friendly way of life, share that lifestyle with your pet too. Whether you have a puppy who needs a smaller toy, a senior that likes to cuddle or a dog lke a Golden retriever who lives to carry items in his mouth, Simply Fido has a 100% organic toys for your pooch. Toys priced from $11-$34.00.

5. Creature Comforts
Dog sleep about 18 hours a day and cats tend to sleep all day and prowl all night. When your pet does sleep, keep him warm and comfortable whether he prefers to spend his time on the floor with a Bumper Bed ($66 to $158) or on the couch with a Nature Nap($19.90-63.90) by West Paw Design.

6. For Cats
As complicated as they are, cats love the simple pleasures in life-something as easy as playing, sleeping and/or hiding in a cardboard box. Treat your cat to Caboodle to bring out your pet’s natural instincts. Cat love the texture and feel; pets owners love that the product is USA made, recyclable and sustainable. Leave it au naturale or decorate it as a family arts and crafts project. The price is right at $29.95.

7. Dress for the Occasion
A doggie tee goes a long way this holiday season. Consider a t-shirt to make your pet look adorable for the Christmas Day photos. At PetSmart for about $8.00.

Dogs Who Rule The Literary World

In celebration of its 125 Anniversary, the American Kennel Club and AOL’s PawNation.com ask America to weigh in on their favorite dog stories. The nominees for most famous dogs of literature are:

• Clifford The Big Red Dog – The tiny Vizsla puppy who grew to 25 feet in the children’s book series written by Norman Bridwell.
• Spot – The black and white Cocker Spaniel pet featured in the Fun with Dick and Jane book series created to teach children how to read.
• Old Yeller – The fictional story, based on the novel by Fred Gipson, of a Mountain Cur dog. The book was adapted in 1957 into a Disney movie.
• Marley & Me – The New York Times bestselling autobiographical book by journalist John Grogan that portrays Grogan and his family's life during the 13 years that they lived with their rambunctious Labrador Retriever Marley, and the relationships and lessons from this period.
• My Dog Skip - An autobiographical book by Willie Morris that tells the tale of a boy and his Parson Russell Terrier dog in a small southern town that teaches about family, friendship, love, devotion and bravery.
• Big Red – The story, based on the novel by Jim Kjelgaard, of an Irish Setter who would rather run through the woods than be the perfectly-trained and groomed show dog his sportsman owner wants and the ten-year-old orphan boy who cares for and helps Big Red rebel against his owner's strict discipline.
• Argos – The faithful dog of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey.
• Cujo – The Saint Bernard in the horror novel by Stephen King.
• White Fang – The main character in Jack London’s book of the same name. White Fang is the story of a wild Wolfdog's journey toward becoming civilized in Yukon Territory, Canada, during the Klondike Gold Rush at the end of the 19th century.

Which dog in literature will be victorious? Visit
http://www.pawnation.com/category/akc-top-125-dogs to cast your vote and make your “bark” heard.

Cost-Effective Solutions to Medicating Your Pet

One of the great things about Twitter is the variety of people you can "meet" to help you solve your problems. I am very excited that Wedgewood Pharmacy reached out to me to enlight me about their compounding services. Wedgewood Pharmacy located Swedesboro, NJ makes it easier for pet owners to give their pets medication, all while helping them save money.

The Company offers compound prescriptions in standard dosage forms ranging from capsules, oral powders and pastes, but they also offer innovative medication solutions. Some of their helpful solutions are listed below:

Gourmeds: For dogs and cats that love to chew, try their tasty chewable tablets available in natural chicken and fish flavors. Gourmeds are available for the most commonly prescribed compounded preparations.

Twist-A-Dose. This application available in 20 compounded preparations minimizes your physical contact with the preparation and can be applied directly to the pet's ear.

Tiny Tabs: These compressed, pillable tablets (smaller than Tic-Tacs), are for pets, like cats and toy dogs, that are difficult to pill. They are also great for especially bitter-tasting medication.

Granuales: Compounded granules help to reduce the risk of chemical exposure by inhaling powdered solutions

Biodegradable Beads and Pellets: This is the Company's latest innovations that is available for for antibiotic and chemotherapeutic compounded preparations.

Additionally, Wedgewood Pharmacy ships 95 percent of prescription orders the same day(Monday through Friday)they are placed. Pet owners must have valid prescriptions for compounded medication. Either send an original prescription or a fax of the original, patient and shipping information as well as a payment in advance. Wedgewood accepts major credit cards, including Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express.

If you need additional infomration, call 888-678-1967.

My Dogs Are So Smart and You Probably Say the Same Thing Too.

My mother used to say that her children were brillanteens. I really don't know where she got that expression from but it obviously started when we were in our teens. I guess it was her way of telling us and her friends that we were smart, smart asses. Even now, I say tell my dogs, "Mommy, knows you are just brillant." Moreover, my dogs are not only brillant, they are beautiful, and of course, can do no wrong. I am secretly adore the fact that they are snobby. Although I do feel bad that they are snooby to their friend Little Z who barks for them to play with her but they just ignore her and pretend that she is invisible. Poor Little Z. She is Westie and can't help barking herself to death.

But I read this story today. After reading it, I realized the dog belonged to the reporter's wife. Tell me what you think? Just curious if I read it right.

Waiting for My Blue Book

Today, The Blue Book, was shipped to New York City for distribution. The magazine named for the Metropolitan Dog club’s colors, celebrates the Big Apple as the home of about 1.5 million dogs. The Blue Book was my brain child and I am the Editor and Chief.

My inspiration for the magazine came from my varied experiences in the dog world. Moreover, it was in the 1990s that I started to seriously contemplate the animal-human bond. My observations began as a student at the New York School of Dog Grooming. Night after night, dog owners would come from the five boroughs with their mixed, purebred, exotic and guide dogs for the students to groom. Concerned dog owners would drop off their dogs for a dose of beauty and good health. Upon their return, worry would instantly fade into a smile as they saw their dogs emerge from the grooming area. At the moment each dog and owner physically greeted each other, I saw the special relationship that existed between the two of them.

After all these years, I still appreciate observing the relationship between dogs and their owners. As I walk around my Little Italy neighborhood with my four English Toy Spaniels, I hope that some dog-loving tourists and area residents see the unique bond I share with my dogs and just don’t assume at that I am their kindly dog walker.

In this issue, Metropolitan Dog Club members continue share their love and knowledge of dogs with you. Be inspired as you learn how dogs promote human healing. Understand how to better care for senior dogs. Be prepared for common emergencies, whether you are indoors or out. And, with the arrival of Bo in the White House, many dog lovers have a renewed interest in 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and the canines who lived there—we have a story about that, too.

If you like to preview the Blue Book, click HERE.

Cat Focus Group: Home Alone and Having Fun

Friskies, the leading cat food brand, conducted a study to reveal the magical world of cats. In this cat “focus group,” 50 cat owners and their cats participate in an experiment to examine the feline, sensory experiences in cats' home environments when their owners are not around. Cats from around the nation wore tiny digital cat-cams that took pictures of their surroundings every 15 minutes. The resulting photographs uncovered where cats go and what they do, specifically, when they are left home alone.

It seems that average cat is home alone nearly five hours per day which is a lot of time for cats to play and explore their home environment. Furthermore, the study revealed not only what cats do, but also how they view and experience the world around them when they’re home alone.

Purina® animal behavior scientist Jill Villarreal, Ph.D., analyzed the photos from the Friskies® cats. She noted that the photgraphs shed light from a cat’s point-of-view and, for the first time, we can better understand what gets our cats’ attention and provides them with opportunities for play and adventure when they are alone.

According to the Friskies survey of cat owners, almost half of all owners say they wonder what their cat is doing when they are not home. The survey also revealed that 71 percent of owners suspect their cat is sleeping; 52 percent think they are eating; and 47 percent think they looking out the window. More, interesting details include:

· Several cats took pictures of computer and television screens. This is likely due to the cat’s natural prey instinct to focus in on moving objects.

· The cats’ photos revealed that screened-in porches are a rich oasis filled with sensory stimulation. This includes sights, sounds, textures, and smells with grassy patches and non-toxic plants that provide tactile (touch) and olfactory (smell) stimulation for the cats.

· The photos also showed that cats were greatly interested in water, be it in the sink, bathtub, or swimming pool. This may seem counterintuitive, as it is commonly believed that cats dislike water. However, these photos reveal that cats like water, but on their own terms. For example, the coolness of the sink and tub provide a fun thermal contrast for cats.

The results of this first-of-its-kind Friskies focus group are highlighted in the Scratchington Post, an online report showcasing the daily lives of America’s cats. The report includes findings from the Cat Sense survey of cat owners; photos from the cat “repurrters’ with analysis from Dr. Villarreal; background on each repurrter; and tips on how to help cats live life to the fullest by providing them with rich sensory experiences.

To view the full report in the Scratchington Post, visit www.friskies.com\scratchingtonpost.com

Peoplepets.com Petiquette Columnist

I recently started writing the Peoplepets.com petiquette column. Each week, I tackle a pet lifestyle issue for dog and cat owners. In the last three weeks, I have written about cats eating from the table, how to ask to bring a pet to a holiday celebration, and leaving your dog tied outside a store. My column is posted on Tuesday afternoon, check it out or write to me if you need my advice.

Submit your Best in Travel Pet Photos

AAA and Best Western want your pet's most memorable travel photos!

Enter your ‘best-in-travel’ pets photographs before November 30, 2009 and you and your pet can be a winner.

Entries are judged on such artistic qualities as photographic composition and ability to convey the joy of safely traveling with a pet. Candid compositions are preferred over posed, studio photographic submissions.

Two winning pet photos, chosen in January 2010, will be featured on the cover and spine of the next edition of the AAA PetBook, published in May 2010. The first place winner, featured on the back cover, will receive $350, a $150 Best Western® Travel Card and five complimentary copies of the book. The second place winner will appear on the book’s spine and will receive $200, along with two complimentary copies of the book.

For information on how to submit your photo, click on The AAA PetBook® Photo Contest Official Rules link Here.

Pet Travel Survey Reveals How Pet Owners and Non-Pet Owners Feel

As many of you know, I have travelled all over the country with my dogs, cats and birds. And when lecturing, I always tell folks that not every pet is right for travel and not every trip is right for pets. But, if you take the time to plan accordingly, you and your family can have great times whether you fly or take a road trip.

When planning a trip, I always encourage pet owners to take advantage of their AAA membership because AAA is a valuable resource for pet owners who want to travel with their pets. Moreover, Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook is a valuable resource than be purchased from AAA for $12.98 for members; $21.67 for non-members.

Recently, AAA and Best Western, the world’s largest hotel chain, recently conducted a survey on traveling with your pet. The survey revealed that more than three-quarters of traveling pet owners would take Fido or Fifi on every vacation if they could, although more than half report difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations. According to the recent survey some othger interesting information was discovered.

-Nearly one-third (28 percent) of those who travel with pets indicate they would rather travel with their pet than with their significant other
-More than half of traveling pet owners report difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations
-Thirty-five percent of pet-owning respondents admitted to sneaking their pet into a hotel or motel in the past
-The top five frustrations respondents have with others who travel with pets are those who do not clean up after them (77 percent); those whose dogs constantly bark (53 percent); those who do not notify others their dog is aggressive (45 percent); not walking pets on a leash (42 percent); and owners whose pets are not trained to relieve themselves outside (30 percent).
-The most popular pet-inclusive vacations are visiting friends/family (73 percent) and road trips (56 percent)

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.