To Zelda, With Love

Oh, to be an adorable but sassy English bulldog named Zelda. Your can spout such life mottos as: "When you're the Queen ... you can do anything" and "Enjoy life ... this is not a rehearsal. You get a prominent spot on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and you get your own calendars.

The Zelda Wisdom wall calendar (top one) is $11.04 on amazon.com and the day-to-day calendar (bottom one) is $11.61 on amazon. Hold on for a couple of days and all of the calendars usually go on sale at those kiosks in the mall.

A Shout-out to a New Dogs Blog

Rand, who was featured on the October issue of Delaware Pets with his German shepherd Zoey (in her Dracula costume), has put out the word about a new blog attached to his Wilmington Crazy Dogs meetup group. Here's how Rand explains the group:

"Crazy Dogs is a loosely knit club/organization of Dog Owners and their faithful friends. We typically have monthly meet-ups at locations in the Delaware Valley. We arrange events and get-togethers for all dogs, both on-leash and off-leash. Small dogs, medium dogs, big dogs, and dog dogs are all invited to our meetups.

"We strive to communicate pet-oriented events and happenings in the area to other dog owners, and enjoy sharing training techniques, tips, and best ways to keep our dogs both physically and mentally happy as contributors to our own humanity and well-being. Dogs are people too!"

The Wilmington Crazy Dogs Meetup Group plans to meet next at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 14 at Rockford Park. If it sounds like a group you'd like to join, go to www.meetup.com and search for the group's name. Tell 'em Jill sent you.

My Favorite (Pets) Christmas Card

My friend Heidi, who lives in a Las Vegas suburb, sent us this Christmas card. I don't think she even knows I have a pets blog or edit a magazine devoted to pets. It's great, and notice the hamster at the top putting on the star. Great detail -- love that PhotoShop!

Pets, Pets, Pets Everywhere You Go

We made a quick trip to spend a couple of days of the holiday week with my husband's family in Arkansas. On our way back Wednesday evening, we saw a cute Maltese in a fancy carrying case in the Memphis airport.

Turns out Butch -- he sure didn't look like he fit his name -- was on our flight back to Philadelphia. We talked with his owner as we waited at baggage claim. (Photo is of a generic Maltese, not Butch, because I did not have a camera with me.)

He travels by air about three times a year and didn't bark at all during the flight. His owner said the 4-year-old pooch was restless, and he was shivering as she held him at the baggage carousel. She said Butch had a great time during the holidays, but the 3-year-old and 5-year-old kids they were staying with thought he was a wind-up toy.

Hope Your Christmas Was Very Merry

Christmas is such a wonderful day of family, food and way too much fun. The people who made this video had too much fun, too -- Santa on a motorcycle. Roll, Santa, roll.

Make sure you watch until the end to see who surprises Santa with a visit.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to All Creatures

Merry Christmas to all creatures and their human companions.

Here's hoping your humans have remembered a present under the tree for you, or a pet stocking on the mantle. There's a great pet paw stocking for your furry companion. If you didn't get one before Christmas, make sure to stock up during the post-holiday sales. (A 12-inch one was on sale today for $3.49 at www.1800petmeds.com)

Tonight and on Christmas Day, remember no chocolate for creatures. Keep it off the floor and tables so they aren't tempted.

And take your dog -- or cat, if he or she is no motivated -- for a walk. It'll be good exercise for you and your furry companion, and will give your pet some alone time with you. Holidays are hectic; they need your undivided attention for a few minutes, too.

Merry Christmas, pet lovers and blog readers! Here's to great times with wonderful pets in 2007!

You've Gotta See This Video

OK, I have to fess up. I saw a screen capture of this in Newsweek this week and went searching for it on YouTube. But this video does not disappoint. This dog is amazingly agile and very smart. He/she can skateboard, and I can't. The most amazing part isn't the riding; it's the stopping and the starting again. Wow.

Holiday Photo of the Day

Er, I think Santa needs to invest in some vitamins for his reindeer.

Actually, that's Chico, the 3-year-old Chihuahua of Patty Gallegos of Dover, getting his photo taken with Santa during the Kent County SPCA's Holiday Open House earlier this month. Tip of the Santa hat to freelance photographer Jason Minto for capturing the special holiday moment.

Holiday Feel-Good Story of the Day

If you ever wonder about the tenacity of pets to survive under trying conditions and their determination to return to their human companions, read this Associated Press story about Athena, a little black cat. It's your holiday feel-good story of the day.

PIKESVILLE, Md. -- Ali Streimer chose a good name for Athena, a little black cat with green eyes that made it back home after getting off a bus at the wrong stop.

Athena - who shares her name with the Greek goddess of wisdom and skill, among other things - found her way to her owner’s arms three weeks after being chased off the New York-bound bus.

Ali Streimer had fallen asleep while riding the bus Thanksgiving weekend from Pikesville, the Baltimore suburb where her parents live, back to New York, where she lives. Athena, meanwhile, managed to free herself from her carrying case, began strolling through the bus and was let off by the driver about 20 miles into the trip. The driver assumed the cat was a stowaway because passengers are not allowed to bring pets onto the bus, a rule Streimer did not know about at the time.

After three weeks of frantic searching, Athena was spotted near the bus stop where Streimer and Athena first boarded the bus. Athena was "freaked," family members said, and it took several hours for Streimer and her father to catch her.

"It's amazing," Streimer told The Baltimore Examiner in a telephone interview from New York.
"It was just the timing; we got lucky."

A trip to the vet confirmed Athena was in good health despite the three-week ordeal, Streimer said.

Holiday Photo of the Day

C.R. McLeod sent this gem via e-mail. He writes: "Patrick is a 4-month-old lab-chow mix trying to get into the holiday spirit!"

Me, too, Patrick. Me, too.

Calendar of the Day

OK, I know I have a bias toward pugs. But tell me that isn't the cute calendar cover you've seen. Pug Puppies is $12.99 at amazon.

An Early -- and Cool -- Christmas Gift

I found a Christmas gift in my office when I got back from vacation. The card said: "How many light bulbs does it take to save the polar bear? One. And here it is."

Inside a red-and-green pouch tied up with a red ribbon was a 15-watt compact fluorescent light blub with a projected longevity of 10,000 hours. A wooden cutout of a polar with a light brown heart stamped on it was attached.

The card explained how polar bears face extinction by the end of the century because of high energy consumption and global warming. Even if you don't believe the science, how can you argue with a compact fluorescent bulb that uses 75 percent less energy and can last as long as 10 regular bulbs.

So let's recap: I can save money, energy and the polar bear by using a twisty light bulb. That's a win-win-win. Super sweet.

Happy Hanukkah to All of Our Pet Friends

I stumbled across this plush pet toy menorah in October, and I'm bringing it back to say Happy Hanukkah to all of our pet friends -- furry and otherwise. The 13-inch Interactive Menorah Plush Toy ($26.86 at funstufffordogs.com ) has nine, removable plush candles to help even your furry companions celebrate the holiday.

Happy Hanukkah, indeed.

One More Penguin Item

I did a story for the Life section a week ago on the power of penguins this holiday season. They're everywhere -- in movie theaters, on cereal boxes, in flu-fighting ads, on slippers. One of my favorite products is this penguin candy dispenser (above, $8.50) at Hallmark stores. Push down on the top of the penguin -- and woosh -- out come her eggs ($4 for a 6-ounce package of gourmet jelly beans). Ha, if birth were only that easy!

Anyway, if you're looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer, this bird is a gem.

After 5 Days in Vegas

After five days and four nights in Las Vegas -- a city that literally never sleeps -- this kitten and I have a lot in common, including sleep deprivation. Good night to all.

Carry Your Dog with You Always

One of many favorite things that I saw in Las Vegas was a cart at the Tropicana selling pet stuff, including small purses shaped like dogs. I didn't have time to browse, but I looked them up when we got home.

I found a site that sells 10- to 15-inch purses that are shaped like and come in such breeds as dachshund, Bichon Frise, schnauzer, pug, Boston terrier, Yorkie, Pomeranian and many more for $35 and free shipping. (Sorry, no Great Danes or Saint Bernards.) They do look real and certainly would make a great Christmas gift for your favorite dog lover. She can carry her pooch as her pouch.

Add These to Your Web Favorites

The Washington Post found a couple of cool pets sites. Thought I'd pass them along -- with photos from each -- with due credit:

"Some cats are like clockwork -- at least the ones on www.dailykitten.com are. Every day at 10:07 a.m. (ET), the site uploads a new kitten photo. If browsing isn't enough, you can also comment. (Although how many different ways are there to say, 'Awwww?') (That's Bootes and Barkley above.)

"If you're still not meeting your warm-and-fuzzy quotient, you can go on to www.cuteoverload.com, which manages even to make baby rodents look, well, cute."

Today's Cute Holiday Photo

Do I really need to say anything? I wish I only had a dog that would fit that shirt. By the way, this Dickens' Closet Holiday Kiss Me Tee is on sale at Petco for $8.07, plus shipping.

Cute Holiday Photo of the Day

I can't even remember which pet store this came from, but have you ever seen anything cuter on a pug?

TV Alert: Happy Dog Healthy Dog on Ch. 6 Tonight

If you get a chance this evening, tune in Channel 6 to catch a segment on Happy Dog Healthy Dog. Here's the e-mail alert from the Wilmington store"

"Just wanted to give everyone the heads up to tune into Action News Channel 6 from Philadelphia tonight for the 5 p.m. broadcast.

"Channel 6 was at Happy Dog Healthy Dog today to do a story on 'Tiny Tim,' a 5-month-old puppy that we are helping through “Diamonds for Dogs.” This little guy has a very badly broken leg and was found roaming the streets of Wilmington. He was scheduled to be put down yesterday, but because of many caring people he now has a second chance. His story will be told tonight on the 5 p.m. newscast and may air later tonight as well."

God bless us everyone, indeed.

Let There Be Peace Among Pets

For the holiday season, we have peace -- and lookalikes. That kitten is so adorable.

Pet Show on Saturday at Nur Shrine Center

The Shriners are good guys in great hats who help injured or sick kids. On Saturday, the Nur Shriners near New Castle are sponsoring their first pet show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at their center, U.S. 13, near the U.S. 13-40 split. Admission and parking are free.

Dave Cauffman, who is organizing the event, says you can bring your own pets, but they need to be on a leash or in a pet carrier, and they need to be sociable. Kind of like the Shriners.

"One guy is going to bring his parrot," Cauffman says. "I said, 'You know there are going to be cats there?' "

And dogs and lizards, and probably a snake or two. Who knows what else might arrive.

Cauffman says he's got 19 vendors lined up, including the Delaware Humane Association, Delaware SPCA, Whiskazz and Pawzz, Delaware Puppy Rescue and Pampered Pets. The Delaware State Police will do a K-9 demonstration. Santa will be there to pose for photos with your pets, your kids or both.

And Cauffman says they'll have contests, lots and lots of contests -- best dressed, obedience, looks like owner, best St. Bernard (in honor of his late dog Erik). Check out the Nur Web site to see the rest of the categories and the corresponding time for each. Registration for the contests is $5 per category.

A New Take on What Cats and Dogs Are Thinking

The pets stuff just keeps coming at me, so be prepared for a flurry of posts. First up, a little fun. Make sure you read to the end. Are these your dogs and cats?

Excerpts from a Dog's Daily Diary:

8am: Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30am: A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40am: Walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30am: Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
Noon: Lunch! My favorite thing!
1pm: Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3pm: Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5pm: Milk bones! My favorite thing!
7pm: Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8pm: Wow! Watched TV with my master! My favorite thing!
11pm: Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!

Excerpts from a Cat's Daily Diary:

Day 683 of my captivity: My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre, dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other " inmates" and myself are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape.. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the floor.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. The audacity!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released -- and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously [brainwashed]! The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. The captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe....... for now...

Hobbes Shows 'Em Who's Boss at the Vet

My friend Holly sent me this great e-mail about that most universal of topics -- taking your pet to the vet -- and she said I could post it and the accompanying photo. Mark is Holly's husband; Hobbes is Holly's cat.

"Mark took Hobbes to the vet today.

"He rejected the X-rays. (advantage Hobbes=1)

"He bit himself on the gums and made himself bleed. (advantage Hobbes for sympathy points=2)

"He pooped on Mark. (advantage Hobbes=5)

"By my count...Hobbes 8, rest of the world 0

"Health update: breathing better now, on antibiotics. No need to take him off your Christmas lists just yet."

Andrea Levine's Jewelry on 'The Today Show'

Andrea Levine of Forest Hills Park (above with her Westie Duffy), who is featured in the latest issue of Delaware Pets, had her jewelry designs showcased on "The Today Show" this morning.

Levine, a private jeweler who meets clients by appointment only at her Independence Hall location, designs pet-inspired jewelry for owners and their favorite creatures. Some of her prominent clients include avid animal fans Mary Tyler Moore and Bernadetter Peters. "Today Show" host Natalie Morales oohed over the leashes and collars studded with diamonds, and matching jewelry and accessories for owners. Prices vary from $300 to thousands.

Levine says her jewelry also is to be featured on MTV. For more information, call 888-1488 or (866) 912-7333.

Oh, So Huggable

This puppy doesn't do much, but how can you pass up a Shar-Pei puppy looking so darned adorable on Monday morning? It looks like a battery-powered stuffed animal. Very cute.

Party with the Dogs on Friday

How many times do you get a chance to take your dog to a party?

Delaware Humane Association's Patrick Carroll reminds us about its Home for the Holidays Party from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the shelter, 701 A St. in Wilmington. The donation is $15 per person, which includes two drinks and appetizers (yum). We know the weather is supposed to be nasty, but Patrick promises the tent will be cozy -- away from the wind and the rain -- and you can't beat the cause.

The good folks at the humane association also will have a silent auction and you can meet adoptable dogs and cats. Plus, you can get a professional photo of your dog -- or you and your dog -- taken. The $20 fee cover a 5x7 of the best shot, 4x6 of all shots and the negatives of all photos. I see many cute moments.

And, don't forget, the humane association's Pet Photos with Santa event from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, also at the shelter. Dogs, cats and children welcome. Same charge for the photo shoot. For more info, call 571-0111.

A Penguin Goes Shopping

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Get a load of what he "buys," and how he can't even wait to get home before he indulges. Love the backpack.

Only in America: A Pug Imitates a Blender

My husband Brad -- another pug lover -- found this one on YouTube. The moral: If dogs could only speak our language, we could find out why they do these crazy things.

Needed: Temporary Foster Homes for Sick Cats

Jane Pierantozzi of Faithful Friends sent out word this afternoon that the Wilmington shelter needs temporary foster homes -- about 10 days -- for a few cats hit hard by an upper respiratory virus.

"They really need a foster home, someone's bathroom or laundry room and someone to give them extra care," Jane says. The no-kill shelter will provide a vaporizer, antibiotics and special food instructions.

If you can foster a cat or kitten -- like Princess and Honey above -- please contact Jim Crowe, Faithful Friends' cat coordinator, at 593-0153 or Eileen at 293-0165.

Holiday Loofa Toys

Multipet offers plenty of holiday variations on its popular Loofa Dog series.

PetSmart has them shaped as reindeer ($4.99-$6.99). Concord Pet has a Santa variation ($4.99 for the small) -- in green or tan -- with a Santa hat and black boots with the red and white trim. Very cute.

Get your pooch into the holiday spirit. And make them happy -- Loofa Dogs are almost universally loved. (Love that TV commercial where the owner replaces the grimey, torn Loofa Dog that the pooch drags around. He loves the new one just the same.)

A 'Harry Potter' Tease

The trailer for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" -- in theaters July 13 -- is being shown before "Happy Feet." Both are Warner Bros. movies. Again, the hot rumor is that the final book will be released 7/7/07 -- just before the movie for Book No. 5. I'm having a tough time keeping them straight. Heaven forbid they change actors before the movie series end!

How About Some Zen Puppy Treats?

These were the wildest dog treats I've seen in a while. Zen Puppy. Peace looked to be the fast-selling flavor/variety at Concord Pet, and is billed "for wild, crazy, unruly dogs." Zen Puppy ($5.99) also comes in Beauty, Energy, Agile and Smarty varieties.

The number of treats recommended per day is based on the dog's size: 2 for those 10 pounds and less; 3 for 11-25 pounds; 4 for 26-50 pounds; 5 for 51-75; and 6 for 76 pounds and more. Do not feed more than eight treats per day, and despite the name, the treats are only for adult dogs.

And wait until you hear what's in them: oat straw, linden flower, soy lecithin, Hungarian chamomile flower extract (yum!), alfalfa, garlic and lots of veggie pomaces. They do smell pretty good.

The Power of the Penguin: The Epilogue

Saw "Happy Feet," the animated tale about a penguin who can dance, but can't sing -- a major character flaw in penguin land -- on Sunday. Here's what I learned:

* Savion Glover is a genius. The way the animators channeled his tap dancing into the movements of the main character, Mumble, was amazing. You have to see it.
* Brittany Murphy was a surprise, displaying a poignant singing voice as Mumble's love interest Gloria.
* The movie has an eclectic mix to its soundtrack, including Prince's "Kiss," sung by Nicole Kidman, "Boogie Wonderland" and "Somebody to Love."
* Little kids (5 and younger) will enjoy the beginning of the movie, but will be lost when the older Mumble emerges and ventures out on a scary quest. Probably better-suited for slightly older kids.
* Animated penguins can beat Bond. "Happy Feet" took in $42.3 million during the weekend -- almost $2 million more than the 007 movie "Casino Royale."
* Robin Williams can always make us laugh.
* Kids need to learn that humans' actions are connected to what happens to the environment and to the animals with which we share the planet.
* Little kids love to dance. (Several were dancing at their seats and in the aisles as the credits rolled.)

Check out the Chesapeake Pet Parade Video

Jeffrey shot this video from the Chesapeake City Pet Parade on Saturday. It's cool how the dogs love the camera. And check out what a big hit those cute Chihauhaus were after the parade!

Thanks, Jeffrey!

Cutest Pet Photo Ever?

The Chihuahuas are Kato and Bitsy (although I don't know which is which) who were riding in the Santa Paws sleigh Saturday in the Chesapeake City Pet Parade. (You'll find more photos from the parade by Chuck McGowen in a photo gallery near the bottom of the Pets Web page.)

Kato and Bitsy were two of 10 animals entered in the parade by Karen Sanders and Jay Benton.

These Cats Rock!

Cat listening to house music (above) ...
One listening to hip-hop ...
A metal fan ...
Grooving to Stevie Wonder ...
A gangsta rap fan ...

And a techno wild child!

You know what this means: Those singing and dancing penguins in "Happy Feet" have nothing on cats that rock. Enjoy!

Speaking of Holiday Events ...

Faithful Friends volunteers and adopters and friends -- human and furry -- will be marching in the Greenville Christmas Parade, starting at 1 p.m. Saturday. The half-mile parade route starts at Twin Lakes Brewery on Del. 52., northwest of Wilmington.

If you and your dog would like to march along, the folks at Faithful Friends ask that you start lining up at noon at Twin Lakes. Be festive -- dress for the holidays. Put on your pooch's favorite cool-weather or holiday sweater, scarf or fancy collar. And be sure your dog will do well around a crowd and other dogs.

Joining Faithful Friends in the parade will be the Stanton Middle School Band, an Elsmere fire truck, Santa in a horse-drawn carriage and the New Castle County mounted patrol.

The parade is expected to end about 1:45 p.m. From 2-4 p.m. at Twin Lakes, there will be free carriage rides, and photos with Santa for dogs or children -- or both, I assume, if requested. The cost is $20 for a 5x7 portrait and 40 percent of the proceeds will go to help homeless animals at Faithful Friends.

Good deal, good cause, good time.

Order Flowers, Help the Humane Association

Found this in the Delaware Humane Association newsletter:

Order flowers from Boyd's Flowers in Wilmington, and each time you do, the shop will donate $2 to the humane association. You need to let the person taking the order know you want the $2 donated under this program.

You can order in person at 2013 Pennsylvania Ave.; by phone -- 421-2900 or (800) 222-2693; or visit its Web site at www.boydsflowers.com

Santa's Furry Little Helper

The cutest thing I've seen so far this holiday season is this Santa Coat.

The washable red polar fleece with white plush trim coat comes with a hood. Green embroidery on the back says, "Merry X-mas." The medium -- for dogs 9-11 inches collar to tail -- is $54.99 at funstufffordogs.com. The small -- 6.5 to 9 inches -- is $49.99.

Pets on Parade in Chesapeake City

If you want to see well-dressed pets, spend quality time with Santa, and enjoy a fabulous small-town atmosphere, save time Saturday morning to attend the Chesapeake City Merchant's Association's Pet Parade.

All pets are welcome. And we mean all. Last year, the parade lineup included 60 dogs, two goats, one (very brave) cat and a pony. Who knows what might show up this year.

Lineup for the parade starts at 10 a.m., with the parade beginning at 11 a.m. It starts under the bridge near the elementary school. And they give out prizes -- lots of them. For the best dresssed pet, most creative, judges' choice and most holiday spirit. (The photo is of Winston, an English bulldog owned by Carrie Sherwood of Middletown, who was named best-dressed last year.) Prizes will be given out in Pell Gardens where animal organizations and vendors will have displays until 2 p.m.

Bring your camera and have your pet's picture taken with Santa after the parade. If you are interested in participating in the parade or your organization would like a table, contact Natalie Gentry at (410) 885-2330.

The Power of the Penguin

And you thought "March of the Penguins" was big. "Happy Feet," an animated story about a young penguin with a gift and his unusual adventures in his Antartica home, is already huge and it doesn't open until Friday.

"Happy Feet" is on cereal boxes, candy packages, slippers -- there were coupons on the floor at the movie theater last night (I think that was viral marketing) -- and you can even build your own stuffed toy penguin at the Build-a-Bear Workshop store in Christiana Mall, complete with blinking red heart.

Elijah Wood provides the voice for Mumble, the little penguin who can dance but just can't carry a tune -- a major character flaw in penguin land. Others lending their voices include Robin Williams, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

The Power of the Penguin -- Part II

OK, I just can't resist another "Happy Feet" trailer on an icky, rainy day. That's Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" playing.

I'm going to borrow a kid to see it with me.

A Deer in Target: A Cautionary Tale

You've probably seen this video of an 8-point buck who got into a Target store in Des Moines earlier this week. That deer scrambled into the store for the same reason that you have bunnies in your back yard, the occasional snake in your house or geese on your development's pond: They have fewer and fewer places to go.

We build and build and build, and then wonder why a deer would run into a brightly lit store with bargains at the end of every aisle. Trust me, the deer wanted no part of the store, its slippery floors and all of those shoppers. It was just wanted to get out.

The deer was herded out through a fire exit. He appeared to be unharmed.

Here's to the Pet Revolution in Delaware

Hope you had a chance to read robin brown's report in Saturday's News Journal on the pet revolution going on in Delaware. It was fascinating to see Delaware on the cusp of going from a state that has used euthanasia for animal control to one that uses spay/neuter.

Delaware wants to copy what happened in New Hampshire. That state invested $900,000 for sterilization and education, which helped to cut pet deaths by 75 percent in five years -- that's 75 percent in five years. To pay for the spay/neuter program in Delaware, state lawmakers put in $250,000 and authorized collecting $3 from you each time your dog or cat goes to the vet for a rabies shot. Your vet is required to collect the surcharge.

The premise is simple: Control the pet population -- using spay/neuter -- before cats and dogs breed and you can make a dent in the homeless population. Just how big of a problem is it here? Consider these numbers:

2002: 22,165 dogs and cats were received at Delaware's primary animal facilities; 12,659 were euthanized
2003: Of 24,510 received, 13,653 were euthanized
2004: Of 21,254 received, 13,067 were euthanized
2005: Of 21,062 received, 13,583 were euthanized

In four years, the state of Delaware euthanized 52,962 dogs and cats.

Back to the New Hampshire model. In addition to sparing thousands of animals' lives, the widespread spay/neuter approach there has helped save the state's taxpayers $2.5 million a year in shelter costs. That is the ultimate definition of a win-win.

Cats Do the Craziest Things

Make sure you stay with it until you see the bear and the cat. It is worth all of the extra chuckles until you get there.

Not Your Typical Adoptee

Oscar needs a home. A home with someone special.

The 3-year-old neutered stray ended up at the Faithful Friends shelter after being plucked from the Kent County SPCA. "He doesn't look as pretty as the others," says Jane Pierantozzi, executive director of the Wilmington no-kill shelter. "He has a special look."

Oscar has a broken jaw, his tongue hangs out and he doesn't have all of his teeth, Pierantozzi says. (No one knows how his jaw was broken, but the vet says it isn't causing him any pain and it would be difficult to repair.)

This terrier mix is a lap dog, Pierantozzi says, who is looking for that right home. If you're interested, call Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Drive, at 427-8514.

A Heavy Metal Kitty

Got to love a head-banging cat. Does your cat do any tricks? Send the video to me at jfredel@delawareonline.com and I'l get it up on this blog.

Favorite Pet Costume -- So Far

Pet owners, take a bow.

You've come up with some great ways to dress up your faithful companions this Halloween season. My favorite -- so far -- comes from the Howloween Pawrade sponsored by the good folks at Happy Dog Healthy Dog on Sunday at Rockford Park in Wilmington. Enjoy!

That's Riddick, the toy Manchester terrier, who won first place (scariest category) and is being held by his owner, Maegan Burton in a photo taken by Fred Comegys.

Look for a photo gallery and video further down and to the left on this Web page.

Get Your Pet History Lesson Here

Pet lovers are passionate people. On Nov. 9, Katherine Grier, a professor of material culture studies in the Winterthur Program in Early American Culture, will explain where some of that passion comes from, and how and why pets are so important in our lives.

Grier has written "Pets in America: A History," and in her lecture at Hagley's Library building she'll talk about the marketing of pets and pet products, give attendees a brief history of pets in America, and explore the role the pet industry plays in our culture. After the lecture, she will take questions and sign copies of her book, which will be available for purchase.

The 7 p.m. lecture is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. Call 658-2400. To get to the library, enter via Hagley's Buck Road East entrance off Del. 100.

More Furry Fall Festival Photos

As promised Ginger Wall added more photos from Faithful Friends' Oct. 15 Furry Fall Festival, which executive director Jane Pierantozzi said raised $15,000 for the Wilmington no-kill shelter. Look for more shots in the Dec. 1 issue of Delaware Pets. (Shameless plug.)

TOP PHOTO: Mali Ashmead, 9, with Cosmo, a Basset-Daschund mix, and Suzie Ashmead of Lincoln University, Pa., and her terrier mix, Buttercup

SECOND: Mary Clayton of Newark with her pugs Abby (left) and Cammie.

THIRD: Chico, a 5-year-old Chihuahua, snuggles with Sandy Leigh of Hockessin.

FOURTH: Derrick Robinson and Abby Huwer of Newark, with her Yorkie Charlie.

BOTTOM PHOTO: Erica Reen of Wilmington holds Summer, her 3-month-old German shepherd.

Don't Even Think About a Black Cat for Halloween

Even if your a cat person with nothing but goodwill in your heart, you are not going to be able to adopt a black cat from a shelter until after Halloween. (OK, Patrick Carroll at the Delaware Humane Association tells me they don't have that rule.) But a lot of shelters do it to make sure animals aren't being adopted for any of the wrong reasons.

If you have a black cat at home, make sure you keep him or her inside. As a Kent County SPCA flier says, "The mythology about black cats being related to witches can lead strange people to do strange things to them." Don't even give those "strange people" an opportunity.

The one place you might want to take your black cat is to the Delaware Humane Association shelter in Wilmington. The shelter is hosting a free black cat spay/neuter day on Halloween (Tuesday). You need to call to schedule a appointment -- 571-0111 -- and only 98 percent black cats will be accepted.

Ryan Phillippe on 'Flags of Our Fathers'

Delaware's Ryan Phillippe is the emotional anchor of "Flags of Our Fathers," an adaptation of the best-selling book about the men behind the famous flag-raising during the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Phillippe, who starred in last year's Academy Award-winning "Crash," gets another top-flight role as John "Doc" Bradley, a Navy Corpsman who treats the wounded, and happens to be there on the top of the mountain when the flag is raised. Phillippe is self-assured and smooth, but conveys Bradley's underlying reluctance to be be labeled a hero, and his vulnerability at seeing so many lives shattered.

If you see "Flags," make sure you stay through the credits to see B&W photos of the real men and the real battle. Most people stayed and were reverentially quiet as the photos changed.

A Dr. John Dykstra Update

I talked with Dr. John Dyskstra's office this afternoon about his court appearance in Philadelphia in his immigration case. He got a five-month extension, which sounds like good news.

Dr. Dykstra is a veterinarian for cows and goats, and owns Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital near Laurel. His wife, Dr. Sarah Dykstra died in August after being hit by an SUV while jogging near their Seaford home. John Dykstra's immigration problems apparently came to light when he buried his wife in Canada, where the two had met at vet school on Prince Edward Island.

We're not sure exactly what Dykstra's immigration status is because he's not talking to The News Journal. I'm sure he doesn't want to jeopardize his standing with the court, but we understand members of the congressional delegation are helping with his case.

Go Ahead, Try to Resist a Cute Puppy

It's Monday. Who doesn't need to see a cute puppy video to put a smile on your face after another tough Eagles loss?

Do You Emu?

You kind of forget that animal control means all animals. Even emus.

The Kent County SPCA, which handles animal control for the entire state, was called to pick up an emu running at large. Officials are hoping to find a farm home for Matilda, the big brown bird (that's not her in the photo -- it's a generic emu to give you can idea of what they look like). In the meantime, she seemed happy and playful when I visited this week.

Emus generally are raised on farms -- with more than 5,000 farms in the U.S. and at least a couple in Delaware. An adult emu weighs 125 to 150 pounds and is 5 to 6 feet tall.

A Sad Twist to a Sad Story

Remember Dr. Sarah Dykstra, the vet who died in August after being hit by an SUV while jogging near her Seaford home?

She left behind her husband, John Dykstra, a fellow vet, and three children, ages 3, 5 and 10. It was a terribly sad story.

John Dykstra buried his wife in Canada, where the two met in vet school. Now, he might be ordered to return to his native country -- he's got a court date Monday. He has until then to get his wife's estate in order and leave the country.

The Dykstras had operated Eastern Shore Veterinary Hospital near Laurel and been part of the comunity for more than a decade.

When she died, people found this blog to leave remembrances. Pet owners, high school and college classmates and even their babysitter left notes. They said Sarah was "serene, sweet, humble and extremely knowledgeable. She would answer each of my endless questions with sensitive care." "I feel so lucky to have known her." "It was a privilege for my dogs to be in her care." "I thought she was as beautiful inside as she was outside." "She was an awesome lady." "Sarah Dykstra was extraordinary."

I don't know what kind of problems Dr. John Dykstra is having with immigration officials, but I am hoping he and the government can find a resolution.

The Sims Get Pets

Sims 2 Pets trailer


The Sims aren't enough trouble, now they're going to get pets?

"The Sims 2 Pets" ($29.99) hits stores today, and gives the Sims people -- who always seem to need something -- the ability to have pets. They can adopt a dog or cat or other creature, they can take in a stray or they can buy one from a pet store. And they get to customize their pets -- talk about genetic engineering -- including breed, coat color, and facial and body features. Plus, if they turn out to be too much work for you -- in addition to tending to the Sims people -- you can hire a trainer for a small fee.

EA Games adds the celebrity factore with Hilary Duff and her pet Chihuahua Lola. I found a review at Game Daily. If you're a player, is this a good add-on? Do pets up the fun and challenge of "Sims"?

The 'Red Dogs' Are Coming to Dover

The Vizslas are coming, the Vizslas are coming ... to Dover and to Harrington and to Queenstown, Md., later this week and all next week.

About 600 Vizslas, sometimes called Hungarian or Magyar Pointers, are expected for the Vizsla National Dog Events on Oct 18-28. Most of the competitions will take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover.

The "red dogs" of Hungarian extraction excel at hunting, tracking, agility and obedience. Gene Thornton, who tipped us to the event and whose Mattapex Brandywine (dog at left with Renaissance Heavenly Maid) will compete, says the dogs are full of energy and loads of fun, and their short coat and friendly demeanor make them a great family pet.

Thorton said about 100 each will compete in Agility, Hunting, Obedience and the AKC’s newest sport, Rally. The remainder will strut their stuff in the breed ring to vie for Best in Specialty Show. The schedule:

* Agility will take place early this Wednesday morning at the Quillen Arena on the Delaware State Fair Grounds in Harrington.
* Obedience and Rally and Sweepstakes will take place at the Sheraton Hotel beginning early Thursday morning.
* Breed judging will also take place at the Sheraton. Dogs in various age groups will be shown throughout the day Friday through Sunday.
* Field Trials (bird hunting) will be conducted on Wye Island, Queenstown, Md., from Oct 23-28.

The public is invited to watch the events. Admission is free. Vendors will be on hand. Event organizers asks that you do bring pet dogs to this show; it is limited to pre-registered Vizslas.

Photos from Furry Fall Festival

Faithful Friends, the no-kill shelter in Wilmington, does a wonderful job of saving homeless animals and finding them new homes. To keep that commitment, the shelter not only needs the passion and the hard work of its employees and volunteers, but it also needs money.

Sunday, Faithful Friends hosted its annual Furry Fall Festival at St. Anthony in the Hills in Avondale, Pa. We'll get a dollar figure later, but I wanted to share some of the photos -- taken by The News Journal's Ginger Wall -- from the event that featured a walk, costume contest, pet tricks, live music and lots of fun.

Top photo: Debbie Pinno of Wilmington and her 4-year-old greyhound rescue Flossie.

Middle photo: Boo-Bear, a Labrador mix up for adoption, gets a hug from Savanna Hulsey, 3, of Newark.

Bottom photo: Barbara Freda of New London, Pa., parades with her pugs and bulldog Gunny (in the U.S. Marines T-shirt).

Don't Forget: Furry Fall Festival on Sunday

It's always fun to be out and about with you pet -- and in costume this time of the year. The perfect event this weekend is Faithful Friends' Furry Fall Festival at St. Anthony in the Hills.

The festival, a fundraiser for the no-kill shelter in Wilmington, is from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday (rain or shine) at The Hills in Avondale, Pa. Registration is from 11:30-noon; a "strut your mutt" walk around the lake starts at 12:15 p.m.

Admission is $10 for the festival; children 5 and younger get in free. For the walk, a minimum $25 donation/pledge is requested ($25 minimum covers admission, T-shirt, bottled water and snacks for walker and pet). Special prizes for pledge money raised over $250.

Even if you don't participate in the walk, there's also a pet costume contest, hayrides, lots of pet business vendors, plenty of food and live music. Not a bad way to spend a crisp, fall afternoon with your dog and your friends. To get more info or to register, go to Faithful Friends' Web site.

Do You Know Any Chopin?

Hang in there for a few seconds ... it's worth the wait (and the shaky camera).

Congratulations to WKC's Cheryl Costello

You can thank Cheryl Costello the next time you see a pet with a mask over its nose after a house fire. She was the driving force -- along with her colleagues at the Wilmington Kennel Club -- to outfit all of New Castle County's 36 firehouses with pet-resuscitation masks.

The American Kennel Club thanked her in its own way. The group named her a recipient of the AKC Community Achievement Award for "her dedication to protecting the canines in her community." Costello was one of three winners nationwide.

Costello was nominated by WKC club secretary, Martha Doerner, who praised Costello's "dogged determination to see that every pet in New Castle County has the same chance of surviving a fire as their owners."

Costello found the masks, brought the project to the Wilmington Kennel Club board and helped to make it happen. The club demonstrated the masks at its annual dog show in April, and made the official presentation there to fire officials.

Costello received a certificate of appreciation and a $1,000 check payable to the club or federation's public education and canine legislation efforts.

Woooo, That's a Scary Party Collar

Looking for a Halloween-themed party collar for your pooch? One of the best places to find them is Whiskazz and Pawzz in Hockessin.

Owner Alyce Duffy has them in the expected orange, black and orange-and-black color schemes, with bats, spiders, pumpkins, ghosts and skulls dangling from the ends.

This and That from the Weekend and Beyond

Allow me a few rants and raves:

Rant: They've killed "Kidnapped." At 10 p.m. Wednesdays. The good news is NBC is going to let them resolve the kidnapping. The bad news: No more Dana Delany -- find that woman a job. I'm thinking about watching "Jericho" or "Uggly Betty" as a replacement.

Rave: Tried Five Guys Famous Burger and Fries at its new location in Bear on U.S. 40. Best fries I have ever had. The burger is huge -- two patties, so have the "little" version on the menu -- and call in your order (832-7555) so you don't have to wait.

Rant: No "Lassie" at the movies. The updated version never showed in Delaware or Philly. Something against collies? Good news: It's available on DVD starting Nov. 14.

Rave: Terrific photos from the Blessing of the Animals on Saturday at the Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in Wilmington. (Can load images right now. Will try later.) The Rev. Canon Lloyd Casson really loves animal -- and his work.

Tasha, the Singing Mastiff

Karen has this great dog -- Tasha, a 100+-pound Mastiff. She's as gentle as can be, and Karen even brings her to work. Most of the time she rests on her blankie, but when Karen goes off to check on something, Tasha is sure to amble behind, dragging her leash. So, here's a tribute to Tasha, as put together by Jeffrey.

A Bacon-Flavored, Glow-in-the Dark Puppy Chew

A puppy has to chew. That's just destiny, and Nylabone has come up wiith a flexible chew that's designed for teething puppies, smells good (to them) and is fun for the pup's owner.

Puppy Fish comes in bacon flavor and has a glow-in-the-dark skeleton (just expose it to light). It's made of a soft thermoplastic polymer -- and comes in cool pink and blue colors -- that helps with the growth and development of your puppy's teeth and jaws. Good stuff, and not a bad price -- $8.49 for a medium.

The sales person at Concord Pet in Peoples Plaza offered one admonition: If you have a strong chewer, watch for signs that they're about to rip off the the tail or fin.