A Weekend Treat (or Trick) for Humans

Warning: If you don't have a lively sense of humor, do not, I repeat, DO NOT, read on.

My friend Betsy found this recipe at allrecipes.com, and thought I should share it, so here goes:

Cat Poop Cookies I
1/2 cup honey
2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup butter
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup wheat and barley nugget cereal (eg. Grapenuts)
DIRECTIONS:
Microwave honey on high until bubbly (about 1 minute). Stir in the margarine. Add the egg and mix well. Stir in the flour, cocoa and vanilla. Mix well and chill dough for several hours in the refrigerator.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Roll chunks of the chilled dough into cylindrical shapes in order to resemble cat poop. Roll cookies in cereal and place on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve cookies in a new litter box on a bed of malted barley cereal. Use a new litter scoop to remove cookies.

I like that there are Cat Poop Cookies II and III, and my favorite thing, the site will find dishes/sides that go with Cat Poop Cookies.

Equal Time for Ugly Dogs and Meerkats

You'll see Delaware Pets' Cutest Dog in Delaware contest elsewhere on this page, but Animal Planet gives ugly dogs their due Friday night. "The World's Ugliest Dog Competition" (9 p.m. Friday) was taped in Petaluma, Calif. Check out the front-runners in all their video glory at Animal Planet's Web site.

Don't forget: New season of "Meerkat Manor" starts at 8 p.m. Friday on Animal Planet. I'm hoping we'll find out what happened to Shakespeare, who had to fight members of a rival clan in the tunnels to protect the three pups under his watch.

MEERKAT UPDATE: Watched the "Meerkat Manor" season opener on Friday night -- actually on TiVo. No sign of Shakespeare, but narrator Sean Astin left the door open, saying the popular male hero has disappeared. But Astin was much more clear about banished daughter Tosca. She's presumed dead. Notice the opening sequence, though. New characters are being introduced and gone are Shakespeare and Tosca.

Of Pork Chop Sandwiches, 'Kidnapped' and Anna Quindlen

Some random thoughts. Tell me where I'm right and, especially, where I'm wrong:

* Dana Delany (left) crackles in NBC's "Kidnapped" (10 p.m. Wednesdays). Give her more to do.
* You can't beat the pork chop sandwich at Helen's Famous Sausage House near Smyrna. Stopped in Monday morning, the line was long and the woman behind the counter asked if I really wanted it because it was a small chop. Want it?
* Saw "All the King's Men" and couldn't figure what sent Sean Penn's character from small-town idealist to heavy-handed (in many ways) governor. Plus, that movie didn't look or feel like the '50s, and the women (Kate Winslet, Patricia Clarkson, Kathy Baker) were completely wasted.
* Wonder what Katie Couric thinks about Anna Quindlen's new book, "Rise and Shine." It's about a popular morning TV talk show host in New York who says some bad words, gets some bad news and pulls back to reassess.
* Love the Kentucky couple on "Amazing Race." Can't believe David and Mary said -- almost in unison -- "We've never been around gay people," over video of them dancing with a gay couple while waiting for a bus. And Mary added, "But, buddy, I like them." She has hugged everybody they've met in China and Mongolia, and they're hanging in the race. Something genuine about them.

If a Dog Were Your Teacher ...

I'm a sucker for things that get passed along via e-mail (please don't spam me because I said that) and Betsy shared this one with me. Which ones do you like and which ones apply to your dog(s)?

If A Dog Were Your Teacher, You Would Learn Stuff Like:

**When love comes home, always run to greet them.
**Never pass the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
**Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. (Why we love convertibles.)
**When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.
**Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
**Take naps. (Good one!)
**Stretch before rising.
**Run, romp and play daily.
**Thrive on attention and let people touch you. (See the Emily Varisco photo of greyhounds Harry Who (left) and Miz Baker.)
**Avoiding biting when a simple growl will do.
**On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
**On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
**When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
**No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout ... run right back and make friends.
**Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
**Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. (I believe in that one -- got it from my dad.)
**Stop when you've had enough.
**Be loyal. (A dog's absolute best trait.)
**Never pretend to be something you are not.
**When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
And finally ...
**Never trust anyone until you sniff their butt. Well 20 out of 21 ain't too bad!!!!

Drink to the Pets on Friday

Why not tip one in honor of your favorite pet?

The Delaware Humane Association will host a Pre-Walk Happy Hour from 5-7 p.m. (or later -- maybe much later) at Kelly's Logan House, 1701 Delaware Ave. in Wilmington. It's a chance to meet participants in Sunday's Walk for the Animals, and humane association staff and volunteers. The Logan House will provide complimentary munchies; you buy the drinks. Spirited conversation and lots of laughs are thrown in for free.

Why Was Koko Dumped in a Dumpster?

Here's what we know: The owner of the dog abandoned in a Dumpster in Red Lion was arrested Saturday and re-arrested Monday on animal cruelty charges. What we don't know is who put 3 1/2-year-old Koko, with all of her physical problems, in the Dumpster and, more importantly, why.

SPCA Executive Director John E. Caldwell told News Journal reporter Terri Sanginiti that a tip led to Cheryl Jackson, 57, of Bear. (That shows you what a $1,000 reward from Diane Mayer of Happy Dog Healthy Dog will do to shake loose information.) Jackson told officials three different stories of what happened to the female Chow, who was suffering severe hair loss, a severe eye and an ear infection, flea infestation, tapeworms and malnourishment when she was found, Caldwell said. He said none of the version was true.

How did it get to that point? What was done to Koko is beyond comprehension. How could someone dump any dog, let alone one that was that sick? Drop the animal off at a pet shelter, take it to a vet's office, leave it with a neighbor. Just give it a fighting chance. Koko isn't garbage and she didn't deserve to be treated that way. Thank goodness she's in caring hands now.

Fall Fundraisers for Two Shelters

Just a reminder about important fall fundraisers coming up for two Delaware shelters:

* Sunday, Oct. 1: The Delaware Humane Association's Walk for the Animals at Banning Park in Wilmington, rain or shine. (Let's hope for shine.) Registration is at 10:30 a.m.; the 1-mile walk at 11:30. Advance registration ($15) must be in by Tuesday, Sept. 26; $25 the day of the event. The humane association asks that all participants raise at least $50 in pledges. (I'm walking in this one, and ask that anyone interested in adding to my pledges -- for a really good cause -- go to my fundraising page at www.firstgiving.com/jillfredel I need to get it to $100 -- please help.) To register yourself or a team, go to www.dehumane.org or call Debby at 571-8172, ext. 301

* Sunday, Oct. 15: Faithful Friends' Furry Fall Festival at St. Anthony in the Hills in Avondale, Pa., rain or shine. Noon to 5 p.m. Registration from 11:30-noon; walk at 12:15 p.m. Admission $10 for the festival; children 5 and younger get in free. For the walk, a minimum $25 donation/pledge to "strut your mutt" around the lake ($25 minimum covers admission, T-shirt, bottled water and snacks for walker and pet). Special prizes for pledge money raised over $250. Pet costume contest. Enjoy live music with your dog and friends at the outdoor theater. Register online at www.faithfulfriends.us or call 427-8514.

T.M.X. Elmo Meets His (Canine) Match

Leave it to a dog to put the latest incarnation of Tickle Me Elmo in its place!

I'm Simultaneously Intrigued and Grossed Out

Stumbled across this item on a pet Web site. It's called Wizdog: The Indoor Dog Potty ($39.95).

For people who have trouble getting their dogs house-trained, the makers of Wizdog offer what they call a "revolutionary solution." Here's how it works: It has a plastic pan and a grate that fits over it. Urine goes through the grate onto a newspaper or a pee pad. Solid waste stays on top of the grate, so, in theory, you never have to touch it. "Just flip the grate, and it's gone. That's it," the Web site proclaims. Oh, accept for the washing of the grate and the disposing of the poop. You can order Wizdog at the Web site.

One other drawback is that your dog has to know about and love to do its business -- as my grandma used to call it -- on the Wizdog.

If you go to the Web site, be forewarned: There's a video demo that I couldn't bring myself to watch. Good luck.

Yorkie Says: Golden Retriever, I'm Coming for You

Of the more than 900,000 purebred dogs registered in the United States with the American Kennel Club in 2005, which breed do you think is the most popular? That's pretty easy. It's the Labrador retriever by a wide margin (137,867 registered).

After that it gets interesting. The golden retriever remains at No. 2, but barely. And who's No. 3? The fast-gaining Yorkshire terrier, which passed both the German shepherd and the beagle.

"This may be the Year of the Dog in China, but in this country it's the 'Year of the Yorkie'," said the AKC's Gail Miller. "Considering the increasing popularity of small dogs in the past decade -- perhaps due to their exposure as celebrity companions -- I'm not surprised to learn that this precious and portable canine may slip into the number two slot in 2006."

Precious and portable? Well, OK. The miniature schnauzer is in the top 10 for the first time since 1990, nudging out the Chihuahua.

The AKC's top 10:

1. Labrador retriever (137,867)
2. Golden retriever (48,509)
3. Yorkshire terrier (47,238)
4. German shepherd dog (45,014)
5. Beagle (42,592)
6. Dachshund (38,566)
7. Boxer (37,268)
8. Poodle (31,638)
9. Shih Tzu (28,087)
10. Miniature schnauzer (24,144)

Get Your NASCAR Pets Calendar Autographed

Here's a deal for pet lovers: Buy a pet calendar, meet two NASCAR drivers and help two Delaware pet shelters.

Drivers Greg Biffle and Martin Truex Jr. will autograph copies of the 2006 and 2007 NASCAR Pets Calendars (together for $25) from 7-8 p.m. Friday just outside the Terrace Bar at the Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. They'll sign the calendars for the first 200 fans that bought them from the Dover International Speedway ticket office (you get a wristband to show you were one of the first). All proceeds from the calendar sale benefit the Delaware Humane Association, Faithful Friends, a no-kill shelter in Wilmington and the Greg Biffle Foundation.

After the autograph session, Biffle and Truex will be the first guests at 8 p.m. on the 92.9 WDSD radio show, broadcast live from the same location. The radio show is free, and open to the public.

An Update on the Drowning Polar Bears

A while back I blogged about "An Inconvenient Truth" and one of the stunning consequences of global warming that it revealed: The melting of the ice caps meant that polar bears were having to swim farther to reach their feeding areas and some of them were drowning on the long trips.

My friend Mike found this story from Reuters on the effects of the longer trips -- polar bears that couldn't make it or are much lighter if they do. Researchers found that polar bears in the Hudson Bay region on average dropped from 1,200 pounds in 1989 to 950 in 2004. That's a 26 percent decrease in body weight in 15 years, and more than 16 pounds a year.

The scientists even saw two bears in trouble.

"We saw a couple of polar bears in the sea east of Svalbard [a Norwegian archipelago] -- one of them looked to be dead and the other one looked to be exhausted," said Julian Dowdeswell, head of the Scott Polar Research Institute in England.

If nothing else, it has to make you question whether the skepticism about the effects of global warming is warranted. Can't we agree that governments should do more just in case global warming is the crisis that so many believe it is?

Tiki, the Winner of the Pet Pedometer

A while back I offered a free pet pedometer to anyone with the best need for his or her pet. Jessica Jordan of Wilmington nominated Tiki. A few words from her note:

"What has happened is that she has bad knees. My friend and I were flabbergasted! A dog, who is not even 2, has bad knees! What happens is that the knee comes out of place and we have to pop in into place when it comes out. Of course, with this comes meds for the knees and aspirin for doggie. We we told if this keeps up, we should try their doggie chiropractor, then if that still doesn't work surgery.

"So, to get back to the main point of this whole thing. My baby still has to exercise, and needs to lose 3 pounds. I know that is not a lot in a person's eyes, but it is for a pup that has a 'bum' knee. But, we have to exercise her daily. Having this item to measure her exercise will be great
so we can keep a running scale of how much exercise she is getting, and if it is increasing or decreasing in a day/week/month."

I knew Tiki really needed the pet pedometer. Here's what Jessica wrote after the first few days:
"Just wanted to let you know that we received the pedometer and surprisingly, she doesn't mind wearing it! In fact, she doesn't like her daddy and I to take it off of her when she goes in her crate in the morning. :)

"Here are some pictures of her after a walk and a game of fetch in the back yard. You can tell she is exhausted. Sorry for the quality of the pictures, it was taken with my phone."

Nobody Likes to Be Startled While They're Eating

A good meal should not be interrupted, even by a youngster. By the way, Karen found this one for me. I now have YouTube spotters -- how cool is that?

Abusing a Dog Is Just Plain Cowardly

You've seen robin brown's story about the chow who was found in a Dumpster in Red Lion. She literally was thrown out like she was trash. There is nothing more cowardly than abusing pets or people who cannot fend for themselves.

What kind of person would do that? If they could no longer care for the dog, there are plenty of shelters that would gladly take her in, no questions asked. And if they could care for the dog but chose not to, that is reprehensible and sick.

Luckily, 123 Blue is going to survive. The person or people who did this deserved to be found and punished. If you know anything about this -- if you've seen this dog before at someone's house or in someone's yard, but you don't want to call the police or the SPCA, e-mail me at jfredel@delawareonline.com. I'll pass along the information to the proper authorities.

And if you can see it in your heart to contribute money toward 123 Blue's medical care, tax-deductible donations should be marked "For 123 Blue" and sent to the Delaware SPCA, Stanton Box 6067, Wilmington, DE 19804.

A Cat That Can Stand

This cat reminds me of how Sylvester the Cat used to stand on his back feet while watching Tweety Bird. One difference: This is real life, not animation. The cat looks as if it's wearing sneakers, and I love its coloring.

I'm on vacation this week -- don't even think about breaking into our house or our 145-pound Rottweiler will eat you -- so I thought I'd entertain you with another YouTube video.

Here in Wisconsin, it has rained the first two days. But as we whiled away the time without golf, we saw six wild turkeys along the road today, about 23 deer feeding alone the wood line just after sunset and two llamas. The latter set off a discussion with my brother's family whether the plural of llama is llama or llamas. Got to look that up.

Gomer Needs a Home

Met a great dog named Gomer last week at the Delaware Humane Association in Wilmington. Gomer, a big bundle of kisses and friendly nudges, has been at the shelter for eight months. (You can see how sweet he is in the lap of the humane association's Kimberly Hall in this photo taken by Suchat Pederson.) He needs a home -- and lots of love.

Gomer is a 1-year-old white and brindle pit bull mix with a very friendly disposition. He was rescued from a kill shelter in Philadelphia, where he was in tough shape. His fur had been stained and his feet were burned by chemicals. He was brought to the humane association to be treated and to recuperate. The only open medical spot for him was in with the cats. "He thinks he's a kitten," one worker at the shelter says.

If you're interested in adopting Gomer -- and giving him the love he truly deserves -- give the folks at the humane association a call at 571-0111. Or stop by to meet him at the shelter at 701 A St., Wilmington.

That's One Amazing Cat

I was worried there for a second that the cat would not be able to get out, but it did. That is a great stupid pet trick, and what was at the bottom of that bottle that would attract the cat to contort itself like that?

Dogs Gone Wild for Your Friday Funnies

OK, which is your favorite? I love the dog carrying the barbell and the rope-jumping pooch. Whatever you do, make sure you watch until the end. Happy Friday!

Why Rabies Shots Cost You More

If you take your dog or cat to the vet for a rabies shot, expect to pay $3 more than usual. Your vet is required to collect the surcharge to help fund the Delaware Spay and Neuter Fund. That money, along with $250,000 from the state, will help low-income people and communities pay to get dogs and cats spayed or neutered. The idea is to reduce the number of cats and dogs that need to be euthanized by controlling the population before they breed.

Why do we need it?

2002: 22,165 dogs and cats were received at the state'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, 52,962 cats and dogs were euthanized in Delaware.

Nobody wants to be in the euthanization business. People who work at animal shelters and with animal rescues genuinely love animals; they want what's best for each of them. But we can't have an animal population that's out of control and growing. Spaying or neutering your pet -- unless your a registered breeder -- is the smartest way to keep the populations in check. The fund will help more people to be able to afford to do that, so if you look at that way, $3 is a small price to pay.

Rest in Peace, Crocodile Hunter

A colleague asked if I was going to blog about the death of Steve Irwin. I told her what he did didn't really involve pets -- kind of the antithesis of pets. But I reconsidered.

What he did do was give people an appreciation of creatures we wouldn't dare get so close to otherwise. He took us inside the world of crocodiles, alligators and all sorts of snakes, and was filming a documentary on Australia's Great Barrier Reef when he was killed by a stingray.

The tough thing will be telling kids about his death. My nephews loved him. They loved imitating the way he'd wrestle crocodiles and how he'd say "Crikey" -- his signature catch phrase -- when he got into a tough spot or even when he was excited. You'll need to remind kids that he died doing what he loved and that he always put safety above everything else.

If the Crocodile Hunter were alive, he'd also remind you that creatures are wild at heart. You can anticipate how they will react -- and Irwin always was sure-footed around his beloved crocs -- but they're also capable of doing the unexpected. That stingray, for whatever reason, felt threatened, and as creatures do, it defended itself.

You also can snuggle up with your kids when the Discovery Channel runs a marathon of his work, and celebrate a life that loved creatures so genuinely and so completely.

Celebrating Sheryl Crow

Saw Sheryl Crow tonight at the Tweeter Center in Camden. She was energetic of voice, yet somewhat more introspective than I've seen her before, in a 75-minute set that gave way to John Mayer. (They're co-headlining a tour.)

Resplendent in white vest and matching pants with a wide brown belt, the crowd celebrated Crow's return to the stage after being treated for breast cancer this past winter. During "The First Cut Is the Deepest," her fans seemed to understand the poignancy of Cat Stevens' lyrics: "I still want you by my side/Just to help me dry the tears that I've cried."

She cranked up the volume on "Good Is Good" from her current "Wildflower" CD, tore through "Real Gone" from the animated movie "Cars," and delivered a poignant rendition of "Home," complete with a sampling of Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown."

She seemed to enjoy the open-air Tweeter Center venue and acknowledged the large crowd on the grassy hill: "It's a perfect night. You have your blanket, a lawn chair, chicken and some weed."

Crow, who always has been outspoken -- a spat with WalMart over lyrics about the retail giant selling guns to kids, a guitar stap that bore the words "No War" before the U.S. invasion of Iraq -- was more understated Saturday night. During "Redemption Day," -- "Come leaders, come you men of great/Let us hear you pontificate/Your many virtues laid to waste/And we aren't listening" -- famous quotes about peace and nonviolence were projected on a video screen behind the band. The final quote from John Lennon, "All we are saying is give peace a chance," was followed by a giant peace symbol on the screen. (How long has it been since you've seen that?) Her final admonishment to the crowd: "Vote."

As she closed her set, Crow gave the crowd what they wanted with a block that included "If It Makes You Happy," in which she encouraged a willing crowd to sing along, before moving into a smart pairing of "All I Wanna Do" and "Soak up the Sun." She finished with a raucous version -- made even more immediate by her cancer scare -- of "Everyday Is A Winding Road."

Lassie, Kyra Phillips, Meerkats and More

Some musings to help ease you into a long holiday weekend:
• What could CNN's Kyra Phillips possibly have said to her sister-in-law after calling her a "control freak" on national TV when her mic was inadvertently left on while she was in the bathroom. (Karen, I know I said no YouTube videos for a week, but this isn't a pet video and it's way too timely to pass up.)
• Kudos to Phillips for being a good sport and showing up on "David Letterman" to deliver the top 10 Kyra Phillips excuses. (YouTube video above.)
• Looked like a really good weekend to see the "Lassie" movie -- except for one problem: It's not playing here. The movie opened today nationwide, but not in Delaware or Philadelphia. What could we have against collies?
• I planned to spend time tonight at the Big Ball Marathon in Middletown, but the softball fundraiser got washed out. (It's postponed until Sept. 23.) I was looking forward to watching the staff of Middletown Veterinary Center play a game with dogs. Bummer.
• See "Little Miss Sunshine." It's a tough movie to describe -- lots of dysfunctional people in one family -- but, trust me, it is laugh-out-loud funny.
• Is fall TV ever going to start? Do love "Meerkat Manor" on Animal Planet.

Pupperware Party Sounds Like Fun

We've all been to a Tupperware party or two -- or 10. How about combining the social atmosphere and the buying with pets? A couple of companies -- Shure Pets and Petlane -- apply the direct marketing concept to dogs, cats bunnies and more. At most of the parties, you not only get to see and play with the items, but so can your dog. (Be real, most cats wouldn't deign to show up at such a soiree.)

The shorthand for these parties: Pupperware or Pet Pawties. You can buy toys, treats, pet beds, apparel, grooming items, pet-themed gifts, etc.

There's a Shure Pets sales person -- called a pack leader -- in our area. Gregory Knappenberger can be reached at 235-7012 or sales@pikecreekpets.com At Petlane, there's a toll-free number -- (888) 870-8324 -- to call if you're interesed in hosting a party. The pet bed (top right) is one of its popular items. Snuggly ($79.99) is made from suede cloth and is machine washable.