Ever Seen a Monkey Sneeze?

Dave said this video would be end up on YouTube - and he was right. So, here is Sherman the Monkey ... sneezing.

Salute the Loofa Dog (and Win It)

I am an unrepentant lover of all things Loofa. The camouflage-wearing Loofa Dog, found at Concord Pet, might be my all-time favorite. Multipet International, which makes the successful line of toys - complete with squeaker - is donating a portion of its proceeds to Support Our Troops.

I love the yellow ribbon on the Loofa Dog's belly.

I'll give this Loofa Dog away to anyone who gives me a reason why their dog would love it. I'll pick one winner at random from all those who enter. Post on this blog or e-mail me at pets@delawareonline.com The deadline for entries is midnight Dec. 12.

Meet Our Pets Cover Model

Several judges and friends of Delaware Pets picked Annabelle Grace, a five-pound Pomeranian who turns 5 in January, as our cover model for the December issue. Here she is with her human companion, Deanna Pedicone of Newark.

Annabelle is a natural in front of the camera, and I asked photographer Robert Craig to get a couple of extra shots of Deanna and Annabelle. You'll have to wait for the magazine to see the actual cover shot.

Annabelle is a great story. She is a therapy dog with Paws for People - she reads each week with kids at Woodlawn Library. Deanna says "Goodnight Moon" is Annabelle's favorite book and the kids know that reading it to her helps her calm down at the beginning of the library sessions.

Annabelle also volunteers at CERTS, a day program for people with significant disabilities.

Deanna reports that Annabelle also has flown on planes (she has a carrying case that fits under the seat), has lots of great outfits (notice the red sweater she's wearing in this photo) and knows when her Christmas presents have arrived and are hanging in her Christmas stocking. "She sits and stares at it," Deanna says.

The next issue of Delaware Pets will reach pet stores, vets' offices, groomers and other pet-related businesses in early December.

Could Billy From Delaware Be the Obama Dog?

Patrick Carroll, director of development at the Delaware Humane Association, has a pitch for Barack and Michelle Obama: Adopt Billy for your daughters.

Billy is a curly-haired Labradoodle that meets many of the criteria for the puppy that Sasha and Malia were promised if Dad won the election. He also would fulfill Michelle Obama's wish to adopt from a shelter. Plus, he does come from the home state of the vice president-elect, who rumor has it, also has a Labradoodle.

Billy is just over a year old, so that fits the puppy criteria - or close enough, and with Malia's allergies, the president-elect says the First Family-to-be is looking for a hypoallergenic pooch.

Billy certainly looks cute enough, but news reports say Malia is leaning toward a goldendoodle, a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever.

"We think that they should adopt from DHA, since the VP is from Delaware," Patrick says.

Which breed do you recommend for the Obamas?

I'm Back .. and Thanks for Holiday Model Entries

For all of those who sent in photos of your dogs to be considered as a our Christmas model for Delaware Pets, I am sorting through and narrowing the 50 entries, and should be choosing a canine cover boy or girl this coming week.

Thanks for the outpouring, and I wanted to give a special shout-out to Paco, the Phillies fan (left). I'm sure he enjoyed the World Series celebration. And, yes, Stacy Kleitz of Wilmington, Paco is one of the cutest dogs I've ever meet, but the competition for dog model glory is tough.

I apologize for the delay in deciding on the model, but I've been away for several weeks on medical leave. I donated a kidney to my sister at a Washington hospital, and she - and one used kidney - are both doing wonderfully.

Stay tuned for a holiday model winner.