What Will They Think of Next?

Remember when I said nothing in the pet toy business surprised me anymore? Well, this one did. More like stunned me.

A binkie for your puppy? In blue and pink? Yep, the folks at Kong have hijacked our puppies and turned them into babies.

The Puppy Kong Binkie comes in three sizes ($5.99-$9.99), and is recommended for those teething little puppies until their adult teeth come (6-9 months).

I've seen the binkie at Concord Pet and lots of online retailers. But you go ahead. I'll be here, waiting for the next surprising thing.

For a Great Cause

It's never too late (or too early) to buy a calendar. Let me make a pitch for the "Dogs of Delaware" calendar ($14.95), which I picked up Tuesday at Happy Dog Healthy Dog in Wilmington.

The calendar features wonderful images -- by Karen L. McMillan of Fido Photography -- of dogs who at one time were in need of a home. The calendar celebrates them and the loving homes they've all found. To the right, that's Cooper, Mr. January, who was adopted from the Delaware Humane Society and is "learning to like playing in the water."

The calendar's profits are donated to "Diamonds for Dogs," a fund established by Happy Dog Healthy Dog to help with the costs of medical care and rehab for local rescue dogs.

The shelters and rescues mentioned on the back of the calendar are A Buddy for Life, Animal Rescue & Adoption, Animal Rescue League of Sussex County, Delaware Action for Animals, Delaware Humane Association, Delaware Puppy Rescue, Faithful Friends, Kent County SPCA, Lost & Found Dog Rescue, Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue, Petfinder, Salem County Humane Society, Save the Animals and Underground Dog Rescue.

Stop by Happy Dog Healthy Dog, 1825 Delaware Ave., Wilmington, or order by phone at 428-1919.

Dog Day Afternoon in Rehoboth

With a little snow in the forecast, is there anything better than seeing a dog romp in the surf at Rehoboth Beach? That's Abbey Quillen playing with her dog Bo on Sunday as the temperature flirted with 70 in this photo taken by The News Journal's Scott Nathan.

If you venture to the seashore state parks, dogs can swim and sunbathe (if there's enough sun) from Oct. 1 until April 30. Park rules restrict pets from such areas as surfboarding and sailboarding beaches and nesting areas of shorebirds. If you aren't sure about the rules, look for the signs that spell them out. And your pooch must be on a leash, except in designated off-leash areas.

Speaking of Pets' Diets ...

Karen found this one for me. You remember Chubby Charlie, the 168-poound dog. This is Hercules, a 20-pound stray who got stuck in a pet door trying to rummage some dog food.

The tubby tabby was reunited with his owner, Geoff Ernest, in Portland, Ore. That's Tiffany Noreuil, an animal care technician at the Oregon Humane Society, with Hercules before the reunjon. Gresham, Ore., resident Jadwiga Drozdek found the feline stuck in the dog door of her home a few days ago, helped free him and gave him a plate of food on her patio. (Insert irony here.)

If your cat needs to drop a few lbs., here are some tips from the spring 2006 issue of Delaware Pets:

1. Monitor portion size and give your cat three to five tiny meals a day.
2. To balance cats' sedentary lifestyle, "find a toy they really like and spend time with them, even if it's just a few a minutes a day," says Renee Markowicz of Red Lion Veterinary Hospital.
3. Adding a playmate can help cats release some pent-up energy.
4. To force cats to exert energy, Markowicz recommends putting the litter pan upstairs and the food bowl downstairs.
5. Cats aren't exactly chomping at the bit to go on a walk around the block, but they can be trained to wear a leash. For indoor cats, taking a few laps around the house is enough to get their hearts pumping.

Garbage Pick-up Update

I went out again this afternoon with my Gopher Deluxe picker-upper thing. After 25 minutes around our Bear neighborhood, I picked up a fairly good load, including two plastic bottles, one crushed beer can, one crushed pop can, two Shoppers newspapers (all went into our recycling bin) and assorted other trash.

One word of advice: If you decide to this, make sure you wear gloves. It can get kind of yucky.

On the trash front, I was curious about the state's littering laws. I called the Delaware State Police and they're researching how many actual arrests were made. But a rep told me that an officer must see the trash being thrown out of a car -- if that's the case -- and even then he or she has discretion. The idea is to make sure people don't do it again.

The rep also told me to talk with DNREC because it also has authority to enforce the law. I need to give someone a call there, but I suspect the agency handles more cases of illegal dumping.

The bottom line: Sounds as if most small litterers won't get hit with a ticket. Stay tuned.

Someone asked me how much the Gopher Deluxe costs. It retails for $24, but the cheapest place I found it online was amazon at $9.99.

A Cat, A Bungee-Jumping Mouse and a Funny Commercial

How come we don't get commercials like this in the United States? Why do the British get all the fun? Although I do love the Bud Light commercial when the sitter at the vet office hauls out the animals as "sled dogs" to get to the Bud Light at his girlfriend's house during a raging blizzard.

What's your favorite TV commercial featuring animals?

Favorite Pet Photo of the Day

A reader submitted this to delawareonline -- and I just totally love it. Come on, I want to see some inspired captions for this image as posts. Atten-shun!

Happy Birthday ... to Pets

I'm offering a peek into the next issue of Delaware Pets, hitting pet-related businesses beginning Feb. 2. Stacey Tiedge Alatzas, a former News Journal staffer and one of our favorite free-lance writers, reports on the growing number of pet birthday parties.

Nancy Roberts, a New Castle County Justice of the Peace, celebrated the 4th birthday of Gonzo, her rescued greyhound, last Feb. 14. She says Gonzo had plenty of greyhound friends over to celebrate and even a cake with his image on it. And that's not the last of parties at the Roberts' home.

Nancy writes: "Funny that you are doing this story, because I just ordered a Happy Dog birthday cake for my 11-year-old-to-be Kami, a brood mom who we just adopted in August. She had lived on race farms all of her life until then. So this is the first time she's been in a real home with a family and she's amazing."

If you have birthday party photos of your pets, send them along to jfredel@delawareonline.com. I'll post them -- or maybe use a couple more in Delaware Pets -- and sent a shout-out to our pet friends.

More Power to Penguins This Summer

Just because the holiday season is over, doesn't mean you've seen the last of the penguins. Coming June 8 is Sony's "Surf's Up," with a great trailer.

Here are the details from a story in today's New York Times under the headline "A Procession of Penguins Arrives on Madison Ave.":

"The next significant date for peddling penguins -- and penguin peddling -- is June 8, when the Sony Pictures Animation division of Sony is scheduled to release an animated film, 'Surf's Up,' a mock documentary about a young surfing penguin (voiced by Shia LaBeouf) and his mentor (Jeff Bridges).

"Trying to describe the idea, Premiere magazine wrote, "Think 'Point Break' meets 'This Is Spinal Tap,' with penguins."

You'll remember that The News Journal had a story about the power of penguins in the commercial world that began with "March of the Penguins" and grew with "Happy Feet." Our link is dead, but I found one in our sister paper in Cherry Hill.

Call It a Pugtoo

This photo comes courtesy of our sister paper in Rochester, N.Y. They have a pets magazine, too, and ran this photo. That's Cinnamon (great face) with his owner, John Daggs at a small dog playgroup outing.

Love the photo, but not ready to get a pug tattoo -- or any kind of pet or any kind of tattoo -- drawn into my skin.

Now, about playgroups -- are you and your pooch a member of any playgroups? We're planning to do a story about playgroups for an issue of Delaware Pets, and this is a good way to seed that reporting. Just post here or e-mail me at jfredel@delawareonline.com

Making a Better Place for Dogs

After a couple of glorious January days -- call it climate change, El Nino, global warming, whatever you want -- it just makes you appreciate being outside.

Growing up on a farm, my parents, especially my dad, always instilled in us an appreciation and a love for the land. To Dad, that carried over anywhere he went -- city streets, golf course fairways, sun-drenched beaches.

Wherever he did go, my dad picked up garbage. He just wanted someone after him to enjoy that spot even more than he did. And if he did it, we did it, too.

One of my gifts for Christmas was a tool to pick up garbage called the Deluxe Gopher. It's got a trigger handle that allows you to close the suction cups around the item you want to pick up. No messy items in your hands, and no bending over for a 40-something back. I went out today to pick up items around our neighborhood, with a carrier bag over my shoulder and a plastic garbage bag inside that.

One little boy asked, "What is that?"

"It's to pick up garbage," I told him. Maybe he thought it was a funky walking stick or some kind of virtual reality toy.

Anyway, after only 17 minutes of picking up trash my load included one crushed Pepsi can, four small plastic bottles and three Shoppers newspapers. Those items ended up in our recycling containers and the rest of it will head to the landfill. But as Dad told us: You left that place better than you found it.

Does Your Doggie Need a Diet?

Have you seen this? The FDA has approved the first drug to fight obesity in dogs -- first question, where's the human equivalent? -- called Slentrol and made by Pfizer. The liquid drug will be available by prescription through your vet for $1 to $2 per dose, beginning in the spring.

A couple of caveats: Don't try it on your fat cat -- the anatomy of dogs and cats are far too different -- and it's not for people either. If you do try it, you face such unpleasant reactions as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting.

The FDA says Slentrol works by reducing the amount of fat a dog can absorb, so the pooch feels full and he eats less. Throw in more exercise, and -- voila -- doggie loses weight. (Hmmm, sounds familiar.)

Now, to the dog above. That's Becky Jones from the United Kingdom and her 4-year-old labrador Chubby Charlie in a 2001 Getty Images photo. Chubby Charlie was forced to go on a crash diet after hitting 168 pounds. Wow.

Do you have a fat dog at home? Would you use Slentrol on him or her? Vets, do you think the drug sounds like you'll prescribe?

Send photos of your overweight pooch and I'll post them here or on the Delaware Pets site.

A Really Animated Dog

This is our first foray in this blog into animated images from a drawing, all courtesy of our terrific News Journal designer and artist Howard Johnson.

This pooch looks as he's had three venti cafe lattes at Starbucks. Zow!

If you want this original, animated image for work or for play, e-mail me at jfredel@delawareonline.com and we'll ship you out a gratis copy.

A Michael Jordan Lookalike, For Sure

The rain might have reduced the turnout for the Hometown Pet Show on Monday at Bethany Beach, but it did not reduce the cuteness factor of the People's Choice winner in the costume contest. Rosco, a puggle dressed as Michael Jordan, won the overall prize and also was named Best Pint-Sized animal. You can see why.

I don't have Rosco's owner name or where the two of them are from. I'll try to track that down, but in the meantime, if someone knows the info please send it along to me at jfredel@delawareonline.com and I'll update this post.

Amy Tingle of the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce says 15 pets showed up for the contest -- including the super-cute Rosco -- before the Leo Brady Exercise Like the Eskimos plunge into the ocean. Proceeds from the pet show benefited Bethany Town Cats and Safe Haven Pet Refuge.

A Hamster New Year

In honor of spending a big chunk of this weekend watching football, we found this McDonald's commercial featuring a would-be NFL mascot. It's always good when you can use a Ronald McDonald statue as your foil.

Enjoy!

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.