The Backstreet Boys Never Had Such Moves

Snowball is all that ... and a whole lot more. Check out the moves - and stay tuned for head-banging bow at the end.

Do your birds or other pets dance, sing or tell jokes. OK, the telling jokes part might be tough. If they can do a great trick, e-mail me at pets@delawareonline.com. If you can point me to video online, do that, and I'll post it in the blog.

Ellen, Iggy and What to Do Next

Here's where I stand: Every creature deserves the best home that can be found.

Maybe it's a rescue placing the creature. Maybe it's one person giving the animal to another. Maybe it's someone taking in a stray. Animals deserve a loving home. Period.

You've heard about the Ellen DeGeneres controversy, no doubt. She adopted a dog named Iggy from a rescue group called Mutts and Moms. The black Brussels Griffon mix terrier didn't get along with DeGeneres' cats and she gave the dog to her hairdresser and her two daughters.

That made the rescue angry because it violated its rules for determining the best home. So be it.
Many of us have taken in pets that others couldn't handle or couldn't keep for one reason or another. I took in my friends' cat Thyroid when they moved to London and didn't think he would survive quarantine. I gave Thyroid the best home I could.

That's what it sounds as if Ellen DeGeneres was doing, too - giving Iggy the best home possible.

A Smiling Dog Story That Will Make Your Cry

Meet Baby, the smiling 8-year-old Chihuahua of the Wilson family. Dorothy Wilson writes that the family rescued her from a breeder when she was about 4.

Baby had her eye removed about 6 months ago, Dorothy reports, when she was diagnosed with glaucoma. As you can see, the surgery had no effect on that smile.

Last Wednesday, the Wilson family's sweet little dog they called the "smilin' chi-wawa" and "lil' smiler" passed away.

"She will be missed dearly," Dorothy writes. But, now, everyone can enjoy that great big smile.

Who Wouldn't Want to Read to Her?

This is Annabelle, who along with her owner, Deanna Pedicone, participate as READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) volunteers. Each Monday evening, Annabelle and Deanna go to Woodlawn Library in Wilmington to read with kids.

Each child gets a chance to read aloud to Annabelle or another dog. The kids relax, pet the dog while they read, or lean up against it, and don't have to worry about anyone saying they're reading too fast, too slow or pronouncing words incorrectly.

It's just nonjudgmental reading fun.

Deanna reports that Annabelle will be wearing a new costume for READ's Halloween event from 6:30-8 p.m. Oct. 29. And kids are encouraged to come in costume, too. The library will have Halloween-themed books, snacks and craft activities.

For more information, call Woodlawn Library, 2101 W. Sixth St., at 571-7425.

Baby Porcupine Eats a Banana. Really.

This baby porcupine - also called a porcupet - eats a banana. Really.

The tiny squeaks are hiccups.

The video poster writes that his mother was killed when she was hit by a car and he has been cared for by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Good for her.

The orphan porcupine is now living at a nature center in northern Minnesota. What this proves is there is a place for each creature.

And a place for cute videos.

Cat Photo of the Day

Delaware Pets' Cutest Cat Contest has long since passed, but this photo looks as if it would have made this cutie a contender.

Maureen Moss e-mailed this photo of Abby, whom she adopted through Dumpter Cats Rescue League in Kirkwood. She wrote this bit of background about her beauty:

"Abby was adopted from Dumpster Cats Rescue League about 3 years ago. She has grown to be a beautiful, loving girl."

And curious.

Congratulations, Maureen and Dumpster Cats for making this forever connection.

Why One Family Loves Their Ferrets

Jennifer and I traded e-mail about a pet issue, and in one e-mail she included photos of her family's pet ferrets. In the top photo, that's Gizmo near the dandelions, and the bottom one is Missy, looking exceptionally cute.

Jennifer says they adopted Missy about two years ago from a family that planned to take her to the SPCA. "She is a delight!" she says. They've had Gizmo for about three years.

"Ferrets are a lot of fun," Jennifer wrote. "Both of them have very different personalities. Gizmo is very laid back and, sorry to say, lazy. Missy is on the other end of the energy spectrum. She is always into something. Knocking things off shelves, etc. She is also a huge kleptomanic. We find her 'treasures' everywhere."

And here's a special shout-out to Jennifer's daughter. She's a lover of all kinds of animals, and that's pretty special in my book.

It's Time to Walk for the Animals

One of my favorite pet events each year is the Delaware Humane Association's Walk for the Animals at Banning Park.

It's a place where you meet cute dogs -- Brussels Griffons Horatio (left) and MacDuff -- and really nice people -- that's Arden Lantz of Newport, who is featured in the current issue of Delaware Pets.

Patrick Carroll, the association's director of development, and I were talking about how much we both enjoy seeing so many dogs in one place -- so many happy dogs, I might add -- and so many different breeds. The only other event with so many breeds in the same place would be a dog show, and those pooches are in full competition mode. This is pure fun.

Patrick says the humane association is hoping to top the 600 registered walkers from last year. You can still register the day of the event -- $35 per adult; $5 for ages 6-16; ages 5 and younger free. Kids 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m.; the 1-mile walk at 11:30 a.m.

Delaware Humane has plenty of additional info about the walk on its Web site. Think seriously about spending part of your Sunday to benefit dogs and other animals through the work the Delaware Humane Association does.

Banning Park is on Maryland Avenue in Newport, not far the Wilmington city limits. And on Sunday morning, it will be THE place for dog (and people) watching.

See the Yoga Dog Dish Winners

We found the coolest dog dish -- it's covered with animated images of dogs doing yoga poses -- for the latest issue of Delaware Pets, and offered it as a prize to our readers. The winners, chosen at random, were Deneen and Ron of Wilmington, and their two Jack Russells, Jake and Cody. (Deneen reports they are sharing the dish.)

Deneen found the photo above of the dogs. Here is her cute entry:

"I feel our dog deserves this yoga dish (actually we have 2 dogs). They are both very hyper Jack Russells and on top of them never being able to truly settle down, my husband and I just bought a new home. Of course anytime a pet owner makes drastic changes in the home environment the animals are affected.

"Both Jake and Cody have truly been so accommodating and acclimated fairly well so far to the changes. Now if we could really get them to practice yoga they may entirely relax for a change :)"

Congratulations, Deneen and Ron -- and Jake and Cody. Glad to hear Jake and Cody can share.

Kent County SPCA Provides Low-Cost Spay/Neuter

If you've been thinking about getting your pet spayed or neutered, the Kent County SPCA has a deal for you.

Mary Ann D'Amato, community outreach manager for the SPCA, has gotten a grant to provide low-cost treatment of pets -- no strays, no wild animals, no rescue group animals -- for pet owners who cannot afford standard veterinarian fees. She says the money should last through the end of the year.

For a $20 co-pay for a cat or a dog, the pet owner gets:

* Their pet spayed or neutered.
* A heart worm test for dogs; feline leukemia/AIDS for cats
* A microchip implanted.
* A rabies shot.
* And for $10 more, a distemper shot. There's a $20 additional fee if the pet is pregnant.

You need to make an appointment at the shelter by calling 698-3006 or (888) 352-7722, and your have to bring the pet to the shelter, 32 Shelter Circle, in Camden. The folks at the SPCA will take it from there.

There really is no excuse with programs like this -- and dedicated people like Mary Ann and the vets who contribute their services -- not to get your pet spayed or neutered. We all owe it to the world of animals to do what we can to prevent unwanted animals from being born, to significantly reduce the number of homeless animals and to greatly decrease the number of animals who end up being euthanized.

A Dumpster Cats Success Story

In each issue of Delaware Pets, we spotlight a local shelter or rescue group. They all do important work with little accompanying media attention, so this is our way of shining a little light on the good that's done.

With each story, we ask pet lovers who have adopted animals from the groups or shelters to e-mail us photos.

Cori Calvert of Newark sent in this photo and a few others of the most adorable cat - Joe - whom she adopted from Dumpster Cats Rescue League. She also attached this note:

"When Gail Price rescued a brother and sister pair of abandoned kittens in the summer of 2000, I contacted Dumpster Cats about adopting one of them. The male, Joe, came home with me and turned out to be an absolute joy! I cannot recommend Gail Price's Dumpster Cats rescue and adoption services more highly. To anyone looking to adopt a kitten, I would encourage them to choose one from the many homeless Dumpster Cats that Gail has rescued."

Why So Many Pooches as Pimps?

Sandy Camacho e-mailed in these two great guys with these words: "Reggie and Samson look so stylish in their purple pimp outfits."

Can't argue with that one bit. That is a classic pose, and Reggie and Samon do pull off the whole look. Love the bling.

I have just one question: Why do so many dog lovers dress up their pooches as pimps? It must be the contrast -- these loving creatures dressed as neighborhood tough guys.

Or maybe they just look good in purple.

E-mail your photos of your pets in their Halloween costumes to pets@delawareonline.com. We'll assemble them into a photo gallery - a rogues gallery -- to give you plenty of ideas for this year. Plus, we'll pick one submitter at random to receive a $25 Concord Pet gift certificate.

Great Smile, Molly Gwen Bennett

Pamela Bennett of Middletown sent me this sweet photo of her smiling dog Molly Gwen Bennett. We received so many photos of smiling dogs that we couldn't include all of them in the September issue of Delaware Pets. (Look for the first photo gallery of more smiling dogs elsewhere are on this page. I plan to build another.)

Molly is an almost 2 years old part border collie who loves to smile. Molly's note to me says:

"I have a great mom and dad. They adopted me from the Delaware Humane Society. I have a baby sister, Lucy May, and she also was adopted from the Delaware Humane Society and she is more than 1 year old (part black Lab).

"I love to play with Lucy and run in my big back yard and play with my toys. Dad and I are trying to teach Lucy how to smile, but it's taking a little longer for her as she is still a baby. She does smile some but not like me."

Great smile, indeed, Molly.

Shop at Macy's, Help the Animals

Our friends at the Delaware Humane Association will be one of the beneficiaries of Macy's annual Shop for a Cause event from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at Christiana or Concord malls.

Here's how it works: Buy a ticket for $5 from Delaware Humane. That ticket entitles you to 10-20 percent off on most purchases at Macy's on Oct. 13 only. Delaware Humane keeps 100 percent of the ticket money it collects. You get some great shopping bargains at a wonderful store. Everybody wins, but most importantly, the animals get even more help.

To get tickets, call Debby Armstrong at Delaware Humane at 571-8171, ext 301, e-mail her at darmstrong@dehumane.org, or stop by the shelter, located at 701 A Street in Wilmington, DE.
For more information, visit http://www.macys.com/campaign/shopforacause.jsp.

Why Our Pets Mean So Much

I don't know why I'm still amazed at the love people have for their pets - I see it all of the time. Yet, that selfless act still touches me. Take this note I received from Michael in Wilmington, who entered our Yoga Dog Dish Contest:

"I have two golden retrievers who are mother and daughter. Their names are Rain and Skyy. I used to free feed the two of them so each of them would eat out of the same bowl at different times. In early June, Rain who is 6 1/2 was diagnosed with leukemia. She is now on a special diet and I have to take turns feeding them.

"Rain has undergone six rounds of aggressive chemo with Dr. Pullen at the Vet Specialty Center on Maryland Avenue. She takes about 10 pills a day. Now, Rain is always fed first, since she is ill and is older. Skyy waits patiently for Rain to finish and then is fed afterwards. I've been meaning to get another bowl, so I can feed them at the same time and Skyy doesn't have to wait. Rain has been through so much."

Godspeed, Rain and Michael and Skyy.

Yoga Goes to the Dogs

You've heard of yoga for dogs, right? (Dogs do the poses with their owners.)

Now, you can carry the pilates inspiration over to their food. Danica makes this 6-inch dog dish ($10.99) featuring the warrior pose on the bottom and additional scenes -- leg lift, lotus and the pilates lion pose -- ring the outside.

We found this dish at Pet Kare II in Pencader Plaza on Del. 72 near Newark.

Send an e-mail -- put "Yoga Dish Contest" in the subject line -- to pets@delawareonline.com, and let us know why your dog needs this dish. Include your name and daytime contact info. Deadline for entry is Sept. 28.

A Cat Prison Break

What's the smartest thing that your cat can do?

This one's not bad -- and love the accompanying music -- but my sister's cat Sylvester could turn on the radio. He loved to listen to bluegrass music.

The Worst Possible Jury for Michael Vick

A pet-loving friend of ours sent us of this cartoon. (We got permission from the artist's syndicate to publish it here for a small sum. We do respect the sanctity of the copyright.)

Anyway, I love the cartoon. Scooby-Doo and Snoopy sure have the hate vibe going on, don't they? And the best thing is that Michael Vick looks, well, just a bit unsure of what he's up against. This is probably why he pleaded guilty -- too afraid to face a jury of his peers.

The cartoonist's name is Gary Varvel, and he's got a blog on the Web site of his home paper, The Indianapolis Star, if you want to see more of his work. Here is Gary's blog post for this cartoon:

"I just had a contest for guessing the caricatures so I'm not going to do another one so soon. But I will name for you the cartoon dogs in my cartoon. Back Row from the left: Scooby Doo, Goofy, Underdog, Astro (from the Jetsons). Front Row from the left: Snoopy, Droopy, Grimmy (from Mother Goose and Grim comic strip) and Ren (from Ren and Stimpy animated TV show)."

Gary's syndicate rep says lots of papers picked up this cartoon, so enjoy -- and share it with your dog-loving friends.

A Doggone Fun Wine

I am a wine store wanderer. I like to walk the aisles looking at the bottles and especially the labels. (I do have a thing for shiraz, but after that I'm not too picky.)

I stopped by a new wine store in Middletown -- Cochran Liquors on Main Street (not far from Lowe's and The Home Depot) -- and wandered the aisles. What I found was Jim Jim (The Down-Underdog) 2005 Shiraz ($10.99).

The label tells the story of the half Labrador and half kelpie -- an Australian sheep dog -- who is at home in the vineyard of south Australia. Jim Jim, the label says, starts eating the grapes of his favorite variety -- shiraz -- right off the vine when they reach "optimum ripeness." With that kind of knowledge, it's no wonder a smart dog like Jim Jim gets a prime spot on the label. And his own Web site and MySpace page (of course!)

How does the wine taste? I'll let you know as soon as I try it, but I love the screw top.

Do you know of any other wines that feature dogs on the label? Or cats?

Have You Heard the One About the Dogs Talking?

If you don't have a sound card, send yourself this link to a computer that does.

These dogs are great, especially the last one, so stay with it.

Amazing!