Coco is the Loofa Dog Winner

In the December issue of Delaware Pets, we offered a camouflage-wearing Loofa Dog to one winner picked at random from entries. The winner is Coco. Here's her entry from her owner Cookie Cohen of Wilmington:

"Coco is a rat terrier. She was a Katrina victim and no one claimed her for 8 months while they kept her in a cage. She was found swimming in the waters and emaciated. They even had volunteers from state to state to get her to me, which I thought was a godsend because in this day and age not too many angels are left. But I got Coco because my mom died and I was grieving and needed something to keep me busy.

"Coco loves to attack new toys, they keep her busy. Especially when it's raining out she will cower because of memories I guess. But I find if I get her toys she can keep herself busy. She is my companion and I love her. She shares my home with Muffy, my 15-year-old cat and they get along fine as well."

So, here's to Coco and Cookie - and what they provide for each other. Enjoy the Loofa Dog.

Finding a Home, Thanks to LaMancha Animal Rescue

In each issue of Delaware Pets, we have featured an animal rescue or foster program. In December, we featured LaMancha Animal Rescue, a nonprofit in Unionville, Pa., that offers shelter for horses, Karelian bear dogs and other pooches and cats, and occasionally, goats and exotic animals.

The connections these shelters and groups provide to the animal lovers who seek them out always leave me with a sense of awe. Here's the latest connection, courtesy of Angela Maria Liberatore, who sent these photos and this note:

"Over the years, my husband and I have adopted three dogs from LaMancha. The oldest, 13 years old, is a golden retriever; the black & white is a 7-year-old Karelian Bear dog (who is in both photos clowning around); and the last one we adopted three months ago is now 13 months old and is a black lab mix.

"Some day, we will adopt two kittens from LaMancha."

Do You Roomba?

This cat sure can Roomba? Would your pet take a ride like this, or would it be too scared of the contraption to go near it?

Most of our dogs and all of cats were way too scared of regular vacuum cleaners to go near them, which I always found odd because all of the dogs absolutely loved to stick their heads out of car windows, so you knew they didn't mind a little breeze in their faces.

Do You Roomba?

This cat sure can Roomba? Would your pet take a ride like this, or would it be too scared of the contraption to go near it?

Most of our dogs and all of cats were way too scared of regular vacuum cleaners to go near them, which I always found odd because all of the dogs absolutely loved to stick their heads out of car windows, so they didn't mind the breeze in their faces.

'Marley & Me' Movie: Looking Forward to It?

I am an unabashed lover of "Marley & Me," the book, and I cannot wait for "Marley & Me," the movie, opening Christmas Day. Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston are inspired casting, and how can you possibly go wrong with a cute puppy and a cute dog playing Marley, the el-destructo yellow Lab, at different ages?

My favorite line of the trailer: "That is evil with a dog face." My favorite scene? Marley runs away and Owen Wilson says, "Whose DOG is that?" Isn't that a universal experience?

Pets Often Bring Us the Comfort We Need

When times were difficult as a kid or as a young adult, I had a tendency to turn to animals for comfort. I would cozy up on the floor with Nosy, our collie, or Wendy, our calico cat, or snuggle on the couch with Petey, my shelter rescue who was part terrier, part Dalmatian, part whippet, and all unconditional love.

There was something comforting about those pets and many others over the years. They never asked what was wrong or how they could help, they were just there. Animals, and especially pets, seem to have an instinct about what we need from them.

During these turbulent economic times, when nothing is guaranteed, many pet owners will seek – and find – comfort from their dogs and cats and horses. I remember how Petey would sleep with me and stand erect on the side of the bed and bark in defense of me if anyone entered my room. She was my protector, and I was hers.

Animal shelters and rescues say they are inundated by people who are surrendering their pets because they no longer can afford to take care of them. Choices are so difficult today.

I'm going to make a counter-argument: Now, more than ever, you can't afford to let them leave your life. This holiday season, be good to those you love, including the pets who never ask for much in return except a scratch of the neck or a walk around the block.

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.

Delaware Humane's 2009 Calendar on Sale Now

Our friends at the Delaware Humane Association have their 2009 calendar available for sale. Come on, it's cute - it's always cute - and it helps the shelter raise money.

The calendar ($11) features animals adopted from the shelter, so lots of happy faces and stories. If you need the calendar shipped, add $2 to the cost. To pick up a calendar, stop by Delaware Humane at 701 A St. in Wilmington.

Seeking Dog Model for Holiday Photo

We need a dog model who embraces the holidays for a photo shoot for Delaware Pets.

If your pooch is enthusiastic for the holidays - as Yvonne Nichols and her dog Reese were a couple of years ago at the Elsmere Holiday Parade - e-mail a photo of your dog to pets@delawareonline.com, and make sure to include your name, your dog's name, your address and a daytime contact number.

We'll choose one dog - and its human companion - to participate in the photo shoot in the next few weeks, and will compile the photos into a photo gallery on www.delawareonline.com/pets.

Two Beautiful Brittanys

In the current issue of Delaware Pets, we feature the Delaware Chapter of the American Brittany Rescue. Diane, who works in Newark, sent us a photo of one of the adoptees, her dog Darby, and these words:

"Darby (liver and white Brittany) was adopted through American Brittany Rescue. Sierra (orange and white brittany) was purchased through a breeder."

Plus, I'm going to borrow Diane's signatures from her e-mail, because each is so true:

"Some of us learn forgiveness by studying the lives of saints. And some of us keep dogs." ~ Charles Gusewelle

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France

Twin Baby Moose, Mom and a Sprinkler

Sometimes, sometimes, you just need to sit back and watch a 4-minute video of twin baby moose, their mom and how they enjoy a sprinkler outside a home in Alaska. All set to the music of Alison Krauss' "When You Say Nothing at All."

Enjoy the beauty of family.

How Myrtle Helped Me Find Grace

I remember the first pet I ever lost. Her name was Myrtle and she was a little painted turtle.

One of my brothers and I had put her in the toilet to watch her swim. I turned my head to yell a question to Mom in the next room. Instead of her response, I heard the sound of disaster: My 6-year-old brother had pushed down the toilet's handle, and Myrtle was swirling away from my reach. Through my sobbing, I heard him tell Mom that he wanted to see if Myrtle could reach the ocean. Neither of us understood that our house was hooked up to a septic tank.

Mom hugged me and brushed away my 5-year-old tears, and taught my brother and me something we could understand: We needed to love our pets every day because we would live longer than they would. We didn't exactly understand why, but we accepted her explanation. She anticipated our next question: "Yes, Myrtle is in turtle heaven."

Alex Guillen, one of our summer reporting interns, writes in the fall issue of Delaware Pets about that unfortunate reality -- how parents must prepare their children for the day when Fluffy or Nemo or Buddy winds up in their specific heaven. On the day we lost Myrtle, Mom said a few words, and we bowed our heads and prayed for a turtle.

It was a lesson in grace and humility, and as I've lost pets as a teen and later as an adult, it was the solace to which I always returned.

Golden Retriever Nurses Tiger Cubs

Yep, you read the headline correctly. This golden does nurse tiger cubs at a Kansas zoo, and she even licks them. It's amazing how adaptable and welcoming one animal can be to another - in the right circumstances.

Maybe, as people, we could learn a little from them.

What's the most unusual interaction you've seen between different types of animals?

Coming in Delaware Pets: What Dreams May Come

The next issue of Delaware Pets, which should start hitting stores and other pet places beginning late next week, will feature a cover story on whether pets, especially dogs, dream.

Reporter robin brown has found out some interesting details about what happens when pooches like little Cooper, the Bichon puppy of Nicole Gravino of Newark, take a snooze. Look for her story and a photo gallery of other sleeping dogs at www.delawareonline.com/pets

Go to Sleep Little Boxers

Do you have puppies that won't settle down at night? This man has these boxers completely wrangled.

Look for when they start to stir and he has to start singing again. Very sweet.

Do you sing to your pets? Does it affect them this way or does something else happen?

We Really Are Lucky

My friend Jean ran across the quote about animals that she had once seen hanging at the Talleyville vet clinic and e-mailed it to me.

"We are so lucky to have the animals. What act of goodness did we as humans once commit to deserve such kindness from God?"

- Douglas Copeland