Grape of wrath

After reading my blog-promoting column in today's Poughkeepsie Journal, a caller was concerned that I gave Kate a grape as a treat. She said that both grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs.

I assure her and all of you that Kate is, indeed, fine. She is sleeping and shedding; all's right with the world.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, there have been some reported cases of renal failure in dogs that ate large amounts of grapes. There is even one anecdotal report of a cat developing renal failure after eating 1 cup of organic raisins.

The manual says that some dogs can eat the fruit with no consequences, and there is no real understanding of why other dogs can be affected.

A dog Kate's size would have to eat over 2 pounds of grapes before she would possibly be harmed.

The brief mention of Kate and the grape was probably one of a handful of times I've tossed her a grape over the years. A treat is just that, a once in a while thing. And the last time I gave her one, she spit it out.

She really likes pieces of red bell pepper, or yellow or orange. Not green though. Sweet, crunchy and cold — what could be better?

What kinds of special treats do you give your special pet?