It's Santa time

Holiday spirit

I know what I've said in the past (here and here), but I honestly thought Kate would never sit for this kind of stunt.

What's scary is how much the antlers match her coloring.

Christmas poll

Come on, fess up.

How much do you really spend on your pets this time of year? All the new squeaky toys. All the fuzzy catnip-filled mice. The treats.

Cast your vote in the poll on the left side of this page. And leave a comment telling everyone what kind of things you do buy.

The range is on a scale of $0 (Scrooges!) to Sky's the Limit a la Leona's Trouble.

Is your cat prepared?

Keeping your cat healthy and prepared for an emergency just became a little easier.

The American Red Cross just released a 100-page manual of instructions on everything from checking your cat's temperature to making a safety plan in case of a disaster. The manual not only gives step-by-step instructions on almost 70 health topics, but also includes a DVD that has demonstrations on performing many of the first-aid steps described in the book.

The $16.95 book is available through the Red Cross Store.

Don't worry dog lovers. There is a "Dog First Aid" book, too.

The American Red Cross of Dutchess County can be reached by going here.

Ready for adoption

Here is the Dutchess County SPCA Pet of the Week — a day early. Ready for adoption. What are you waiting for?

This week's featured pet:
Icey — American Eskimo
"This adorable American Eskimo female may be named Icey, but she'll be sure to keep your lap warm this winter. She's 4 years old, loves TLC and cuddles and would be best suited for a quiet home without other animals and small children."

The Dutchess County SPCA is located at 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. The shelter is open Sunday, Monday, Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. Call 845-452-SPCA (7722). Browse our adoptable animals today!

Shelter pets rule.

Happy, but safe, holidays for pets

This time of year, with all the festivities and decorations, it is important to keep in mind how pets figure into all of this.

Safety is utmost, especially with tinsel, ornaments and lights — not to mention food and treats that are fine for humans but bad for pets.

Martha Stewart's Marc Marrone has some suggestions, as does the Humane Society of the United States.

A couple of hints from the Humane Society:

* Decorations such as tinsel, glass ornaments and garlands can easily attract pets, but are dangerous choking hazards. Electric decorations such as stringed lights can give your pets a shock should they chew on the wires. Keep decorations out of their reach.

* The unusual commotion of the holiday season can be stressful on animals as well as humans. Put your pets in a quiet room or quiet area of the house when guests are visiting.

* Certain plants such as Mistletoe berries, and the leaves, stem and flowers of the Poinsettia can be dangerous to pets. Be sure to keep these plants well out of the reach of animals in your home, or consider using artificial versions.

Photo by Karl Rabe/Poughkeepsie Journal file

Goodbye, Earl

My favorite comic strip, which I read on washingtonpost.com, is Mutts by Patrick McDonnell. It is at times poignant, clever, thought-provoking and amusing.

It stars Earl and Mooch, a dog and cat, respectively, whose owners are doting and loving, as well as loved by Earl and Mooch.

Well, sad news tonight that the real-life Earl has died. He was Patrick's companion for more than 18 years. He is survived by Patrick and his wife, Karen, their cat MeeMow, and the entire Mutts family.

At times like these, I give Kate an extra kiss and hug.

This tops it all

Looking for that special gift for your cat?

Try Kitty Wigs.

I can't even get Kate to wear a Christmas ribbon around her neck.

Peanut butter is sticky

Wild Oats is a lucky feline and a real survivor. The Tennessee feral cat got its head stuck in a peanut butter jar and ended up wearing it for 19 days.

Here's the story from the Associated Press.

A veterinarian said the cat probably lived off its excess fat.

Holiday pix for pets

Today at the Petco in Poughkeepsie you can get your pet's picture taken with Santa. All proceeds go to benefit the Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Pictures will be taken from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The store is located at 1933 South Road. Here's directions.