More than resolutions, this might be better described as a Top-10 Wish List for Pets for 2010.

Masters As Benevolent Leaders:

I'm hollering loud and clear that I hope the "I am the boss" trend of dog training fades into obscurity. It all began when a charismatic TV personality brought back archaic methods of training with his own twists. In fact, we know dogs that learn far more through motivation than intimidation (you'd think this might be common sense). While being a teacher with consistent rules is a good idea, domestic dogs are not wolves requiring people to dominate them. Not only doesn't dominance training by intimidation work; bullying dogs is no more humane that bullying children.

Europeans Have It Right:

Europeans have embraced pet insurance for decades. Even with the economy continuing to hold a tail between its legs, if you can afford the monthly premiums, investing in pet insurance might save your pet's life. For example, say your cat is diagnosed with cancer or your dog is hit by a car, treatment may cost $4,500. Compared to human medicine, the fee is a bargain, but unlike in human medicine - you can be left on your own to pay. If you can't, Fido or Fluffy may lose an opportunity to live. With insurance, you share the cost - paying perhaps $2,500. Many pet owners are unaware such insurance is even available.

Pro Choice:

I've long endorsed the "Bob Barkerizing" of pets. Still, spay/neuter is a choice I believe should be between to you and your veterinarian - not a government mandate. Besides, mandatory spay/neuter simply doesn't work. In fact, a litany of unintended consequences are triggered by mandatory spay/neuter laws. (For example, under such laws, veterinary visits decline, leaving some pets with unchecked medical issues and without rabies vaccine.)

Fight the Fighting:

I don't know how, but dog fighting needs to end. For that to happen, the spectacle has to no longer be considered cool. Michael Vick has done little - if anything - to make a difference. However, lots of lesser names have made a larger impact. One example is Safe Humane Chicago, which works at a grass roots level in the community, teaching kids about being humane. As a part of the same program, older school kids teach younger children a humane curriculum. We also need to enforce existing laws (after all dogfighting is a felony) and create new laws. For example, when children are directly involved, or dog fighting is held near a school zone, play lot or daycare center, - there should be added jail time.

Forgotten Cats I:

Cats may be America's most popular companion but they visit the vet (on average) less than half as often as dogs; cats are far more often given up to shelters or just dumped on the streets. Cats don't receive the benefit of microchips nearly as often as dogs. People don't even buy their cats treats as often as owners purchase biscuits for their dogs. The CATalyst Council began in 2008 to promote cat welfare. CATalyst has begun to make a difference, and my hope is that cats continue to gradually climb in status.

Forgotten Cats II:

Feral cats (sometimes called community cats) deserve a good life, too. There may be twice as many feral and stray cats compared to the 81.7 million owned cats in America. I hope more people get involved with trap-neuter-return of feral cats. That means trapping such cats (usually found in colonies), spaying or neutering (making them unable to reproduce), vaccinating each for rabies, perhaps microchipping and then identifying these treated cats with an ear notch. Caretakers watch over the colonies, supplementing the cats' food, as they live out their lives.

Scoop the Poop:

As my shoes can attest, people often don't. The problem is even worse in the winter, where there's snow. Do people really believe that dog poo melts with the snow? Remember, it's the law to scoop. Dog feces can harbor parasites. And most of all, not picking up simply isn't neighborly.

Adoption is a Wonderful Option:

Adopting a young animal is certainly worthy, but you're a special person if you adopt an older or special needs animal.

Volunteer:

There isn't an animal shelter that can't use help. You can work in the office, scoop litter boxes or walk dogs.

Be There:

The greatest gift you can give your pet is your time.

 

 

Experts Share New Year's Resolutions for Pets
Steve Dale

Here are some New Year's resolutions for pets from luminaries in the pet world, readers of this column, and friends on my Facebook fan page

Animal Books for Your Pet-Loving Friends and Relatives
Steve Dale

Searching for last-minute gifts? How about books for your pet-loving friends and relatives, or maybe as presents to yourself? Here are some suggestions:

Scoop the Poop! Your Neighbors Will Thank You
Steve Dale

Already it's happening -- it snows and people don't pick up after their dogs. Doesn't that stuff carry disease?

Should We Worry About Pets Catching H1N1
Steve Dale

The fact that a single cat came down with the H1N1 is fascinating to scientists, veterinary infectious disease researchers and human virologists, but is this truly significant at all?

Cat Microchipping Effort Breaks Record
Steve Dale

Breaking the Guinness record book -- or maybe it's a Garfield record book -- 59,074 cats were microchipped and enrolled in the HomeAgain Pet Recovery Program from June through August. For the second consecutive summer, HomeAgain donated $1 per cat 'chipped to the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation.

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column. Write to Steve at Tribune Media Services, 2225 Kenmore Ave., Suite 114, Buffalo, NY 14207. Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he can be heard Sundays on WGN Radio, 8 to 10 p.m. CST (www.wgnradio.com to listen live), and hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend

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