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The love and companionship of pets can be found in the harshest conditions, even in a war zone. A number of recent news reports have detailed how American soldiers serving in Iraq have found and unofficially adopted canine companions amidst all the fighting. The bond these soldiers form with their new pets is strong, and the animals raise morale and provide the kind of comfort not easily found in the war-torn country. But U.S. military regulations prohibit soldiers from keeping pets, and so when troops are deployed to another area of Iraq or are sent home, they face the difficult task of leaving behind their newfound companion. However, the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and a number of other groups in the U.S. have joined together to help bring dogs from Iraq back to America and reunite them with soldiers and their families.

Operation Baghdad Pups, an initiative sponsored by the SPCA and the group I Love Dogs, is leading the movement to help bring soldiers' pets back to America. Operation Baghdad Pups' first success occurred on Feb. 14, 2008, when Charlie, a border collie mix, set his paws on American soil for the first time. Much of Charlie's back story is obscured due to Army regulations. According to the SPCA, members of a military unit known as Charlie Company found a small black-and-white puppy while on patrol one evening. The puppy was weak and malnourished and so Sgt. Edward Watson, one of the members of the unit, scooped up the puppy and brought him back to their base. The whole unit cared for the dog, giving him fresh water and portions of their own rations. They named him Charlie and soon the dog was the unit's unofficial mascot. But when orders directed Charlie Company to move to a new location, Sgt. Watson couldn't bear to abandon his new friend. Sgt. Watson contacted SPCA International in October 2007, and an effort soon began to transport Charlie to the United States.

Since then, Operation Baghdad Pubs rescued three more dogs. On Feb. 23, two dogs—Liberty, a mixed-breed puppy found in the aftermath of a house raid, and K-Pot, another mixed-breed pup found entangled in razor wire outside a military outpost—journeyed from Baghdad to New York City, and on March 13, a Shepherd/Border Collie mix named Socks landed in Washington, D.C. after befriending countless soldiers during a three-year stay in Iraq.

Other groups around the country, including local animal shelters and societies, have gotten in on the act as well. In February, the Best Friends Animal Society of Utah helped coordinate an effort to bring two puppies named Mama and Boris from Iraq to Detroit. The puppies belonged to Army Sgt. Peter C. Neesley, who found the pups outside Fort Apache in Baghdad. Neesley died of undetermined causes in 2007, and his family enlisted the help of U.S. Sen. Carl Levin to bring the dogs home.

Bringing a dog or cat out of Iraq and back to the United States is no easy feat. According to the SPCA, it costs about $4,000 to rescue each animal; much of that money goes toward transporting the animal. However, each animal must receive rabies and distemper vaccinations and an overall health evaluation before they can be transported. As of late April, 2008, Operation Baghdad Pups has brought seven dogs and two cats from Iraq and Afghanistan to America and is working on more than 45 active request cases from the two countries. Once in America, the pets are usually placed in the home of a soldier's family member.

As I drive down the street, I look at my best friend sitting next to me. His two dark eyes stare at me intensely and his tail beats rhythmically against the side of the door. I stop my truck, open the passenger door, and a small but sturdy black Lab. jumps down to the ground

His name is Striker; he is solid as a rock and an exceptional athlete. Not knowing what we're about to do, his body is already vibrating with energy and excitement.

On a command, Striker can scale a 7-foot wall in just seconds. But what really makes him special is his nose. Striker is an explosives detection dog. He is a virtual dynamo waiting for a search command. When working, he is focused, relentless and obsessive. He does not quit.

He can be counted on to work with vigor and energy, far surpassing an average pet dog. This is a good thing, because lives depend on his ability. But as a pet, Striker would probably be diagnosed as "hyperactive."

His energetic behavior might even be misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence. Kept in a backyard, without a regular opportunity to burn up his energy, he would probably develop various anxiety-related destructive behaviors. But he is not a hyper dog. He is a super dog.

Situation is everything. In one situation, a dog may be a hard working hero. The same dog in a different living situation may seem like a curse to his master. While a high energy level is not in itself indicative of abnormal behavior, without a release, it may lead to abnormality.

Most dogs were originally bred for a functional purpose. By making them into pets, we have tried to alter their innate characteristics. We have somewhat changed their cosmetic appearance and have eliminated or watered down temperament characteristics and qualities that originally brought about their creation.

Terriers were originally bred to pursue vermin with a maniacal drive. Hunting breeds have always needed tremendous physical stamina and energy in order to perform their tasks. Herding dogs tirelessly worked the fields. Have you considered for a moment the rigorous job of a sled dog?

Originally, a dog was obtained according to the work that was needed to be performed. The dog's inherent energy, behavior, and drive were channeled into their job. Energy was needed to perform functional tasks. Breeds, once valued for their working ability, have now found themselves in situations where they have no opportunity to use their energy.

Many dogs still exhibit the energy that contributed to the form and function of their breed. When cared for properly, these dogs do well. When left isolated for long periods of time, these types of dogs become desperate for social interaction and behave in uncontrollable ways. They commonly develop destructive habits as a release mechanism for their frustration. The more ill mannered the dog becomes, the less pleasant he or she is to be around. And the less pleasant the dog is to be around, the less socialization the dog gets. It's a vicious cycle.

Purebred dogs are often selected as pets purely because people like their appearance. Little research actually goes into the breed's physical and behavioral characteristics. Through indiscriminate breeding policies, their bloodlines work their way into many of the mixed breeds we see at shelters and rescue agencies.

Lets say you own one of these "hyper" dogs. You probably don't need your dog to pull a sled or herd sheep or hunt foxes. So how do you live with him? How do you get him to be a great pet and a pleasure in your life? The solution is based on various forms of interaction with your dog.

Virtually all dogs and owners benefit from good obedience training. Control of your dog is necessary so that you can instill the manners your dog needs in order to be socialized. Obedience training also helps to establish the foundation of communication between you and your dog. Proper obedience training helps to eliminate the anxiety your dog may feel as a result of being confused.

Make sure your dog has ready access to toys he likes. Quality toys are best – those that are not quickly destroyed or ingested. If he likes to retrieve, try to spend time each day playing fetch with his favorite toy.

For dogs that are sociable and like to interact with other dogs, doggy day care facilities are great. Your dog can romp around all day with other dogs, burning up energy while you are at work. If you are athletic, take your dog jogging or biking. The Springer attachment (made for bikes) works very well.

If you are too busy and cannot exercise your dog regularly, have a dog walker come by the house to take your pooch out for excursions. Visiting a dog park regularly is fun for people and pets. Get involved in a dog sport: Agility is a wonderful dog sport that is open to virtually any dog that is sociable and physically sound. If your dog has the right drives, fly ball is great. If you have a herding dog, herd training is a good hobby.

Schutzhund is a challenging sport that does require a dog with very special inherent aptitudes and significant handler dedication.

Owning a dog is a major responsibility. Before selecting a dog, do some research and get one that fits your lifestyle. Dogs are not inanimate objects that can be neglected. They are intelligent, social animals that require quality time, dedication and love in order to be psychologically healthy.

Mike Herstick (International K-9)—Dog trainer for LAPD Bomb Squad contributed significantly to this article.

1. What is the scientific word for a cat's whiskers?

A. Jactitatae
B. Oscillatae
C. Vibrissae
D. Quaverae

2. How many total whiskers does the average cat have coming from the 'whisker pad' (the puffy area between the top corners of your cat's mouth and the outer edges of his nose)?

A. 20
B. 24
C. 12
D. 16

3. How many times thicker than ordinary cat hairs are cat whiskers?

A. 2-3 times
B. 1-2 times
C. 3-4 times
D. 4-5 times

4. Whiskers are rooted very deep in the cat's face, in an area rich in nerves and blood vessels. Compared to cat hairs, how many times deeper in a cat's tissue are whiskers set?

A. 3 times
B. 4 times
C. 2 times
D. 5 times

5.Cat whiskers can give an indication of your cat's mood. When the whiskers are relaxed or pushed forward, which of the following is NOT how your cat feels?

A. happy
B. defensive
C. curious
D. content

6. It is okay to trim or cut your cat's whiskers.

A. True
B. False

7. Whiskers help the cat feel his way around. This is because whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest change in ....?

A. Air currents
B. Air speed
C. Air temperature
D. Air humidity

8.When can whiskers be a 'bother' to a cat?

A. When he is playing with string
B. When he sleeps on his side
C. When he tries to eat out of a bowl
D. When he is hunting

9.Cat whiskers fall out and are replaced.

A. True
B. False

Answer Key
1. C	2. B	3. A	4. A	5. B
6. B	7. A	8. C	9. A

1. Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us and you’re inside worrying about a burned out bulb?

2. Border Collie: Just one. And then I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code.

3. Dachshund: You know I can’t reach that lamp!

4. Rottweiler: Make me.

5. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark.

6. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!

7. German Shepherd: I’ll change it as soon as I’ve led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven’t missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation.

8. Jack Russell Terrier: I’ll just pop it in while I’m bouncing off the walls and furniture.

9. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I’m sorry, but I don’t see a light bulb!

10. Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark.

11. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Or, "We don’t need no light bulb."

12. Greyhound: It isn’t moving. Who cares?

13. Australian Shepherd: First, I’ll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...

14. Poodle: I’ll just blow in the border collie’s ear and he’ll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.

How Many Cats Does It Take To Change A Light Bulb?

Cats do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is:

"How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?"

ALL OF WHICH PROVES, ONCE AGAIN, THAT WHILE DOGS HAVE MASTERS, CATS HAVE STAFF!

Looking at the results of laboratory tests done on your pet can be very confusing, overwhelming and at times, even frightening. As your pet's care giver, it is important for you to have a general understanding of laboratory tests and what their results mean. This information can be valuable when it comes to deciding medical treatment options that are important as well as available for your pet.

Generally, in order to conduct a test, a sample of your pet's blood and/or urine is collected. Once collected, it can be stored in various kinds of tubes to help preserve the sample and provide the laboratory technicians with a clean specimen.

So what does it mean when your veterinarian says she needs to run some blood work on your pet? Blood work (pre-surgical or otherwise) is usually a combination of a complete blood count (CBC) and a blood chemical analysis. Blood work is a basic evaluation tool. It also helps your veterinarian diagnose a pet's disease or monitor the progression of a disease.

The cellular elements of the blood are examined in the CBC. The CBC determines the number of erythrocytes (red blood cells), the number and type of leukocytes (white blood cells), the number of thrombocytes (platelets), the hemoglobin level and the hematocrit (packed cell volume or PCV). Erythrocytes carry oxygen throughout the body. Leukocytes fight infection and are part of the immune system. There are actually five different types of white blood cells: neutrophils, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, and monocytes. Platelets are clotting proteins and can indicated how fast your pet's blood cans; slow clotting can be a serious problem. A CBC can tell your veterinarian if your pet has an unusual number of red blood cells, white cells or platelets. The numerical values for these cells can indicate if your pet's health is improving or deteriorating.

The results of a chemistry panel can indicate how well your pet's kidney and liver are functioning and the level of electrolytes in the blood. Blood chemistries are run on the fluid portion of the blood sample, not the cells in the blood. The chemistry panel usually includes the following tests, though there can be more: alkaline phosphatase (SAP, ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), blirubin total (T Bili), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and creatinine kinase (CK, CPK), sodium, potassium, glucose, total protein, and albumin. Alkaline phospatase, alanine transaminase, bilirubin, and albumin give your veterinarian information about your pet's liver function. Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and creatinine kinase give your veterinarian some insight as to how well your pet's kidneys are functioning.

Below are descriptions of each indicator and what an abnormal result could possibly mean. Please note that an isolated abnormal value may not indicate a problem.

Alkaline phosphatase: Used extensively as a tumor marker, it is also present with liver injury, bone injury, pregnancy, or skeletal growth (elevated values). Growing animals have normally higher levels of this enzyme. Low levels are sometimes found in protein deficiency, malnutrition and a number of vitamin deficiencies.

Alanine transaminase: Increased levels are seen in liver damage, kidney infection, chemical pollutants, or myocardial infarction.

Bilirubin (total): Elevated in liver disease, hemolytic anemia, low levels of exposure to the sun and toxic effects to some drugs. Decreased levels are seen in people with an inefficient liver, excessive fat digestion, and possibly a diet low in nitrogen bearing foods.

Blood urea nitrogen: Increases can be caused by excessive protein intake, kidney damage, certain drugs, low fluid intake, intestinal bleeding, exercise, or heart failure. Decreased levels may be due to a poor diet, malabsorption, liver damage, or low nitrogen intake.

Creatinine: Low levels are sometimes seen in kidney damage, protein starvation, liver disease, or pregnancy. Elevated levels are sometimes seen in kidney disease due to the kidneys job of excreting creatinine, muscle degeneration, and some drugs involved in impairment of kidney function.

Glucose: Elevated in diabetes, liver disease, obesity, and pancreatitis due to steroid medications, or during stress. Low levels may be indicative of liver disease, overproduction of insulin, or hypothyroidism.

Total protein: Decreased levels may be due to poor nutrition, liver disease, malabsorption, diarrhea, or severe burns. Increased levels are seen in lupus, liver disease, chronic infections, leukemia, etc.

Albumin: High levels are rarely seen and are primarily due to dehydration. Low levels are seen in poor diets, diarrhea, fever, infection, liver disease, inadequate iron intake, third-degree burns and edemas, and hypocalcemia.

In addition to a blood test, your veterinarian may ask for a urine sample to run a urinalysis. A urinalysis can provide information about several organ systems. The concentration, color, clarity, and mircroscopic examination of the urine sample can help your veterinarian diagnose certain health problems in your pet. Urine may be obtained by catching a sample during normal urination, by passing a catheter into the bladder or by placing a small needle through the body wall into the bladder, a procedure called cystocentesis. Depending upon why the urine sample is being collected, one collection method may be preferred over another.

Color - Urine color will vary between species, but it is normally some shade of yellow depending on the concentration. Abnormal color changes in the urine could be due to drugs, increased urinary pigments or red blood cells. Occasionally, unusual colors may be caused by dyes associated with food or drugs.

Clarity - Urine is normally transparent. In small animals, turbidity or the lack of clarity, suggests the presence of cells, casts, or crystals. Often refrigeration will cause the sedimentation of crystals in the urine, producing a cloudy appearance. This is usually of no significance.

Odor - Urine has a characteristic smell that varies slightly by species and concentration of the sample. A particularly foul odor may occur in the presence of bacteria. Thus, strong smelling urine is common in cases of infection. Sweet smelling urine can also indicate abnormal renal function so it is always important to note any strong odor associated with your pet's urine.

pH - Urine pH will be affected by many things including the diet, handling of the sample, and acid-base balance of your pet. An alkaline pH is most indicative of an infection. Normal pH is between 6 and 8 for most animals depending on their diet.

Glucose - In the normal animal there should not be glucose in the urine. If glucose is present, it is a classic response to hyperglycemia and should instigate an investigation into the possibility of diabetes in the patient.

Ketones - In the normal animal there will be no ketones in the urine. An animal that is undergoing fat metabolism or is deficient in carbohydrates will have ketones in the urine. Ketones may also be found in the urine of malnourished animals or those with diabetes.

Sedimentation - Urine sedimentation may contain cells, casts and crystals and is examined microscopically after centrifugation of the urine sample. A very small amount of all of the above mentioned sediments is normal. Concern begins when any of these components is significantly elevated.

Protein -Finding protein in the urine can be a difficult assessment. Concentrated urine can contain small amounts of proteins. Protein in your pet's urine is generally caused by inflammation, hemorrhage or protein losing kidney disease.

Blood - There should never be blood in the urine of a normal animal. Collection methods could cause blood to appear in the urine but other causes include infection, neoplasia, or trauma.

One of the most irritating behavior problems in dogs is jumping on people. This type of behavior should never be encouraged. Whenever it occurs, a dog should be reprimanded and retrained. Allowing your dog to jump on other people, particularly strangers, is selfish and shows a lack of respect for the other person.

This type of behavior is usually exhibited by puppies, small dogs, or dogs which have never been trained not to jump on people. The first person a dog jumps on is usually his owner. He does this in order to get your attention. When he jumps on you, lean towards him and say in a firm lowered tone of voice "OFF". (Whenever possible, avoid using the word "NO." If you get in the habit of saying "NO" to everything your dog does wrong, he may eventually think it’s his name.) After saying this, he has no choice but to back away from you. Once he is away, make sure his bottom is firmly planted on the ground and teach him to "SIT." Each time you are successful and he understands, offer him calm praise for obeying you. After a short while, you will only need to say "SIT" because he knows if he obeys, a reward will follow.

Never pet your dog when he jumps on someone. Petting him is a sign of approval and you are sending him a mixed message. Your dog must know he is to sit for your attention or for the attention of a stranger.