I, too, have long hair, so I can appreciate the fact that it requires care and patience. But I didn’t quite know how much care and patience. Today, I certainly have a deeper appreciation for the time my mom spent brushing out my tangles. These photos and descriptions document my battle with Obi’s hairstyle over the past year. 

Phase one: Cousin Itt

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Obi’s hair was long and fluffy the first day I brought him home. I was overwhelmed by the cute. (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

The character known as Cousin Itt from the 1960s American television series The Addams Family is nothing but a skinny little tower of long, cascading hair wearing sunglasses and a hat, running about spewing gibberish that his kinfolk can somehow understand.

When I first encountered Obi and his two brothers at the local dog pound, their hair was so voluminous that it covered their big, brown eyes. They were all hair -- matted, tangled, and messy. I could tell they hadn’t been brushed in ages, perhaps even in the four months since they’d been born. But I still thought Obi was easily the cutest pup I had ever seen. Even if he couldn’t exactly see me back. 

Phase two: The mop

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Eyes clear? Check. Fur still ridiculously long even if all the tangles are gone? Check. In dire need of a haircut? Check! (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

When I took him home, I realized how bad some parts of his fur actually were, knotted with strands woven tightly together like steel wool. Thankfully, it was nothing a little gentle combing couldn’t fix. So I immediately invested in a brush. Once I had that, I could spend the time to carefully pick the tangles out of his hair. It took a while. Actually, “a while” is an understatement. But Obi, never having been handled with such care, didn’t mind. He let me do what I needed to do until he was good as new. Or, at the very least, good as a mop. 

Phase three: Lady Gaga

Just a few days later, I brought Obi to the groomer. I wasn't too familiar with many groomers (one thing I regret not looking into prior to getting a dog), so I took Obi to PetSmart and asked for an all-around trim. The result? Blunt bangs that frizzed outward as if they didn’t want to be on his head anymore. I call it his Lady Gaga phase. He doesn’t like to talk about it. 

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Obi came home from his first grooming appointment with blunt bangs. I would have been upset, but I couldn’t stop laughing long enough to muster up the annoyance. (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

The shorter hair, however, made brushing him much easier. Every night before bed we’d settle on the couch and I’d brush out his fur. I'd also use that time to brush his teeth and clean his eyes, which are prone under-eye stains. He was more comfortable with me, which meant he was OK with throwing a fit and letting me know he didn’t care to be brushed. I was also comfortable enough as a dog mom to let him know it was happening because I said it was happening. 

Phase four: The shag

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Obi’s hair grew longer and longer the more time he spent in his cone. (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

Shortly after Obi got his Gaga cut, he needed surgery, both to be neutered (another thing he doesn’t like to talk about) and to mend a hernia he’d been born with. The surgery went well, but it healed slowly, which meant he spent a long, long time with his head buried inside of a cone. My boyfriend took to calling him Conedog, and we pretended he was a superhero. 

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Suddenly, a new superhero emerged! (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

Nevertheless, the cone made it so he couldn’t get a haircut for a while. His white hair was growing quicker than I could tame it. On top of that, it was difficult to brush his underside –- the area around his belly and under his legs, most prone to knots -– because of the surgery. I did what I could, but Obi started to resemble a 1970s shag carpet. 

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I don't recommend that you and your dog go to the same groomer. Young woman and Yorkie by Shutterstock

Phase five: The lamb

After his surgery, his hair was just as long as it had been when he first came home with me. He needed a cut –- badly. But I didn’t want him to come home with blunt bangs again, or any other weird hairstyle. I imagine permed hair would not be a great look on him.

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Without all that fur, he looked much smaller. (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

Instead, I specifically told the groomer two things. One: "No bangs.” Two: “Cut it tight to his body.” Now that he was out of his cone, I needed all of his knots gone so brushing his coat could resume. When I got him back from the groomer, I wasn’t sure I’d picked up the same dog. He was ... tiny. To be fair, he was only seven pounds or so to begin with, but now he looked like someone had tossed him in with the laundry and accidentally shrunk him a size or two. 

Obi looked like a fraction of the dog he once was. I also ran into another issue I hadn’t quite anticipated: It was the dead of winter, and Obi was freezing. He quickly took to wearing a sweater to compensate. His hair curled at this length, so I started calling him my little lamb. 

Phase six: The Obi

Now that Obi had had a few haircuts, I was able to understand what worked and what didn’t. Things I hated: bangs, hair that was too long, hair that was too short. Things I loved: hair that made maintenance easy, a style that looked cute, a cut that kept the hair out of his eyes. Short hair around his eyes helped alleviate the build-up of tears beneath his eyes and made cleaning incredibly easy. A comb, tissues, and special tear pads aided in that, too.

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We’ve been around the block, so now we know what works for us -- a short-but-not-shaved cut. (Photo by Crystal Maldonado)

The truth is, brushing out Obi’s hair is not a difficult task, so long as I keep up with it. Time consuming, sure, but annoying or difficult? Not at all. It gives us a little time to bond before bed. Once I knew which areas I needed to focus on brushing out -– behind his ears, near his collar, and under each of his limbs –- the task began to take significantly less time. Regular haircuts guarantee that, too, although I have been known to forget to schedule an appointment and end up with a dog who looks more like a lion with a fluffy mane than anything else. 

These days, we’ve figured out which cut works for Obi and me, even if it isn’t quite that long, luxurious cut that most Maltese dogs sport. Instead, he looks a bit like a teddy bear, and there’s no bow to hold the hair out of his eyes. I think he’s oddly OK with that.

What does your regular grooming routine entail? 

Read more on grooming: 

• Dog Grooming Basics -- Tools and Techniques
• A Checklist for Grooming Your Dog 
• Do You Tip Your Groomer, Dog Walker, or Pet Sitter? 
• A Dog Dental Care Guide for Lazy Pet Owners 
• Dog Shampoo Can Be More Hazardous Than You Think

"In the summer, they cut the dogs' hair short, so you've got to supplement the glamour," he told DNAinfo.com. "Having no hair is no excuse not to be glamorous." 

So, fellow dog owners, you knew you had to supplement the glamour, didn't you? YOU MUST SUPPLEMENT THE GLAMOUR!

But how does one supplement the glamour? Bendersky shows you the way. Two words: Glitter tattoos. Two more words: Tramp stamp. Put them all together and you get tramp stamp glitter tattoos. And that is Bendersky's million-dollar idea, which dogs are completely on board with. Take it away, Bendersky: 

"Dogs are like humans, and when they accessorize they get attention. A pink dog does not know it's pink, but when people are smiling and taking pictures, it gets attention," he said. "So, a dog likes to get tattoos."

QED, haters. 

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Jorge Bendersky

His clients agree.

"When I'm in Central Park, tourists are constantly stopping to see him," said Joanie Pelzer, who has an 8-year-old Chihuahua named Hubbell with a glitter heart stamped on his hip. "He absolutely loves the attention."

So, what exactly is a glitter tattoo? It's not that big a deal. First, you press a stencil into the dog's fur. Then, you fill it with canine-safe glue. Finally, you throw some dog-friendly glitter on it. Done. Anyone can do it. Jorge Bendersky can do it, for $100 a pop. 

"It's all about the tramp stamp," Bendersky said. 

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When does one choose to tattoo one's dog? Fallon O'Brien, who has a 7-year-old Chihuahua named Fletch with a butterfly tattoo, knows just the time. 

"Sometimes, my dog and I dress in the same color if we're going to a red-carpet event. During the summer, it's just too hot to have him wearing outfits like that," she told DNAinfo.com. "The tattoo is a good option."

Totally. Perfect call to go with the tattoo. 

"I go to a lot of events, and people dress up their dogs in expensive outfits," she added. "It was something I could do to make my dog stand out that wasn't that expensive."

Let me remind you: One hundred dollars. 

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To its credit, DNAinfo.com talked to the ASPCA for this story, who said glitter tattoos aren't inherently dangerous, as long as the products are nontoxic.

“There are numerous products on the market that are meant to ‘beautify’ pets, and safety truly depends on the individual product and whether the ingredients are potentially toxic or not," said Dr. Tina Wismer, medical director at the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center. "Pets explore the world with their mouths and are likely to groom and lick any topical agent off their skin or fur."

Jorge Bendersky seems like a good guy and a solid groomer. We don't want to be too hard on him -- he's separating fools from their money. But really, the last problem dogs have is not enough glamour. 

What do you think? Would you give your dog a glitter tattoo? 

Via DNAinfo.com; photos via Jorge Bendersky's Facebook

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Groom your pet outside so you don't have to vacuum your home afterward. Retriever being brushed by Shutterstock

For those of us with dogs who mainly live inside, molting is a year-round occurrence, occasionally getting worse during the spring and fall. Animals who spend a lot of time outside, like working dogs and cats, will have two main molting seasons: at the end of spring as the winter coat falls out, and beginning of autumn as the summer coat is replaced by the winter.

Being covered in hair is no fun, especially when you’re running late for work and your darling white dog has decided to take a snooze on your black pants. Here's how you can make molting season as simple as possible for you and your pet:

1. Stick to regular grooming 

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Groom your dog often -- or you might end up with enough fur to stuff a pillow. Dog fur by Shutterstock

Regular grooming is the best way to help in the fight against pet hair. Not only does giving your pet a brush help loosen his skin and get rid of hair, it also gives you quality bonding time and a chance to check over for any lumps, bumps, or heat. Grooming should be a frequent and even daily part of your pet’s routine.

Your dog’s coat type will dictate how he should be groomed: wire "slicker" brushes should be used on long-haired breeds, non-molting dogs need professional clipping every few months, and wiry types should be stripped when necessary. Stick to a grooming routine, and remove the loose hairs before they have chance to fall out. Remember that all pets benefit from professional grooming services every now and again!

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Brush out loose hairs in your dog's coat before they have a chance to fall out. Paws and brush by Shutterstock

If your pet is molting excessively, keep a close eye on him, especially if there are other changes to his behavior. If you are ever concerned about your pet, take him straight to the vet.

2. Try a healthier diet

A well-balanced diet can help your dog maintain a healthy coat. Feeding a diet rich in minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, and essential oils will improve the condition of your pet’s coat. Omega-6 helps to stop the skin from drying out, and nourishes and replenishes the skin. The skin stays healthy, and your pet can maintain active coat growth. Omega-3 helps to support outer-coat hairs, providing waterproofing and protection from the elements.

While changing up food won’t eliminate molting, it will help your pet to grow a healthy coat. Remember to make any changes to your pet’s diet gradually.

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Keep your dog out of a room or two to cut down on fur buildup. Dust bunny by Shutterstock

3. Get the right tools

Make sure you have a decent supply of lint rollers for your clothes. Failing this, a large volume of sticky tape will work just as well. A vacuum cleaner that has enough suction power to lift hairs from the depths of your carpet is a must, as well as having a bag big enough to cope with daily cleanses!

Good grooming equipment is vital: Ask around at local pet store,s and see what other owners are using. The better quality your brushes are, the more hair you’ll be able to remove.

4. Pet-proof your house

Have you considered having a "pet-free" zone in your house, to try and minimize the amount of hairs lying around? Keeping one room out of bounds can make a massive difference, especially if you often have visitors, or someone has an allergy. If you prefer that your dog has the run of the house, cover your sofas in throws or blankets, and make sure your pet has a comfy bed and encourage her to use it.

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A trip to the groomer's will also cut down on extra fur. Terrier being brushed by Shutterstock

Central heating is just as bad for animal coats as it is for our hair and skin, so if you have suddenly started turning it up, that could be a reason your pet is losing a lot of hair. 

And remember, dogs and cats who have a "natural" or outdoors lifestyle will molt less than those who live inside a house that uses lots of central heating. This isn’t always the case, though -– some animals just lose hairs more frequently than others!

5. Dress like your pet!

In all honesty, it’s probably easier just to buy clothes and furniture the same color as your pet. Maybe this is where the saying about dogs looking like their owners originates from?

Do you have any tips for hair-shedding season? Let us know in the comments!

Ben Skinner is a lifelong dog lover, although less can be said about dog hairs. He writes for MyOffers and spends much of his spare time cleaning up after three Labradors. He believes the simplest solutions are best when it comes to animals.

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Our pack of Earthbath wipes with green tea extract.

Now that I am hip to this, Moxie will be getting more post-dog-park wipedowns. As you can see from his smiling face below, he could not be more thrilled.

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No, mom, haven't I been a good dog lately? Not the wipes!

Sure, you could use a regular wet nap, but then your pup would miss the antioxidant goodness of green tea leaf extract, and all that aloe vera and vitamin E, which moisturize coat and skin. Also, Earthbath is a bit of a nerd when it comes to creating products that won't hurt the environment (or your pupster) -- so its wipes are free of parabens, phosphates, pthalates, and synthetic dyes.

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This is going on the Internet?! Oh, how embarrassing...

Earthbath has six varieties in its grooming wipes lineup, including a hypoallergenic edition and wipes for cats.

Dogsters: How do you keep your dogs clean in between baths?

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Pomeranians in tin bath by Shutterstock

It's been so sticky and hot this summer that we want to help your dog cool down and be a little less stinky. So this week, one lucky reader gets to win a "Wag More, Bark Less" package from Cloud Star that includes the following:

• One bottle of Buddy Wash Dog Shampoo in Original Lavender and Mint
• One bottle of Buddy Rinse Hydrating Therapy Conditioner in Original Lavender and Mint
• One bottle of Buddy Splash Dog Spritzer
• One "Wag More, Bark Less" brushed-twill appliqued baseball cap with Velcro closure (fits you -- or your dog ... )
• One "Wag More, Bark Less" bumper sticker

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That's a $40 value, which smells pretty sweet to us! 

How to Enter

In the comments section below, simply tell us how you and your dog plan to wag more and bark less this summer. How will you have fun? You might be enjoying yourself at the dog park, taking it easy at home in the yard, or visiting the groomer for a spiffy trim.

We'll pick our favorite answer, and that lucky person will win all the goodies above. (Sorry: U.S. entries only, please.) In addition, we'll send a "Wag More, Bark Less" sticker to our next five favorite commenters.

Please submit your comments by noon PST on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. The winner gets two days to respond; after that, we'll pick someone else -- sorry, that's just the way it goes.

To be eligible for prizes, you must use your Disqus account to comment below. Creating a profile and avatar takes just a minute, and is a great way to participate in Dogster's community of people who are passionate about dogs. Note that if you don't have a valid e-mail address in your profile, we can't contact you if you win.

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Yorkie getting his hair 'did via Shutterstock.

Sammy is ready for his close-up. But he really wishes he was chasing a shiny, bouncy object somewhere far, far away.

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The author of numerous books, includingStar Pet: How to Make Your Pet a Star, Bash knows star quality when he spots it whether he's casting for TV commercials or movies, or prepping dogs for their moment at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which starts today. Several of Bash's well-behaved charges will be strutting their stuff at Madison Square Garden today and tomorrow, so it was very gracious of Bash to sit and stay for a Dogster interview in the middle of a Westminster whirlwind of training sessions andradio/TV appearances. Read on to learn more about this pup-culture pioneer.

What breeds of dog are you working with for this year's Westminster show?

A Portuguese Water Dog named Swan, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Mickey,a Basset Hound named Gaston, a BichonFrise named Noodles,and a Standard Poodle named Jolie.

What are the special talents of each Westminster contender you're prepping this year? i.e. What, besides their champion status, makes them Star Pets?

The secret of a real star pet, or a champion, is the way the dog comes across. S/he ischarismatic and struts when he moves, as if to say, "Am I cute? Am I beautiful?" A great dog just stands out, exploding into the arena, or into the presence of a talent agent such as myself, with confidence. S/he has something that tells people, "Look atme don't I look great!"That'swhat we call the Star Pet phenomenon.

Each breed has an individual Star Pet vibe. And so, Swan the Portuguese says, "I'm a happy-go-lucky dog but I want to please you and I will please you!" Mickey the Cavalier is constantly happy, trotting with an upbeat gait and wagging tail. Gaston the Basset commands attention by walking with momentum and determination. Noodles the Bichon says, "I just got groomed and pampered I feel the love, so I will give that love back to everybody here at the Garden." And Jolie the Poodle says, "Look how beautiful I am, outside and in; I'm in perfect harmony."

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What breeds of dog have you worked with in the past?

German Shorthaired Pointer, German Shepherd,Komondor, Puli, Doberman, Rottweiler, and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Being Magyar by ancestry, I'm partial to the Hungarian breeds. Please tell us about the Komondor and Puli you worked with, and what gives them Star Pet quality.

The Hungarian breedsare very noble and very loyal to their owners.When it's time to enterthe show ring, they say, "I'm a working dog a herder of sheep but if you wanna go to a show,I'll put on a show for you. I will show off my good looks!" In addition to their flashy corded coats, these breeds have a unique, regal, noble, and ancient bearing they're special.

You're the unaBASHed expert on canine star quality. In your expert opinion, what dog had the MOST star quality ever?

The icons of canine stardom are Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, and Benji. One of my favorite pictures is of me with Lassie, taken whenIpresented her with theStar Pet Award; Lassie thanked me by giving me a kiss (editor's note: see photo at top right). These dogs had the star quality that made themnaturally effortless on screen. They're the greatest Star Pets of all time.

What dogs live with you now?

Lulu the Bulldog, Amanda the Boxer, Shuggy the Cockapoo, and Delilah, a Parisian Shepherd.

A Parisian Shepherd?!

Yes,Delilah was a rescue, so at first we thought she was a mixed breed. And in photos shelooks like a shaggy dog. But observing her habits and mannerisms, we saw her herding ability, plus shealways liked to climb rocks and navigate obstacles. Isaid, this dog is really amazing, there's something more to her.

So we researched her and found out she's a Parisian Shepherd: They're smart, intelligent, and they aim to please. That kind of working stock makes for a wonderful Star Pet. Every dog is a Star Pet, but one that really stands out is a dog that says"I wanna please you what else can I do?"That's the secret of a real star, whether it's a pet or a person - that ability to understand exactly what the writer or director wants, capture the feeling, and nail it in one take.

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Tell us something about Mariah the wolf and what you learned from working with her.

Mariah was my muse. She taught me everything, and shecrystallized the world of animal communication for me. She showed me what are the personal drives of wolves that all dogsinherit, andthis helped me understand how to communicate with people and their dogs.Size doesn't matter big or small, Great Dane or Chihuahua, all dogs share the ancestral drive of the wolf.

In the years since Mariah passed, which dog most reminded you of her, and why?

All the dogs I'veworked withhad a bit of Mariah in them, whether it's the body language or the drive. Every time I look at a dog, I always seesome facet of Mariah's spirit shining forth.

Tell us about the very first time you went to Westminster.

I used to go as a spectator in the '60s, just to see all the dogs. Then, in the early '70s, I worked with a German Shorthaired Pointer named Eli. I trained him for the competition and handled him in the ring; and in 1975, he won Best of Opposite Sex.

What's your favorite Westminster memory?

Eli's win, definitely.

Dogstravel from all over the country to compete at Westminster, but as a New Yorker yourself, do you think New York born-and-bred dogs have their own attitude?

Oh yeah I personally think a lot of dogs fromwithinthe New Yorkarea are true champions in their own right. It's like the Sinatra song says: "If you can make it here, you'll make it anywhere."That's reallytrue of New York dogs: they're savvy, socialized, and can handle any situation, from riding an elevator to riding in a taxi. New York is the best training ground for a Star Pet champion. Plus, in Van Cortlandt Park we haveCanine Court, the agilitypark Idesigned for dogs; all my Westminster contenders love to trainthere.

Whichof your poochprotegespresented the most unique training challenge?

The Komondor was really a challenge. Hewas imported from Hungary, andover therethe dog shows are really focused on the pure sense of what the dogs are supposed to be doing. The Komondor's job isherding sheep, and shepherding dogs can be very dominant. Gordy the Komondor was extremely dominant, and a bit of a menace. I said, "Welcome tothe US!Let's revamp our thinking." Imade him a canine good citizen.

Still, when we entered the show ring at Westminster, there were three other Komondors. As he walked by, he stared at them and they lowered their heads. He was telling them, "I'm winning today, and you're not!" And he did win that day!

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Absolutely. When a real champion enters an arena, any arena,with everybody staring at him, then applauding when he moves,he seems to airlift himself! He walks around almost like he's flying. He works the crowd, and feeds off that admiration.

Does diva behavior ever happen? Please dish!

Of course!I rememberone beautiful Poodle, a couple of years ago,who wasvery pampered and loved. But whenever she felt she wasn't getting enough love if, say, her handler was busy doing something else she would just touch the handler with her paw to say, "Give me more attention, please!"She even did this in the show ring, giving her paw during judging! "Hello, I'm the diva here," she seemed to be saying.

My purebred German Shepherd bitch, Desiree, recently fell head-over-heels in love with a male GSD that we met while out on a walk. Do you think the fact that the are the same breed had something to do with it?

Yes, they really recognize themselves in each other the similar tail, body, mannerisms, all of those signals. "Look,he talks and acts and looks and sounds like me it's as if I'm meeting myself!" So they naturally gravitate to their own breed, and they bond over their similarities like long-lost littermates.

Day two of Westminster just happens to be Valentine's Day. Has it ever happened that a male and female of the same breed become smitten with each other while in the dog show ring?

Oh yeah. Championdogs see and notice each other all the time it's as if they're saying, "Oh, it's you again!" Sometimes, one dog will come in and another will roll on his or her back.

I remember a Yorkie boy flirting with a Yorkie girl, and the girl rolled over on her back, messing up her nicely groomed hair. The handler rolled his eyes, because it meant he'd have to brush the dog all over again!

Please give two examples of celebrity clients who displayed affection for their pet in a unique way.

I'll never forgot thelove that Matthew Broderick and Sarah Jessica Parker had forSally, theirBorder Collie [Broderick] loved showing off her Frisbee talents, and he asked me to teach her to jump up into his arms. The signal was tapping his chest, then he'd open his arms wide and Sally would jump up into his arms!

Mariah Carey took her Jack Russell, Jack, everywhere she went.Jack loved balloons, so Mariahwould have balloons handy, so when he was in a playful mood, he could have fun and keep busy with "balloon bopping" poking at the balloon with his nose, like a seal!

What's your favorite part of being a dog trainer?

Helping people that have puppies, oradopt shelter dogs, get started in the right direction, solvingand pre-empting problems sodogs stay at home instead of going back to the shelter.

My passion is helping people keep their dogs, then taking the enjoymentof having a dog to the next level: Turning them into Star Pets.I lovetaking a dog that's a diamond in the "ruff" and proving that,with love and training, s/hecan shine like a star.

What's the most important lesson a dog ever taught you, and which dog was the teacher?

Muffin, my Tibetan terrier. He was a shaggy dog thatI adopted in the '80sbecause his owners said he was destroying their home and barking all day long, driving the neighbors crazy.

Muffin taught me that even a so-called "problem" dog can become aStar Pet. After I worked with him, Muffin became the hottest thing ever, enjoying a long, successful career of print jobs, commercials, and TV appearances, and moonlighting as a therapy dog, visiting hospitals and nursing homes. He even appeared on the daytime mystery soap Edge of Night with Lori Loughlin. He was just the best a wonderful dog, and a real star.

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If, like me, you'd rather not introduce toxic pesticides into your dogs' bloodstream, you will need to take extra precautions right now to ensure that fleas don't makeyour K9's life a living hell.

One way tokill fleas safely is by liberally applying diatomaceous earth (aka diatom flour) to your dog's coat, reapplying whenever the dog becomes wet, and to any areas in and around your home you suspect to be attractive to fleas. It's one of the least toxic options available for natural, chemical-free pest control, and it works on roaches as well as fleas. (Read more about that here.)

Another way is to kill and prevent fleas is by bathing your dog regularly with a pet shampoo containing the brilliant biopesticide neem oil, which repels and kills fleas. My favorite brand is TheraNeem Pet Shampoo by Organix South (to whichI add several drops of Neem Oil, for extra potency. (Read more aboutneem, including supplementsyou can administer orally,here.)

For extra armor against those horrible biting pests,try a cool new, all-naturalproduct called Flea Flicker. Its diatomaceous earth base is souped up with numerous botanical ingredients: feverfew flowers, mullein flowers, parsley, rosemary, yarrow flowers, eucalyptus, chrysanthemums, and sweet orange essential oil.

"I chose the ingredients I did(as I do in each of my formulas) because each ingredient will address the variety of issues/challenges owners and their pets are faced with regarding fleas," says Cindy Wenger of Peaceable Kingdom Essentials, maker of Flea Flicker.

Feverfew & chrysanthemums contain certain compounds known as pyrethrins which have a paralytic effect on fleas, Wenger explains. Feverfew also repels biting and stinging insects, and that repellent propertyhelps keep nasty fleas from even approaching your dog.

"Mullein flowers applied externallyare a good wound healer and also contain the flea-killing compound rotenone," Wenger adds. "Limonene is a volatile oil found in citrus and parsley that is also a flea-killing compound. Yarrow has insect-repellent qualities, while fleas(and flies and mosquitoes) hate the smell of the eucalyptus. Rosemary, on the other hand, is a powerful antioxidant (and also a fly repellent)."

Incidentally, even the rosemary plant repels mosquitos — so consider keeping some potted rosemary around; its lovely, piny flavor is a great addition to many recipes.

There's a fringe benefit to using Flea Flicker, Wenger adds — it smells great! "Fortunately, the scented oils fleas dislike happen to have pleasant scents," she explains."Peppermint, lavender, citronella, cedar, rosemary, lemon, and orange essential oils chase fleas away without smelling noxious to people or animals." In fact, they smell lovely — alone and in combination.

"Peaceable Kingdom Essentials is a great alternative for the pet owner who wants to protect their pet, but who also doesnt want to endanger their health through the application of poison and other chemicals," Wenger concludes.

Amen to that.

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As reported here and here, DAD — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit — iscommitted tohelping make sure the protesters' pets stay healthy and safe for as long as they stand their ground out there.

DAD has been tireless in galvanizing support from near, far, and widefor the protesters' pets. One veterinary technician, Stephanie Figueroa, drove in from Philadelphia to help; another vet tech, Adrien Zap, who recently returned from a stint of volunteering for DADin the Galapagos,camein from Connecticut.

"All the organizers walked around the whole night organizing the patients and giving order to the chaos, even when the temperature dropped into the thirties in half an hour," marvels Tod Emko, DAD's fearless leader. "Some walked around holding up huge signs for the campaign even though it must not have been comfortable."

In all, 10 animals were treated, including six dogs, one cat, and three pet rats. That's Konstantine Barsky of Brooklyn's Hope Vet in the photos, who — with his vet tech KimmyMazzola — has been helping out at Z Park for two weeks now.

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Tod is hoping that veterinarians will consider donating short-dated antiparasite medications and vaccinations to DAD for this OWS campaign. Make a donation here.

This column will keep you posted on DAD's next visit to Z Park.

Thanks to OWS volunteer Tia Foster for the photographs.

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The intrepid OWS protesters — on two and four legs — have been standing their ground despite the surprisingly early arrival of snow in New York City.

DAD volunteers held up signs pointing dog and cat owners to "Free Checkups." On hand and paw was Dr.Jodi Kuntz(pictured above) of New York City's prestigious Animal Medical Center, who donated her time to examine the protesters' pets.

The dogs were clearly gratefulfor the attention,generously bestowing kisses on the volunteers, including fearless DAD leader Tod Emko (pictured below,receiving passionate K9 kisses).

DAD will return to Zuccotti Park again soon; we'll keep you posted on the date(s). In the meantime, make a donation to help them help the animals of Occupy Wall Street. Here's an amendedwish list of needed items — any and all donations gratefully accepted:

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- Dog booties

- Dog food

- Cat food

- Frontline (or any type of flea/tick treatment)

- Heartgard

- Dog-sized blankets

- Dog and cat toys

- Dog beds

- Large Tupperware containers (to keep pet food sealed and protected from rodents and insects)

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If you read this column, you may be familiar with the excellent nonprofit Darwin Animal Doctors (DAD), the first to bring much-needed veterinary care to the dogs and cats of the Galapagos Islands; the group's founder, Tod Emko; and his magnificent mutt, a vivacious vegetarian dog namedPiggy.

Tod is a fine example of the profound compassion that charismatic Scorpio natives have for all creatures not only their own beloved, pampered pets. (Read more about what Scorpios are like as dog lovers here.)

Why? Because, besides being an awesome dog dad to Piggy andhis three adopted cats (plus godfather to my beloved Border Collie,Sheba), Tod never stops thinking of ways to helplessfortunate dogs, or any dog in need.

Tomorrow (Sunday, Oct. 30), Tod is leading a group of DAD volunteersatNew York City's Zuccotti Park, site of the Occupy Wall Street protest.

The mission? To hold a veterinary campaign, bringing creature comforts to the protesters' faithful dogs, who have been loyally camped outdoorsall this time, alongside their intrepid humans.

DAD will provide two vet techs for animal consultations, and DAD volunteers will hand out basic necessities to help OWS K9s cope with their outdoor environment: flea/tick treatments, dog food, pamphlets on the city's low-cost vet care resources, and itemssuch asdog beds to keep pets warm and comfortable in the park.

But supplies are limited, and DAD needs help. Sothe groupis calling all dog lovers in the New York City area, asking themto please consider bringing donations of the following to the park:

- Dog food

- Cat food

- Frontline (or any type of flea/tick treatment)

- Heartgard

- Dog-sized blankets

- Dog and cat toys

- Dog beds

- Large Tupperware containers (to keep pet food sealed and protected from rodents and insects)

"Occupy Wall Street is very controversial, and people count the protesters either as heroes or a nuisance.But regardless of how we feel about the human protesters, the dogs and cats of Occupy Wall Street are innocent in all respects, and nothing should stop them from getting the proper care, food, and medicaltreatments they need while they live outdoors in a publicly shared space for so many weeks."

Fleas area persistent hazard in any urban park, Tod emphasizes. "After living in the park and being exposed to the elements, the companion animals of Occupy Wall Street need to have proper flea and tick and parasite treatments. We need to make sure that the animals'health is not suffering from the intensity of living in those conditions.Serving their health needs simply makes sense, for everyone's safety."

AsTod concludes, "Some of these animals and their human companions are homeless. A veterinary campaign to serve these loyal companion animals is long overdue." (And, we might add, very much in the spirit of Occupy Wall Street.)

If you're interested in bringing donations for the OWS dogs,please proceedto the south side of Zuccotti Park, near theMedical Tent, at 11 a.m. "We may move if it gets too crowded, but that's as a good aplace as any to meet," Tod says. "It's getting cold outside please help these brave companions stay fed, healthy, and warm!"

Dogsters, please share your thoughts on Occupy Wall Street and dogs' participation in this historic event in the comments.

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Happy Scorpio Season, Dogsters!

If you're a dog, this time of year is definitely cause for celebration, for Scorpios make wonderful animal guardians. Just look at the love and dedication of Scorpio dog rescuer and author Julie Klam, or Scorpioanimal trainerWilliam Berloni'scareercommitment to discovering star-quality shelter mutts and prepping them for their well-deserved turn in the Broadway spotlight.

Mycosmic nicheis exploring how peoples star signs are revealed in their lifestyle choices I writethe Star Style column on astrology and lifestyle/design forTraditional Home magazine. Living with dogs is a lifestyle choice (and a brilliant one, in my humble opinion)so Im fascinated by the different ways people of different signs display affection for beloved pets.

Scorpios' sting is legendary - piss them off at your peril! -but their beloved dogs never feel it. They're too busy being loved and respected down to their toes (and their toenailswill probably receive regular trimming withthe popular, paw-friendlyPedi-Paws tool).

Scorpio happens to be the sex sign, and the seductivepower of Scorpio natives is the stuff of legend. Let other signs select a dog based on the animal's ability to invitelong, backward glances in potential love interests; Scorpio is so confident in his/her charisma, so securein his/her magnetism, that s/he has no need to select a dog as a "mate magnet."

Add to that Scorpio's affinity for mystery - ruled byshadowy Pluto, Scorpiohas a psychic sixth sense that tunes him/her in to your deepest secrets, whether you like it or not! - and you get a person ofprofound substance whovalues the inner beauty of a plain,brown shelter mutt that other signs may overlookor dismiss as an"ordinary" mixed-breed. Mysterious Scorpiofeels perfectly at homewith a mystery dog of unknown origin.

"AScorpio dog lover would be fiercely loyal and would love their dog more than anything,"says astrologer Sonja Francis.

All dogs are loyal to us,of course,so theynaturally appreciate it whenwe humans reciprocate that Fido-lity. But it's safe to say that Scorpio's loyalty is unconditional, and on par with that of a dog.

"A Scorpio dog lover would have a deep connection to their dog and feel passionate about any dog activities and adventures," Sonja adds. Leave Spot behind on a holiday weekend? Not on your life!

Scorpio is also generous to a fault, and will stop at nothing to ensure beloved dogs' comfort and safety. I knowone Scorpio who lives in a very hot, humidclimate; in the dog days of summer, when he senses thathis two best friends would muchrather not walk all the way to the park (they "tell" him and he intuitively understands), he oh-so-gingerly lifts them into his car and ferries them there and back in air-conditioned style.

A Scorpio's dogmay expect nothing less than such first-class service from his/her guardian. No wonder this hotguy'shot dogsgaze at him even more adoringly than the many humans who can't resist doing a double-take when a Scorpio drives by! While we're on the subject of passing and intersecting, no Scorpio's vehicle will be without ample blankets and/or dog bedding (likely in crimson, black, or indigo, the favorite colors of Scorpius), to ensurethe mostcomfortable K9ride.

When a Scorpio's dog suffers fromarthritis pain, that dog won't want for a joint supplement tofacilitate ease of movement. The food eaten by a Scorpion's dog will be nutritionally balanced and age-appropriateyet pleasingly palatable. And, being a water sign, Scorpio is very likely to take hound hydration very seriously,forgoing tap water in favor of filling his/her dog's bowl with filtered wet stuff.The Scorpiomay even go so far as to usethe same high-tech purifier-ionizer for doggie drinks that s/he uses toimprovethe quality of waterserved tohuman family members.

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Here's a photo of how I looked "After" my hairgot dramatically darkened by master colorist Louis Licari (and shortened by brilliant stylist Arsen Gurgov). Licari's goal was to impart some of Kim Kardashian's dusky beauty to my mane. And I couldn't be more grateful for my new look. (Toview yesterday's segment, go here. And trust me, Natalie Morales is even more beautiful in person!)

Receiving a makeoverresults inan instant lift. As the saying goes, when you look good, you feel good. It follows that when you look your best, you feel great. And let's face it, we are all judged by our appearance - so ifthe exterior is well-cared-for, what's inside can shine through.

I know that yesterday's pampering session - which included receivingthe full treatment from celebrity makeup artist Enid O, plus wearing a knockout Little Black Dress by designer Catherine Malandrino - was a totally empowering experience. So why shouldn't dogs experience that same kind of lift? Especially homeless dogs whose appearancehas grown unkempt due to human negligence? Making adoptable dogs look their best is bound to increase their chances of finding a loving home.

"Today" proves the point; the show is makeover central. This morning, Louis Licari and his team were at it again, working their magic with "Ambush Makeovers," in which unsuspecting pedestrians in the vicinity of NBC's 30 Rockefeller Plaza HQ are lasso'd and beautified, then revealed in all their glory to millions of TV viewers. But "Ambush" wasn't the only makeover story on today's "Today."

Viewers were treated to a different breed of makeover segment - and it was all about homeless dogs. The show's producers agree that down-and-out dogs deserve makeovers too, because looking good can improve their chances of adoption. So Kerry Sanders, NBC's Miami correspondent,filedan excellent story on"Speed Dating for Dogs," spotlighting homeless dogs in Orlando, Florida. (Toview the segment, go here.)

"This is the Today show, and we love those before-and-after photos," Sanders said as the screen flashed before-and-after images of two sweet dogs: an EnglishSpringer Spaniel named Norville and a mutt named Kabob.

After Norville, Kabob, and theirhomeless K9 friendsall got groomed and glamorized, it was time for their date with destiny. They were ready to be introduced to potential adopters at a wine-and-cheese mixer. And sure enough, many of the dogsfound forever homes.

Has your dog had a positive experience being "made over," by you or by professionals? Please tell all in the comments!

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As we've seen before here, when the planet Mercury (pictured) stations retrograde - as it's doing February 23rd through March 17th - everything seems to go haywire and confusion reigns. Appointments are missed, computers crash, cell phones and other gadgets get misplaced, flights are delayed or canceled. Any process you expect to be speedy and efficient will appear to slow down to a frustrating pace, taking much more time than you anticipate.

To avoid scheduling glitches and long, frustrating waits, confirm all appointments with dog walkers, sitters, boarding and daycare facilities, veterinarians, and groomers. If you're traveling and leaving Spot behind, have a plan B in place, just in case your dog caretaker is called away on an emergency. Always arrange backup such as a friend or neighbor who knows your dog and has a set of your house keys.

But Mercury retrograde is not all gloom and doom! There's a positive side to this 24-day period too - promise! - and it has to do with looking back and revisiting areas of life with your dog that could use some improvement and organization. Now's the perfect time for assessing the past, so you're ready to implement positive changes for the future. Here are some ideas to help make life with Spot more efficient during this confusing and accident-prone period.

Take advantage of this time to organize your dogs medical and ID records. Keep them in a clearly-marked folder so they're ready whenever you need them.

When does your dog's license expire? You wouldn't want to be issued a fine for having an outdated tag on Spot's collar - what a huge, unnecessary drag. Avoid this by securing all the forms you need, and filling 'em out now.

If your dog requires vaccinations in order to be eligible for the license, don't just re-vaccinate without doing your homework; over-vaccination can be harmful to Spot's health. You can (believe it or not) ask a holistic vet to do a titer test so your dog can avoid the cancer risk that comes with excessive immunization. Locate a holistic vet near you, and schedule an appointment.

If Spot takes medications and/or supplements that need to be ordered online or via your vet, survey the supply to make sure you have everything on hand, and re-order the key items you're running low on. The same also applies to dog food and treats and oral care products - now's your chance to be sure you'll have enough for the next three weeks, give or take.

In most parts ofthe country, it's way too hot now to be thinking of winter. But there's nothing worse than waiting until chilly weather arrives, then discovering that, say, the zipper on Spot's thermal jacket is busted. Here we are in a Mercury retrograde phase, so why not take this time to clean and/or make necessary repairs to your dog's cold-weather gear (including bedding as well as clothing)? Then place the lot in a box marked with your dog's name and the word gear so it'll be ready when you need it.

Speaking of gear, make sure all leash and collar clasps are functional and secure - and consider using a climber-quality carabiner clip for extra safety and security, such as any model made by Petzl.

If you feel you haven't got enough photos of Spot, take this time to capture the K9 with your Kodak. Should Spot ever become lost, the pix you snap now will enable you to make the best possible "Lost Dog" flyer. If you have it ready, you'll never need it, right? And being prepared could some day mean the difference between never seeing your best friend again, and having him returned home to you, safe and sound.

Finally, since Mercury is the planet of communication and travel and it's out of phase for the next three weeks, simple sentences will seem difficult to comprehend. That goes double if you're a dog! Exercise patience if Spot forgets certain important routines, such as housebreaking or refraining from loud barking at night. Try to make a list of dog behaviors you're not crazy about -pulling too hard on his/her leash, for instance -then tackle each item with a positive attitude by, say, acquiring a training tool to help you.

For chronic procrastinators, a Mercury retrograde period actually offers an excellent, slow-paced opportunity to get important organizational and preparatory stuff done now, so you won't have to feel overwhelmed by it all later, when life's pace picks up to normal speed. In no time at all, the news of a Mercury retrograde period won't raise your hackles- it may even make you wish you had a tail to wag!

Got any Mercury retrograde war stories? Please share them in the comments!

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Please forgive my radio silence for the past couple of days, Dogsters. I was busy falling in love

Imagine if your childhood crush suddenly leapt off the pages of, say,Tiger Beat, appeared on your doorstep ready to move in with you, and the two of you immediately bonded in a symphony of perfectly requited love. What if, instead ofa recycling bin full of empty Natural Balance pet food cans,you suddenly had the cuteness equivalent of actor Dick Van Patten's heartthrob son Vincent, circa 1978!

Well, that's pretty much what happened to me last week.

It all started when I received the latest series of alerts from my local animal shelter, Animal Care & Control of New York City, describing dogs at high risk for euthanasia. One in particular caught my eye: "Jassy," described as a geriatric German Shepherd Dog.

For as long as I can remember, I have longed for a German Shepherd to call my own. This desire may be laid at the feet of the Bionic Woman, a.k.a. Jaime Sommers, a.k.a. the idol of my teenage years. Her faithful sidekick was a bionic K9 named Max, short for Maxamillion. Max was a German Shepherd - and a beauty. I wanted to emulate absolutely everything about Jaime Sommers, including her style ofdog.

At around the same time, another four-footed TV star captured my imagination: The K9 star of the series "Run Joe Run," a K9 version of "The Fugitive," about the exploits of a misunderstood German Shepherd wrongly accused of a crime he did not commit.

More recently, when I entered my hardcore cinephile phase, I became enamored of the most celebrated German Shepherd Dog of them all: Rin Tin Tin. This four-footed film star rose from humble beginning - an American serviceman rescued the dog from a bombed-out French kennel - to earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and a place in cinematic legend."Rinty" is also the subject of a new biography by the noted author Susan Orlean, Rin Tin Tin: The Life and the Legend.

If you follow this column, you know that I'm a huge fan of J.R. Ackerley's book My Dog Tulip and the wonderful animated feature film adapted from it. I recently joined the HowCast team, where I'm happy to help viewers get acquainted with various K9s through the "Understanding Dog Breeds" video series - and of course, the German Shepherd video was one of my favorites to work on.

Being an advocate of shelter dog adoption, I refuse to ever acquire a German Shepherd, or any dog,from a breeder. But the good and bad news is that animal shelters are often crowded with Shepherds and Shepherd mixes. And last week, the day before July 4th, a lovely female GSD washed up at my local shelter, so I pounced.

Desiree, as I've named her, is gorgeous but thin as a social X-ray. Turns out she's not geriatric at all - she was just in such sorry shape at intake that she appeared much older than her actual age (which, to judge from her pearly-white teeth, is approximately one year old).

And yet, despite her emaciated condition, she's quite discriminating when it comes to food, if not downright finicky. It's not easy getting the nutritional supplements she needs into her, for if the food formula isn't just right, she'll reject the lot. But thus far Desiree has been accepting Natural Balance kibble mixed with Natural Balance canned food, plus canned organic pumpkin (to firm up her stools), a sprinkle of cinnamon, a splash of Tropical Traditions coconut oil, plus numerous other supplements, including Nordic Naturals Pet fish oil.

More importantly, to my amazement, Desiree gets along famously with all the dogs in my animal house and all the dogs she encounters at the dog park. At some point in high school, the summer reading list sported a racy read called Summer of My German Soldier. Well, the hottest season of 2011 is officially going down in my personal history book as the summer of my German Shepherd! Herpresence is charming - like having a winsome wolf prowl your premises.

I'm besotted with this beautiful bitch, and will keep you posted on her progress.

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A company called Fabulous and Gay - or F.A.G. - offers all-natural grooming products for people and pets that makepromoting pride as easy as giving Spot a bath. But F.A.G. Pet Shampoo is more than just a message in a bottle. It's a high-quality product,sporting a delightfully clean, heady scent comprised of essential oils and herbal extracts, with no synthetic fragrance.

Just opening the bottle is an aromatherapy experience for you and Spot.

There's even built-in pest protection, thanks to tea tree oil. Dogs with sensitive skin will appreciate the formula's soothing, moisturizingoatmeal base.

And you can rest assured that it contains nothing that couldharm a dog, such as sulfates, parabens, or phthalates (all of which should be avoided in any type of shampoo for hounds or humans).

Plus, for additional peace of mind,F.A.G. productsare tested on humans instead of animals. And the cobalt-blue bottle is so decorative that it looksquite stylish just sittingon the edge ofthe bathtub.Thelabel is adorned with a painting, "Queen of the Meadow,"byDutch artist Franz Bodner.

The manufacturer, Grayson Fairbanks, Inc., aims to "make a historical statement by reclaiming and redefining the word FAG through the creation of products for the gay community. We are a team of creative people who have come together to abolish the negative connotation of the word FAG. We are committed to the healing forces of a positive message through the manufacturing of holistic life affirming products. Pure essential oils, biodegradable materials and no animal testing highlight our mission to support an earth friendly existence."

"Your furry Queen will love us!" promises the product's creator, Grayson Fairbanks CEO David Christian Hamblin, blogger and author of the forthcoming books "American Father: A Journey of Adopting as a Single Gay Man" and "Fabulous Cooking: In the Kitchen with a Gay Guy."

When you're done bathing thedog, enjoy a shave with F.A.G. Shave Cream. Whether you're removing hair fromyour face, legs, or armpits - or all three on a Saturday night!-this stuff smells and feels delightful.

F.A.G. makesproducts an open-minded, style-consciousDogster of any persuasion can really get behind (or on top of). Woof!

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According to Tarot.com, "The spinning Earth's North Pole is at maximum tilt toward the Sun today, marking the Summer Solstice at 1:16 pm EDT. This first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere also marks the Sun's shift into nurturing Cancer, when long hours of daylight warm us and speed the growth of vegetation."

Your sun-worshiping dog will want to spend more and more time outdoors, feeling warmed and nurtured, andcommuning with all that growing vegetation. Do try to spend as much time out there as humanly possible.

But as we've seen here, too much of a good thing can be harmful - especially if the good thing in question is basking in the sun. Your job as the responsible human is to protect Spot from feeling the burn.

For tips on preventing and soothing sunburn in dogs, including expert recommendations from veterinary dermatologist Dr. Heather Peikes, go here.

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Last Friday, the time came toadvanceone morefoster dog one step further on her journey toward a forever home.

Lucky Sasha the Maltese was acceptedby an excellent rescue group, and I couldn't have been happier if mylittle girlhad gotten into Yale. All potential adopters would be thoroughly screened, and while she awaited her forever home, myLWD (Little White Dog)would enjoy lots of attention in foster care, plus daily outings to the park with two other Malteses.

Knowing that this move was the best thing for little Sasha didn't make parting with herany easier, however.

I was already starting to see the wonderful effects thata supplemented diet can have on a senior dog. Her daily helping of Vigorate, the K9 version of the human supplement Juvenon, was already causingSasha's reddish "age hairs" to diminish, around her face and on her little paws.

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The sprinkling ofmilk thistle, hawthorn,and cinnamon I added to every meal worked together with the Vigorate supplement, contributingto the lively spring inSasha's step.

Despite her age - Sasha is 13 - this LWD has the youthful energy of a pup. Nobody believes her age, because she's 13 years young. I callSasha the Brave Little Toaster for her intrepid way of marching down the street at top speed.

It was at this breakneck pace that Sasha and I marched to meet her new foster Mom, stopping a few times for photo opps. Her newcaretaker gavemy LWDa warm greeting and gently bundled her into a large tote bag. I handed overthe full arsenal ofSasha's supplements, including Vigorate and Neem, plus TheraNeem Pet Shampoo. I hugged and kissed Sasha goodbye, then turned to leave.

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Sasha vigorously wiggled out of the bag to follow me. I turned around and helped her new foster Mom re-settle the LWD. Then I tried walking away again.

Cue Sasha barking. Actually, it was more of a panicked shriek.

I felt terrible. Surely the LWD thought I was cruelly abandoning her, when what I was really doing was 1) enabling her to have her best life and 2) making room in my place for another foster dog. I was determined not to crumble and snatch her back. My letting go really was the best thing for her.

So I kissed Sasha's tiny snout and told her that she was mere moments away from enjoying the wonderful life she deserved - the life of a little princess. Butshe couldn't begin toenjoy that life if she didn't let go. (There's a lesson in there for all of us, I suspect.)

This time, I turned around and walked away without looking back. Happily, Sasha's new foster Mom Pam is a Maltese specialist who has two LWDs of her own. From the updates I've received,my girl isdoing great.

On one call, Pam asked me, "Are you sure she's 13? She seems younger." That was music to my ears! As was this followup email:

"She's energetic, her appetite is strong and she's been using the WeeWee pads," Pam wrote. "Thanks for taking such good care of Sasha. She's a wonderful girl!"

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But nothing tells a story like a photo, so here are pics of Marshy and Happy sporting their new, short-haired dos. I hope these images make you smile. I also hope theyinspire you to take action on behalf of your own dog(s), ensuring that they stay safe in the event that you pre-decease them by drafting a Pets Trust.

In case you missed it, you might want to check out thisshort YouTube video of Marshy and Happy, to the tune of Gavin DeGraw's "We Belong Together."

The song was chosen because Marshy and Happy need to be adopted asthe dynamic duo they are.

It's an aptmusical selection. The lyrics golike this:

We belong together
like the open seas and shores
wedded by the planet force
we've all been spoken for

The hammer may strike, be dead on the ground.
a net to my hand, a cross on his crown.
we're done if, who we're undone,
finished if who we are incomplete.
as one we are everything,
we are everything we need.

We belong together

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What good is a life,
With no one to share,
The light of the moon,
The honor of a swear?
The kingdom of men,
Is hollow within,
Without depth,
Without the care,
That it takes to make a perfect love,
The passion to find the other truth,
To visualize the straightening from the skew,
To treat a common comfort for all of you,
Would you try to live the way in which you speak?
Taste the milk of your mother earth's love?
Spread the word of consciousness you seek?
We are everything we need

We belong together

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All this indecision
all this independent strength
still
we've got our hearts on safe
we've got our hearts on safe

Someday when you're lonely,
sometime after all this bliss,
somewhere lost in emptiness,
I hope you find this gift...
I hope you find this gift..
I hope you find this gift.

To inquire about adopting these littleorphaned dogs, or to make a donation toward their veterinary care and boarding, go here.

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No offense to the Dogsters who adore little white dogs, butI'm the last person on Earth to have a LWD

Sasha is a 13-year-old superstar who was discovered straying the streets of Brooklyn. At intake, she weighed 9 pounds -well over her ideal weight of 6 pounds. So I'm fostering her until 1) she melts away that excess weight and 2) a Maltese aficionado steps up to take over and give her more suitable digs. Right now, she's shacked up with my cats, and that's fine, but I'm certain she'd rather live with K9s. Size doesn't matter - Sasha actually doesn't mind bigger dogs. She's made friends with my Border Collie Sheba, who adores little white dogs (probably because she's a sheepdog and LWDs look like little lambs).

While she's in my care, I'm doing my best to ensure thatSasha has many happy, healthy years ahead of her. She loves to eat, so I feel like a very bad cop indeed giving her strictly controlled portions. But I know it's in her best interest. Tucked in to her twice-daily loving spoonful - no more and no less! - of Wellness Duck & Sweet Potato canned food is a sprinkling of Milk Thistle, to boost herliver health and keep her eyes cloud-free. She also gets a sprinkling of Acidophilus, for digestive wellness, plus cinnamon and turmeric (for reasons explained here and here).

To satisfy her hunger, whichappears to beinsatiable, I garnishSasha's meals with various veggies; her faves thus far are canned pumpkin and steamed spinach. For encouragement, I remind Sasha of Kate Moss's immortal words: "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels."

Like many miniature breeds, Maltese are prone to dental disease; their tiny mouths are bacterial breeding grounds. During her recent tooth-cleaning session at the vet, Sasha underwent 15 - count 'em, 15 - extractions. But she's far from toothless! She can eat raw baby carrots with the best of them.

In fact, Sasha has the demeanor of a sprightly young pup; everyone is surprised to learn her real age. I'd likefor her to maintain that youthful appearance as long as possible. So, when she's not snacking on raw carrots, Sasha takes a cellular-health supplement called Vigorate. It's the K9 version of the human product Juvenon, and it so happens thatit was gear-testedby its inventor's own senior Maltese - with great results.

Dark-haired dogs show age by going white around the face and muzzle - this is called frosting. So, how dowhite-haired dogs show age? Their facial hairs turn reddish-brown. Sasha has her share of ruddy hairs, not only on her face, but on her feet. I'm looking forward to seeing those red flags of age disappear soon with Vigorate, as they did for the supplement inventor's dog. Happily,Sasha loves chomping away at her daily Vigorate treat.

Sasha also enjoys visits to the park - she could play there aerobically for hours. In fact, she's quite the petite athlete, and much prefers running and walking to being carried around like a purse.But even a quick tour around the block leaves Sasha looking several shades grayer. She's a filth magnet. To keep her looking her most adoptable, I bathe her often with TheraNeem Pet Shampoo, which is gentle enough to use every day; it contains no soap, and its main ingredient - super-moisturizingNeem oil - is great for rejuvenating a drycoat, and won't irritate even sensitive little-white-dog skin.

Sasha may be just shy of 10 pounds, but I find this little dog to bequite the high-maintenance handful. The time I'm spending on her is seriously impacting quality time with my other dogs. She's adorable, and I'm happy to have rescued her. She has the most endearing habit of standing on her hind legs and frantically waving her front paws while grinning madly, like amarionette handled by a puppeteer on crack. Especially when there's food in the vicinity.

But I'm not afraid to tell the truth: Isincerely hope a Maltese maven comes to my rescue soon. Give me a nice, solid pit bull - or three - any day!