Pet thoughts: The wisdom of insurance

Even in a struggling economy, if you can afford pet insurance, it might save your pet's life.

For example, say your dog is diagnosed with cancer or your cat is hit by a car. Treatment may cost $4,500 or more. If you can't afford to pay, your pet may lose an opportunity to live. With insurance, you share the cost - paying perhaps $2,500.

Forgotten cats

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.

Benevolent leaders

I'm hollering loud and clear that I hope the "I am the boss" trend of dog training fades into obscurity. In fact, dogs learn far more through motivation than intimidation . 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.