Don’T Fall For Screen Version Of Dalmatian

Dalmatians are prancing their way across thousands of movie screens this holiday season, prompting many children to ask Santa for a live puppy.

Unfortunately, the Dalmations’ on-screen persona masks reality.

For this dog, careless breeding has led to a tendency toward deafness. Dalmations also are hyper, don’t usually do well with children and require a great deal of attention, says About.com’s dog expert, T.E. Ellis.

In the scramble to meet the demand created by “102 Dalmatians,” many pups will be rushed into the market without being properly socialized.

The Humane Society of the United States is lamenting Disney’s timing in releasing “102 Dalmatians” right before Christmas. In the months following the release of the first film, shelters and rescue groups saw Dalmatian drop-offs increase by more than 25 percent.

For a child who falls in love with these pups, Poo-Chi’s interactive Dalmatian might be a good substitute. It walks and barks but doesn’t make messes or chew on furniture. the toy is available from Tiger Electronics online and in toy stores.

* Anti-freeze correction: A thoughtful reader pointed out that Sierra antifreeze isn’t completely nontoxic. It’s considered essentially nontoxic, but it still can cause illness.

So, use the same caution with Sierra as with any other brand and keep it away from animals.

* What’s next: doggie day spas? If the prospect of another holiday visit with Aunt Tilly’s mutt has your dog pacing in his kennel, perhaps a massage would calm him.

The Ionic Pet Massage by Lentek provides 100 trillion superoxygenated molecules that break down odorous materials while the gentle vibrating massage action decreases pet stress.

Cats, rabbits, horses, ferrets and other furry creatures can be pampered with this item. The ultimate relaxation has a price tag of $39.95. To order, call (888) 353-6835.

* Deck the dogs: A festive living room can tempt pets with sparkling lights and packages. Unfortunately, good times can lead to emergency vet visits.

Petco offers tips for keeping animals safe this holiday season.

Holly and poinsettias are poisonous. Keep both out of your dog’s reach. Don’t put boxed chocolate under the tree, where a dog could eat it and wind up deathly ill.

Keep pets away from Christmas trees, because pine needles can lodge in an animal’s throat. A slurp from the tree stand can give a dog or cat mouth sores and diarrhea.

Tape electrical cords from holiday lights to the wall to protect cats. Keep tinsel and decorations that pose a choking hazard off tree limbs.

* Pet fund-raiser: Forget-Me-Not Animal Shelter in Ferry County is raffling a beautiful quilt, handmade by women in the community, to raise funds for their animal shelter project.

The group is looking for donors to match funds raised by the raffle. To contribute, call Deanna at (509) 779-4139.

* Holiday oddities: A survey conducted last month at 166 stores in the Pet Supplies Plus chain found:

* 28 percent of people plan to spend more on their pets than their spouses.

* 52 percent will spend more on their pets than their in-laws.

* 67 percent say their pets unwrap presents with their own paws.

* 20 percent make New Year’s resolutions for their pets.