Pets, Pets, Pets...

Pets, Pets, Pets...

by Joanne Anderson

•First- " I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream." Yup, your best friend wants some too. Don’t gross out your fussy friends and share your cone with Fido. There are some dog formula, healthy and safe frozen treats that will refresh your pooch on these uncomfortably, warm days. People ice cream is tempting but can cause problems for dogs. Besides the sugar not being good for them, the chocolate, raisins, or grapes can be toxic.

Two of the doggy desserts are as close as your grocery freezer. King Kullen stocks both. (They also carry BEACON Shoppers with this column.) "Frosty Paws" is the more publicized company. They make an original flavor and peanut butter Dixie cup for dogs. It’s enriched with protein, vitamins and minerals and is a healthy alternative to our sugary snacks. The main ingredients are whey, soy and animal fat in the original cup. On the "Frosty Paws" website, you can also order a "PAWrty" pack that comes equipped with invitations, frosty treats, party hats, bandannas and tennis ball so your dog can celebrate his special day with 3 buddies.

"Frosty Paws" sponsors a monthly photo contest online where you can submit a digital photo of your pup enjoying their ice cream in a cute, goofy or doggone hilarious way and possibly win free "Frosty Paws" for a year. You can view last months’ entries, but be forewarned of the upcoming competition. I ordered 2 more sequin snoods for Giselle my Afghan . When they arrive, I’ll decide if my photo will have her lounging in sequins or fuchsia lame.

Meanwhile another company- "Dogsters"- makes canine treats that resemble human ice cream specialties. These products were launched by a Connecticut father/son team in 2003 after 3 years of research and development. The treats had to meet their 4 requirements: fun, low calorie, low fat (no animals fat), and all natural. For the first 6 months only 2 types did a test launch in 17 supermarket chains in the Northeast. Since May 2004 all 5 premium snacks have found their way to freezer aisles. The varieties include Nutly or Mintee Kissably Snow Cups; Fido Orbiters ( similar to Flying Saucers);Yogurt Combos (carrot and cheddar cups with added oils for skin and coat) and Ice Crunchies (1 calorie beef flavored ice pops with extra anti-oxidant herbs and vitamins and minerals ). King Kullen has the Nutly Snow Cups and Fido Orbiters.

The side of the "Dogsters" box even has braille so blind customers can buy a treat for their deserving, guide dogs. Through their "Dogateers" program (www.dogateers.com), this company is supporting many animal rescue events including the gala and star- studded "Broadway Barks" in Schubert Alley to promote NYC shelter adoptions on Sat. July 30th.

Of course we had a taste test at my house, and the "Dogsters" Fido Orbiters won paws down over the original "Frosty Paws". Both my girls inhaled the flying saucer - cracker and ice cream. Even on the hottest days I have to coax them to try the bland "Frosty Paws" Dixie cup. Since I got in on the sampling too, I have to agree with my pups’ choice. The flying saucer is easier for dogs to nibble. The round cracker tastes like a Milkbone and the cream is faint cheddar with a hint of molasses. It’s more like a mild, frosty buttermilk. After all is said and done, I still prefer my Starbucks Java Chip- on sale this week and cheaper than either of my dogs’ desserts.

(If you are culinary-inclined, you can prepare your own inexpensive "Canine Carvel". Pour this mixture into bathroom size Dixie cups or an ice cube tray: Blend 1 quart of plain yogurt, 1medium banana, 2 tablespoons of peanut butter, 2 tablespoons of honey and FREEZE!)

•Second- Sign your dog and yourself up for a class at the brand new Doggie "U" K9 Academy at 41 Saxon Ave. Bay Shore ( right off Union).It’s a huge state-of-the art training with all kinds of classes- puppy kindergarten, obedience, handling, agility, flyball , freestyle, and more. The floors are matted; the walls mirrored. The facility is offering rental space to dog clubs and trainers for dog events and shows too.

Giselle and I are in Advanced Beginners Agility but in reality we are remedial students. Sighthounds like to bolt. Last week she came out of the tunnel, pushed through the partition, disrupted the freestyle dog dancers class, admired herself in the mirror and came back to gallavant around the agility course. We’re making slow progress but I love the Doggie "U" because it’s indoors and secure. Call Rolissa (631)664-8569 or Ginny (516) 459-3523 to find out more.

•Third- Before you visit the new penguin exhibit at Atlantis, go see the documentary "The March of the Penguins". It’s playing by Lincoln Center and in a few artsy theaters on LI. After the viewing, you will look at our comical, tuxedoed friends with utmost respect. The movie is a bittersweet love story. The stoic and devoted Emperor penguins (different species from the ones at the aquarium) will give you a new appreciation for our temperate zone home, even though the temp and humidity here both approach 100% during these Dog Days of Summer.

•Babylon Town Shelter’s (643-9270) poster pups this week have so much coat that they sure would love to share a "Bungalow Bark" with you. This male Chow in Cage 7 is a doll and could lick up his treat with his trademark blue-black tongue. The handsome Husky in Cage 5 has ice blue eyes. Both love to be brushed. The shelter is at 51 Lamar St .W. Babylon. See more photos online at Petfinder NY 275.

•Cats: gorgeous m. Himalayan mix kitten- polydactyl too.

•Female dogs: a German Shepherd mix in Cage 89 with a docked tail; "Summer"- in Cage 93- small Shep. She has a white mini-Poodle room mate.

Male dogs: "Tango"- a neut. Dalmatian in Cage 27; "Bobo"- the chocolate Retriever mix in Cage 31; "Frankie"- the Beagle mix pup in Cage 43; "Sam Shepard’ in Cage 41 who looks like a handsome wolf.