Pet rescues family from danger. The news reports read like scripts from the old "Lassie" television series: in separate incidents, first a dog and then a cat alert their owners to fires in their homes.

We shouldn't be surprised by the intelligence of our four-footed friends, says Kansas State University veterinarian Kathy Gaughan. "Many people don't give dogs and cats enough credit for their thinking skills and their ability to learn quickly." We teach dogs to sniff drugs, track people and be service dogs for the disabled. Cats, too can be trained, although their personalities, size and strength make the task more challenging.

Dogs and cats can be sensitive to changes in their environments. In the case of a house fire, smoke or heat from the blaze could be a factor in prompting the animal to wake his owner. Researchers can't yet say whether dogs and cats respond this way out of self-preservation or out of a sense of loyalty.

The small animal specialists at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Champaign, IL have written a guidebook for vets on managing and alleviating pain in dogs and cats.

"This book is targeted toward advancing pain recognition and guiding practitioners on various management techniques and concepts," said lead author William J. Tranquilli, a veterinarian and professor of veterinary clinical medicine. "This kind of knowledge is the key to improving patient care." The 125-page guidebook, "Pain Management for the Small Animal Practitioner," was co-written by Tranquilli and colleagues Kurt A. Grimm and Leigh A. Lamont, who are residents of the UI veterinary anesthesiology program.

Advances in veterinary medicine mean that owners have the opportunity to pursue treatment for a wide variety of disease conditions affecting their pets, Tranquilli said. "In light of this, the pet owner and veterinary practitioner must share a common goal: to provide compassionate care for pets during hospital stays and at home. The incorporation of pain-management strategies is central to this philosophy."

Tails were wagging on the weekend of October 28 and 29 as pets and pet lovers gathered for special Howl-o-ween Pet Parties hosted by the Best Friends Pet Resorts in Sudbury, MA; North Plainfield, NJ; Indianapolis, IN and Prairie View, IL.

The festivities varied by location and included Halloween costume pet parades with prizes, Doggy Show-off contests and pet photography, plus entertainment for the human guests. In addition, there were pet adoptions and tours of the facility, with training and grooming consults available and treat bags for pet guests.

Many Best Friends locations are planning holiday pet parties in early December. Check the calendar of events for details.

Guests at Best Friends' Howl-o-ween parties include this greyhound dressed as Superdog.		The winner of the Best Kisser Contest at the Sudbury party plants a wet one on manager Sue Sexton-Sullivan