Yes! But there are right ways and wrong ways to introduce them. If you are bringing a dog into a home ruled by a cat, here's what you need to do.

Even though your dog doesn't pose any physical danger, it is still stressful for the cat to have a dog in the house. It is so important for her to have her own space that the dog can't access. In that space, you can put the litter box, food, water and spots where she can nap.

Your cat can approach the dog's barrier when she feels like it and this gives him a chance to sense her, see her and hear her without the risk of a chasing incident. And never, ever should you force a dog and cat close together. This can be traumatic for the cat. Remember to give your cat 100% choice about her pace in getting to know him.

As the weeks pass, your dog will be less fascinated with that 'ball of fur' and your cat will realize that she's not going to be killed or be dog chased. You'll know you're well on your way to a happy existence between dog and cat when you see that the dog spends less time at the gate when the cat is in views or it's easy to break his focus when he's eyeing the cat. The cat will hide less when she realizes that the dog can't get at her.

Coax your cat over with your voice and the treats. You want her to develop a positive connection with your dog being closer, it's a good thing, this means treats. Just make sure that he doesn't charge her. If you find it's difficult dividing your attention between the two, then give your attention to the dog while you put treats out for the cat. Use treats that the cat doesn't normally get.

If this goes badly, do the same exercise but with the animals on each side of the gate. But if it goes well, congratulations by the way, then practice a few more times (remember repetition is the key), until your cat likes the exercise.

The next step is to allow your dog some movement still on the leash. You no longer have to keep him in the 'down-stay' position but he still must not act aggressively with the cat. Praise and reward him with treats for being a good dog. If this goes well, and your cat decides to hang around, you can remove the dog's leash. If that goes well you can then you won't need to use the gate. It's still a good idea to have a room for the cat where she can get away from the dog when the mood strikes her. Even if there are good relations between the two, it's nice to have a 'safe room' for your cat.

Holiday Tree

The Holiday Season is in full swing, and millions of homes sport either real or faux trees - glittering towers of beauty that can pose a threat to your pets. Before you put the tree up, take a few moments to go over some safety precautions and consider these steps for a holiday safe tree..

1. Choose the Right Spot. Pick an area where the tree can be enjoyed by the family but so much in the center activity that it can be easily knocked over. An area by the wall or in a corner is ideal and out of the traffic flow pattern of the house. Try to place the tree near an outlet so you don't have to run electrical cords long distances.

2. Prepare the Area. Lay down plastic sheeting or buy a "tree bag." This is an extra large trash bag used for live trees. Center the tree on the bag. When the season is over and you have removed the tree ornaments, pull the bag over the tree. This will catch the pine needles as they fall from the tree - and prevent them from being chewed or swallowed by your pet.

3. Secure the Tree. Many trees have been sent swaying by a rambunctious dog or puppy. Dogs can knock over a tree by rubbing against or playing under it. Pet can be injured if the trees or ornaments fall and break. You can place the tree in a corner and secure it from two sides to small hooks in the walls. Another trick is to place a small hook in the ceiling above the tree and use clear fishing line from the top of the tree to the hook. Apply gentle tension and tie. The clear line is invisible.

4. Hide the Cords. Electrical cords are a grave danger to pets - especially puppies and that tend to chew on anything. Cords can cause electrocution and serious injury or even death. Secure the cords by positioning them higher than the pet can reach or hiding them with special covers.

5. No Hooks. Check your ornaments and replace hooks with a loop of string tied in a knot. Ornaments often fall from the tree and pets may catch their mouths on or swallow the hooks.

6. Choose Safe Ornaments. There is no perfectly pet-safe bulb, as any ornament can be ingested and cause an intestinal obstruction. Pet "safer" bulbs would be plastic or wood. Glass bulbs on the lower limbs can be especially dangerous. If broken, pets can step on them and cut their feet or worse yet - treat the bulbs like a ball and chew on them causing them to break, resulting in mouth or throat trauma and bleeding. Many pet owners have learned the hard way not to place any ornaments on the lower limbs. Ornaments made of food may be especially attractive to pets.

7. Ribbons. Big red velvet ribbons are a lovely addition and may replace tinsel and garland that can be eaten dogs and caught in their intestine. Cats are especially attracted to the bright shiny tinsel and should really be avoided in households with cats. Ingestion of this material can cause intestinal obstruction that may require surgery.

8. Presents. Dogs love to investigate and most don't understand that the presents are not meant to be opened before Christmas Day. Decorative ribbons and string can be ingested, gifts can be destroyed by a playful pet. Consider storing the presents in a safe area until right before the holiday or make sure your pet is always supervised while investigating and searching for his special gift.

9. Sweep and Water. Sweep up the pine needles. Ingestion of needles can cause vomiting and gastric irritation. Keep the tree watered and only turn the lights on when you are at home. Risk of fire is always there with a live tree. Do not allow your pet access to the tree water to drink.

10. Supervise. The safest thing to do is to allow your pet access to the tree only when supervised. Pets that continue to want to bother the tree should be encouraged - using positive reinforcement - to leave it alone. Bitter apple can be sprayed on low branches for persistent chewers.

On Christmas morning, I wish...

For every dog searching trash cans for breakfast, a filled bowl with his name printed in bright letters.

For every dog who slept fitfully last night, chained in a frozen yard, a soft, warm bed with a person snoring gently nearby.

For every shelter dog, spending Christmas morning in a soiled run, a forever home, filled with sounds and smells of family.

For every "Christmas" puppy given today, a tolerant, caring owner who won't abandon you as you grow into a real dog.

For every ailing pet, enough money for your owner to pay the bills to make you well.

For every lost dog, a clear, safe road, and well marked path, to lead you home.

For every old and tired friend, a warm fire, and a soft bed, to ease your aches and pains.

and

For every Beloved Dog at the Rainbow Bridge, a moment when you know that you are remembered today, missed again, and loved forever.