We have 3 Huskies (Ali, Lola, and Trixie) and 2 cats (Pepper and Missy). My wife Robin is the second coming of Dr. Doolittle. I love animals, but she takes the love of animals to a whole new level.

My puppy (who is 7) is learning manners.  My fiance is intent on making her a good dog.  She is a lot better than she used to be and is much better than others could ever hope there pup would be, but she needs manners.  Her mama (guilty as charged) spoiled her rotten for the first 6 1/2 years of her life.  She has taken to begging and thinks she is the boss most of the time.  She is getting a little attitude adjustment.  She is taking well to it, and she has been more of a pleasure to live with.  I feel bad when she tries to draw on my sympathy, because she is so good at it!  She looks at me with those big brown eyes and it is hard for me not to bend.  She is good for comic relief, because she is just so sweet.  My kitties are taking well to their new haircuts.  We are trying to cut down on the fur.  It has worked well!  Speaking of spoiling, I do need to give Belle some Turkey!

I don't have pets but most of my friends do. Have you had problems with your pets from feeding them table food? Do you notice that every year veterinarians are always saying that table food are bad for your pets. Do any of you think so? For my part I don't, most of my friends pets are like their children, they are fed on the same food as their "parents" eat and they even have their special plate not dog plate mind but real plate put under the table next to my friends' chairs. And they are healthy pets.

For starters, human food is potentially dangerous to all dogs.  Some breeds are more susceptible than others, for example small breeds ie: yorkies, shihtzus, etc.  Dogs do not have the ability to break down high fat contact.  It gets "stuck" in their Pancreas.  This can lead to Pancreatitis, which if not treated can cause death.  The symptoms are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, dehydration.  To test for pancreatitis they pull a blood sample. If the dog's Lipase is elevated they have Pancreatitis.  A lot of times the Amylase will also be increased.  To treat this the dog is given fluids through IV, given Anti-emetics, taken off food and water completely until blood levels are back to normal, and often a Plasma Transfusion is given.  I can't say I don't give my dog table food, but I do monitor the amount and what type.  She gets very little people food and mostly low fat options, ie: broiled chicken, broiled turkey, nothing fried (very rarely).  As far as chocolate, Dark (baker's) chocolate is the worst.  Some dogs are more tolerant again than others.  Some dogs can tolerate a small amount, but since it is unknown how they will react I would recommend to never allow your dog to have any kind of chocolate.  Chocolate causes the dogs heart rate to increase to deadly levels and can cause death if not treated.  As far as raisins go it is probably because it is a dried grape.  Grapes as well as onions can be toxic to dogs.  It causes either kidney or liver failure (I forget which one).  Again, not all dogs are susceptible, but the majority are, so to be safe keep these food items away from your pooch!

If your dog does get into chocolate especially baker's chocolate (semi-sweet) it is best to make the dog vomit immediately.  If you don't catch it within a couple of hours call animal poison control or a vet.  Animal poison control can tell you the dose of activated charcoal to give to keep any more from absorbing or recommend that you go to the vet.  To make a dog vomit you can give a tablespoon of Hydrogen Peroxide per 10 pounds.  For example, if your dog weighs 50 pounds you would give 5 tablespoons of Peroxide.  Wait a couple minutes and your dog should vomit.  If it does not consult a vet.  Only induce vomiting if you know it has been less than 2 hours since the dog ingested the chocolate.  If you are unsure, always contact your vet or animal poison control!