Q: Did you know about the dog-fighting arrest made at the day-care center? Don't you think people who fight dogs should suffer the same fate as the dogs? Why not? -- A.C., Chicago

A: You're talking about the arrests made for dog fighting at an in-home day-care facility in Maywood, a Chicago suburb.

Listen, dog fighting is awful for a community since there are, according to Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, always other crimes going on as well (illegal gambling, drug sales, etc.) Sometimes these dogs, which are not typically vaccinated for rabies, get out and terrorize neighbors. Actually, most fighting dogs are actually good with people.

"I remember breaking up one fight where the dog, a pit bull, just looked at me as if to say, 'Save me, please, if you have an ounce of decency,'" Dart recalls.

Of course, dog fighting is always inhumane; the animal abuse is unfathomable. During a fight at the day care center, one dog's leg was twisted so badly that amputation seems the only likely solution, and a puppy was missing an eye. Often, the most humane act for some brutalized and severely injured confiscated dogs is euthanasia.

Experts concur that violence begets violence.

"There's a clear link between practicing violence on animals, and then following through with people," says Dart. "Nothing is worse than children witnessing this stuff. And sadly, it happens all the time."

It's unclear, however (as of this column going to press), whether the kids at that day care actually witnessed dogs fighting or training to fight.

Dog fighting is a felony in most states. Exposing children to dog fighting carries an additional penalty in a handful of states. Ledy Van Kavage, senior legislative analyst at Best Friends Animal Society, hopes other states follow through with similar laws. What's more, as a result of a conversation I had on my WLS Radio show (in Chicago) with Dart, Van Kavage will attempt to pass the first-ever legislation of its kind so dog fighters face additional felony charges if they hold dog fights within 500 yards of a school zone or a children's day-care center.

I think we ought to throw the book at dog fighters. "Law enforcement can still get more serious about dog fighting in some places," says Van Kavage. "The reality is, the courts are dealing with overcrowded jails, and keeping prisoners in jail costs the system money in tough economic times."

I'm all for Van Kavage and others pushing for stiffer penalties, but Dart says ultimately dog fighting won't stop until society no longer tolerates it.

Q: Our 15-year-old cat has been diagnosed with a hyperthyroid condition. The vet explained that we can choose from one of three treatments. Any advice? -- P.A., Cyberspace

A: You do, indeed, have three choices, according to Atlanta-based feline veterinarian Dr. Drew Weigner, including:

1. Surgery. This can cure your cat. However, as with all surgery, there's a potential risk of complications. Hyperthyroid cats are older, and surgery may not be the best option for frail cats with additional illnesses.

2. Radioactive iodine. Your cat would be injected with a radioactive substance which destroys most of the thyroid gland. What thyroid tissue remains is plenty for most cats to function. While this treatment has no complications or side effects, the cat must be away from home for several days. For some cats, being away from home may be too traumatic.

3. Drug therapy. The human drug Tapazole (Methimazole) works, but cats on this medication need to be monitored, plus the issue of getting a cat to take a pill.

Tapazole is relatively inexpensive. Surgery or radioactive iodine will set you back $900 to $1,300. Weigner points out that realistically, the pills -- which do work to control hyperthyroidism but can't cure the disease -- might be the most logical choice for a frail cat who was, say, 18. For an 11-year-old or even a 15-year-old with at least several more good years, radioactive iodine might be the best choice. Surgery is curative but the least popular option. As for pilling your cat, Weigner recommends custom compounding. Your veterinarian probably works with a credible compounder who could magically transform a bitter pill into a tuna-tasting treat.

You must do something. Left untreated, a hyperthyroid cat will die.

Q: How do cats and rabbits get along? I have two rabbits and my boyfriend has two cats. I'm not willing to give up on Izzie or Smith, and he's not willing to part with Bonny or Clyde. Any advice? -- D.F.C., Miami

A. Typically, pet cats are respectful of rabbits.

"I think it's because rabbits move so differently than cats," says Marcia Froelke Coburn, director of the Red Door Animal Shelter in Chicago. The first few times you introduce the two species, keep the rabbits inside their hutch. Bring the cats into the room and offer treats to all. The idea is for the cats to associate the rabbits with something good.

Coburn says that in her experience, cats aren't as likely to threaten the rabbits as they are to wonder "what the heck is that?" and scamper to the top of a piece of furniture where they can assess the situation from a safe distance. As for the rabbits, they instinctively tend to know their best defense is to not act afraid. As long as the rabbits are nonchalant about their feline visitors, the cats will more likely be respectful. Some rabbits give off warnings; in this instance being assertive is a good thing.

Even if the cats and the rabbits seem to be getting along fine, adult supervision is required for at least a few months. Otherwise, restrict the rabbits to their hutch, or confine the cats to another room, behind a closed door. Management and bribery (especially treats for the cats) will be the key to success.

Q: When my dog barks in her sleep is she having a dream? -- C.H., Boston

A: Yes, she's dreaming. Some dogs growl in their sleep, even cry, just as some people talk, laugh or cry in their sleep. If your next question is, "What's she dreaming about?" you'll have to learn to translate dog.

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