Q: If you were on a beautiful beach where one grain of sand smelled different from the rest, could most dogs identify that grain of sand? -- V.D., Cyberspace

A: Yes. Your average dog's proboscis is about 10,000 times more efficient than ours. We can't even conceive what the world's dogs must sense. Imagine sniffing a fire hydrant and getting the 411 on everyone in the 'hood.

Of course, the stories of dogs sniffing out bad guys or finding lost Alzheimer's patients are legendary. Do away with a body in a river; a dog may sniff it out from the boat above. The U.S. military has spent millions on land-mine-detection equipment but it can't come anywhere near replicating the nose of a dog. Military working dogs and Department of Agriculture dogs are also irreplaceable. Their ability to sniff out dangerous weapons or drugs is legendary.

So, if somehow you could isolate a specific scent on one grain of sand on a beach, most dogs would find it.

Q: I'd like to have the cat that was left at my door neutered and declawed. However, I want a doctor with reasonable fees for seniors. I took in the cat, but now what? -- M.B., Brockton, Mass.

A: First, find a veterinarian. You could contact the Massachusetts State Veterinary Medical Association, or simply ask friends or relatives for recommendations. I understand how money is an issue for many people, particularly seniors. However, while special senior discounts might be a good idea, I don't know of any vets who make such offers. Most communities do have an outlet that provides low-cost spaying and neutering. In some cities, for those who qualify, there are even free spay/neuter programs.

As for declawing, think twice before you follow through. You could save money here because this procedure isn't necessary, particularly for kittens who can easily be taught to use scratching posts. Also, talk to your vet about keeping your cat's nails trimmed. If you offer moist food as you clip, you can train your kitty to actually enjoy or at least tolerate the procedure. You could also ask a friend to help you clip your cat's nails.

Q: My dog won't stop barking at the mailman. I can't tell the mailman not to come, and since I'm not usually home when he arrives, I can't tell Barney not to bark. Even when I close the blinds, Barney manages to push them aside so he can see outside. Any advice? -- F.C., Richmond, Va.

A: Jim Barry, of Reston, Va., a dog behavior consultant and author of "The Ethical Dog Trainer" (DogWise Press, Wenatchee Wash., 2008; $19.95), offers three tips:

Management: Keep Barney in another room, away from the walkway the mail carrier uses, and close the door. Turn on the radio (or download versions of my national radio shows from iTunes) to drown out the sound of the person delivering mail.

Exercise: If your dog gets plenty of exercise and is sleeping when the mailman arrives, he won't be barking. Also, get Barney some enrichment toys, such as Kong toys stuffed with low-fat peanut butter or Busy Buddy toys with kibble inside.

Training: When Barry alerts you to the "intruder," calmly go to the door and open it. Then, thank Barney for diligently doing his job. There's no longer a reason for him to bark. This method is surprisingly effective but works only when you're home, and only if your dog isn't fearful and/or aggressive about the "intruder" but simply wants to tell you someone is there.

Q: My 13-year-old Siamese cat always had weird eyes. Now, I've noticed that she seems to have two retinas in each eye. Will this affect her vision later in life? Have you ever heard of this? -- E.F., New Port Richey, Fla.

A: Dr. Amber LaBelle, a resident in veterinary ophthalmology at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, Urbana, says, "It's interesting, because it's not likely you can actually see your cat's retina without special equipment." Also, she's never heard of the condition you describe. What seems far more likely is another abnormality. Perhaps your cat has a hole in the structure of the eye, a condition known as a colobama (or cat eye syndrome). Cats with this condition can appear to have multiple pupils. While kittens are born with the condition, it can grow worse with age.

A condition called pseudopolycoria also gives the illusion of multiple pupils. A third possibility is iris atrophy, which creates age-related changes in the iris. In a 13-year-old cat, that is clearly possible.

LaBelle can't be certain of anything without examining your cat. However, in general, none of these problems typically causes blindness, though it's possible your cat will have increased difficulty adjusting her eyes when the sun is shining bright or going from a darkened room to a bright room. Someone should market sunglasses for cats!

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