Dogs in open pick up trucks seldom jump out but could be thrown from a vehicle if it turned suddenly to miss something in road or if brakes were to be jammed on quickly. If left in vehicle when parked, passersby could antagonize your dog and provoke him/her to be nasty or to jump out of vehicle.

Next time you are inclined to let your dog hang out of a window or ride loose in truck, please think twice. Take your dog to park to play if s/he needs fresh air!

J.R. Mercier is a freelance writer and is co-owner of Abby's Dog Gift Baskets and Abby's Bakery. Abby's is web-based business founded on a healthy, happy, dog and dog owner. Found on the web at http://www.gift-basket4you.com

Next, you can feed them in closer proximity. Keep your new cat in her "safe" room with door firmly closed, and place each cat's dish on their side of door. Be sure to feed them at same time. Once they both eat with no growling or hissing, you can move to next level of introduction.

Close your first cat in a room he likes to frequent, making sure he has water, some favorite food and a litter box. Let your new cat out to explore house. After a few hours, put her back in her room and let your first cat out. He will probably hiss and fuss when he smells another cat's scent in HIS territory. Again, be patient and praise him when he acts calmly. Repeat this activity at least once a day until both cats seem comfortable.

Before you let cats have full access to one another, let them come face to face in a safe situation. Use two hard plastic doorstops to jam door to new cat's room open a mere 2-3 inches. Check that door can't be pushed open any further, and that neither cat can get its head through opening. The object is to give them a chance to swat paws at one another and even go nose to nose without opportunity for full body contact. Feed each cat on their respective side of door. Once they no longer hiss or growl at one another, you can try playing with both of them in same room.