In Taz's case, it also happened to be a male thing, and only evidence he's ever given that he's an adult. He still looks and acts and vocalizes like a kitten, no doubt because his "mother" was a dog.

But Pumpkin never threatened back. He ignored hissing and moved away from attacks. Given his lack of aggression, I decided to just let him stay inside, Siamese be damned.

A month or so later, something strange happened. Taz started lying beside Pumpkin instead of lying beside Witchie. Oh, Witchie's face showed her outrage. Taz showed nothing but guilt. After a time, Taz started playing with Pumpkin. They became best buddies. I don't believe Taz was ever forgiven for that. Witchie can hold a grudge for years. She still hasn't forgiven me for bringing home uncivilized Bebe. (Half dachshund, half doberman, all moron.)

Once or twice, Taz and Pumpkin slept side by side on my chest between two dogs. My sons were same size, since Taz was runt of litter and Pumpkin was probably underfed as a baby. Before learning to hunt, of course.

I didn't show him litter box, by way. He found it himself. If he clawed something he wasn't supposed to, I scolded him once, verbally, and he never did it again. Again, gratitude thing. "Show me rules and I'll follow them; I'm just happy to be here."

Daddy had a problem with rats in his barn, so I told him he could borrow Pumpkin as long as he didn't shoot him. (Daddy doesn't like cats.) Nobody fed Pumpkin while he lived in barn, but every time I went to visit, he was lying on floor with a swollen belly. I took him home a week later, because he was going stir-crazy without human contact. Meanwhile, Daddy had no more rats.

Before I left barn, I held Pumpkin up to to my horse's face. He sniffed and sniffed, quite fascinated. Then head moved, and he realized that big thing was alive. It scared hell out of him. I rushed him home. He always loved riding in truck. A day with Taz and dogs, and he was restored to his good old Pumpkin self.

I think I had Pumpkin for a year. In a manner of speaking, as no one truly owns a cat, especially not an independent fellow like Pumpkin.

Pumpkin vanished for a few days, then came home looking skinny and with a stomach swollen as if he'd swallowed a tennis ball. A trip to vet confirmed worst -- intestinal blockage -- and I made hard decision. I borrowed Daddy's rifle and ended his pain myself. It was a sad day.

For several weeks after that, Taz kept looking at door, waiting for his best friend Pumpkin to come inside. Finally I adopted another male from Humane Society, but that's another story.

Michael publishes a free weekly newsletter, WHO MOVED MY RICE?, which is dedicated to proving that you can't eat grits with chopsticks. http://www.chinarice.org

* Reduce Excess Weight

Extra weight on a dog puts extra pressure on joints and causes more pain and swelling. Begin by reducing amount of treats given, cut back a bit on food, and provide a lower fat diet for your dog. Exercising is also important. If possible, take your dog out for several shorter 10 to 15 minute walks each day rather than going for one long walk. Another great strategy is to take your dog swimming. They’ll get exercise without stressing joints. A bathtub works well for very small dogs. However, if your dog is a landlubber and hates water don’t push issue.

* Keep Your Dog Warm and Cozy on Cold, Damp Days

Set up a soft bed or some layers of fleece in area where your dog normally sleeps. If your dog usually stays outside, then provide an insulated dog house with soft bedding on floor. Be sure doorway is somewhat sheltered and facing away from wind. Better yet, bring them inside when it’s cold and/or wet.

* Apply Moist Heat

Apply a hot water bottle with warm water or use a towel soaked in warm water that’s been wrung out to your dog’s aching joints. Moist heat penetrates deeply and provides welcomed relief. Do not use a heating pad as it may get too hot for dog and burn them especially if your dog has limited mobility - they may not be able to get up and move away from a pad that is too hot.

* Raise Your Dog’s Food and Water Dish

If your pet has arthritis in their neck or shoulders, consider raising their food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend their head down to eat.

* Give Your Pet a Massage

Don’t we all love to have sore muscles rubbed? Gently rub around affected joint and massage surrounding muscles. This gentle kneading and heat from your hands should ease some of pain.

* Use a Ramp For The Stairs

If your dog has a hard time going up and down stairs, think about buying or making a ramp that can be laid over stairs so your dog can more easily maneuver them. This is especially useful for when they need to go outside to “do their thing” or are required to jump into a truck for a trip to vet.

Additional alternatives include herbal and homeopathic products, acupressure, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. Safer and often just as effective, these are just some of things that you can do at home for your dog to give them relief from arthritic pain.