The Kingpins of Cowtown

Send us your PETriotic photos

As we march toward another July 4, I'm reminded of how much I love this time of year -- the pomp and the purely American culture. And, of course, the patriotic pets.

Who doesn't smile when they see a pooch decked out in the red, white and blue -- looking like Tom Cruise in Born on the Fouth of July. (OK, I know there are some purists who are totally against animals wearing clothes, but make an exception for July 4. It's for your country!!!)

So, here's the deal. Send us photos of your patriotic pet(s). They can be from Independence Days past, or they can be from this year. Your choice. I just want to see some awwwww!

To get things started, here's a shot by the Star-T's talented Mr. Ian McVea. It's of Mariposa, a Chihuahua who enjoyed last year's Independence Day parade in Arlington.

Wildflower dogs

Who says dogs don't smile?

Here, from left to right, are Catfish Charlie and Sofie enjoying the bluebonnets last year.

Thanks to Lynda de los Santos of Arlington for getting us started with wildflower photos.

Keep 'em coming.

Widespread pet panic

OK, so the point of setting up a help number is to provide, um, help, right?

You'd never know that from the recent pet food and peanut butter recalls. For the second time in a matter of months, we've had a major recall that has affected thousands of people (and pets) and what do we, the buying public, get? A big, fat busy signal.

Talk about adding to the widespread panic.

I sprained my finger hitting redial before I gave up on the pet food company's two help lines. I had better luck going directly to the FDA's complaint line.

We need some answers. And someone to talk to. When it comes to our pets' health, we can't be put on hold. 

Send us your fat cats and double-wide doggies

As I write this, Cecil is lounging nearby and feeling a bit self-conscious. Ya see, he knows I'm writing about fat felines, and, well, Cecil could stand to lose a few.

Apparently, so can a lot of our beloved house pets. Read all about it in Saturday's Star-Telegram.

Still, fat or slim, there's nothing like a great pet photo to fill your heart with joy -- and fill my blog.

So send 'em if you've got 'em. The photos, not the fat pets.

The address is rpress@star-telegram.com.

The bigger the better. To get us started, check out these guys.