Wow. I’m writing this up because I’m not sure any of you would find the forthcoming information just by going about your daily lives. Plus, with all the marketing and animal shelter/Friends of the Animals marketing and news you would think that if you don’t spay or neuter your pet, you’re going to hell. A new study reveals that you actually may be HURTING your pooch by snipping- or at least snipping ‘early’.

Research funded by the AKC Canine Health Foundation shows that neutered dogs are more likely to develop cancer and joint problems. We’re talking hemangiosarcoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and canine cruciate ligament (CCL) ruptures. Yikes!

A team of researchers from the University of California, Davis, studied early fixed (before 12 months old), late (12 months or older), and intact golden retrievers. The stand out trend was that the risk of hip dysplasia doubled in the early-neuter group compared to the other groups. Cases of lymphoma were three times greater in the early-neutered males but ironically, incidence of mast cell tumors (male and female dogs) and hemangiosarcoma (female dogs only) were highest in the late-neuter group. So do we not spay or neuter our pets at all to avoid tumors? I, for one, would rather put a diaper on my dog and keep her inside than have to treat her for cancer.

“Timing of spay and neuter does indeed have health implications,” said Dr. Shila Nordone, Chief Scientific Officer for the AKC Canine Health Foundation. “The AKC Canine Health Foundation is committed to funding research that can lead to evidence-based health recommendations.”

The next step is to determine if these results apply to other breeds, not just retrievers. Last summer, the AKC Canine Health Foundation released a podcast interview with the director of the study- Dr. Benjamin Hart. To listen to the podcast visit www.akcchf.org/canineathlete

When you’re hanging up those stockings and wrapping gifts for under the tree, don’t forget your ‘other’ child. Here are a few last minute gift ideas to make your pooch want to lick the beard off Santa.

Rover will shred the wrapping when he spies the Hide-A-Squirrel dog toy. The plush “log” comes with three, cute squeaky squirrels that taunt him from various openings. Your dog scatters the squirrels and you stuff them back in the log making it a toy for both of you. Bonus- since he’s ‘removing’ the rodents it’s like pulling stuffing from a normal plushy so he’s less apt to rip them apart. $18.

Nothing like doggy treat crumbs lining your pockets, right? Keep your gloves on and the crumbs out with the Lickety Stik by PetSafe. It looks like roll-on deodorant but dispenses a liquid that tastes like bacon, chicken, cheese, peanut butter, beef or liver pets will flip for. You can feel good knowing it’s low calorie and made with natural ingredients. $6.99.

A leash that not only looks tough but can take a good beating is what you’ll want this year. The Mountain Leash is a thick nylon rope with high impact and water resistant hardware to hold up whether it’s being dragged through snow and mud or used as a chew toy. $18.39.

Those without dogs may consider a kennel akin to cruelty but dogs think of them as home. The Petmate Vari Kennel Ultra is the perfect solution for security while you’re out for long ski days or when you want to keep your dog from getting mud and snow everywhere. The ‘protective’ playpen is made of heavy-duty, easy to clean plastic, that offers tons of venting and an interior floor ‘moat’ to keep your friend dry. It’s airline and car safe and will withstand impact if there’s an accident or skis slip. $79.99, www.petco.com.

Toss him a Snowball that won’t disintegrate. The Orbee-Tuff Snowball is the world’s first doggie-durable, buoyant, bouncy, minty rubber ball that’s 100 guaranteed, non-toxic, recyclable, washable and non-melting. $9.95.

I’ve always wondered why pets are not allowed on a deck or patio at restaurants. The lame-o excuse is often ‘health code restrictions’. I recently ate at a place in San Luis Obispo where the hostess made me tie up Takoda clear on the other side of the street. Not only was I distracted from my food out of worry but he was getting himself tangled ever 5 minutes and I would have to get up and walk over to help him. Eventually, our amazing waiter rolled his eyes and said we could put him right next to us. If having a dog near you – outside; where people go to smoke, drop trash, let their kids run amock- is truly unhealthy then why have many counties in California altered their rules to allow for your best friend to hang with you while you dine?

Even in Park City- aka Bark City- restaurants are reluctant to admit it’s because they don’t like dogs and not because of some out-dated health code that they deny us our pooches’ company. Only one place that I know of not only embraces the opportunity for good karma but goes the extra mile by providing dog treats and bowls on the patio. It’s appropriately named…Good Karma! Not surprisingly, the Indian restaurant in the Prospector area is a locals’ fave, especially on warm summer mornings for breakfast. The food is delish whether you choose an omelet or a kabob.

If you know of other good doggy dining spots in Utah, please share. In the meantime, here’s a list of the top dog-friendly restaurants in America published in Petside.com. You can go to their site for detailed descriptions on what makes these establishments wag our tails.

1.    Pat Troy’s Ireland’s Own – Alexandria, Virginia

2.    Fetch Bar and Grill – New York, New York

3.    Aster Cafe – Minneapolis, Minnesota

4.    The Regal Beagle – San Diego, California

5.    The Ginger Man – Dallas, Texas

6.    Fiery Ron’s Home Team BBQ – Charleston, South Carolina

7.    Lazy Dog Cafe- Multiple Locations, California

8.    Van Dyke Cafe- Miami, Florida

9.    White Dog Cafe – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

10.    Back Bay Alehouse – Atlantic City, New Jersey