Question: What's the best thing I can do for my pets for Christmas?

Answer: Today is Christmas, which means gathering family together and celebrating the people in our lives who matter. For pets it can mean the dog's walk will be postponed, or the cat will be hunting for a good hiding spot.

But owners can do many things to make this holiday a pet's favorite.

If you are hosting a gathering today and have a dog, consider calling those you have invited and ask them to bring their dogs. Nothing makes people happier than to know their animals can share in the fun, too.

If you have a cat, close off a room that it enjoys that is well protected from party noise. Set up food and water in one area and a litter box in another. It is important to make sure that its collar and ID tag are on and that you have a photo of it. With guests moving through your house, it could slip out an open door. A “;Do Not Enter - Cat at Large”; hung on the doorknob might help.

  Q: Can you suggest a pet-friendly New Year's resolution?

A: When you do find a private moment to share with your pet, thoughtfully consider what might improve its life for the new year. It might be time for your pet to have a furry friend of its own. It might be time to resolve to go for more frequent and longer walks. Or it could be as simple as creating a plan to ensure that its flea and heartworm preventive never lapses.

Your pet's life, health and happiness are entirely up to you.