The cartoon in the Indianapolis Star yesterday showed Santa standing in the door of his workshop watching his elves leave with pink slips in their hands. Imagine, Santa laying off his elves. No question, it's been a rough time for the economy and many of us are wondering about our jobs and our retirement. So it was nice to read the newsletter I recently received from one of my pet food manufacturers, Natura Pet Products, describing the benefits of some of their employees. They manufacture Innova, California Natural and Evo, some of the brands that perhaps your pets eat. I quote some of what they wrote. Four and a half years ago they received their first generation of canine and feline residents. Their duties were palatability testing and stool quality assessment. Some of these "employee's" performance has now drawn to a close and these dogs and cats are moving on to retirement and adoption. During the course of their stay at Natura, all dogs and cats are ensured a life of comfort, nutritious food, and loving attention. They are cared for as if they were their own pets complete with socialization, furniture manners and overall etiquette. They are trained to be upstanding future citizens. It is a strict adoption procedure to find the perfect match. They are still in their active years and will make a nice addition to the selected family. Difficult questions are asked and there is an interview process. When the adoption papers are granted these "retirees" leave with a company supported retirement plan.... they will continue eating Natura food and have preventative health care. Santa's elves should be so lucky.

Speaking of Santa this is a nice segue to remind you of the upcoming pet photos with Santa at the second Furry Friends Open House. Last year photographer Claire Corbin set up her camera at Paw Patch at 49th and College. If you missed it here is your chance once again. Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 6th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to come for photos, refreshments, dog and cat treats and fun. This year Chris Hardin, of Badly Drawn Dogs (they are not) will be there displaying his wonderful, contemporary dog portraits. You may remember him from the event held at Broad Ripple Park in September. I think it was called Paws in the Park. He painted a great three dog portrait of our family dogs that we have hanging in City Dogs Grocery. Come in and see it. His work would make a nice Christmas gift. I think his fees are really reasonable. It will be a fun afternoon on the avenue - College, that is. See you there! Pets make you smile.