Dear Paw Prints,
My dog KoKo just died a few days ago and I'm very sad. Advice, please!

--C.K.

Dear G.C.,
If your dog is not eating properly the first thing you need to do is make sure he is not sick. Diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy are all signs that something is wrong. Take him to the veterinarian. If your dog is not sick, here are some other things to try:
* Check the expiration date on the dog food bag as well as smell it for strong or unusual odors to make sure the food isn't old or has spoiled.
* Buy quality food for your pet, with meat as one of the first three ingredients listed.
* Mix a small amount of canned food into the dry and gradually ease off the wet food until your dog is eating only dry food. (You can even heat the canned food up a little in the microwave to bring out its enticing aroma.
* Feed your pet only one type of food. Constantly changing the food or feeding "people food" to your dog may cause him to hold out for the good stuff. Also make sure he is not getting food from other sources like other family members, counter surfing or from the trash.
* Feed your dog in a quiet area, away from commotion and lots of activity. Then put the dog bowl down and walk away. Your dog will eat when he is hungry.
* Try to feed your dog around the same time every day--dogs like routine.
* Never scold or punish your dog for not eating. Have patience!
If the problem continues, you may need to consult your veterinarian or an animal behaviorist.

Hi Pima Animal Care Center,
Why doesn't my dog want to eat? I put food in his bowl--he knows it's there, and he (seems) fine and happy.

Thank you, G.C.

Dear Pima Animal Care Center,
I'm getting a cat soon, but I don't know what's the best kind to get!

Need help, T.Y.

Pima Animal Care Center (PACC),
I got a cool pet rat, and her name is Bella. She knows a lot of tricks like stay and a lot more. My mom named her after the new moon.
Thank you so much, N.K.

Dear Boomer Bear,
My cat barks like a dog and I don't no why!

Your friend, Y.M.

Dear M.J.,
I had my friends at the Pima Animal Care Center (PACC) answer this in my Paw Prints column (which is online, too). Here's what they had to say:
Chewing is a natural behavior for dogs and can help promote healthy gums and teeth. Unfortunately, there's also a downside to chewing, especially when your puppy is chewing things you don't want her to have or that can hurt her.
Chewing is a way for puppies to learn and explore--similar to how babies learn by putting things in their mouths. They also chew to relieve discomfort caused by teething, just like babies. (Teething in puppies usually occurs when they are between 3 and 10 months old. Puppies also might chew because they are hungry, to help them relax or because they’re just plain bored. To help minimize your puppy's chewing behavior, give her lots of attention, love, exercise and obedience training. Play games like fetch and take her on long walks daily. Make sure to give her toys she can chew, like Kongs. Try rotating the toys every few days so she always has different things to play with. Give her dental treats to help clean teeth and ease teething pain. Always keep on eye on your puppy when you are home and redirect her immediately to an appropriate chew toy when she starts chewing something she is not suppose to have. Remember to praise her for chewing on appropriate chew things. Finally, consider crate training your puppy. Crate training will help her feel secure and safe, especially when she needs to be left alone. With love, patience, training and lots of activities and exercise, your puppy should grow up to be a wonderful companion and friend!

Pima Animal Care Center

Boomer,
My puppy is 8 months old, and she is obsessed with chewing! We have tried everything and she still chews! If we can't rid her of her habit, we'll have to bring her to the shelter! HELP ME!

Thanks for your advice, M.J.

Dear L.V.,
Turtles can make great pets and can live decades, but just like dogs and cats, they need to be given proper care and attention. Food requirements vary depending on the type of turtle you have. Do your research—find out what type of turtle you have and what it would eat in the wild, then try to provide a similar diet. Turtles are omnivores, which mean they eat both plants and meat. Generally speaking, land turtles are mostly vegetarians and eat fruits and vegetables and occasionally a meat product like an earthworm or grub. Water turtles, on the other hand, eat a lot more fish and insects and rarely eat plants. Popular protein sources include insects, earthworms, mealworms, fish (live feeder fish or bits of tuna or salmon), shrimp, chicken and pinkie mice. Healthy fruits and vegetables include dark leafy greens like spinach and kale, green beans, carrots, tomatoes, apples, grapes, strawberries and mushrooms. NEVER feed your turtle diary products, candy or table scraps!!! Vitamin supplements also might be necessary to meet your turtle’s nutritional requirements. Also make sure your turtle has enough room to live in as well as enough light, shade, moisture and clean water. Finally, most turtles are content to be a solitary pet, so it’s probably best to keep them away from your other pets.

--Pima Animal Care Center

Dear Paw Prints,
What do turtles eat?

Thank you, L.V.

Boomer,
I feel very sad. Maybe we can dedicate her school to her.

Your friend, G.K.