Cathy M. Rosenthal: Women take it off for calendar

When Barbara Hall, president of the humane society, suggested a calendar of women sans shirts, "board members and volunteers jumped at the chance to help," says Lynda Binkley, co-founder of the organization and current board member. "Husbands agreed it was for a good cause, so all was good."

Seventeen Bulverde area businesses sponsored the printing of the calendar, which the organization hopes will help raise $10,000 for the pets at their shelter. The calendar sells for $12 (plus $3 shipping/handling) and is available at www.bulverdeareahumanesociety.com as well as at several Bulverde pet stores, tanning salons, restaurants and retail outlets. It's for a good cause.

Bad breath a risk

Your pet's bad breath could be more than just a smelly annoyance; it might signify a serious health risk with the potential to damage not only the animal's teeth and gums but its internal organs as well. February is National Pet Dental Health Month — perhaps a good time to get your dog or cat's teeth professionally cleaned and onto a daily brushing regimen. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3, often indicated by bad breath, a change in eating or chewing habits, pawing at the face and mouth, and even depression.

If you think it's difficult to brush your pet's teeth, I can assure you, liver- and chicken-flavored toothpastes make the activity fun and safe for pets. Yum! Yum! (Never use human toothpaste.)

Ask your veterinarian to help you start a pet dental care routine at home. Or visit my Animals Matter blog at www.sapaws.com to view an instructional video on brushing your pet's teeth.

Neuter for a nickel

The number of unwanted cats in San Antonio far exceeds the number of available homes, which leaves many loving and healthy felines in our community with euthanasia as the only option. Neutering is the first step to end this cycle of unwanted births and eventual euthanasia.

So here's a great Valentine's gift for an unneutered male cat — and it will cost you only a nickel. Local animal groups are offering "Nickel Neuters" for male cats throughout the entire month of February.