The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in Lynnwood circulated its top ten animal-friendly resolutions a few days before the corks popped. I'm normally averse to setting New Year's goals; running a marathon and learning banjo have actually fossilized on my Master To-Do list.

But here is a reasonable tally of straightforward suggestions to improve life for domestic and wild animals, without any sabotaging nods toward self-improvement. I fully embraced the enterprise when I noticed I'd already nailed three resolutions: My chimney is capped, my dog is spayed, and she gets a healthy dose of outdoor exercise every day. So I enter the new year with a trio of checkmarks to my credit. For someone who loves lists almost as much as animals, this is a good feeling.

There are other worthy suggestions on the PAWS compilation that I'll happily entertain in 2008, including adding more wildlife-friendly, native plants to my garden; expanding my vegetarian repertoire; and eating more organic foods. Fueled by a feeling of righteousness and a double espresso, I'm planning to tackle four additional pet-related goals of my own:

1. Learn how to perform CPR on cats and dogs. I've signed up for a four-hour pet first aid class in February at the Seattle Red Cross. I'll tell you all about it.

2. Take up skijoring. I'm a big believer in trying new things with my dogs. It's one way we all stay engaged mentally and physically. So this winter, I'll learn how to cross-country ski with dogs pulling me like I'm a sled. (Comic relief for my husband, if nothing else.)

3. Collect more karma poops at the dog park. Even when I'm not in the mood (and grumbling under my breath), I'll chalk up moral superiority points and help keep the park cleanby collecting unclaimed landmines at Magnuson, my neighborhood off-leash area.

4. Leap with both feet into Seattle pet life for Pet Dish. I've been writing about the canine universe for several years. With Pet Dish, I'll be widening my focus to take in a much greater variety of companion animals including (but not limited to) cats, birds, rodents, fish, reptiles and even spiders. I'll be scanning the Seattle animal scene for interesting news and people, opportunities for activism and volunteering, key legislation, new research, thought-provoking trends, worthy events and notable products.

I hope Pet Dish will be an essential stop in your daily routine, like the corner hydrant is for a dog: A place to sniff out the latest local dope and to share your own perspectives and stories. In my experience, dog lovers are an active, compassionate and opinionated lot. I'm guessing the same is true of cat fans, rabbit aficionados, snake charmers and the rest -- at least that's what I'm hoping. Your feedback, ideas, opinions and treats (don't forget treats) will be the real strength of Pet Dish in 2008.

In the spirit of feedback: I wonder, will you be taking any concrete steps to make life better for animals in 2008?

From skijoring in Fairbanks to tracking down lost pups with a pet detective in Fresno, Pet Dish blogger Lisa Wogan explores the world of dogs and their people for Bark magazine, and in books such as Unleashed: Climbing Canines, Hiking Hounds, Fishing Fidos, and Other Daring Dogs. In her forthcoming book, Dog Park Wisdom (May 2008), she shares grass roots canine-care advice from seasoned dog folks around the country. She lives in Seattle with rescue dogs Lulu and Renzo.

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