Pet books roundup
Paw's Corner
By SAM MAZZOTTA

This month's recommendations include a helpful guide for allergy sufferers, a humorous look at dogs from their perspective, and calendars that might make a perfect gift.

As a cat owner who is allergic to pet dander, I was pleased to see "The Sneeze- Free Cat Owner: Allergy Management and Breed Selection for the Allergic Cat Lover," by Diane Morgan (TFH Publications, $12.95) on the store shelf. Despite the long title, the book itself is small enough to be read in one or two sittings, and it's packed with advice on how to share a space with a furry friend and not sneeze your head off. Frequent cleaning, including vacuuming with HEPA filters, keeping your pet in top shape to prevent excess dander, and different ways to treat your allergies - from medication to holistic remedies and treatments - are among the solutions covered.

"The Dangerous Book for Dogs: A Parody by Rex and Sparky" (Villard Hardcover, $15.95), is a humorous take on a dog's life, as well as an insightful look at how dogs get past their owners' best-laid plans to win treats, extra attention and other goodies. Topics include "Begging - APrimer," "How to Escape Humiliating Costumes," and "How to Make Your Owner Look Like an Idiot," all of which will leave said owners chuckling.

Finally, as we reach the season wherein we attempt to find gifts for friends or relatives we like but aren't sure what they want, a new selection of calendars is available from Workman. Very few people can resist a cute pet picture and the calendar publisher obliges with "Bad Dog," "Bad Cat," "365 Kittens-A-Year," "Cat" and "Dog." The titles are pretty straightforward, so you already know that "Cat" is going to be quite different from "Bad Cat." At any rate, one of these will fit the bill perfectly when you're stumped for a gift.

Send your tips, questions and comments to Paws Corner, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475, or email them to pawscorner@hotmail. com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.