Since the WRAL.com Pets section launched in the spring of 2007, Miss Fifi has graced the home page as the advice columnist to the animals. Fierce. Fabulous. Fearless. That's our Miss Fifi.

She never shied away from discussing the tough topics, from the latest fashion and pet tech craze, to the safest way for lizards to slip into and out of camouflage without facing peril. She was raised with a silver spoon in her mouth, a tiara atop her head, and an unparalleled sense of adventure. She adored fashion week in France and Milan. But above all, she loved the life she lived with her family here in the Triangle--her boy Peyton, her mom Dolly, and her dad Matt.

In fact, her family was with her in the very end, last year. Miss Fifi is the nom de plume for the incomparable Penelope Buttercup, who passed away peacefully on May 26, 2008, just one month shy of her 12th birthday.

Penelope,...

Dear Miss Fifi: 

What do animals sound like? I think my dog, Penny, would sound like Lucy from Peanuts if she could talk. 

- Peyton 

~~~

Dear Peyton: 

Why, what a charming question, dear. I've known a couple of "Lucy's" in my day ... and truth be told, have also thought that might be a bit what I sound like. Ol' Dilettante Dilly sounds a bit like Ann Margaret, and our friend Magnolia May is a dead ringer for Julia Sugarbaker. There's a strong fella across the street, an English Bulldog, who'll make you melt with his Barry White voice, and my boy's best friend, Nick, has a bearded lizard who sounds like Emo Phillips. 

Personality comes in all shapes and sizes, and the funniest personalities are those which are unexpected. The next time you're outside playing, Peyton, try to imagine what the animals around you sound like. Miss Fifi promises it'll make you smile. 

Woof!

Dear Miss Fifi: 

My dogs would be great visitors for an hour or so at a retirement home to spread cheer and love to those who are often separated from their families. How would one go about finding ways for owners and their dogs to spread love in their community?

- Kristen 

~~~ 

Dear Kristen: 

What a great idea! Retirees love canines as much as we love them ... and studies have proven that pets are good for your health! I think your best bet would be to call the retirement home nearest you, that you have considered visiting, to find out about their pet policies. You can also check with your county's humane society for a listing of retirement homes who may have contacted them looking for visits. 

Good luck! Woof!

Dear Miss Fifi: 

What is my dog's obsession with feet? Jack is a three year old Boston Terrier/Miniature Pinscher mix that has always had a thing for feet. As a puppy he would bark and become agitated just when we put on socks, but these days he has relaxed and only gets upset with new shoes. Strangely, he doesn't seem to care much when I get new shoes ... but if my husband gets new shoes without Jack thoroughly smell them before putting them on, it's another story. Jack will bark and act afraid of the shoes, not even willing to get near them for a treat. I have also seen this to a lesser degree when certain friends come over with new shoes. 

Jack's other foot obsessions aren't quite as amusing. When people come to visit he will jump all over and lick our guest's feet unless we keep him leashed or crated. Even after Jack calms down he will constantly try to find a way to sneak in some licking. Jack also loves licking my husband's feet. I won't let him lick mine...

Dear Miss Fifi.

Hi Fifi. We have a 1 year old Beagle, George. We got him from a breeder at 3 months old and for the past 9 months, he has been our 'only child'. Just yesterday, we adopted a 1 year old shepherd mix, Remy, and she is very sweet and loving. Before bringing her into the home, we introduced them twice and they had play dates and all seemed to go well. Last night, when we made her move official, George seemed to be very territorial and borderline aggressive with her ... biting her legs and tail relentlessly for hours and even into the overnight. He loves to play and gets along with other dogs. He's very social, so we cannot tell if this is play behavior or dominant behavior. Despite Remy's attempts to tell George that she doesn't want to play so roughly and/or that she doesn't want him biting her, he continues on. And even into the morning.

Also, when Remy picks up chew toys that George has never touched EVER, George barks at her until she drops it and then...