DEAR DR. FOX: I am writing to you in response to your request for communications from the grave.

My 16 1/2-year-old Aussie, Megan Rose, died Sept. 5, 2010. I took her death very hard.

When I got her ashes, I put them on my bureau. I have a wall vase with four blue roses that hangs next to the bureau. A few days later, I found a rose on the floor. I thought it was strange because no roses had ever fallen out before, and I had never touched them. I put it back in the vase.

The same thing happened the next day. And on the third day it happened again, only this time when I found the rose I said, "Megan Rose, is that you?" I put the rose back in the vase, left the room and came back a few minutes later only to find the rose on the floor again. I thought to myself, What a perfect symbol -- her name is Megan Rose, and here is a rose. Nothing happened again for six months.

On her birthday in March 2011, when I got up in the morning, I went to the bureau, picked up her ashes and said, "I wish you were here for your 17th birthday" and gave the box of ashes a kiss. As I was putting the ashes back on the bureau, lying next to where her ashes had been was a blue rose. -- J.H., Seymour, Conn.

DEAR DR. FOX: Thanks for writing about "ghost" animals in your column. It was a comforting and nonjudgmental response to your reader. I know many of us who have lost pets will find comfort in your words.

When we moved into our house 20 years ago, my husband and I felt the familiar landing of a cat at the end of our bed and the slow movement of paws up to our pillows. No cat was there. We called it "ghost kitty."

We would reach out to pet the cat or talk to it, but we just touched air. Our live cats (we had several) would not stay or sleep in our bedroom, so it wasn't a case of mistaken identity. This routine continued for many years until we adopted three homeless cats who took up residence in our bedroom (by choice) and never went downstairs until many years later. We hope "ghost kitty" has gone on, but, from time to time, we still wonder about the cat. Your column has given us an insight into this phenomenon. -- L.R.R., Virginia Beach, Va.

DEAR J.H. and L.R.R.: Many readers will appreciate your letters. Several communications from our beloved departed pets are posted on my website, DrFoxVet.com; these stories support my belief that such phenomena are not mere coincidences or products of the imagination.

It is my contention that the more mindful we are of the spiritual dimension of existence and the great mystery of conscious life, the more we may begin to improve as a species in our regard for and treatment of all creatures great and small.

DEAR DR. FOX: When my husband and I had our first dog, a beagle/boxer mix, we were amused and annoyed that when we let her out, she would always head for a patch of garlic that my husband planted for fun. That was her favorite resting spot. We couldn't figure out why she picked such a smelly place, but it finally dawned on us -- no fleas!

We have had several dogs through the years and always included garlic (fresh or powdered) and brewer's yeast in their food, and we have never had a sign of fleas or ticks.

Dumb dogs? I don't think so. -- R.K., St. Louis

DEAR R.K.: Your first dog certainly demonstrated a degree of "wild wisdom" in her choice of lying on a patch of garlic growing on your property.

British biologist Dr. Cindy Engel compiles many fascinating accounts of animal species self-medicating with various herbs and treating wounds and even broken bones in her book, "Wild Health: Lessons in Natural Wellness From the Animal Kingdom" (Houghton-Mifflin).

Freshly chopped garlic and its potent oil extract have many medical benefits. However, it is an irritant to the stomach lining, so it is best taken with food. It can act as a natural antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent. It can rid the body of intestinal worms. On the skin, garlic can help heal burns and kill ringworm. It may help diabetics lower their daily insulin dose. Garlic can be helpful with many other conditions, including toothache, heart problems, high cholesterol levels and allergies. It is a potent blood thinner, helping prevent coagulation and clot formation. It may also help lower blood pressure.

These are just a few of the medical benefits of this remarkable herb. It can cause a form of anemia in cats, but is safe for most dogs. You can give one large clove per 30 pounds of body weight with food. Coupled with 1 teaspoon per 30 pounds of body weight of brewer's yeast, it works well to keep fleas and other biting insects away from dogs and people alike.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I read your article on feral cats, and I thought you might like to hear the story of mine.

About 26 years ago, I saw a small stray cat going across the street and down the sewer. I started feeding him. About 8 months later, on a cold, bitter, snowy day, I was able to catch him. My wife and I put him in our basement and didn't see him for a week. Then one day, he came out and became the talk of Old Orchard in Webster Groves, Mo. He was about a year old, and we named him T.C. -- short for The Cat.

He lived in my barbershop until I retired in 2007. He would sit on the step outside with the door wide open and greet anyone who came along. He was so popular, one of my customers, John Marecek, wrote a poem about him, and it was published!

He lived a good, long life in the comfort of the barbershop for 25 years. He passed away in January 2011. -- G.B., St. Louis

DEAR G.B.: Thanks for your heartwarming story many readers will enjoy. It is noteworthy that T.C. had no interest in leaving your shop even though the door was wide open. Similarly, Mr. Mark Twain, our old, formerly feral cat has never shown any interest in going back outside once he decided to come out of hiding in our home. He felt it was safe, trusted us and knew we were his food, water and clean litter box providers.

As you discovered, having a cat can be good for business, putting clients at ease and providing a catalyst (pun intended) for conversation. Dogs can be great, too. Unfortunately, there are many city ordinances that prohibit having an animal in a business, though this is not true in more animal-civilized countries like England and Holland.

I'm including my two favorite lines from the poem about T.C. by your customer John Marecek:

Men enter the shop and seek out his bed

To just say, "How are you?" and then pet his head.

DEAR DR. FOX: We have two dogs, a 6-year-old un-neutered English bulldog and a 4-year-old female Chihuahua. They are indoor dogs, but they do go outside for exercise and bathroom duties.

When the Chihuahua urinates, the bulldog will come by and lick it, causing his tongue to freeze in place for a few minutes, then he drools. Why does he keep doing this? We have tried everything to stop him.

Is there anything you can think of that would help put an end to this disgusting habit? They both get along famously and are the best of friends -- they even sleep together. -- E.W., West Falls, N.Y.

DEAR E.W.: What may seem disgusting to you is perfectly normal canine behavior. Some people are even put off when dogs sniff each other's rear ends.

I can understand anyone protesting when his dog rolls in some stinky, organic goop, but that is, in some ways, akin to humans putting on perfume.

Your English bulldog is showing the Flehmen reaction, which is most often seen in bulls and stallions sniffing the females of their species. In a Flehmen reaction, the tongue curling and freezing is done to place the scent or pheromone of whatever has been licked on a spot just behind the upper front teeth. This is where two ducts leading to the vomeronasal organ are located -- a second scent organ present in other mammals, including cats, who often show the Flehmen reaction when sniffing and tasting various substances. This organ may play an important role in pheromone influences on the animals' brains and behavior.

So please accept your bulldog's bond-affirming behavior, and let him be.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.com.)

DEAR DR. FOX: I have a 2-year-old Yorkshire terrier named Rondo who has a large, bald hot spot on the upper thigh of his right hind leg.

I took him to a veterinarian when the spot was small. She said that it came from hormones in a vaccination that was too strong for him. (I got him vaccinated at the local Petco, and it cost me $37.) She prescribed Animax Ointment nystatin-neomycin. The tube of ointment was $20, and the visit was $87. I used the entire tube to no avail.

The spot is getting larger and has a bumpy feeling. What do you suggest putting on it to make it heal? Although it does not seem to bother Rondo, it is unsightly for such a little dog -- C.R.W., Washington, D.C.

DEAR C.R.W.: If this is indeed the spot where your little dog was vaccinated with a relatively huge shot for his size, then you could have a serious problem developing, especially since it is getting larger and has a "bumpy feeling."

Any veterinarian who tells a client that the "hormones" in a vaccination caused the reaction and gave you Animax Ointment should go back to school, give you your money back and read my article on adverse vaccination reactions on my website.

A biopsy needs to be taken to determine if the growth is a benign granuloma or a cancerous fibrosarcoma, which is a more prevalent reaction in cats at the point of injection. Until such a determination is made, I would advise against giving your dog any more vaccinations or other treatments.

DEAR DR. FOX: With all the extremely hot weather we are having across the country, my thoughts go to the animals. I wish you would address cats' and dogs' paws as they relate to hot asphalt and concrete.

I have suggested to several people that they remove their shoes and feel what their pets are experiencing. I've seen poor dogs who seem to be trying to walk on their toenails. Even my four rescue cats do all they can to avoid walking on our hot wooden deck.

Animals' pads may be tough, but I don't think they're immune to hot asphalt. -- V.N.E., Saluda, N.C.

DEAR V.N.E.: With climate change intensifying and droughts across the heartland, this summer and beyond are likely to be hotter than ever. I trust that readers will remember your note of concern. Thanks for the words of warning.

Many pet stores sell dog booties, which most dogs eventually learn to walk in -- provided they stay on. Some designs are better than others. These offer some protection on hot surfaces, and Army dogs serving in the Middle East are equipped with them.

Hot weather wraps and coats are also available. They are worn wet, and they cool the dog's body through evaporation. The darker the dog's coat, the faster it heats up.

I would also add to this hot summer pavement warning that no dog should be left in a parked car.

DEAR DR. FOX: I enjoy reading your articles very much, and I'm hoping you can help me with a problem with my West Highland white terrier.

He is 13 years old, and he has a problem with his feet. His paws -- especially between his toes -- crack and bleed all the time. He's had this problem several times before. I try to fix this problem by soaking his feet in water and Epsom salts or hydrogen peroxide and then applying Neosporin. However, this treatment is no longer effective.

I would appreciate any suggestions you can give me. -- S.F., Fairfax, Va.

DEAR S.F.: Old dogs often suffer from dry and cracked paw pads and elbow callouses. Soaking in warm water with hydrogen peroxide and Epsom salts is a good cleansing and softening first step. But you must take the next step, otherwise the paw pads are going to dry out even more.

Apply a good-quality human moisturizing skin cream twice daily after the initial soaking. Make sure the dog doesn't lick his feet for at least an hour.

Alternatively, you can make your own healing formulas. First, apply aloe vera gel (available in health stores) once daily. Once that has dried, apply an organic olive oil solution, which has incredible skin-healing phytochemicals. Add four to six drops of frankincense, lavender and myrrh essential oils to 1 tablespoon of the olive oil -- it's a truly excellent healing potion.

PET FOOD RECALL

Nature's Variety has initiated a voluntary recall of Prairie Beef Meal and Barley Medley Kibble for Dogs due to an odor that may develop over time.

The manufacturer, based in Lincoln, Neb., said the product is not contaminated, but some food is not remaining fresh for its shelf life.

Consumers who have purchased one of the products can obtain a full refund or exchange it for a different variety by returning the product in its original packaging or bringing a proof of purchase back to their retailer.

Call 888-519-7387 or visit naturesvariety.com for more information, including the specific UPC numbers of affected lots.

(Send all mail to animaldocfox@gmail.com or to Dr. Michael Fox in care of Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106. The volume of mail received prohibits personal replies, but questions and comments of general interest will be discussed in future columns.

Visit Dr. Fox's website at DrFoxVet.com.)