IN THIS ISSUE Note from Our Founder Happy Tail Treats, Tips & Tidbits Sponsor Spotlight Shop Foundation News

Note from Our Founder Dear Friends, The Obamas are making the transition to First Family, and we all know what's next: getting that new First Dog. They plan to reach out to shelters and wait patiently for the right pooch to become available for adoption. The family is concerned about all the right things: finding a pet that will match their lifestyle and choosing a dog appropriate for Malia's allergies. Thanks to the First Family for providing us with such a great example of responsible pet selection. If folks follow their lead, I believe far fewer pets will end up in shelters. Be healthy, Betsy Co-founder Petfinder.com Share your thoughts on the Obamas' dog selection on our blog.

Happy Tail: Best Bird Ever From Madeline Cruz of North Chelmsford, MA: I've always wanted a parrot. I notified Beaks and Noses, and they gave me information about Vinnie, who wasn't all that tame. Vinnie was being fostered by a family in Worcester, and I was informed that he had come around a lot. So my family and I decided to adopt him. It took him awhile to adjust, but I truly can say that was the best decision I ever made. He is the best bird ever, and I thank Beaks and Noses for giving me the opportunity and trusting me in adopting him and making him my part of my family. ...continued Vinnie was adopted from Beaks and Noses in Billerica, MA.

Read more Happy Tails Do You Have a Happy Tail? Send us your Petfinder pet's happy ending story. It will be entered in our monthly Happy 'Tail' drawing, and you may win a Man's Best Friend Fun Pack and a baseball cap from our friends at The Animal Rescue Site.

Treats, Tips & Tidbits CHECK OUT OUR BOOK! Petfinder.com's Adopted Dog Bible is everything you need to know about choosing, training and caring for a shelter or rescue dog. It's in stores Jan. 20, or you can buy it here. UNDERDOG TO WONDERDOG We love Animal Planet's new series in which homeless pets get full makeovers — and new, loving homes. It airs on Saturdays at 8 p.m. ET. Learn more about Underdog to Wonderdog.

HERE'S WHAT YOU SAID Last month we asked if your pets were included in your wedding plans. Here's our favorite response: Cathi and Gary Small, who married outdoors at their home, didn't intend to include their dogs, who were in a fenced area of the yard. Or so the couple thought. "As Gary and I were saying our vows," Cathi wrote, "I felt a gentle nudge, looked down, and there they were, up on the altar with us." The ceremony continued, and afterward the dogs "entertained the guests ... and had an incredible meal, compliments of the caterers!" Thanks to everyone who replied! TELL US What valuable lesson you have learned from your pet? Tell us. We'll report on your responses in February.

WINTER WONDERS In spite of their chilly-sounding names, these adoptable pets could warm your heart and soul this winter. SNOW Lebanon, CT BLIZZARD Double Oak, TX WINTER Bowling Green, KY CHILLY Midway Park, NC THINK OUTSIDE THE FUR January is Adopt-a- Rescued-Bird Month. More than 1,800 birds are available for adoption on Petfinder.

This warm, lightweight fleece vest features a Petfinder logo that lets you spread the word about pet adoption. With each Petfinder.com Fleece Vest purchased, The Animal Rescue Site will fund 28.0 bowls of food for animals living in sanctuaries and shelters.

Sponsor Spotlight WALMART The best for my pet Give your furry family members quality products at budget-friendly prices. Walmart carries all the premium products you're looking for without the premium prices. Visit our Pet Center today for tips, topics, products and more. Click to visit the Pet Center. BISSELL Could your pet be a model? Think your dog or cat has what it takes to win BISSELL's Most Valuable Pet contest? Click here to submit a photo by March 27 — your pet could win the title of MVP and be featured on BISSELL pet-product packaging! PETCO Encouraging adoption PETCO encourages all its customers to Think Adoption First by searching Petfinder at in-store kiosks. PETCO also sponsors adoption events at all its stores.

Foundation News ALL ROADS LEAD HOME Thanks to Anchor Bay Entertainment for its donation to the Petfinder.com Foundation on behalf of All Roads Lead Home, on DVD now. This family-friendly film has a great message about caring for animals. You can buy the DVD here.

The Petfinder.com Foundation is a public charity created to assist Petfinder shelters and rescue groups through problem solving, fundraising, and relief in times of stress or disaster. Petfinder provides a searchable database of animals that need homes from over 11,500 animal shelters and adoption agencies across the USA, Canada and Mexico, free ads for lost, found, adoptable and wanted pets, pet-related message boards, a library of pet information, and pet-related content for kids. Since its inception, Petfinder has helped find homes for more than 12 million pets. Privacy Policy Petfinder is part of: Discovery Communications, LLC. One Discovery Place Silver Spring, MD 20910 © 2008 Discovery Communications, LLC.