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Q: My son has just turned 6, and we want to get a new dog. How do we pick the "perfect" dog?

A: All dogs require patience, time, attention and training. If your child is very pushy, excited or overly physical, a dog can take it the wrong way, and a good situation can turn bad. If you are taking your child to meet a dog for the first time, instruct him to stand still and let the dog get comfortable by sniffing him. Tell him not to touch the dog or make eye contact for the first few minutes. Do research on the breed of dog you want and take advice from your vet or the shelter from which you are adopting. Never pick a dog on appearance. Always consider personality and character traits.

Wally's Friends finalist in WTCI awards program

Wally's Friends, a nonprofit agency that has spayed and neutered nearly 28,000 dogs and cats, is a finalist in WTCI's Be More Awards. It's one of 11 nonprofits nominated in the People's Choice Award category, and votes are being accepted by the local PBS affiliate through Feb. 15 at www.wtciTV.org. The local PBS affiliate will accept community votes through Feb. 15, and awards will be presented in ceremonies March 3.

Eileen Price, executive director at Wally's Friends, said the organization employees two full-time veterinarians. Located in Red Bank, Wally's Friends opened three years ago to aid residents of Chattanooga and surrounding counties who cannot afford to spay or neuter a pet.All donations to Wally's Friends are tax deductible.