Richard and Emily Glover of Brainerd and their 2-year-old golden retriever, Izzy, recently welcomed a new dog into the family.

Ashland is a 15-year-old golden retriever from Bozeman, Mont. Ashland belonged to Mr. Glover's brother and sister-in-law, Clarke and Sarah Glover, and their daughter, Sophie. When Sophie was born almost four years ago, she and Ashland became best friends. But when the Montana Glovers moved to Massachusetts last month, Ashland was not allowed to live in the family's new duplex.

After a long airplane ride from Montana to Atlanta, Ashland was greeted at the airport by her new family, including Izzy. Izzy was excited to have a playmate, Mrs. Glover said. "But after a couple of hours at home, we could sense Izzy realized Ashland was old. It really was amazing seeing Izzy showing Ashland where to potty and eat. Izzy shared her chew bones and toys."

ASK A VET

Q: My neighbors just got their cat microchipped and are trying to convince me to get my dog done. I have heard it is expensive, so I need to know if it's worth it.

A: Absolutely! One in three pets will be lost during its lifetime. Statistically only 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats that are lost are ever returned to their original owners. If you love your pet and think of it as a valued member of your family that statistic alone should make you rush to make an appointment to have your pet chipped.

Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted through a needle much like a vaccination is given. This service is provided at veterinary offices and animal shelters or through microchipping clinics. Many veterinarians offer a discount on this service if you have your chip implanted while your pet is being spayed or neutered. Chipping prices in this area range from $25 to $60. (Microchips, which include an owner's contact information, can be read with a special scanner.)

-- Karen S Walsh, LVMT, executive director, McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center