A Note from Janice Brown, Founder

I remember the first time I went to a restaurant and found the Chinese New Year calendar printed on the placemat. I must’ve been nine or ten. I immediately scanned for my year of birth to determine my Chinese identity—I am a rat.

I have to admit I was disappointed for a bit. It was not as exciting as a dragon, tiger, or even a monkey. Although, through the years, I have come to appreciate my association with the rat. I recognize the special qualities every animal provides to their environment.

This year, Tails has declared 2006 the offi cial “Year of the Pet,” and it seems perfect timing to be publishing the winners of our 2nd Annual Photo contest. As always, our judges had a hard time choosing only a handful of pictures from the hundreds of entries we received, since you all have so many adorable animal companions.

Let’s work together to make the “Year
of the Pet” a great one for all of us-


Janice Brown