Dear Urbanhounders,

Joining us today as guest editor is Dr. Nick Trout, a surgeon at Angell Animal Medical Center in Boston and author of the new book Tell Me Where It Hurts: A Day of Humor, Healing and Hope in My Life as an Animal Surgeon. Beginning today on our message boards, Dr. Trout will host a chat, answering your questions.

In twenty-first century veterinary medicine, "state-of-the-art" is rapidly becoming "standard of care." MRI and CT scans, cataract surgery and radiation therapy are considered routine. But dogs living longer, healthier lives can force owners to consider two unthinkable, mutually dependent questions - how much is my dog worth to me, and how far should I go to save his life? How can we imagine a financial boundary when it comes to our best friend?

When I read surveys that claim 73 percent of owners would go into debt to allow treatment for their animal, I realize I have an awesome responsibility to both human and animal when it comes to their tough medical, financial and emotional choices.

I try to be objective, but invariably I will be asked "What would you do if this were your dog?" Most of the time there is more than one right decision. Helping each owner to weigh those decisions is the art in the science of what I do.

Sometimes the fear of losing our dogs can cloud our perspective. As far as we can tell, dogs are trapped in the now, unable to understand the notion of enduring difficult treatment in exchange for "extended life." We must consider whether the benefits of treatment will truly justify what we put our dogs through and avoid that fair-weather friend we call denial.

Join me on urbanhound.com, starting today and through Wednesday May 28, for conversation about the health of our dogs. Together, let's make fifteen the new eleven!

With best wishes to you and your hounds,

Dr. Nick Trout

An Overdue Honor for Laika the Space Dog. Soviet mutt Laika was the first living creature to orbit the earth, back in 1957. Unfortunately the former 13-pound former stray did not survive the voyage. Her heroic sacrifice is finally being commemorated with a statue, near Moscow's Military Medicine Institute.

Service Dogs for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sufferers. Serving in Iraq or Afghanistan takes a psychological toll -- a recent study by the RAND Corporation found that as many as 300,000 vets suffer from major depression or PTSD. Now, thanks to a new program from Puppies Behind Bars, some of them may get help from companion canines. Therapy dogs help by providing companionship and structure to a vet's life, along with practical support like reminders to take medication.

Concerned about Parvo? With recent outbreaks of canine respiratory coronavirus in Florida, as well as identified cases of parvovirus type 2c in other states, the American Veterinary Medical Association has developed an online question-and-answer page about these two infections.

What's On. Missed out in January because you were watching the Giants beat the Patriots? Animal Planet is re-airing Puppy Bowl IV this month. Or are you behind on your Groomer Has It episodes? You can catch up online. Same goes for The Dog Whisperer, if you're so inclined.