Dear Otis:
My family wanted me to ask you if there is something safe and natural that they can put on my fur to repel bugs (like fleas, ticks & mosquitoes). I don't have any of those buggers right now, but they are going to take me on my first camping trip very soon and want to make sure I don't get any ticks while we're out in the woods. Thank you for your help!

Your friend, Maisy, Age 2 Pointer-mix

Hi Maisy!
I am so bitter that you get to go camping. That is going to be so much fun! Here are some things that your family might want to get to keep the bugs at bay:

Flea & Tick Collar from Eco Pure
Made from food-grade botanical extracts. Each collar comes with a bottle of solution that you apply to the collar. The solution causes a complete breakdown of insects' central nervous systems by interrupting neurotransmitters found only in bugs.

Flea Free
All natural food supplement that works internally in the blood stream to control fleas.

Organic Neem Dip & Spray
From Azmira, neem has been widely studied as a safe, effective, natural alternative to chemical pest control. Traditional dips can cause seizures, blindness, immune disorders and general poor health. Neem eliminates this danger for the pet and owner.

Garlic Daily Aid and B-Complex 50 supplements from Azmira, for a healthy immune system.

Neem Protect Shampoo & Spray
From Ark Naturals, made from environmentally friendly & natural botanicals. Gentle and non-drying.

Flea & Tick Shampoo & Spray
From EcoPure Naturals, promotes immediate knockdown without toxic poisons.

Have fun and chase a squirrel for me! Your friend, Otis.

Dear Mayor Otis (you handsome beast!)
Can you recommend a diet for my diabetic cat? He is currently on Purina DM and receiving 4 cc of insulin twice a day. He was diagnosed in August and has been on Purina and insulin since. His blood sugar is around 230.

Thanks Otis. Hope to visit you soon!
Kitty Thomas

Hi Thomas!
I spoke with my vet friend, Beth Dutton, at Blue Cross Veterinary Clinic. She recommended a high protein food, specifically EVO. It comes in cans and also dry.

You might also want to check out the Azmira line of natural supplements. They have a product called Panc'rse & GlucoBalance that can eliminate the need for insulin in many pets. They also recommend a supplement called Daily Boost, which helps reduce digestive malfunctions which may encourage a diabetic predisposition. You can go to their Web site at azmira.com or call them at 520-886-1727 or 520-293-6639.

Don't forget that your vet knows more than I do since they went to vet school, and I just went though Canine Good Citizen Training, so talk to them before making any drastic changes.

I hope that helps! -- Otis

Dear Mayor Otis,
Hi, my name is JohnnyCash. I'm a chuggle (chihuahua-pug-beagle). My people adopted me about a month ago from the P-word and I'm so happy to finally have a home since I'm an older guy. My people are very concerned about my toe-pits. (those little webby spaces between my toes) They have sores between them and they really bother me because I feel like I have to lick them ALL the time. My people mom cleans them all the time and puts gooey stuff on them and even this disgusting bitter stuff but they still don't heal so I don't stop licking them. Another people said it could be a food allergy. Here's the thing, my people won't hesitate to get me the food I need, but they're not rich like Paris Hilton (thank GOD I'm not paris Hilton's dog anyway!) and wanted to know if Noble Beast carries trial sized amounts of special foods so I could eat a couple different types and find out if the food helps my toe-pits, and not spend a fortune on whole bags of food that might not work out.

Thanks Otis, Let me know.

Dear Johnnycash,
Love is a burning thing, and it sounds like you have some serious love going on between your toes. Now that you have been sprung from Folsom Prison, your general condition will be getting better and that will help a lot. An allergy diet is a great idea. They keep it simple with one protein and one carbohydrate that most dogs are not going to be allergic too. They are nice for us older guys 'cause they are easy to digest. Noble Beast has several good ones, and they have free samples so that you can try some different ones and see what you like. It might take some time for your body to react to the change, so your new people mom can get a small bag if she finds something that you like. A 5 pound bag costs about 10 bucks, so that is not so bad. It comes in cans too if you like those. You might also want to try a Yeast and Fungal D'Tox. This herbal extract from Azmira has natural anti-fungal, anti-yeast and anti-bacterial properties. Finally, make sure that your new mom isn't using anything toxic to clean the floors.

Come on in and we'll get you going on some samples!

-- Otis

Dear Faithful Readers: I am a pug, not a vet. So while I will attempt to answer you questions as best as I can, please don't use my advise in lieu of seeing your veterinarian for issues that are more serious than flatulence problems and things like that. Thanks! Otis.

Otis is the Mayor of Noble Beast and at 9 years old, he is very wise and very food motivated. Do you have a question for Otis? Send it to info@noblebeastpets.com. If you like, you can send a picture too.