Joel’s Shows &nbsp -Photobloggers- ambivalent images DC Streets digital obscura Drew McDermott DCMetro Flickr Group DC Photo Scene Elliott Teel everyskyline My Life as a Contact Sheet photogene prod and ponder Thomas Michael Corcoran yakusha ohad online James Calder &nbsp -Political Blogs- 1115. Apparently, the Blair House — located at 1651-53 Pennsylvania Avenue NW — is all booked up. The Bush family won’t say who pre-empted the Obamas; Laura Bush spokeswoman Sally McDonough got gruff with Caucus blogger Helen Cooper for “trying to make a story out of something thatās not a story. If you read the article on the NY Times website, the Obamas wanted to move into Blair House early.

There’s been a lot of talk about hypoallergenic dogs recently. President-elect Barack Obama’s 10-year-old daughter Malia has been promised a new puppy to take to the White House, but she has allergies. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies to pets are actually not caused by the amount of hair the pet sheds, but from a protein found in the animal’s dander, saliva or urine. This protein can set off an allergic reaction in certain people. Since all dogs possess these proteins and they are found in the air, there is really no way to totally avoid exposure to them should you have a dog in your home. That said, what can people do to reduce allergy symptoms in circumstances where dogs are present?

Cold, dry air, evergreen trees, boxes filled with holiday decorations - and possibly molds and dust - brought down from the attic. If you are sensitive to allergens from dust mites, pets such as cats and dogs, cockroaches or molds, then winter doesn’t represent relief because these things can be found indoors. Aside from the aforementioned indoor allergens, other potential triggers for asthma exacerbation to watch out for include irritants such as cold, dry air, strong scents, smoke from tobacco or [a] wood-burning fireplace, as well as respiratory infections such as the common colds that tend to be more prevalent during the winter. If you are allergic to molds, watch out for their presence on evergreen trees, as these could account for symptoms related to live Christmas trees.

Judging from the products I see in catalogs these days, tweens and pet owners have money to burn. Well, tweens can fend for themselves, but speaking as a pet owner and a vet, I want my dog and cats to have the latest gear, but I don’t have SUCKER written across my forehead. But one sight of a barking dog, and your cat will claw its way out of his nylon “restraint” and possibly into traffic. As for your dog, fight fads and pet obesity by making it walk next to you. If your dog is suffering, try glucosamine and chondroitin (animal studies have shown good results with the brand Cosequin) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Justine Lee, DVM, is a veterinary emergency critical-care specialist and the associate director of veterinary services at Pet Poison Helpline.