Expectant mother Kris Chu of Honolulu had a checklist of things to do to get ready for her newborn. One of her most important priorities was to get her dogs, Artemis and Theseus, prepared for the arrival of baby girl Natori Chu.

Since the dogs were used to being the center of attention, Chu took preventive action to ensure that her newborn's transition to the family would be peaceful and harmonious for all.

To start, she introduced Artemis and Theseus to other babies and children, so they would be accustomed to a variety of new noises such as crying and even the sound of a rocking chair. She also set out fresh diapers, assembled the crib and trained the dogs to respect the infant's room as off-limits.

Once the baby was home, Chu adjusted her time with her dogs. The moment Natori fell asleep, she'd take the dogs out to play, showering them with praise. She also arranged bonding time for baby and the dogs; allowing them to sniff the baby, speaking to the dogs sweetly while she pet them.

Chu's husband, Randy, also takes the dogs running every other day. While exercise helps keep the animals calm, it is an activity that they all look forward to.

Other important things that families can do to prepare include visits to the veterinarian to ensure all pets are healthy and on a program that prevents ticks, fleas and heartworm.

Any pet training and behavioral concerns need to be addressed before the baby arrives. It's also helpful to train pets to wait to be invited to sit on your lap.

Before bringing baby home, the family should gradually wean pets to fewer playtimes with Mom. If Mom is primary playmate and caregiver to the animals, another should begin developing a close relationship with the pet. The animal will still feel loved and provided for while mom is busy with baby.

With a few preventive measures, families expecting a newborn in a few months can be just as prepared as the Chu family.

CAN I KEEP MY CAT?

Expectant mothers who have cats may have been warned of toxoplasmosis, a rare disease that can cause serious birth defects. The odds of contracting toxoplasmosis during pregnancy are extremely low, and even lower for your baby.

Toxoplasmosis is easily avoidable:

Don't handle or eat uncooked meat.

Keep your cat indoors and away from wildlife.

Have someone else clean your cat's litter box daily. Or wear gloves and thoroughly wash your hands.

Feed your cat commercially prepared cat food. Toxoplasmosis is more commonly found in undercooked or uncooked meat, and the parasite can be found in feces of cats that eat raw meat, birds, mice or contaminated soil.

LYNNIE

NO. 07-17103

At first blush, one might overlook this senior kitty; after all, she has catar-acts in one or both eyes. The good news is that Lynnie has a gorgeous black and white coat with pretty whiskers and four darling white "boots." Lynnie is free to anyone age 60 or older.

XENA

NO. 07-11559

Xena the Warrior Princess is beginning to lose faith, because she has been with us for such a long time now. Xena is loving, active and very independent. She enjoys walks, being outdoors and getting pampered by her people. Can you give this dear girl a new leash on life?

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park, at 2700 Wai'alae Ave., are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.