It's a Ruff World, So Paws To Consider Your Pooch

By Kathleen Adams, Melissa August, Harriet Barovick, Autumn DeLeon, Tam Gray, Lina Lofaro, Desa Philadelphia and Julie Rawe

Considering a career in the booming pet industry? The folks at Pet Sitters International want you. Very much. The professional organization, which offers accreditation courses in pet sitting, among other things, will hold its fifth annual convention in New Orleans this week. A preview:

WHY ATTEND? Says the brochure: "Imagine a huge room filled with the most successful, hardworking and talented pet sitters in the world... Just think how much creative energy and brain power would emanate from such a group...if you've attended [before], you know the magic..."

SAMPLE ACADEMIC FARE: Problem Solving for Pet Sitters ("How to handle break-ins, workmen, house keys and weather disasters"); Profiles in Pet-Sitting Success; Dental Care for Dogs and Cats; Pet-i-Zens, a seminar on caring for elderly pets from Thom Somes, "the Pet Safety Guy."

ON A LIGHTER NOTE: Yappy Hour, from the owners of celebrity-pet haunt Three Dog Bakery; The Doggie Fashion Show--part of the networking luncheon--featuring faux-fur coats and multicolored raincoats. Pucci would be jealous.