                    Puppies to Dogs and Kittens to Cats
                      Review by Jerry W. Eichelberger

        If you are in the market for either a puppy or kitten, then your
first stop is not the local pet store or vet  . . .  It is your local
computer software dealer.  Villa Crespo software has released two CD-ROM
Interactive Multimedia programs.  If you are interested in a pet, then you
owe it to yourself to purchase the appropriate CD-ROM - "Kittens to Cats" or
"Puppies to Dogs."
        The packages are crammed-full of useful information concerning the
various breeds and their respective characteristics.  The pictures and
videos included are too cute to pass up and guaranteed to get a smile out of
anyone that sees them.
        The installation was a snap and after running the setup program from
Windows 3.11.  The program installed easily and was ready to use in two
minutes.  You will need a multimedia 386 or better, Windows 3.1, and MPC-1
compliant CD-ROM (MPC-2 recommended) and a VGA graphics card (640x480 256
colors minimum).  I ran this program on a Dell 486/66 SVGA with a
Soundblaster 16 card and Creative Labs 2X CD-ROM and the program performed
flawlessly.
        The program starts with an introduction by Ann M. Childers, a noted
animal behaviorist.  She will guide you through the various stages of the
program from the classroom to the instructional glossary of problems.  Do
you have a problem with a puppy that jumps on guest???  If so, just go to
the glossary and select this topic and an instructional video will appear to
help guide you to solving the problem.
        The VHS video that is included in the software package provides
outstanding hints and tips to selecting an appropriate kitten or puppy.  It
will provide you with a step by step guide of items that you will need to
purchase for your pet, information on various breeds, pet care and many more
topics.  I have owned cats and dogs for most of my adult life, yet I was
surprised by the amount of knowledge that I gained by watching the video and
using the CD-ROM.
        One outstanding feature of the product is the "Pet Notes" section.
This area allows you to keep your pet's vital information at your
fingertips.  You can keep track of phone numbers, medical and breeding data.
Once you have entered the necessary data, the program will remind you of
important task such as vaccination schedules or medication schedules.
        The "Breeds" area of the programs will allow you to look at
beautiful full color picture of the various breeds and read the notes and
descriptions for each breed.  I will admit that enjoyed looking at the
various breeds that are out there.  My favorite puppy was a Komondor, a long
hair mop-looking dog.  I also had the pleasure of looking at the ugliest cat
that I have ever seen ... a hairless Sphynx.
        The "Classroom" area of the program will allow two or more users to
follow along in a step-by-step educational session about pet care and needs.
The VCR like CD-ROM controls make it easy to repeat certain segments.  The
information presented is useful and easy to understand.
        Both of these programs were enjoyed by both the writer and the wife
and kids.  I strongly recommend these packages if you are interested in
bringing home a new pet.  You will enjoy the packages and the knowledge
contained within.

                        Villa Crespo Software, Inc.
                            1725 McGovern Street
                          Highland Park, IL  60035
                               (708) 433-0500

    Send your postal name, address, city, state, zip to 3prod@supportu.com
         for product literature to be sent to you via postal mail.
