Almost every time I walk my aging dog Jolly down the street in a special harness he uses for the stairs, I get stopped by other dog owners wondering where they can get one. Dogs, like people, seem to be living longer these days, but the market for the special tools you need to keep them comfortable has not quite kept up.

Some of the big pet retailers are catching on, but not fast enough. Pet catalog giant Drs. Fosters and Smith has an arthritis section, but the best product I've found so far is a seat-belt harness similar to the one they sell in another section. Before the harness Jolly would have scary slips; now he's slow, but fine. People who live in apartments without elevators desperately need something to keep their dogs safely walking up and down the stairs. Like many big pet stores, they're good for orthopedic beds and glucosamine supplements, but not that much specialty equipment.

I asked my vet if he had any recommendations for a special harness. He said he was just about to ask me where I got Jolly's harness to recommend to other patients. I'm in the market for a harness the gives him a little more support, so I did some research. Here's what I found:

I never went to my senior prom. I didn't really need to. I had a decent job, a cool ride, all the prerequisite distractions of the day and a raven haired girl who was mad about me with my shoulder length, blow dried, sandy blond hair. I had no time for dancing with the crowd.

Prom time is coming however, and pre-divas all over the country are looking to purchase the perfect prom dresses to emblazon their dawning feminine images upon the minds of the young men in their lives. They'll be seeking those strapless dresses of taffeta and chiffon or spaghetti strapped creations of satin which wrap tight from bust to hips leaving little room for stashing even the smallest of cell phones.

So where does the next pop star's mother find the perfect prom dress for her princess without spending an entire weekly paycheck to get it? After doing a little research, I have come to the conclusion that one excellent source is Amazon.com. I was absolutely amazed at the selection I found over there and the prices are perhaps just as pleasing to the eye as the dresses are. I found strapless and backless and v-neck creations which all met my approval. I saw satin and chiffon and lacy cocktail style dresses with ruffled hems and cinched waists. I found dresses which would flatter a girl who has not yet encountered her bust line. I even located selections which would appear to slim a girl who rides a little heavy in the saddle.

So, if prom time is bringing an extra expense to your household in the coming months, you may wish to consider checking out Amazon.com. Even if you don't make your purchase there, you are bound to come across some pleasing ideas.

And, just in case the fella who is taking my niece to the prom happens to run across this blog post, I feel it is my obligation to make him aware; Dude, if you don't mind your manners and bring the girl home at the proper time and in the same condition you found her, life can become real interesting for a boy in such a small town as this.

While you would never consider yourself a "senior citizen," corporate America is beginning to think otherwise, with many companies cutting prices for those as young as 50. And it's not just limited to airlines and movie theaters -- toy stores, hair salons, golf courses and even pizza joints are getting in on the senior discount action. All you've got to do is swallow your pride and ask.

Better yet, check out seniordiscounts.com, a free online database of "age-related discounts." By clicking on "Discount Search," you'll be directed toward businesses in your zip code that offer some serious age-related bargains.

David Smidt, president of Seniordiscounts.com, cites KB Toys' "Grandparents' Rewards Club" as a good example of corporate America reaching out to the young-ish senior citizen. Installed a couple of years ago, the "Grandparents' Rewards Club" offers 10% off of purchases made on Tuesdays by those who are either 50-plus years old or a grandparent. As a result, what was once the least busy day of the week is now one of the busiest.