Mariah Carey (named after the wind and a pop singer) spends a good part of the day perched atop a cushion of cream and burgundy toile - the words "spoiled rotten" are embroidered on the front panel of her dog-bed. We call her our Pomeranian Princess ... the dog-bed is her throne.

When the owner of a Pomeranian meets another owner of a Pomeranian, there is instant comradery. We compare notes; sometimes we arrange for the dogs to meet. This is not unusual, according to author Jon Katz, whose new book, "The New Work of Dogs," deals with the uncanny relationship Americans have with their dogs.(One Pomeranian has become a full-pledged television star - his name is Chester. He appears as himself in "The Nanny," now running in syndication. In real life, he is the "dog-child" of the star and executive producer of the show, Fran Drescher.)

We Pomeranian owners are like overindulgent, overprotective, over the top parents. And, we wouldn't have it any other way!

These tiny, precious balls of fur, with fox-like faces are intelligent, agile, cheerful, and friendly. They are good watchdogs and wonderful companions.

According to veterinarian Robert Schaper of Branford Veterinary Hospital, Pomeranians are becoming increasingly popular - partly because of the change in lifestyles.

"Many people live in condominiums .... gone are the days of family farms with larger breeds of dogs," Schaper explained. "Many of the toy breeds have very small litters, making them highly sought after."

Dr. Schaper sees several Pomeranian patients in his practice. Some owners even have two of these adorable creatures. And, up until two years ago, Mariah enjoyed the companionship of her brother, Max. When Max died unexpectedly, we lost a family member.

Awhile ago, while shopping at J. C. Glassworks, I became acquainted with Debbie Coveyduck, the owner of a Pomeranian named A. J.

Debbie would bring A. J. to work with her; he would sit quietly on the counter near the register; customers, including me, could pet the well-behaved, darling little pooch. We compared Pomeranian stories, and there was an instant bond between us. I promised to bring Mariah to the store one day so that A. J. and Mariah could meet.

Debbie told me that A. J.'s full name is "A. J. Sirius." He was named after The Dog Star, the brightest star in the constellation. Her daughter suggested the name, hoping that the little dog, named for a star, would brighten her life (Debbie was going through a divorce, ending a 35-year marriage). He has.

Now working at the Guilford Veterinary Hospital, she can't bring A. J. to work with her, but she says that she sees lots of Pomeranians.

"And, people who bring in their pets recognize me from the store as 'the Mother of the Pomeranian,' " Debbie said.

While attending the Branford Festival, Tammy, my friend and neighbor, insisted that she heard Mariah's voice. "Are you sure she didn't follow us?" Tammy wondered, knowing full well that was not the case.

"No," I replied, "but that yipping voice tells me that there's a Pomeranian nearby."

Within seconds I approached a woman carrying a pale-colored Pomeranian. I began a dialogue with a complete stranger about mutual affection for Pomeranians. Her name was Lily - the Pomeranian, that is. I never did get the woman's name. She told me her sister also owned a Pomeranian named Daisy.

My new neighbor has the cutest Pomeranian. We met while walking our dogs.

"What a sweetie," I said, gently stroking the dog. "What's her name?"

"Sweetie," he replied.