Which family member spends the most time indoors? Perhaps the family dog.

Nearly 70 percent of dogs spend at least half their time hanging around indoors, according to a survey conducted by Purina Little Bites Indoor Complete brand dog food.

Thirty-seven percent of women surveyed and 24 percent of men said they had selected home decor with their pets in mind, according to the survey. Forty-one percent of dog owners between the ages of 18 and 34 said they had selected dog-friendly furnishings.

The elaborate press kit doesn't exactly explain what constitutes "dog-friendly furnishings," but the Purina people are running a contest in which the grand prize is a "$25,000 indoor remodeling for the family member who spends the most time indoors -- the dog."

The Purina tip sheet has some dog-friendly decorating tips:

Use ceramic tile or vinyl flooring in areas where dogs eat.

Design a dog bowl or treat jar to match the decor in your dog's feeding area.

Use low-pile carpets or easy-to-clean area rugs. Seal hardwood floors with polyurethane.

Washable paint with a satin finish is easier to clean than flat paint.

Opt for furniture without skirts and ruffles, which can provide a trap for pet hair.

Hang a decorative hook on the wall or in the coat closet to create "quick and easy leash access."

Purina says the makeover will be done "by celebrity interior designer Kari Whitman, whose client list includes Emilio Estevez and Don Johnson."

To enter the contest, write an essay describing, in 100 words or fewer, how winning the home makeover could make your dog's good life even better. You also need to send a photo showing your dog enjoying his or her favorite place in the house.

Log onto www.longliveyourdog.com for more information on the contest. You can also enter the contest on that site, but you have to fill out a questionnaire which includes questions about your pets and your buying habits.

You can mail your photo and essay, along with a 3- by 5-inch piece of paper which includes your name, address, date of birth and daytime phone number.

The mailing address:

The entry deadline is March 31.

Some people think you can tell a lot about a man by the kind of dog he keeps. Sometimes we make stereotypical suppositions, such as expecting macho race-car drivers to have big, imposing dogs.

Ed Carpenter, driver for Vision Racing, does own a Rottweiler named Bentley. But he also has a five-pound Chihuahua named Roscoe. And it's Roscoe who often travels to IndyCar races with Mr. Carpenter in his motor coach.

This information comes from Tina Mendenhall, public relations coordinator for Indianapolis Motor Speedway. She's getting an early jump on pre-publicity for the 90th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 28. The Indy folks thought we might like to know more about the drivers, including what kind of dogs some of them spend time with.

Miniature pinschers named Milo and Vega belong to 2003 IndyCar Series champion Scott Dixon, who drives for Target Chip Ganassi Racing.

Dario Franchitti, driver for Andretti Green Racing, enjoys playing with Shug and Buttermilk, who are fluffy, cuddly cockapoos.

Rahal Letterman Racing's Danica Patrick, 2005 IndyCar series and Indy 500 Rookie of the Year, owns a miniature schnauzer named William Robert.

The Bichon Frise Club of Western Pennsylvania is having an indoor fun match Sunday, at Carwen's Grooming and Boarding, 101 Buttermilk Hollow Road, Irwin.

In addition to conformation classes for puppies and dogs and agility competition, there will be a contest for the prettiest, funniest and most original dog costume.

Entry cost is $5 per dog, per class, the day of the match. Entries are accepted from 10 to 11 a.m. Junior showmanship starts at 11:30 a.m. Conformation begins at noon, followed by the costume contest and agility.