WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- The state of Oregon and parts of Missouri have been declared federal disaster areas and eligible for federal aid following severe storms.

President George W. Bush said in a statement that St. Louis and nine Missouri counties can now use federal money to supplement state and local recovery efforts.

Winter storms Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 dumped up to 18 inches of snow in some areas and covered parts of the state in thick ice.

More than 300,000 electric customers, many in the St. Louis area, lost power.

Officials estimated local and state agencies had spent $8.6 million for repairs and other recovery efforts.

Bush said four Oregon counties could now also use federal money to supplement emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides Nov. 5-8.

"With this declaration, state and local government can recoup many of the expenses from the damage and cleanup of last November's storms," Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski said.

Stalemate continues in gas negotiations

MOSCOW, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Gas talks between Gazprom and Belarus aren't expected to proceed until a top Belarusian official travels to Moscow, the Russian energy monopoly said.

An executive at Beltransgaz, a Belarusian government-owned pipeline company, said Vladimir Semashko was ready to fly to Moscow Saturday, RIA Novosti said.

Gazprom has said the state-controlled Russian natural gas monopoly will cut off supplies to Belarus Jan. 1 if a new agreement is not signed by then. Gazprom proposed Belarus pay $75 per 1,000 cubic meters in cash, plus $30 in shares of Beltransgaz.

Belarusian officials countered Gazprom's move was provocative, saying the country would pay the 2006 price of $46.68 per 1,000 cubic meters until a new contract is signed.

Meanwhile, both sides have accused each other of blackmail in the matter of natural gas pricing.

Care for elderly draining boomers' funds

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Costs of caring for elderly parents in the United States is zapping the savings of their children, who compromise their own retirement to provide care.

For some adult children, it's a Catch-22. They pick up expenses for parents who have too much money to qualify for government-subsidized Medicaid, but not enough to pay for what could be years of care, The New York Times (NYSE:NYT) said.

A recent AARP study concluded the financial onus is exacerbated by ignorance since most Americans don't know how much long-term care costs and mistakenly believe Medicare pays for it.

Never has old age lasted so long or been so costly, health economists said. Home equipment such as a hospital bed can run about $3,000 a year alone.

"Children are sacrificing to care for their parents to the limit of their means and sometimes beyond," said Robert L. Kane, a geriatrician at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health.

Researchers have documented the time spent by adult children and others in caring for ailing relatives. But data is inadequate on how much money they spend, health economists say, because most people do not itemize expenses.

Care for Bowser creates pet job boom

WASHINGTON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Pet care is booming across the United States, as more careers open up for nurses, groomers and masseuses for Fido, Fifi, Tramp and Taffy.

Some people run pet massage businesses from homes or storefronts. Others join the businesses of pet day care, or bath and grooming companies. Some jobs, such as a dog walker, are part time, while others offer full-time paychecks, benefits and advancement opportunities, the Washington Post (NYSE:WPO) said.

Americans spend $36 billion a year on pet supplies and services, according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association, with offices in Washington and Greenwich, Conn.

A career as a veterinary technician is expected to become hot during the next few years as Americans spend more on pet care, employment officials said. While many careers require college degrees and state licensing or certification, others -- such as massage and physical therapists or rehab specialists -- can be learned on the job or through training at company headquarters.

"My goal is: When the dog is happy, the people are happy, too. It's a whole circle of happiness," pet massage therapist Tomoko Kawasumi said.