As I sat on my couch last night assembling an Uncle Sam hat for my rabbit...

OK, that's hands down the most ridiculous thing I've said all year.

But it's true. And as I cut and glued and bended and taped, I also wondered how many others would also enter The News-Herald's Patriotic Pets picture contest, now accepting submissions here.

Click here for more about my experience and some thoughts to help you along with your submission.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Kudos to the Lake Metroparks lifeguard who successfully rescued a swimmer Monday.

Granted the beneficiary was canine, but a swimmer nonetheless, and undoubtedly someone's best friend.

Read more here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

If you are looking to adopt a cat or dog, puppy or kitten, Animal Rescue Center in Eastlake more than likely has a pet for you.

The nonprofit group holds adoptions from 4 to 8 p.m. on Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays at it center at 36370 Vine St.

All pets are up to date on shots. They are dewormed and flea treated. Cats and kittens are negative for Felv and adult dogs are heartworm tested.

Adult animals are spayed and neutered, and puppies and kittens come with a free spay/neuter certificate.

Adoption fee (cash only) is $125 for puppies and dogs. Cost is $75 for kittens and $30 for adult cats.

You can check out the list of available pets on ARC's new Web site at www.arc-oh.org.

For more details, call (216) 476-0433.

-- Robin Palmer

Good news for pets seeking forever homes in Lake County.

Fifteen individuals with mental retardation and developmental disabilities plan to deliver $300 Thursday to Lake Humane Society — the local charitable organization they chose to receive the proceeds from their second annual Chili Cook-Off.

The delegates serve on the Willoughby Workshop Consumer Advocacy Committee, some of about 80 people on five committees throughout the Lake County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities who meet regularly to address concerns about board services.

Ten chili recipes were entered, judged and served at this year’s cook-off, one of the numerous festivities for Mental Retardation Month in March.

As resident education reporter at The News-Herald, I've spent a good amount of time with hard-working, considerate and genuine board consumers. I'm proud to give the Willoughby Workshop Consumer Advocacy Committee a great big THUMBS UP and a THANK YOU for choosing Lake Humane Society as this year's recipient. You are a real inspiration to our community, and your contribution will make a difference.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in cohorts with Care2 Petitionsite, has created a pledge against puppy mills.

The goal is 25,000 signatures by June 25. So far 12,547 have signed on.

To see the ASPCA's guidelines for responsible pet adoption, or to sign the pledge yourself, click here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Click here for this week's 3-minute, 13-second installment.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

...to bring feuding sisters closer.

The girls usually cuddle just long enough for Muppet to grow irritated with Sister's attention, or for Sister to sink her teeth into Muppet's ear. Not so this morning, when I found them side by side in a splash of sunlight and snapped this scene with my sweet new iPhone.

On a related note I downloaded the free Cat Game app last night. It's essentially a laser pointer orb shifting around on the touchscreen. Neither of my cats could focus on the little red dot, but I spent at least 10 minutes trying to tap it away.

In retrospect maybe the girls just had better things to do with their time.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The News-Herald thinks it's time to showcase your pet's love of country and dressing up with a spirited pet picture contest starting this Sunday.

That's right, we're prepped to post a photo of your patriotic pooch, polecat, python, parrot, pig, pony, pug, possum or parrotfish on our Web site.

To enter simply upload your picture here between Sunday and June 15. No more than two submissions per IP address will be accepted.

Then return to the page between June 15 and 29 to vote for the most glorious pet. The winner will be announced online July 4 and featured in The News-Herald with a story and picture. Good luck!

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Rescue Village will host its second annual Doggone Purrfect Night at 6:30 p.m. June 20 at its Russell Township site, 15463 Chillicothe Road.

The evening will begin with a champagne garden reception where the patrons can socialize with special guest, Midge, the nation’s smallest drug-sniffing police dog and Geauga County Sheriff Dan McClelland.

Guests will be invited to tour the facility and meet the animals who are currently residing at Rescue Village.

The event will feature music by “In Dogs We Trust” led by Tom Shaper.

Catering will be provided by Blue Canyon restaurant.

The silent auction will offer many items donated by local artists, shops and restaurants and several trips, including stays at the Marriott Griffin Gate in Lexington, Ky., the Marriott Doral Golf and Spa in Miami, Fla. and a six-night stay at a resort in Africa.

Proceeds raised at A Doggone Purrfect Night will be used to provide care for the sick, injured, abused and abandoned animals that are waiting for their forever homes at Rescue Village.

Cost of a ticket is $85; reservations only.

For details, call Diane at 440-338-4819, ext. 19.

-- Robin Palmer

It's not a "pet story" per say, but it's still a good one.

The Associated Press reports that Washington D.C. firefighters rescued four baby ducks today from a storm drain after their mother stood squawking six feet above in a bustling city neighborhood.

Read more here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Today kicks off National Dog Bite Prevention Week. You may think your dog would never bite, but according to the Veterinary Medical Association as many as 800,000 people are admitted to emergency rooms every year from dog bites.

Read more here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Click here for this week's 3-minute 3-second installment.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Lake Humane Society will hold its second Microchip Clinic from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at its facility, 7564 Tyler Blvd., Mentor.

For $25 per animal, a trained member of the organization will implant a permanent 24-Hour Pet Watch Microchip between the shoulder blades under the pet’s skin.

The procedure is almost painless, like a vaccination, according to 24PetWatch, which staffs the recovery service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Lake Humane Society calculates a third of all pets will be lost in their lifetime, and some will be trapped by city or area trappers without their owners’ knowledge. Animals brought to the organization are immediately scanned for microchips to ensure a speedy reunion if its family can be identified.

For more information call Lake Humane Society at 440-951-6122.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The monthly pet loss support group that I've written about and blogged about happens again from 6:30 to 8 p.m. tonight at Animal Hospital Inc., 2735 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills.

For anyone having a hard time coping with the loss of a pet, I must add this:

The meetings are free, what's said in the room stays in the room, and I personally found the group a worthwhile step in my mourning process.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The fifth annual "Art Fur Animals" Benefit & Auction will be May 22 to raise money Friends of the Cleveland Kennel.

All proceeds will go directly to the care of the animals at the City of Cleveland Kennel.

The artwork up for auction includes 20 custom designed ceramic dogs by dozens of renowned Cleveland artists.

Artwork in the silent auction includes pieces from renowned locally and nationally recognized artists.

Artists include Janet Macoska, Todd V, Dana Depew, Kristen Cliffel, Krisztina Lazar, Michael Greenwald, Scott Pickering, John G., Kenn Louis, Mitzi Lai and many others.

For a complete list of artists, visit www.friendsofclevelandkennel.com.

There also will be raffle prizes from local businesses, appetizers provided by Porcelli's Bistro & plenty of wine & beer (beer provided by Tremont Tap House).

Music will be by DJ Funk-Schway.

All of this is included with admission of $15.

"Art Fur Animals" will be held from 6 to 10 p.m.at the Galleria at Erieview, located at 1301 E. Ninth St., in downtown Cleveland.

Tickets are available at the door or at the above-mentioned Web site.

Parking is $3 at the Galleria, or free street parking is also available.

-- Robin Palmer

The Geauga County Dog Shelter could use a helping hand in the form of donations of flea medication and canned dog food.

If you can help out, call the shelter, located at 12512 Merritt Road in Claridon Township, at 440-286-8135.

The homeless dogs will be glad you did!

-- Robin Palmer

Click here for this week's 4-minute 11-second installment.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Congrats go out to Goosetav and Gigi, the Canada geese couple that have their babies each year in my Lake County backyard.

The pair are the proud parents of five goslings, born today, May 6.

Mom and babies appear to be doing just fine, and Dad, too.

Everyone was in the swim of things in the pond.

When it comes to parenting, Canada geese rule.

Some humans could learn a lesson or two from them.

-- Robin Palmer

Here's something you just don't think about too often ... what happens to the pets of victims of domestic violence, foreclosures or medical emergencies?

SAFE's Benefit for Pets and People will help provide care for such pets.

It will hold a silent auction, raffle and art show by Shaheen Gallery from 6:30 to 9 p.m. May 16 at Barkley Pet Hotel and Day Spa, 27349 Miles Road in Orange Village.

Admission is $15 and includes one raffle ticket.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or eight for $35.

SAFE provides temporary shelter for pets whose owners are victims of the above-mentioned situations.

For more information, call (216) 970-3035.

-- Robin Palmer

Just a quick note on the golf/dinner fund-raiser for Marilyn's Voice slated for Saturday, July 18:

"We just learned today that Classic Lexus has agreed to donate a car for the hole in one," Executive Director Kristina Lange says. "I am so excited, even though I don't golf!"

She added, "We will be protesting at Petland this Saturday (May 9) as part of a national protest of Petland. The details are here."

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

From "Why Cats Do That" by Karen Anderson:

Why do cats dash madly around the house?

Relax, they don't do this to drive you crazy.

Flying around at speeds up to 30 mph, cats who tear around the house with no apparent stimuli are merely burning off vast quantities of stored energy.

This is perfectly normal feline behavior, especially for a mostly indoor cat who doesn't get enough exercise.

Being nocturnal animals, the house will usually turn into a racetrack at night when cats normally hunt.

-- Robin Palmer

Move over, Simon Cowell, and meet six K-9 officers with an eye for talent.

Yesterday The Paw Wash held a Doggy Idol contest with local K-9 officers volunteering as judges.

Read more about the contest and winner (pictured) here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

A garage sale to benefit Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, May 14 through 16, at 4935 Willoughcroft Road, Willoughby.

All proceeds from the sale will help the 230 cats at the Concord Township shelter. Money will be used for spay and neuter, food, litter, medical expenses and daily care.

Many of the cats are adoptable and looking for homes, but some will spend the rest of their lives at the sanctuary.

Small furniture, new gift items and collectible dolls will be among the items for sale.

For more information, call Anne or Jenny at 440-942-4758.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Perhaps you've seen the name in the paper. I've seen Marilyn's Voice protesting outside a pet store.

But today I finally learned what the all-volunteer organization does.

Read more here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

I’m a firm believer that the pets in our lives are in our lives for a reason.

When I walked into the animal shelter five years ago and saw a 3-month-old shepherd mix I now call Lakota, I didn’t know what was in store for me. I just remember rounding the corner, seeing him immediately run to the back of his cage, which was covered in paper shavings, and stick his snout into the corner, terrified.

But holding his trembling body, seeing his huge paws and looking into those beautiful caramel eyes, I knew he was mine.

Read more here.

-- Cassandra Shofar, CShofar@News-Herald.com

Click here for this week's 3-minute 55-second installment.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com