Two spayed, female Golden Retrievers dug out of their fence Thursday and took off near Hellriegel's and Route 20 in Painesville Township.

Chessie (top picture) is a dark golden with a graying muzzle at 11 years old. She weighs 72 pounds, has a cyst under her left front leg, and wears a purple collar with a Lake County license.

Her daughter Star (bottom picture) is almost 7 years old and totally devoted to her mom. She is also dark golden, weighs 68 pounds, and wears a green collar with a Lake County license.

Local authorities have been notified, including Lake and Geauga shelters and Humane Societies, area vets and police departments. Flyers have also been posted, according to Golden Retrievers in Need Rescue Service, or G.R.I.N.

Please contact Marilyn at 440-655-9137 or geoffrey.kent@sbcglobal.net if you spot these lost ladies in your neighborhood.

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

Allow me to draw your attention to a strong story in today's News-Herald, Dog bite statistics don't tell whole story.

In it, court reporter Tracey Read updates us the story of an 8-year-old Willowick girl who was bit in the face by a pit bull Sept. 18 (details here), but also offers words to the wise about breed profiling.

Excerpt:

U.S. Humane Society statistics show that pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, husky types and Malamutes are the breeds most likely to bite.

But those statistics don't tell the whole story, said Frank Kellogg, director of the Lake County Health District's environmental health programs.

"If we get a report that says 50 German shepherds bit somebody, that doesn't really mean anything if you don't know how many German shepherds there are in the population," Kellogg said.

"Another problem is that we get dog bite reports from all kinds of places — victims, hospitals, police — and the people reporting it don't necessarily know the correct breed of dog. What's a bull terrier to somebody is a Boston terrier to somebody else."

I can't say this stuff enough (examples here and here). Any breed can be man's best friend - yes, guys, even the small ones.

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

I couldn't have come into work today to find better news in my e-mail box:

Charlotte, the lovely cat we just mentioned on the blog yesterday, went to her new home about 9 p.m. last night - the home of a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend of Mr. O'Mara, nonetheless.

To the adoptive family, thank you for giving Charlotte a new life, and congratulations on your brand new, beautiful friend.

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

Award-winning singer/songwriter Candice Night, legendary guitarist Ritchie Blackmore and their band of minstrels, Blackmore's Night, will be appearing Oct. 14 at the House of Blues, 308 Euclid Ave., in downtown Cleveland.

The Renaissance rock group invites one local no-kill shelter to set up a donation jar in the lobby of the concert hall and collect donations for the shelter.

Caroline's Kids Pet Rescue is the lucky group when the rockers play Cleveland.

Caroline's operates a no-kill cat sanctuary in Concord Township.

Night, who is married to Blackmore, is an animal activist who supports animal issues and welfare groups around the world.

For more information on the group, log on to www.candicenight.com and www.blackmoresnight.com.

If you catch their concert, be sure to drop some money in the jar for Caroline's.

-- Robin Palmer

Mozart, a 6-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel, wants the $1 million grand prize to fund disaster relief agencies in his home town of New Orleans.

Steven Colbert el dos, a Pomeranian-Chihuahua mix puppy, wants to help his newlywed owners, Bryan and Allyson, start a family with in vitro fertilization treatments.

Fortunately or unfortunately - depending on which cause you find more worthy - the Cutest Dog Competition determined yesterday that 428 of Mozart's votes were fraudulent, despite his 131-vote lead Saturday, and Colbert won this week's semifinalist spot.

To his credit, Mozart did get more than 4,500 valid votes last week. But the rest were made with 70-plus fraudulent accounts, with e-mail addresses only one number apart, that were created on the same days from the same computers and voted within one minute of each other, according to the Web site.

Mozart's newlywed owners weren't to blame, and the spaniel has been re-entered in this week's contest. He has size on his side in Week 9: It's a little dog-eat-big dog contest, if the first eight semifinalists are any indicator. He's even placed second two weeks in a row.

Meanwhile Colbert claimed $500 Monday as one of the 12 semifinalists, no doubt because of his viral name as much as his adorable little mug. The public will ultimately pick four finalists from the 12, judges will name the grand prize winner on Thanksgiving, and the other three will get $5,000 for their trouble.

Want to throw Mozart a bone in Week 9? Register to vote here. Or heck, pit your own super-cute pooch against the others here.

Just don't cheat unless you want to end up in the doghouse.

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

An extremely affectionate and sweet-tempered indoor cat named Charlotte is looking for a new home.

The friendly feline showed up in a valley behind a local TV personality's house.

According to Mike O'Mara of WKYC TV3:

"When we took her in she was just fur and bones and probably near death from starvation. She has put on weight slowly, but is still quite light. Charlotte is very fluffy, however, she does not shed. She is the first to greet me every day when I walk in the door and she is quite talkative. My suspicion is that she was a well adjusted pet for someone who moved or was moved and the family dumped her to fend for herself.

"She does have claws, but does not use them even when kneading a soft blanket or my lap. Charlotte is very submissive to the other cats and tries to interact with them. No luck yet, but she isn’t giving up. If we didn’t have a house full of five rescued cats we would most certainly keep this wonderful feline."

The vet thinks Charlotte is about 5 years ago. She is spayed, has all her shots and tested negative for feline leukemia.

If you know where this sweetheart can find a forever home, please contact Mr. O'Mara at 216-344-7431 or MOmara@wkyc.gannett.com.

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

Euclid Pet Pals is hosting its seventh annual 4 Paws Clam Jam and Boo Bash from 6:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, October 23, at the Manor Party Center, 24111 Rockwell Drive in Euclid.

For tickets, call the Euclid Animal Shelter at 216-289-2057.

Tickets are $40 a person, and extra clams are available for $8 at the door. Raffles and prizes are included, and guests may wear costumes, but that is optional.

Proceeds will be used for animal care at the shelter.

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

The Cleveland Animal Protective League had such a successful Five Dollar Felines event, that is will hold another on Saturday, Sept. 26.

On that day, all cats ages 5 months and older will be available for adoption for $5. Kittens younger than 5 months will be available for $20.

You can "super size' your adoption by adding an adult cat (5 months or older) for no additional charge.

Last Saturday, 117 cats and kittens found new homes, Executive Director Sharon Harvey said.

"People were waiting in our parking lot before we opened, and as soon as we did, our hallway was lined with eager, wonderful families excited to add a new member to their household," she said. "We could not have been more excited about the positive energy this promotion created toward helping homeless cats."

All cats are spayed or neutered, tested for FeLV/FIV, have received age-appropriate vaccinations and treatment for worms and fleas, and come with a collar and an APL ID tag, travel box, helpful species-specific animal care information and a free initial veterinary exam.

The shelter is at 1729 Willey Ave., in Cleveland.

For more information, call 216-377-1618.

-- Robin Palmer

Animal Hospital Inc. of Willoughby Hills has announced new dates for two of its popular programs.

Its next monthly Pet Weight Loss Seminar begins at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, October 8, featuring discussions about benefits, simple techniques and helpful medications with Dr. Jennifer D. Johnston.

Its next free, confidential Pet Loss Support Group meetings will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. These feature Patty DeJohn of DeJohn Pet Services, a division of DeJohn Flynn-Mylott Funeral Homes. (Click here for the archived blog.)

Those planning to attend the hospital's upcoming events are asked to called (440) 946-2800 to reserve a seat.

Hospital Administrator Kelli Sue Kerwin also proudly announces the hospital's recent re-accreditation following a comprehensive evaluation by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Only 15 percent of the nation's small animal veterinary practices have achieved such accreditation, only two in Lake County, and Animal Hospital Inc. is the only such practice to offer luxury pet boarding, according to a news release.

Located at 2735 SOM Center Road, Animal Hospital Inc. employs 40 people, including five general practice veterinarians, and offers complete medical, surgical and dental care, daytime urgent care, luxury boarding, grooming and six levels of obedience training.

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

Perhaps you remember Adopt-a-Pet.com's attempt to glean a little attention from President Obama's nomination by commissioning a red-and-blue print from the artist of the original HOPE print, Shepard Fairey. (Click here for the archived blog.)

Well if you missed the original Limited Edition print, have no fear. This week the North America's largest non-profit pet adoption Web services sells a similar gold-and-black print.

"The 'Lead By Example' image is really a call to action to raise awareness for the plight of shelter animals nationwide," said spokesman Pia Salk, who initiated the ongoing collaboration with Fairey. "Shepard's dedication to all victims of injustice, regardless of species, provides an example of what it means."

To boot, California budget cuts recently led to a suspension of The Hayden Law, which reduced the holding time for incoming animals from four to six days, to one to three days. "The economic downturn is hitting these animals harder than ever," Salk said. "Record numbers of loyal family pets are being relinquished to already overcrowded shelters. And budget cuts further compound the tragedy, as shelters are now getting even less funding to provide needed care."

Print sale proceeds will fund pet adoptions, Adopt-a-Pet claims. And if the red-and-blue print sale - which sold out in less than 90 minutes - is any indication, prints will go fast.

Four hundred signed/numbered screen prints go on sale at a random time Thursday, $200 a pop. T-shirts, dog bandanas and stickers are already available. To contribute your money through a purchase, or sign up for alerts about future print sales, visit www.adoptapet.com and click the link to sign up.

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

If you're a cat owner who does an eco-friendly good deed for your cat, home or environment each day, you can enter Yesterday's News Do-Gooder Awards contest and vie for three worthwhile grand prizes.

"Whether it's using an alternative cat litter, turning off the water when brushing their teeth, or recycling the daily paper, Yesterday's News (brand cat litter) wants to recognize the good, green choices people are making in their everyday lives," said Renee Loux, author of Easy green Living, host of "It's Easy Being Green" and spokeswoman for the contest.

Three winners will get $5,000 and a one-year supply of Yesterday's News brand cat litter for themselves, as well as a tree planted in their name by the Arbor Day Foundation and $15,000 for a local eco-friendly project: either an eco-friendly makeover for their local shelter's cat habitat, a green clean-up of their city or town, or the creation or enhancement of a local recycling program.

Purina's Yesterday’s News, with its North American headquarters in Missouri, is a cat litter made from recycled materials including paper and sawdust. On average, 20,000 tons of paper is recycled into Yesterday’s News each year.

To enter by Friday, October 23, describe your deed in 300 words of less, then choose a community effort to benefit if you win, at www.yesterdaysnews.com/DoGooder. Entries will be judged by an independent panel based on creativity, composition and originality (60 percent) and appropriateness to theme (40 percent).

Good luck!

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

If you are looking at adopting a kitten, the time was never better than right now at the Geauga Humane Society.

For the remainder of September, all kittens at Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village have an adoption fee of just $10.

Rescue Village is open from noon to 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Adoptions stop 45 minutes before closing.

Rescue Village is on Chillicothe Road between Music Street and Route 87 in Russell Township.

For details, call 440-338-4819 or visit the Web site http://www.geaugahumane.org/.

-- Robin Palmer

Dress up!

Lake Humane Society has been hard at work coordinating another night of dining, dancing, auction items and prizes for its first-ever Black Cat Ball and Silent Auction.

Mark the calendar for Friday, October 16, at the Croation Lodge Party Center in Eastlake.

Of course there's no requirement to come in costume. But costumed guests will compete for best male and female costume prizes.

Your $50 ticket also includes dinner, an open bar, music by DJ Cleveland, and an opportunity to win a $1,500 grand prize.

Silent auction items include:

• A one-week stay in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in gorgeous Bonita Beach, Florida
• A vault tour for four at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
• A Cleveland Cavaliers Jersey signed by Daniel Gibson
• Spa Packages
• Numerous gift baskets and gift certificates

Best of all, all proceeds benefit animals at the shelter. Pick up your ticket at Lake Humane Society's facility, 7564 Tyler Blvd. E., Mentor, 440-951-6122.

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

Garage sales are a big hit in the area, and this one will be a big hit with the cats living at the no-kill sanctuary in Concord Township.

A garage sale to benefit Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24-25 at 4925 Willoughcroft Road in Willoughby.

All proceeds go to the cat sanctuary in Concord Township.

Many items have been donated, including small furniture, a microwave oven, lamps, new men’s watches, jewelry, boots, Christmas items, collectibles and new table items.

-- Robin Palmer

soul (sol) n. 1. an entity which is regarded as being the immortal or spiritual part of the person and, though having no physical or material reality, is credited with the functions of thinking and willing, and hence determining all behavior. 2. the moral or emotional nature of man. ...

And the Websters definition continues.

But do animals have 'em?

One of my co-workers argues not. Nor does he believe humans have them. "I don't believe in the existence of a literal soul," he just reminded me. Pause. "Also, I really like to irritate Robin (Palmer, my fellow pet blogger)."

OK, OK, so that's one person's opinion.

Then there's Jon Katz, who dedicated an entire book to exploring what's going on in that furry head of Man's Best Friend.

Katz, a New York Times bestselling author, will be in town Sept. 21 to discuss, promote and sign copies of his newest book - which is really a series of enlightening animal stories - called "Soul of a Dog: Reflections on the Spirits of the Animals of Bedlam Farm."

In the book's introduction, he describes his border collie Rose as heroic and hard-working for her master. "She's not the sweetest dog, not the kind most people want. She doesn't live to show me unconditional love; I doubt she could care less about making a sick person feel better, or charming a small child."

But watching her, knowing her, gets him thinking, so he delves into 12 chapters about his thought processes living on the farm in upstate New York.

Why do most Americans believe their pets have souls? Why does the question matter? With an epilogue entitled The Mystery of Things, does Katz even know?

Those seeking answers - assuming they're soulful themselves - can meet Katz at 7 p.m. Mon., Sept. 21, at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village, 24519 Cedar Road, Lyndhurst. Find the link to the event page here.

The rest should check out his Web site, www.bedlamfarm.com, for more on his dog work with hospice, his 17 other books and projects, and his amazing nature, animal and farm photography - breath-taking.

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

St. Francis has long been known as the patron saint of animals.

On Oct. 4, his feast day, Caroline's Kids Cat Sanctuary in Concord Township, will hold a pet blessing at 3 p.m.

Dogs and cats, as well as their owners, are invited to attend.

Dogs must be on leashes and cats in carriers.

Other pets can attend, but must be properly contained.

Dogs must be vaccinated and have current rabies vaccine.

It is not necessary to have a pet present at the blessing, rather you can bring a photo.

The event is free, but a donation of cat food or scoopable litter would be appreciated for the 240 cats calling the no-kill sanctuary home at 7394 Morley Road (corner of Morley and Hoose roads).

For more information on the event, call Judie at 440-449-3496.

-- Robin Palmer

This is Liberty, an adult female boxer/shepherd mix available for adoption at the Geauga Dog Shelter, 12513 Merritt Road, Claridon Township.

According to shelter officials, Liberty was found on Sherman Road on July 4 and no one has come to claim her.

She would do best as the only dog in the house, and would make a great adoption, shelter officials say.

For more information on Liberty or any of the dogs available for adoption, call 440-286-8135.

-- Robin Palmer

Everyone loves to adopt a kitten, but there are several adult cats that need a home.

To give people a little incentive to adopt adult cats, Animal Rescue Center in Eastlake is lowering the adoption fee to $20 for adult cats on Friday and Saturday.

Cats as well and dogs are available for adoption from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays at 36370 Vine St.

All pets are up to date on shots, treated for fleas and dewormed.

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

Cats and kittens are negative for Felv and adult dogs are heartworm tested.

To check out a list of available pets, log on to the nonprofit group’s new Web site at www.arc-oh.org.

-- Robin Palmer