Knox County get ready to open your hearts and your purse. It's doggie jog time come Saturday, September 14th. This makes ten years of doggie joggin'. My congratulations to the Knox County Humane Society for their continued efforts to bring awareness programs and money to the homeless pets of Knox County.

Organizers encourage everyone to "paw-ticipate" and have fun. And indeed it is. If you and your family are looking for an interesting fun time, Saturday next plan on doggie jog. This year there will be some special canine games and prizes. This year's events will once again be held at the Hawthorne Centre starting at 9am. If you want to jog with your dog, pre-registration is $12 -- $15 the day of the race. Both include a T-shirt and free pop and snacks.

If you don't own a dog, you're welcome to come let them walk you around the 1-mile course.

Indeed, our loving companions are fun. I know some of my animals have done some pretty funny things. I was standing in the kitchen at my sister's home one day when she turned some music on, smiled and said ''watch this.'' A few seconds later ripping around the corner comes one of her cats. He put the brakes on as he turned the corner to the family room where the entertainment center is located, then rather deliberately approached the case, stood up on his back feet and one by one began to clear the CDs off the shelf. Seems he has either a particular taste or aversion to some of her music.

I had a wonderful Cocker Spaniel that used to wait until we had company, sneak in the bathroom and very carefully grasp the end of the toilet paper in his mouth and bring it to me! Half way across the house, here would come this jet black dog with yards of toilet paper trailing behind. He was so successful and would do it time and again. He sneaked food the same way. Taking buns from people's plates; nothing was sacred. I had to hand it to him though. He was always so polite about it. Only taking one piece at a time then heading back for seconds!

I had a friend once whose dog would attack -- and I do mean attack -- rubber tires. Alias Bubbles the bull dog. She wasn't particular, set a wheel in motion and Bubbles would spring into action -- lawn mowers, bicycles, cars; she particularly liked skateboard wheels and would literally knock the rider off in her attack! She was never vicious, just determined.

Who knows what goes through their heads? It's not what we think nor anything like the narrations on television, but it's still pretty entertaining. Of course, an animal needs a home and security to become an entertainer. Funny how that works; seems you give a wayward child a chance and many of them shape up too.

Remember your contributions go for all of Knox County's homeless animals -- not just dogs. The money is used primarily for spay and neuter programs. Last year hundreds of animals lost their lives because no one wanted them -- cast away like last year's fashion. Now you can't always stop that but at least a neutered animal left on the street will not add to the population of homeless animals. They're counting on your help.

Thank you. Till next time, Rebecca.