Dog gone

Since talk show host Ellen DeGeneres spent so much time in the press last week over the adoption drama of the shelter dog Izzy that was re-assigned after her botched placement agreement, I decided she could use a shift in the focus of her recent headlines.

New York publicist Jennifer Moses asked me to spread the word about a new promotion that could bring DeGeneres to your hometown for a visit.

"I wanted send over some Ellen DeGeneres news with a local hook that might be of interest," Moses wrote in her pitch.

"Her show just teamed up with AOL to launch a new online/offline program called 'Wish You Were Here' (http://ellen.aol.com), a 10-week program that will conclude in December with one town receiving a visit from Ellen herself who will broadcast live from the selected town."

To entice Ellen to come, fans can showcase their hometown pride by sharing stories, photos and videos. To give people ideas for submissions, the categories include: Local Heroes, Claim to Fame, Fascinating Characters, Most Talented Pets, Best Local Commercial, Famous Firsts, Hollywood Connection, Most Fanatical Fans and Spookiest Halloween Celebrations. You can search for your town on the banner at the top of the site to see what people have already submitted under each category.

Moses said Ellen will feature the hometown tales on her show in a variety of ways, from pre-produced field segments, to Ellen calling people in their hometowns from the set, to individuals being invited to tell their stories as a part of the show on the set in LA.

"Considering the local angle, thought you might encourage readers to show some hometown pride and participate," Moses said.

Canine cuisine

Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits has just announced that they are adding three new wheat free biscuit varieties to their product line. The new varieties include the Breakfast Biscuit (maple oatmeal with bananas & apples), Cranberry Cheddar (with a hint of mint), and Tuscan Tomato & Herb. The new wheat free varieties are a great choice for dogs with allergies.

All Wagatha's treats are 100% certified organic, Kosher and contain important nutrients such as Vitamins D, E, Vitamin B complex as well as folic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

All Wagatha's treats are made in the company's Manchester Center, Vermont, bakery and retail for $8.95 for each re-sealable canister. They are currently available in over 20 states and through the company's Web site: www.wagathas.com.

Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits are made with pure and wholesome "human grade" ingredients that are carefully sourced from suppliers that are the "best in the business" and adhere to stringent organic and kosher standards and regulations. Many of the ingredients found in Wagatha's treats such as honey, extra virgin olive oil, tomatoes, herbs and eggs are items that most of us have in our own homes.

Wagatha's biscuits were developed by chef, educator and restaurateur Norman Levitz, who spent nearly 25 years perfecting his recipe to be a healthy alternative to other dog treats on the market.

Wagatha's also offers a monthly shipment program that will send a predetermined amount of Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits to your mail box each month to make sure your pet never has to go without. This is a great way to let your furry friend try all the new flavors and insure that he never runs out of his favorite variety. Monthly delivery packages come in three sizes; Wagatha's 9oz. Canister, Wagatha's 16oz. Canister, and Wagatha's 10-pound Bulk Box and retail for $8.95, $12.50 and $52.00 respectively.

Shipping charges are waived for all orders over $50.00 and be ordered online at www.Wagathas.com.

The mission of Wagatha's Organic Dog Biscuits is to provide a premium product that exceeded industry standards for nutrition and quality. They were created to celebrate the bond that we humans share with our four-legged friends. Each Wagatha's canister features Wagatha, the "spirited dancing dog" on the label.

The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at ppotempa@nwitimes.com or 219.852.4327.

celebBirthdays

Actress Joan Fontaine is 90. Former president of Twentieth Century Fox and movie producer Alan Ladd Jr. is 70. Actors Christopher Lloyd and Derek Jacobi ares 69. Actor Tony Roberts is 68. Actress Annette Funicello is 65. Actress Catherine Deneuve is 64. Guitarist Leslie West of Mountain is 62. Silly blonde actress Lee Meredith (Ulla in the original "The Producers" 1968 movie) is 60. Actor Jeff Goldblum is 55. Director Bill Condon ("Kinsey") is 52. Bassist Cris Kirkwood of Meat Puppets is 47. Christian singer TobyMac (dc Talk) is 43. Ice skater Brian Boitano is 43. Singer-songwriter John Wesley Harding is 42. Actress Valeria Golino ("Alive") is 41. Comedian Carlos Mencia is 40. Country singer Shelby Lynne and reggae rapper Shaggy are 39. Director Spike Jonze ("Being John Malkovich") is 38. Rapper Tracey Lee is 37. Actor Michael

Fishman ("Roseanne") is 26. Drummer Zac Hanson of Hanson is 22. Actor Jonathan Lipnicki ("Stuart Little," "Jerry Maguire") is 17.