In the News - Betty White to Write About Zoo Pals, Bizarre Poop Scooping Plan is Working and More

Aug 20th 2010

Betty White Gets Two-Book Deal
The "Hot in Cleveland" actress has inked a deal to write two books for G. P. Putnam's Sons., reports USA Today. The first, due out next year, is titled "Listen Up!" and will be filled with observations and lessons learned. But it's the second book we can't wait to get our paws on. "The Zoo and I: Betty and Her Friends" will feature White's stories and pictures at the Los Angeles Zoo, where she's a longtime member of the board. The second book is set to publish in 2012.

Want Dog Owners to Pick Up After Their Pooches? Spray Paint The Poo
An unusual plan to encourage dog owners to properly dispose of their pets' waste appears to be working in Poole, Dorset, England, reports BBC News. After close to 200 piles of dog doo were found in an alley near Poole High School, workers spray painted the problematic waste a bright green to draw attention to the mess and shock the owners into picking them up. So far, the plan seems to be working.

Teen Banned From Playing Basketball With Service Dog
A teenager in Chicago has been denied the chance to play basketball in the Special Olympics because her service dog will not be allowed on the court, reports the Chicago Tribune. The 17-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, uses her trained service dog to carry around a four-pound oxygen tank, but the Illinois Special Olympics President said they had to make their ruling based on the safety of everyone involved, and, apparently, a service dog on the court was deemed unsafe. This game is just beginning, however; a local advocacy group has filed a lawsuit on the girl's behalf.