Let’S Just Hope It Doesn’T Turn Into A Kangaroo Court
Everyone’s favorite TV jurist, Judge Joseph A. Wapner, has taken a walk on the wild side from “The People’s Court” to the animal kingdom.
Wapner, again accompanied by trusty bailiff Rusty Burrell, returns to the airwaves with “Judge Wapner’s Animal Court,” debuting Monday on Animal Planet (TCI cable channel 54 in Spokane).
So what’s it all about? “A variety of cases involving veterinary malpractice, animal ownership, tort law, injury — you name it,” Wapner says in a press release. “If it has an animal in it, you’ll probably see it in my courtroom.” (Some free advice for any animal defendants: Whatever you do, don’t shed on the robe.)
Look for the half-hour show weekdays at 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Another new Animal Planet show, “Petsburgh USA,” described as “a daily dose of fun, information, expert tips and insights about living with animals” — covering everything from obedience training to animal ESP — also premieres Monday.
Hosted by Brianne Leary (best known as Officer Sindy Cahill on “CHiPS”), it will air weekdays at 7 a.m., 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m.
* Bid you up, or giddyup: SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. has a pair of fund-raising events that should appeal to people of all energy levels.
A Country Western Barbecue and Benefit Auction is scheduled Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Spokane Sport Horse Farm, 10710 S. Sherman Rd. Cost is $12, with proceeds used for shelter improvements. For tickets or to donate auction items, call Mary Tyrie at 534-8133.
For the more active-minded, a two-mile Canine Fun Run on Oct. 3 at Manito Park will raise money for SpokAnimal’s animal welfare programs. Entry fee for adults is $5 before Monday, and $7 afterward; kids 12 and under can participate for free, but must be accompanied by adults. Registration forms are available at Triathlon Broadcasting, 300 E. Third, and at SpokAnimal, 714 N. Napa. For more information, call 459-9800 or 534-8133.
* Black-collar affair: Panhandle Animal Shelter in Sandpoint is billing its first “Bow-wow Pow-wow,” Saturday at the Bonner County Fairgrounds, as “the canine social event of the year.” Along with demonstra-tions, a flyball exhibition, information booths and kids’ games, activities will include canine competitions such as Longest Tail, Best Begging Face and Dog/Owner Look-Alike. Entry fees ($1 per category) support the shelter’s spay/neuter program. Festivities start at 11 a.m. For more information, call Sandy at (208) 265-2634.
* White-glove service: The Los Angeles Times reports that a new animal shelter in Vienna is pampering strays with heated floors, an outdoor swimming pool and personalized stereos playing classical music in rooms painted specially to soothe the residents: pink for cats, blue for dogs and green for monkeys and crocodiles. (Wonder how many of those get adopted.)