Dog Granted V-Day Stay of Execution

Some people might think it's kind of stupid that the Baltimore Sun has a dog reporter. But not us. Where else could we get "Where Are They Now" updates on Michael Vick's dogs, in-depth analysis of the Westminster dog show, or a studied deliberation over what kind of dog each presidential candidate most resembles? So we were simply delighted this morning to find that Sun dog blogger John Woestendiek is surprising his sweetie-pie today with a Valentine doggie-gram.

Thanks to a program offered by a local Humane Society, one lucky lady will be getting a visit from a cute little mutt named Hannah bearing a stuffed animal, a balloon, and a Valentine's Day card. Woestendiek notes that the gift has a much greater reward than simply proving to his lady that he's "sensitive and an animal lover," since much of the doggie-gram's cost goes toward covering expenses for the dog's care at the Humane Society pound. In other words, "I have given something far better than some expensive and superficial piece of jewelry—I have given the gift of life." The reporter's $50 donation will shelter and feed Hannah for about two days, at which time the dog will be euthanized and tossed in the dumpster out back. Happy Valentine's Day everybody!