I have a Maltese named Charlie who just turned eight. He's very animated; more like a character out of a Disney flick than an actual animal. Anyway, the vet has made a big deal to take care of his teeth and I do. In fact, he's even had two cleanings, the second as recent as last July. But two weeks ago I noticed Charlie had a bad tooth so I took him downtown yesterday to the vet. He was sitting on my lap in the waiting room when they called "Next, Charlie Graff!" He jumped off and trodded inside to the examining room.

Well, seems it's a good thing I brought him. Because next week he's scheduled to have another cleaning, and it seems like the molar will be extracted. They even did blood work to be sure he can tolerate the anesthesia. Do you have a pet? This is my first one. It's amazing to look into their little faces and understand their moods.

I never knew that was even possible with an animal. But it is. He isn't animated today. Has been quiet. Now he's on the couch. Sleeping. I feel like he knows I am telling everyone about him right now and showering him with extra attention and deeper concern, but then I have to think that maybe he's only sleeping because he's just a dog.

An LA friend is staying with me while she rehearses a theater piece in NY. Last night we went to Gristede's and a guy came up to her and asked if he could pay for her stuff with his credit card so she could give him back the cash so he could buy cigarettes. To prove his credibility he told us he worked as an extra on the Sopranos.

Then a woman begging balked when my friend gave her a buck. She claimed it was for the ASPCA and giving her just the dollar proved we hated animals.

Welcome to NY!

St. Patricks' Day was big for green! But hope you didn't feel envy. Spring is coming and all the frogs will soon be jumping out of the woodwork and swimming into your pond!

Keep me posted and let me know who you meet.