In a land far far away

Oh bother!
Everybody's favorite Pooh bear got his star on the Hollywood walk of fame this week!

In other Hundred Acre Woods celebriy gossip: Tigger is busted at airport with methamphetamines; claims "it's not mine!" .... Eeyore holds press conference to announce a terrible secret he's hidden his entire life: "I'm depressed" ... Roo runs away from pouch to look for his biological daddy ... Hundred Acre Woods County Clerk confirms that Kanga, Roo's biological mother, has filed papers for joey support: "you know, just in case he finds the aussie sob..."

New Maine Law Expands to Protect Pets
Maine is the first state in the country to pass legislation that allows pets to be included in protective orders against abusive spouses. This action was spurred by mounting evidence that domestic violence can and often does extend to animals like household pets and farm animals. Violators of protecetive orders under this new law are subject to fines and/or jail time. Hopefully this law offers protection to the animal victims and comfort to the human victims that, in seeking refuge for themselves, they are not abandoning their furry or feathered friends and leaving them in a dangerous situation.

"Although Maine's law is unique, other states have statutes that reflect the link between domestic violence and animal abuse. Laws in California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Nebraska, Ohio and Tennessee encourage cross-reporting among agencies involved in law enforcement, domestic violence, child protection and animal control, Perry said. Animal welfare agents already have been looking at ways to help potentially endangered pets whose owners are in abusive situations."