Howls & Growls Team — The Akron Zoo and the Magical Theatre in Barberton have teamed up to do 15 appearances to introduce the public to the Mike & Mary Stark Grizzly Ridge this summer and at the grand opening of the exhibit on July 20.

The team will be performing a short skit at several community interactive events, featuring a family living out in the woods talking about Grizzly Ridge, with kids playing the leading roles. Audience members will be expected to do the howl and growl hoedown.

A California guide dog for the blind saved his trainers from an out-of-control driver. with seconds to spare and it's all caught on camera.

COLUMBUS: A new set of regulations meant to crack down on high-volume dog breeding operations in the state would ensure animals live in spacious, clean cages, receive veterinary care and are transported in safe enclosures.

The rules bolster the standards for treatment of animals housed in puppy mills and force the facilities to obtain state licenses. They were drafted by the state Department of Agriculture, but their implementation is being delayed for at least two weeks.

High-volume breeders had faced a Thursday deadline to apply for licenses. But the department has forgone it until the guidelines receive the approval of two state panels — one headed by Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor's office and the other consisting of a bipartisan group of legislators. The delay is expected to last at least two weeks.

If you thought your dog was good at playing dead, think again.

World Oceans Day — The Akron Zoo is joining accredited zoos and aquariums to celebrate World Oceans Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today with displays and activities focusing on water and animals. Visitors can participate in a turtle migration game, activities surrounding the reef and aquatic themed crafts. The zoo is at 500 Edgewood Ave. 330-375-2550.

Adopt a Shelter Cat Month — The Humane Society of Greater Akron, 7996 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, and the Portage County Animal Protective League, 8122 Infirmary Road, Ravenna, are offering special adoption rates for cats and kittens through June. Adoption fees for cats 6 months and under are $30 and $20 for adults. The Humane Society will offer cats over 6 years old for $10. Contact the Akron humane society at 330-487-0333 and Portage County APL at 330-296-4022.

LOS ANGELES: Until she introduced "magic cheese" to her sick and aging bulldog, Laura Bugni-Daniel watched him suffer for two years. He'd spend his days lying down or throwing up.

Today, at age 12, he plays like a puppy through the day, his fur is soft and he sleeps at night, soothed not by magic, but by the dose of marijuana in that cheese.

Bugni-Daniel is part of a growing movement to give medical marijuana to pets in pain. Many urge caution until there's better science behind it. But stories abound about changes in sick and dying pets after they've been given cannabis — even though it isn't a proven pain killer for man or mutt, and it's an illicit drug under federal law despite being legal for people in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Leading the charge is Los Angeles veterinarian Doug Kramer, 36, known as the "Vet Guru," who felt it was his duty to speak out while he has no family that would feel a verbal or financial backlash.

"I grew tired of euthanizing pets when I wasn't doing everything I could to make their lives better," he said. "I felt like I was letting them down."

It's nearly pool season. This dog knows to bring its towel for after a swim.

In January, this big handsome guy lost his daddy and there was no one to care for him. Dexter's world was turned upside down and now he is at Portage APL. For almost 5 months, he has been hoping for a new home. He is about 4 years old and seemed to have enjoyed a good life. He is a big, cuddly guy at 17lbs. He is also neutered, microchipped and up to date on vaccines.

He will probably need a little time to adjust in a new home since he's been through so much but what a great cat! Please come and meet Dexter. You won’t regret it.

The following is a press release from the Portage County Animal Protective League:

Paws-4-A-Cause Adopt-a-thon and Family Fun Day — 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at the Cleveland Metroparks South Chagrin Reservation Polo Field in Moreland Hills, sponsored by the Public Animal Welfare Society of Ohio. Free admission and parking. More than 20 animal rescue groups will participate. Dogs with yellow bandanas will be looking for forever homes. Contests, raffles and canine demonstrations. There also will be pet-related and craft vendor booths and food from six local vendors. For more information, visit www.pawsohio.org/p4ac.

Chefs Who Care — The Humane Society of Greater Akron and Blue Canyon Restaurant are teaming up to present an after work cocktail hour event from 5-9 p.m. June 27 at Blue Canyon Restaurant, 8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg. Heavy appetizers, cash bar, music and a live auction are included in the $35 ticket price. Tickets can be purchased at www.summithumane.org or by calling 330-487-0333, ext. 232.