Yes, this is a baseball, not a softball, but you get the point.

Anyone wanting to help a kid while they take in a ballgame can do so Saturday.

The second annual KLPX Us n Them Softball Tournament to Benefit La Paloma Kids hits Hi Corbett Field, 3400 E. Camino Campestre, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Each of the four tournament teams consists of one KLPX radio station DJ backed by listeners chosen over the last few weeks.

There’s no admittance fee, but folks are asked to come armed with new or slightly used sporting goods that will be donated to La Paloma.

The event also offers live music from Tucson band Crosscut Saw, food, drinks, game booths and most likely some hilarious antics on the field.

More info: www.klpx.com/events.php

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Do you know of other charity events to benefit non-profit Tucson organizations?

Post them below or e-mail rynski@tucsoncitizen.com (rynski@tucsoncitizen.com)

Some people can’t be trusted. The lot includes those high on heroin, those standing in a doorway with a bloody butcher knife and anyone who hates animals.

One commenter continues to whine about the number of animal stories here.

We are unsure if this person hates animals, but we know he or she doesn’t like reading about them.

Thus we offer some tips for those who don’t appreciate the animal posts:

1. Don’t read anything with the following words in the headline: dog, cat, rat, puppy, kitten, bat, pet, horse, bird, budgie, snake, lizard, capybara, salamander, boa, potbellied pig

2. Also avoid headlines that contain the words “fuzzy” or “furry,” unless it’s a post about mold.

Quick animal facts:

• Kids who abuse animals often grow up to abuse people

• An estimated 63 percent of American homes have some type of pet, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association

• Animals have been successfully used for therapy, companionship and service, helping those who have limited capabilities live a fuller and more independent life

• The Wrestler star Mickey Rourke is so devoted to his Chihuahua, Loki, that he dedicated his recent Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor to the dearly departed pooch

• Happiness is a warm puppy

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Do you trust people who hate animals?

Dulce Gonzalez, 5, cools off in a running creek at Madera Canyon.

Day trips are a great way to get away without the cost of, say, flying to Paris.

Southern Arizona is rife with riveting adventures and a three-day weekend is the perfect time to take one.

I thank the reader who suggested a day trip feature and hope others contribute their own ideas.

Since the paper had an awesome staff of feature writers, I scoured the archives and found an ideal trip for late May.

DAY TRIP: MADERA CANYON

With the weather heating up, it’s a perfect time for the short trip to Madera Canyon. Nestled in the Santa Rita mountain range, you’ll be protected by foliage as you hike or picnic. (You’ll still want to start relatively early to beat the heat. Temperature tends to be about 10 degrees cooler than in Tucson.)

One of the big draws for the thousands of folks who visit the canyon annually is birding. Among the canyon’s residents are the trogons, Townsend’s warblers, yellow-eyed juncos and gray flycatchers, though there are many, many more – some 200 species have been seen. For a nice, up-to-date list of recent bird spottings, visit friendsofmaderacanyon.org.

Hikers can enjoy a variety of trails, and Madera is also a popular spot for photographers.

Where to eat

Get shade from sycamores at the Madera picnic area, and from oaks across the road at Madera Trailhead Picnic Area; $5 vehicle parking.

Or, for something less rustic, try the Grill on the Green at Canoa Ranch. It’s a Bob McMahon restaurant and features fare similar to Old Pueblo Grille; (520) 393-1933. (Yes, I checked Friday. The place is still open and will be this weekend.)

The drive

About 42 miles south of Tucson. Take Interstate 19 about 25 miles south of Tucson to Exit 63. Turn left onto Continental Road and drive one mile. Turn right on White House Canyon Road and go 14 miles to the top of the canyon.

To learn more

Nogales Ranger District (Santa Rita Mountains, Madera Canyon): (520) 281-2296

fs.fed.us/r3/ coronado

Memorial Day weekend update from the Coronado National Forest

Santa Rita Mountains (Nogales Ranger District)

Open: Madera Canyon campground and picnic areas, Upper White Rock campground, Whipple picnic site, and Calabassas picnic area.

Note: All Pena Blanca Lake recreation areas remain closed due to mercury clean-up efforts.

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Madera Canyon sounds grand, but remember it will probably be packed due to the holiday.

Also remember to steer clear of the Pena Blanca Lake area unless you’re a fan of mercury.

Jebediah was adopted locally after he was found wandering around the North Sixth Avenue Dog Park.

Tucsonans who want to adopt a pet don’t have to go very far.

We have midtown’s Humane Society of Southern Arizona, the Northwest Side’s Pima Animal Care Center and a handful of other fully stocked shelters in other areas about town.

We could probably even find a couple of stray dogs or cats just walking around the block a couple times anywhere we live.

But some folks will still travel far and wide to pick up that perfect pet.

One local dude is flitting off to Florida this weekend to purchase the littermate of a pup he already retrieved from Tennessee. (The breeder lives in Tennessee but will be at her time share in Florida.)

His jet-setting is necessary to nab a particular breed of dog.

Then there’s an English couple who were not picky about the breed of cat they needed, just the particular cat.

They glimpsed a photo of a feline on the adoption site Petfinder.com and decided they must have that cat. It looked just like their former cat.

So they flew 4,000 miles from London to Michigan to go get their new pet, named Sparky.

How Far is Too Far? Couple Travels 4,000 Miles to Adopt Cat

“I thought [the shelter] would say ‘you guys are completely mad,” admits Rose Rasmussen, who along with her husband Chris traveled…to pick up Sparky. Preparing the cat for his relocation overseas was no easy feat and required a six-month quarantine, along with microchipping, vaccinations, a blood test, and a health certificate.

But the shelter didn’t think the Rasmussens were crazy. Read story: www.pawnation.com/2009/05/18/how-far-is-too-far-couple-travels-4-000-miles-to-adopt-cat/

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Would you trek thousands of miles to adopt a pet you have not yet met?

Where did you get your pet: shelter, breeder, pet store, other?

What determined your choice?

Now what did he eat?

The gorgeous, post-rain morning started with my dog eating poop.

It’s a habit I’m guessing he picked up when he was a starving stray before I adopted him.

He’s also eaten rocks, raw chicken he stole from the countertop and a pair of my walking shoes in revenge.

The rock ingestion led to stomach surgery.

I thought he had gotten over the poop-eating habit, technically called Coprophagia, but I once again had to intervene.

My solution is to pick it up immediately before he has a chance to think about dining on it.

Another solution is a food additive, sold at pet stores, that supposedly makes the poo taste so horrible even the dog won’t eat it. I’ve never tried it but have seen others buying it.

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What’s your pet’s grossest habit?

What do you do about it?

Pet names may shape the kind of character your dog or cat will develop.

A cat named PeePee, for example, might spend a lot of time secluded in the litter box

Dogs named Chewy will not go well with your new suede couch.

The most popular dog names, as listed at PawNation.com, illustrate what folks want from their dogs, even if they don’t realize it while they are picking the name.

Top five male dog names:

1. Max. This dog is going to think he’s the greatest thing since Mel Gibson. Best for an Australian shepherd.

2. Buddy. Good ole Buddy will be your best pal, never leaving your side. Because of this, it’s best for a small dog you can easily step over.

3. Jake. Technical definition of this name is supplanter. Don’t expect him to give up the couch. Not ideal for a Great Dane.

4. Bailey. This dog will be loads of fun and great at parties. He’ll also be at your beck and call, as dogs are supposed to be but often aren’t, as his name means steward. Good for English Mastiffs or Irish Setters.

5. Rocky. Great hiking dog, especially in Colorado. He may, however, have some colon issues. Awesome choice for a boxer.

Top five female dog names:

1. Molly. While the name sounds like a sea of sweetness, it actually means sea of bitterness. Masculine version is Garry. Best for red-headed poodles that were popular in the 1980s.

2. Bella. These dogs do well with Pavlovian training. Excellent choice for beagles and bloodhounds.

3. Lucy. Also a good choice for red-headed dogs, namely strawberry blonds since the name means light. Best for smaller breeds that don’t weigh much.

4. Maggie. This one will surely grow up to be a gem of a dog, since the name means pearl. Good for little Yorkie types.

5. Daisy. These dogs will end up romping through the fields and chomping on your flowers. Ideal for big-eyed dogs like pugs.

See the rest of the top dog names: www.pawnation.com/2009/05/19/top-20-dog-names/

The giant dinosaur was moved last week.

Tucson’s Charlie Spillar may not have parted the Red Sea, but he has moved mountainous structures.

Spillar found new homes for a gaggle of giant golf course statues that were destined for the dump.

Spillar’s efforts have been noticed, now very publicly with a certificate awarded to him by the Tucson Mayor and City Council at Tuesday’s Council meeting.

The structures included a 50,000-pound tiki head, a 17-foot monkey, a 15,000-pound T-Rex, a sizable skull and a behemoth bull. Many went to private homes, others to area businesses.

Artist Lee Koplin created the cement statues more than 30 years ago and they were part of Magic Carpet Golf, 6125 E. Speedway Blvd., which is now slated to become a car lot.

“I did a sculpture that took more than 1,000 hours and it ended up in a landfill,” said artist Spillar, who doubles as the spokesman for the 1920s-era fantasyland Valley of the Moon.

“That’s the main reason I have been trying to save these Magic Carpet Golf gentle creatures from a similar fate.”

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I would have loved to have one of the things in my yard but I’m burdened with an HOA.

Any comment from folks who took one of the statues to a new home?

What about from folks who have the statues as a new neighbor?

Would you want to live next to a 17-foot monkey?

New dinosaur owner Steve Kippur of AMCEP Metals makes friends with his new yard mate, a 15,000-pound T-Rex.

The dinosaur was moved last week.

Charlie Spillar's giant buzzard statue took more than 1,000 hours to create and ended up in a landfill.

Would you save them if they ran in the ocean or jumped in a lake?

We feed, water, walk and tolerate our cuddly canines chewing up our cell phones and clawing through our patio screens.

But would we die for them?

One Michigan woman proved she was willing to put herself at risk to save her dog, Moxie, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

Jess Craigie plunged into the 40-degree waters of Lake Michigan when her 2-year-old mixed-breed pooch jumped off the pier. The dog did begin to doggie paddle, but Craigie could tell her pooch was panicking.

At least Craigie had a bit of foresight before she threw herself into the frigid lake.

She called 911, then handed her cell phone to a man standing nearby. She also handed him the leash of the other dog she was walking.

Then she took the plunge.

Oh, she also made sure there was a pole sticking out of the water so she could hang on and refrain from drowning while her dog stood on her shoulders.

Rescue workers plucked Craigie and Moxie out of the waters, saying Craigie would have been lucky to last another three minutes in the cold water.

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What’s the greatest length you’ve gone to for your pet?

Would you do it again?

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This story was picked for Scotty F., who requested dog stories.

Read full story: www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-dog-rescue-06-may06,0,6421432.story

A Phoenix school has been ordered closed for a week by Maricopa County health officials due to an apparent flu outbreak.

County public health director Dr. Bob England says Lowell Elementary School has been “experiencing a much higher than normal rate of absenteeism due to illness that looks like flu.”

England ordered the school closed as a precaution until May 26.

He says with swine flu and seasonal flu behaving much the same way, it’s not recommended that students already home with mild illness be tested for swine flu. So, England says it’s likely that the strain of flu will remain unknown.

Lowell Elementary School spokeswoman Sara Bresnahan said officials saw a spike of absences on Monday among the school’s 700-student population. About 20 percent of the student body called in sick.

England ordered three schools closed April 29 after students contracted swine flu. A few days later, he announced he wouldn’t order new closures unless a particular school had a widespread outbreak.

Before you become pregnant, be sure you have been immunized against rubella (German measles).

Source: Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies

For more parenting information, go to the Tucson nonprofit New Parents Network’s Web site, www.npn.org.

Tucson International Airport’s Concourse P is living up to its name with a designated pet area where visiting canines can relieve themselves.

Thanks to an amendment to the Air Carrier Access Act that went into effect Wednesday, the Prickly Paws Pet Stop can be found just outside the terminal building on its east side.

To help kids prepare for summer reading, A Children's House of Books owner Pat James is having a trading day where families can trade a can of food for a book.

Finding a cool spot to get lost in a good book is one of the best ways to survive a Tucson summer.

The “bookmarm,” as she calls herself, at A Children’s House of Books wants to connect Tucson kids with great reading to help beat the heat.

“I want to foster literacy in the community,” said retired teacher Pat James, owner of the children’s used book shop at 2624 N. First Ave.

James, who opened A Children’s House of Books six months ago, has transformed the spot into a charming, colorful hideaway, with children’s art on the walls. A brightly colored paper dragon, created by students at Miles Exploratory Learning Center, hangs from the ceiling.

There is a dress-up chest, vintage toys and about 5,000 books for children up to about age 13 to choose from. Nearly all are used. Some belonged to her children, now grown.

James wants to make it easy for children to get books. Families can trade in books or pay half the list price.

She is hosting Trading Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22-23. Families can trade cans of food, to be donated to the Community Food Bank, for books.

“Bring in a can of food and get a book, or bring in a book and get a can of food,” James said.

James, who retired from Tucson Unified School District in 2004, also offers teaching resources.

She wanted to spread her love of reading to kids in the neighborhood. She offers story time at 11 a.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays, along with tutoring and special events.

“It’s very important for families to have books in the house and to be reading to children,” she said.

LIBRARY SUMMER READING KICKS OFF

Kids, teens and adults can join the free summer reading club at Pima County Public Library, winning prizes and taking part in hundreds of educational activities.

“Be Creative @ Your Library” runs May 21 through July 18.

The calendar of events is available at all branch libraries.

Children can pick up a free “Be Creative @ Your Library” game board at any branch and use the game board to keep track of how many hours they read. They can also log their minutes online at library.pima.gov.

For every six hours spent reading, children earn prizes. All those who read 24 hours by July 18 will receive a certificate and a ticket for four people to the Tucson Toros baseball game at Hi Corbett Field on July 26. Six hours of extra reading will earn the child a pass to Breakers Water Park and a free paperback book.

The reading program for teens, called “Rock a Book,” is open to ages 12 to 18. They can earn coupons for local businesses and other prizes for every 10 hours spent reading. Prizes include a $10 gift certificate to Bookmans and a backstage pass to the “Rock a Book” band finale, where they can watch bands in the Main Library’s garage. Teens can register online at library.pima.gov or go to their neighborhood library for details.

Adults can list, rate and review books online, earning chances in weekly drawings for $5 Bookmans’ credit slips. Those who read 20 hours will earn a reusable book bag and a pass with discounts to Pima County attractions. Those who read 30 hours by July 18 will be entered into a drawing for a $100 credit voucher at Bookmans.

Citizen file photo by RENEE BRACAMONTE

Pat James in her store, A Children's House of Books, 2624 N. First Ave. James sells children's books - mostly used - in her 6-month-old store.

James is a retired Tucson Unified School District Teacher. Many of the used books belonged to her own children.

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IF YOU GO

What: Trading Day at A Children’s House of Books. Bring in a can of food and take home a book, or bring in books to trade

Where: 2624 N. First Ave.

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 22-23

Price: free admission

Info: 822-8211

Question: My 8-year-old daughter has been making comments lately that she is “too fat.” Her weight is just fine, and her pediatrician and I have told her that. But she makes comments about needing to lose weight and how she shouldn’t eat anything that would make her “fatter.”

So many girls do end up with eating disorders and I am worried. How should I handle this?

Answer: Isn’t it too bad that little girls – or boys, for that matter – worry about being too fat at the tender age of 8?

Talk about social pressure. That pressure is primarily geared toward young women.

The best response that a mom or dad can make to an 8-year-old is, “Honey, you look fine to me, but it’s your call.”

You’re putting the proverbial tennis ball of life on her court.

What you can’t do is run the risk of overreacting to it. Most parents would come up with something like, “Melissa, why would you say something like that? You have a lovely, cute little shape.”

Don’t do that. Don’t deny the child’s self-perception, but don’t pay it off, either.

In other words, “Honey, if you want to feel that way, you go right ahead. But I have to tell you the truth. It doesn’t look like that to me.”

That has a sense of balance in the response. If you tend to overreact, you’re going to make that situation worse.

If your child continues to feel this way, it is worth a call to the pediatrician.

We see a plethora of cases of anorexia nervosa, where kids have myopic views.

The theme in that tragic disorder is perfectionism.

Don’t be a flaw picker, parents. When kids do well, tell them they did well. Say, “I’ll bet you’re proud of your effort.”

But don’t overdo things. Don’t be like most parents and hold that carrot out there, hoping they’ll jump a little higher.

If you create that scenario in your home, you will regret it.

Just a quick note about general nutrition. Kids do get obese. Kids are among the most out-of-shape generation in our history.

A reminder to every parent: You’re the one that brings the junk home, so be careful about what you bring home from the store.

If you have nutritious snacks around that aren’t laden with sugar and calories, chances are your child will do just fine.

Dr. Kevin Leman is a Tucson psychologist and author of more than 30 best-selling books, including “Have a New Kid by Friday.” E-mail questions to him at whatsupdoc@tucsoncitizen.com. Photo by Tom Spitz Photography

Is “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” your thing?

The Arizona Theatre Company is accepting applications for its Teen Critic Program. Selected students will learn how to write a professional-caliber theater review. They are invited to free opening night performances, where they will receive a press packet and get preferred press seating. They can participate in workshops and have their work professionally reviewed.

Students will write reviews to be published either in a school newspaper or online. Students who apply must be available to attend:

• “The Kite Runner,” Sept. 17

• “George is Dead,” Oct. 23

• “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” Dec. 4

• “[title of show]” (yes, this really is the title), Jan. 29

• “The Glass Menagerie,” March 5

• “The Second City Does Arizona, or Close But No Saguaro,” April 9

Applications received by May 30 will receive priority consideration. Applications are accepted through Aug. 24. To apply, go to www.aztheatreco.org/index.html? education_teencritic.html&1 or call 884-8210.

Fudge

Fudge –

The Hermitage Cat Shelter

Fudge is a 2-year-old domestic short-haired tuxedo. She was picked up by Pima Animal Care Center as a stray and the Hermitage then rescued her. She’s sweet, lovable and cute and funny, but she’s not so thrilled with all the feline roommates. She really wants her own home. She is spayed, wellness checked and microchipped.

See Fudge at The Hermitage Cat Shelter, 5278 E. 21st St., which is open 1-4 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The $55 adoption fee covers current vaccines, microchip, trial pet insurance and lots of cat care information. Call Monica at 571-7839 or visit hermitagecatshelter.org for details.

Patch – Humane Society

Here’s a lovable little senior dog in real need of a special home. Patch, an unclaimed stray Lhasa Apso, is about 10 years old, and it’s hard telling how long he’s been on his own. With missing teeth and neglected basic health care, this little charmer seems to have been overlooked for quite a while. But Patch is a survivor who found his way to the Humane Society and is now on the road to a better life.

Because he is a senior, Patch requires a special person to look after his needs on a daily basis. He requires daily eye drops and medication to help him feel better and will need regular vet and home care for the rest of his life. An understanding person who will accept him as he is and give him plenty of love and attention will be rewarded with a lot of love and affection from this sweet guy.

Patch is one of several “Special Needs” pets now waiting for their second chance. Visit them at the Humane Society’s Adoption Center, 3450 N. Kelvin Blvd. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and noon-5 p.m. Sundays. For more information call 327-6088 or visit hssaz.org

Troy – Casa de los Gatos

Troy is a handsome year-old male Flame Point Siamese with a sweet and fun personality. He loves to play with toys but will also slow down to enjoy quiet cuddle time with people. Troy’s adoption fee includes neutering, vaccines, tests, microchip and a free vet exam. For more info on Troy or the many other cats and kittens with Casa de los Gatos, please call 881-0900 or visit CasaDeLosGatos.org

Patch

Troy