Edmond resident Rita Gray-Martin will sign copies of her book Erick on Saturday, July 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Vintage Timeless Coffee, 900 NW 150th in Oklahoma City. As an educator, Gray-Martin encounters children who are very angry. In her book, a student acts out. Ms. Gray, his teacher, discovers why he is angry. Erick shows how a caring and loving relationship from an adult can make a positive difference in a child’s life. Rita Gray-Martin says “Erick is meant to help adults understand and take the time to investigate further into a child’s outbursts. Children see themselves in Erick.”

In addition to hardback and paperback books, Erick rag dolls, coloring books, CDs and bookmarks will be available. Ten percent of sales that day benefit Best Friends of Pets, a local animal welfare organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation by helping pets and their owners.

Rita Gray-Martin has spent over three decades in education. She currently is a Certified Trainer of Trainers, Transformation Coach, and motivational speaker. For more information, go to www.ritagraymartinauthor.webs.com.

For some reason, a group called The Pet Collective has done a parody video of their video “One Thing.” With dogs. Yes. It’s just dogs running around. Let’s just be grateful that the dogs aren’t barking along. The doggy suspenders are pretty hilarious, though.

We thank you, Oklahoma City Zoo supporters, for all you do! Tuesday, July 17, 2012, marks the twenty-second anniversary of the 1/8 of a cent dedicated sales tax being passed by Oklahoma City citizens for the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, and to celebrate, the Zoo is offering free admission to all on Tuesday, July 17.

Passed by Oklahoma City citizens in 1990, the sales tax has made numerous capitol improvements possible at the Zoo including Great EscApe, Cat Forest/Lion Overlook, the main entrance facility, the Canopy Food Court, Oklahoma Trails, the Children’s Zoo and the Elephant Habitat. Moving forward the sales tax will help fund a new animal hospital slated to open in 2014.

“We are extremely grateful to the citizens of Oklahoma City for their ongoing dedication to the Zoo. The significant support we receive from the community enables the Zoo to continue to grow and strive for excellence in our mission of conservation, education, research and recreation; while becoming a world class attraction that Oklahomans are proud to call their zoo.” said Dwight Scott, Executive Director/CEO.

Take advantage of the free admission and make plans to visit the Zoo on Sales Tax Appreciation Day, Tuesday, July 17. Group reservations are not required. Regular prices apply for all rides and attractions.

Visit Oklahoma’s #1 attraction and one of the top three zoos in the country as named in the 2012 10Besties Readers’ Choice Travel Awards. The Oklahoma City Zoo is a proud member of Oklahoma City’s Adventure District located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages three-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free.

Now through August 26, the Zoo is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Morning Zoo Rise. Guests can take advantage of our late Saturdays through September 1, and stay and play until 8 p.m. All guests must leave grounds at closing. Become a Zoo fan at http://www.facebook.com/okczoobg or follow us on Twitter @okczoo. To learn more about these and other happenings, call (405) 424-3344 or visit okczoo.com.

• Animal chiropractor helps from head to tail. (Oklahoma City)
• For many students, it’s a zoo out there. (Oklahoma City)
• Metro students work alongside zoo experts. (Oklahoma City, Edmond)
• Lead sickens rare baby bird. (California)
• Wild fishing industries exploring strategies. (Gulf of Mexico)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Breeders’ bill advances. (state capitol)
• Police find dog, fowl on guard near drugs. (Lawton)
• Animal magnetism: Actor Brendan Fraser takes a beating in new family comedy “Furry Vengeance.” (nationwide)
• Critters, kid-safe plot fuel “Furry Vengeance.” (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Anglers find dead alligator. (Broken Bow)
• Senate rejects puppy mill measure. (state capitol)
• PBS special touts Canine Assistants. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

• Pet Tales: Never say never. (Moore)
• Newborn dies in mauling. (Florida)
• Meat, poultry rules may aid competition. (nationwide)

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll

Liz Kock, Registered Veterinary Technician at the Oklahoma City Zoo, gives Jet a lift to his new home in the Children’s Zoo.

Darcy Henthorn, Oklahoma City Zoo Curator of Children’s Zoo & Birds, happily carries Oologah into his barn at the new Children’s Zoo.

Duncan gets a lift from Oklahoma City Zoo Children’s Zoo Supervisor Doug Latham into the new Children’s Zoo Barn.

Brandon Bourassa, a Children’s Zoo keeper, carries Gotebo into the new Children’s Zoo Barn on goat moving day.

Staff Writer Carrie Coppernoll