ST. LOUIS - A dachshund-cocker mix with a hard-luck past has ended up being the belle of the ball.
Tillie the pooch, rescued from a no-kill shelter in California, was named best in show Monday at Dog Show USA, an online competition that gives equal standing to purebreds and mutts. Some 45,000 people voted for Tillie, organizers said.
"This is a classic Cinderella story," said award presenter Ernie Planck, as he draped a medal and ribbon around Tillie's tiny neck. "She's a mixed-breed rescue dog selected from 15,000 entries. She is America's dog."
She also received a bouquet of carnations and a crystal water bowl.
NBC and pet food maker Purina, co-sponsors of the National Dog Show of purebreds, decided to launch a dog show with two firsts: The competition would include mixed breeds and the public would vote for contestants online.
ADVERTISEMENT
Associated Press
Blokes + beers = big bids
SYDNEY, Australia - An offer of beer, sausages and a chat with four Aussie blokes has set off a bidding frenzy on the Australian eBay online auction site.
"We'll be your best mates - instantly!" they say. "You won't have to try and impress us. We don't even care who you are. And you'll get to experience the thrills and spills of hanging out with four good blokes in a relaxing, sun-filled environment."
Included in the winning bid is a bit of food, some drink and some conversation - but not much else.
"We won't fly you here. Heck, we won't even pay for your bus fare," the message says. "What we WILL do is guarantee you some beers, some snags (sausages), some good conversation and a hell of a lot of laughs."
By Wednesday, there had been more than 100 bids for the weekend in Sydney, and with two days left, the price already had soared to nearly $79,900.
Associated Press
ADVERTISEMENT
Karma bums
HONG KONG - Hong Kong's wealthiest man said four people who tried to break into his wife's tomb may have gotten something instead of riches: bad karma.
Police were searching for the suspects, who came away empty-handed from the tomb of tycoon Li Ka-shing's wife early Monday.
"They have committed a double sin," Li told reporters Wednesday after visiting Li Chong Yuet-ming's damaged tomb. "They didn't get the riches, and - if the tomb raiders believe in karma - they wouldn't have peace for the rest of their lives."
Associated Press
If there's something you want to see in
The Rail, e-mail Features Editor John Lamb
ADVERTISEMENT
Today's best bet
Jazz Ensemble Concert
7:30 p.m.
Knutson Center Centrum, Concordia College, Moorhead
(218) 299-4515
