Dear Sparky,

I just want to make a statement. Humans think I'm cute, or at least that is what I have been told all my life. So why not take advantage of my gifts? Being cute is a talent like any other, right? I'm a model, and my latest assignment was a shampoo contest. The winner receives a lifetime supply of shampoo. Would you believe that my neighbor, whom I might add smells like a garbage can, gave me the hardest time. She called me an "Air Head."

Sparky, I am not vain. I do not seek glory or praise or anything of that nature. I just like to be in the limelight! It's fun. It's different. It's not routine. Why, then, do others criticize me for posing for advertisements?

Annoyed in Anaheim

Dear Annoyed,

Jealousy makes us do crazy things. Not all of us are endowed with the same number of gifts, and some of us have to "make do" with much less than a generous portion. Usually it's the "making do" that is difficult, and probably 90% of the canine world is "making do," no pun intended. So take heart, be of good cheer, and have a good word for your neighbor.

Not to worry,

Sparky