Pet Talk: Dog birthdays are all the rage (Vail Daily)

When his dog turned 1, Andy Frietze wanted to do more than throw Ecko a bone. He threw him a birthday party. The twohour party included dogfriendly cupcakes, treat bags and presents. He loved it, said Frietze, 35, of El Paso, Texas, who owns three red Dobermans. Read more

Miss Manners: A thankyou is polite, no matter the culture (San Jose Mercury News)

DEAR MISS MANNERS: When I attended a friends 30th birthday party, I, like many of the other guests, brought a gift. Read more

Wandas Picks (San Francisco Bay View)

I hadnt realized the date was upon me, but I do recall being happy March 1 to be celebrating two women I love, Hafsa and Tomy. Read more