`CATTY' STAGE MOMS BEHIND MODEL PETS

`CATTY' STAGE MOMS BEHIND MODEL PETS

NEW YORK (Wireless Flash) -- Beauty pageants may get catty, but it's nothing compared to the shenanigans at cat and dog calendar contests. According to Workman Publishing, which holds annual contests to find animal "models" for its calendars, pet "stage moms" try all sorts of tricks to ensure their pooch or pussy makes the final cut. Some pet owners resort to special costumes or makeup, while others literally beg with puppy-dog eyes hoping the judges will select their beloved pet. Other owners submit their pets' pictures year after year without winning, "a la" soap star Susan Lucci. One of the worst examples of stage moms was a woman who encouraged her friends and family to boycott the calendar because the judges didn't select her dog. Workman has just released its pet calendars for 2000, which include a digital version that can be downloaded onto your computer.