Reggie, an 8-year-old dog whom I loved without reservation, went to his reward three weeks ago on our veterinarian's examining table. Reggie had been diagnosed in early November with congestive heart failure and had not responded to the various medications prescribed for him. His stomach had swollen to the size of a soccer ball; he was hemorrhaging internally and sooner or later would bleed to death.

The decision to end his life was incredibly painful, but not really all that difficult. Our laws permit us to do unto our household animals what we are not permitted to do unto ourselves: take them out of their misery, let them die speedily when they are ready to die - and grant them, in the words of the most beautiful prayer that I know, "a safe lodging, and a holy rest, and peace at the last." So while Reggie snuggled his head into the crook of my elbow, the veterinarian administered the final dose, and, after three deep sighs, Reggie breathed his last.

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HOUND DOG BILL IS BACK - AND HE'S BARKING LOUD

Despite reports, it's probably easier to pen in press than it is to subdue and shut up the testosterone-fueled bad boy as he travels from state to state stumping and pressing the flesh (OK, bad choice of words) with the thousands of adoring fans who crowd him unrestrained after his speeches.

But clearly Team Clinton was in damage-control mode during the week, trying to make up for his untoward, racially insensitive remarks. (The jury is still out about whether or not they were really off the cuff or not.) He was introduced at each of his last-minute-arranged, hectic venues by prominent African-Americans and Hispanics.

There was former Mayor Wellington Webb in Denver, Mayor Martin Chavez in Albuquerque, and Queens Congressman Gregory Meeks in Phoenix and Albuquerque.

It's clear that Hound Dog Bill wants to be in the White House again, even if that takes getting America to elect his wife.