They were only hours from death but now a pair of pooches are proof that every dog 'deserves' his day. Eyewitness News reporter Walt Buteau and photographer John Villella give you a peak inside the lives of Jasper and MacKenzie in the latest edition of Street Stories.

Snout to lens, they are as normally, adorable as any puppies.

“Jasper is very outgoing. Very fun loving,” Just A Touch founder Debbie Fahrenholtz tells us. “He loves to wrestle and he’s very much a dog.”

“Sometimes MacKenzie just lets Jasper steal the show,” Doctor Margaret Guzinski of Warwick Animal Hospital says. “But he gets around better and tends to bull doze her over.”

She's half his size, struggling with a hernia and a skin condition, with not even a dimple where her front legs should be. His front paws sprouted but as you’ll see in our video, barely.

“They would not have come this way if their parents were not closely related,” Dr. Guzinski says, explaining that the dogs’ original owner bred a male dog with its sister. “And that sort of thing should never be purposely done. It does increase the chances for birth defects.”

Now, with a little help from volunteer-powered Just A Touch and in this case, a glob of peanut butter on a stick, the pups are learning to walk on two legs. Deb's hand and heart are on the other end of the tasty tongue depressor with an organization that saves and finds homes for special needs dogs.

“They really do tug at your heart because they're little and defenseless and were literally hours away from being euthanized.”

“The nice thing about Deb's organization,” Doctor Guzinski adds. “Is these guys have a chance with proper care.”

Jasper, MacKenzie and the rest of their special needs pack have a long way to go but the climb to that mountain of peanut butter and a 'dog's life', is easier every day.

“I think they're going to be happy, good dogs for someone to have.” Fahrenholtz tells us as she scratches Jasper’s belly. “Good companions. Good friends for a family some day.”

Jasper and Mackenzie have their own website that lets you know what they'll need as they get older.

Take a look at their progress by clicking here:

http://www.wpri.com/subindex/on_air/street_stories

You can also log onto http://jasperswheels.com/ for more info about how you can help these special needs dogs.

And please, as always, let us know what you think about this and our other stories.

Perhaps I will be the only one reading this and only because I am the one writing it but here it is. . .my perspective on a few events...soon to be at least weekly and somewhat daily over on WPRI.COM. Check it out and comment away.

In Wednesday's House Finance hearing on next year's budget, a sharp example for all ages. Article 15 would eliminate RIPAE which helps seniors pay for prescriptions. Article 28 would add coverage for the children of legal, non-citizens. 28 leverages a  federal match to bring in more money from D.C. That's great. . .but don't you expect at least the same for our senior 'citizens'?

Why does a salamander cross the road? In one amphibious corner of Vermont, the reason is to find their mate. It's important enough for volunteers to protect the little environmental bellwethers by guiding them away from cars but wait there's more. Much more! The state of Vermont is considering spending 350 thousand dollars to install tunnels under the road for the critters. How romantic!

Heading home on Tuesday night, nice and relaxed, driving about 20 on Amaral and FLASH! A doe...maybe 150 pounds or so...zips in front of my bumper. If I had left work a second earlier, I would've hit her and she would've ended up in my front seat. This is the time of year, DEM warns us about does and bucks running in and out of traffic. I need no reminders.

Great work if you can get it! Your capital city paid a pair of firms 100K for a two word catch phrase and a one letter logo. And one of the firms isn't from Rhode Island. Interesting timing, no?

Blog you later...

Happy St. Joseph's Day!            Giorno felice della st Joseph!!

I found this info on Wikipedia about St. Joseph's Day:

http://www.ask.com/bar?q=What+is+St.+Joseph%27s+Da
y+about%3F&page=1&qsrc=0&ab=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikiped
ia.org%2Fwiki%2FSaint_Joseph%27s_Day

Best kept secret in Cumberland Rhode Island.

Philibuster club high street Cumberland.

Try all of there seafood price is right and food is excellent.

Get there before 5 p.m. otherwise they are sold out of fish and chips.

Fridays 11a.m.-7p.m.

We hate the media in general, but we love afternoon talk show hostsJohn & Ken of KFI radio in Los Angeles. And if the media ignorestheir popular tax revolt movement, we?ll give them a hand.

The talk team drew 15,000 people last week to their ?Revolt, Recall,Repeal Rally? to protest California?s $50 billion tax increase and tobegin recall efforts aimed at the governor and several statelegislators. it was covered locally, but did you see any nationalcoverage? Ten NOW protestors on the on the White House steps makesnews, but not 15,000 in a tax revolt? Of course, we?re not surprised.

During the rally, DVDs and VHS tapes of Schwarzenegger?s movies wereenthusiastically trashed by the crowd. John & Ken provided ?TheShredinator? to shred other Schwarzenegger memorabilia.

The KFI hosts also played recordings of Schwartzenegger promising hewould never raise taxes, which elicited a loud, angry response from thecrowd.

?This has been a complete disaster and it?s time to do somethingabout it,? they said. ?He should be apologizing to you and he should beresigning!?

John & Ken are the best talk show hosts in America. If you?ve never heard them rant and rave, check them out at KFI640.com.

This is it... I received an email that our blog format is changing and all this hard work over almost two-years will be gone forever (I think).

To be fair, I haven't been blogging too much lately because I'm more of a Twitter fan right now.  As I've explained before, it's easier to do from the road now that I'm reporting during the day.

Together, we've posted nearly 1,000 entries and comments -- and had tens of thousands of page views (if the counter in this blog is correct)... If this survives "the change", great.  If not, I can't promise I'll start another one right away.  Let's see what happens.

Hi!  I'm sorry that I haven't blogged in a LONG time.  My Call 12 for Action center has been so busy, we're averaging 200 calls a month, not to mention the emails...Clearly the bad economy is putting a strain on so many of us, and our call volume has reflected that.

That's what brings me to you.  I, like you, am trying to find any and all possible ways to save money.  With 3 kids at home, we are stretched beyond our limits.  Let's share some ideas with eachother on how we are saving our pennies.

If they're interesting enough, I might even do a segment with you on your ideas!  I recently did a story on a mom who writes out a menu for the entire week and sticks to buying just what is on that menu (you can down load her blank menu on wpri.com)  she swears she saves $100-$200/week!

I look forward to hearing your saving buster ideas!!

susan

I usually like to watch the news a few times per day, but lately am finding myself turning it off when the subject of mortgages and mortgage foreclosures comes up. In the past 8 years I have never been late or missed a payment on my mortgage. I am like many of milions of Americans who have been laid off of work and in in jeopardy of loosing my home to foreclosure. I, and many others am becomming irritated by those in the media who refer to people like myself as being irresponsable. Many of us who are laid off, and could be loosing our homes take offense to the terms "irresponsable" and "irresponsable borrowers". We did not ask for these lay offs, and certainly do not want to loose our homes. Granted there may be a few people out there who are trying to take advantageof the situation, but I beleive most of us are hard working Americans and are in an unforunateitation. NOT IRRSPONSIBLE.

In my opionion, the media should refrian from using words and making statements that make us feel worse than we already Do.

Michael. Warwick1

                                                                                                Brian P. Larson

                                                                                                Palmerdonahue@aol.com

To Whom It May Concern:
Director of Human Resources

Foxprovidence.com,

To Whom It May Concern:

Please consider me as an applicant for The Rhode Show advertised at Foxprovidence.com.

As you will notice, I am a graduate from the New England Institute of Technology so I have confidence in possibly being a rowdy for you guys, editing some film, getting behind a camera or taking a story for the team anything I can do to possibly become one with your crew. I have more than the experience hence all projects listed in my resume already pursued with success. With all of that I am confident in pursuing a career at The Rhode Show as well.

It was exciting to read online about the job because I'm soon going to be a father and am in need of some serious work and savings if you have compensation that is and the room to let in another head into your show.

I would welcome the opportunity to become a business member of The Rhode Show that is if you would have me ofcourse. An interview would help give me the chance to further describe my strengths and qualifications. You can reach me at (401) 831- 1705, cell phone (401) 678- 0396 or at the email address indicated on my resume. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

                                                                                                Seriously,

                                                                                                Brian P. Larson

BRIAN P. LARSON

34 Donahue Road, Pascoag, RI 02859 (401) 568-2935, (401) 678-0396 email: palmerdonahue@aol.com

EDUCATION:

§         New England Institute of Technology, Warwick, RI

Associate in Science Degree in Video/Radio Production Technology, September 2007

§         Burrillville High School, Burrillville, RI

Two years of video courses taken, responsible for equipment cabinet, Diploma received

SCHOOL PROJECT WORK:

§         Portfolio Reel

§         SIC TV – Production assistant, actor, special effects and make-up

§         “Sharp Rock Woods” – Horror Film (Part 1 & 2) – Wrote, directed, edited, filmed, audio, starred, special effects & make-up

§         “A Killer in the Woods” Horror Film - Actor, special effects and make-up

§         “Master 2” – Music video - live and printed tracks, Wrote, directed, filmed, edited, audio & starred

§         “FPS” (First Person Shooter) – Training video - Wrote, directed, edited, filmed and audio work

§         “XBOX Commercial” – Parody Commercial – Wrote, directed, edited, filmed and audio work

SKILLS:

§         Photoshop, After Effects, Pro Tools, Final Cut Pro, Flash, Microsoft & Mac Platforms

§         Studio & Field work

§         Video and radio producing, directing, editing, recording, acting, special effects and make up

§         Photographic skills in both still and motion pictures

§         Certified in CPR and AED operation

§         Great work ethic

§         Hardworking, dependable, trustworthy, motivated and team player

WORK HISTORY:

Popeye's Chicken & Biscuits / Restaurant Associate

Lexington Park, MD                                                                                             09/2008 – 10/2008

§         North Providence Pool & Fitness Center / Lifeguard

North Providence, RI                                                                                      01/2008 – 02/2008

n         Overlook Nursing and Rehabilitation Center / Dietary Aide

North Providence, RI                                                                                      10/2007 – 12/2007

§         Washington Management Area / Lifeguard

Glocester, RI                                                                                                        07/2007 – 09/2007

§         Spencer Gifts / Retail Sales

Providence, RI                                                                                                        10/2006 – 01/2007

§         Dunkin' Donuts / Baker and Cashier

Pascoag, RI                                                                                                                        10/2005 – 06/2006

#

Alba Vazquez

Manager          

Spencer Gifts

91 Providence Place

Providence, R.I. 02903

(401) 919 – 8098

Cameron Genereux

Supervisor

Overlook Nursing and Rehabilitation

43 Old Wallum Lake Road

Pascoag, R.I. 02859

(401) 523 – 4294

Jean Barrientos

Assistant Manager

Popeye’s Chicken and Biscuits

22783 Spring Valley Drive

Lexington Park, M.D. 20653

(718) 644 – 6174

Email: Kason_25@hotmail.com

#

Richard Tobin

Educational Technician

New England Institute of Technology

2500 Post Road

Warwick, R.I. 02886 

(401) 739 – 5000 ext. 3513

Email: Rtobin@neit.edu

Eric Fumara

Security

Allied Barton Security Services

10 Pennyfield Ave.

Apt. # 21a Bronx, N.Y. 10465

(917) 692 – 7102

Email: svengrench83@aol.com

Eric Hallworth

Tool Maker

Micro Grouping Inc.

3 Sachem Street

Pawtucket, R.I. 02861

(401) 722 – 7179

Email: abbysdragons@verison.net

This week, my dad asked if I was finished blogging.  No, I'm not.  But it's not as easy since I don't have internet access all day on the road...  I will try to be better, I swear.

I wanted to thank everyone who emailed, called, etc. over the past few weeks since my schedule changed.  Many people reached out to me and the station because I'm not anchoring the morning news anymore (they obviously don't read this blog, or they would have known I'm leaving).  You've all been very kind and I really appreciate your thoughts, but now you'll see me out reporting until I find a new job (in this wonderful economic climate).

I'm sure my blogging days will continue and you can find it at www.markzinni.com or check my Twitter page, which is updated as I report at Channel 12.

Take care -- and thank you!

Everybody Else is losing theirs....!!

This blog format is really great......... But all the bloggers across the country that have been Fox bloggers the past couple of years are getting them shut down and most are being replaced with a really dull forum format.......... I couldn't help but notice that you have your new website and have the old blog format integrated in........ Is this temporary or will you be keeping this..... Lots of homeless bloggers in this country right now......

This morning, I arrived at work where a giant box of peanut butter crackers was sitting on my desk!  Lance sent me the case of crackers -- including a letter telling me their snacks are safe to eat, despite the peanut butter recall.

Here's the background information... While I was still anchoring mornings a few weeks ago, I joked on air about eating peanut butter during the recall.  That's when I got an email from some PR company telling me the case was coming my way.  I think they wanted me to talk about it on TV, but that isn't going to happen.  Instead, my co-workers are enjoying the crackers!

(Attention co-workers:  Do NOT blame me if you get sick.)

I left this State in 1977 for the sunny west coast of California, and was gone for 30 years. Now I'm back, and it seems things got worst and not better. The state is run by our Unions, and the jobs are filled by people that know people, and not by expertise. How do I know? When I first returned from my long absence, I had to rely on street signs, to get around, wow! what street signs? In California the street signs are green and hang at every intersection, just below the arm that holds the traffic signal. If your at Adams Ave. and Beach Blvd. Look up the street sign is there big, green, and bright. In R.I. a little white sign may be there, or not! Want to go to the malls in Warwick from 95 little sign at the exit, cut three cars off to get the exit. Traffic lights in Cali have sensors so if it's three in the morning, the light turns green as you approach the intersection, and left hand turn lanes, with an arrow to let you go. Rhode Island- your sitting at the light on Point street, with your back to the Point Street Bridge, and Eddy street is the street you will be making a left turn onto,( your going to R.I. Hospital) the light turns green, and the cars behind you are blasting their horns for you to turn left, but I'm not from RI, I don't know that the light is green for my side only, because there is no turn arrow to turn left. Next it's 2:30 AM and I am coming back from the Newport Grand, and driving down West Main road toward Bristol. The light at the Stop and Shop Parking lot is Red for me, the only car on the road. The shopping center is closed, but the light does the same thing as if it were 2:30 in the afternoon, and for every intersection, and side street the light turns red as the only car, me! approaches it. For awhile I taught that the residents of Newport, and Middle town had their own personal light switch button, so when they clicked to close their garage they could also click to turn the traffic light green for them. On surface streets, it takes 35 to 1hour and 15 minutes to travel 15 miles from Newport to Barrington, I know! why don't I move back to California? Because! I like New England it has Character, and Clam Cakes, and now I am used to the pitfalls of driving in this state, and Coffee Milk, and hot weiners.

I had my first meeting with Charlie at the hospital on Thursday afternoon.  This baby is adorable!

Seriously, we knew he wouldn't be ugly because mom and dad are good looking people and I'm not too shabby either!  Don't I count for something?  I sat next to his mother for hours on TV everyday while he was in her tummy!  It must have an impact!

Anyway, back to the baby who was sleeping like -- wait for it -- an angel in his father's arms when I showed-up.  Everyone was so calm and peaceful, relaxing in the room filled with flowers and gits.  We talked for a long time, but then it was time to "man up" and hold my new faux-nephew.  Bottom line:  The peace and quiet came to an end.  Charlie lasted a short time in my nervous arms before crying so hard his lip was quivering - I'm not kidding!  Pete and Michelle were like, "give us our kid back" (not really) but I insisted on a few pictures before mommy snatched him up.

Charlie, welcome to the world!  You've got a wonderful dad and mom -- you're very lucky! (You're faux-uncle isn't so bad either.)

(Daddy Pete, Mommy Michelle and Charlie)

I've worked side-by-side with Michelle Muscatello since 2004 and I'm so excited for you to meet Charles Anthony!

Isn't he adorable?  Charles was born on Wednesday, January 21st at 11:27 in the morning, just two-days after her due date -- not bad timing!

Mommy, Daddy & Baby are doing great and I'm so happy for their family!

You can leave a comment for Michelle and her family on wpri.com.

I now know how George W. Bush felt in his final days in the White House.

Since announcing my plan to leave several months ago, the station has moved forward with a replacement, which is kinda like Barack Obama being elected for the departing George W. Bush.  Now, the station is moving forward with The Rhode Show cast of Elizabeth, Shawn and Vince DeMentri.  This is all good -- and the show will be great!

As I sit and write this blog, there are about 25 people in the room talking about the future -- basically, the future minus Mark.  This is understandable because things have to move forward and people in this business are fooling themselves if they think they're irreplaceable.

This must be how Bush felt in the final days.  Everyone, everywhere, talking about the new drapes, the new carpet, the new "team", the new direction, the new newscast.  All the while, here I sit like a lame duck -- with people looking and saying, "Oh, you're still here?" (Not really...)

Next week, I go back to reporting during the day -- which is great.  And I'm not saying that like some 'insecure-anchor-with-a-bruised-ego' because my managers have clearly told me that I'm welcome to stay...  Well not anymore, my job is filled.

My time has come to move on with life and my career, like George W. Bush.  But can I please get a helicopter ride off in the sunset when I depart?

Look what I found inside the snack machine at Channel 12!

Do you see the peanut butter crackers?  They're the same crackers that we're being told by the FDA not to eat!  (I think our machine needs an updating...)

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- General Mills Inc. and grocers Kroger Co. and Safeway Inc. have joined the growing list of food companies and retailers pulling items made with peanut butter amid a salmonella outbreak.  The Food and Drug Administration has traced the outbreak to a Georgia plant owned by Peanut Corp. of America, which makes peanut butter and peanut paste and sells it to institutions and food companies. The outbreak may have contributed to the deaths of six people and sickened more than 470 others in 43 states.  The government has advised consumers to avoid eating cookies, cakes, ice cream and other foods containing peanut butter until health officials learn more about the contamination. Peanut butter sold in jars to consumers is not included, officials said.

Hello bloggers!

As you know by now, my schedule will be changing in one week.  I will be reporting during the day until my departure - and I'll have a new way of communicating with you all day.

It's a little thing called "twitter" - and this is going to be big! (He says sarcastically...)

Please check out my page at Twitter.com and follow along with me starting Tuesday, January 27th!  We'll see how this goes.