To Do

Four legged fests: Next week is Be Kind to Animals Week. The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County invites Tristaters to bring their creatures great and small at 11 a.m. Saturday to the Groesbeck Branch Library and 1 p.m. Saturday to the Corryville Branch Library to celebrate. The Library's Science and Technology department will offer fun activities for owners and pets, along with book displays on animals and how to care for them. The Main Library, downtown, finishes out the week with its own Pet Day at 9 a.m. May 10 in the Children's Reading Garden. 369-6900.

Get Derfed: The people behind the wildly satirical e-mag Derf magazine (derf magazine.com) are just crazy enough to sponsor a monthly happy hour at various spots in Cincinnati worthy of their mania. Get happy with the Derfanatics 6-9 p.m. today at Longworth's in Mount Adams. There will be Derfabulous music by the band Forehead, which will take the stage at 9:30 p.m. Caveat: these people take mass pictures so don't be surprised if you show up in their next issue. $10.

Speak softly: If you find yourself spending more time yelling at, rather than laughing with, your child, then this class, sponsored by Catholic Social Services, is for you. "Better Than Yelling" will be discussed 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at Mercy HealthPlex Holistic in Westwood. Sandy Keiser teaches verbal and non-verbal skills to decrease yelling and develop more satisfying relationships between parent and child. Reservations requested. $15. 241-7745.

Present and future: Women Writing for (a) Change Foundation presents its Second Saturday Series 2-6 p.m. May 10 at the foundation office in Madisonville to celebrate the bonds between mothers and daughters. Valerie Chronis-Bickett and Roseann Hassey lead the intergenerational workshop, $30, $50 for mother-daughter pair. 272-1171 or Web site.

Shelf help

Tiny dancer: Although it may be a little late for this year's spring brides, those in the early wedding planning stages may benefit from picking up a copy of Fitness magazine's fitness wedding makeover special issue. It includes a 30-, 60- and 90-day planner for weight loss to fit into that gorgeous dress that would be more spectacular after dropping a few pounds. Other articles include how to have your best hair day, and exercise tips from singer Gwen Stefani's trainer.

Contact Shauna Scott Rhone by phone at 768-8511; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: srhone@enquirer.com

The family pet

Oreo, is a 9-year-old tuxedo cat. This basket full of cuteness lives with Joni and Roger Carter, Miami Township.

Mona Bronson Fuqua