SEAL BEACH : Telethon to Benefit Animal Care Center

Pet owners: Set your VCRs and clear a comfortable spot in front of the tube for Fido and Rex. The television event of the year--for animals, anyway--is coming March 10 at 7 p.m.

That’s when the Seal Beach Animal Care Center presents a telethon in which humans are strictly supporting players in a show of canine star power.

Dozens of dogs and perhaps other household pets will take part in the telethon to be aired on Seal Beach Comcast Channel 3. Proceeds go to benefit the care center, which offers shelter and medical care to stray pets.

The roster of canine stars includes “Blanche the Wonder Dog,” whose famed snout helps arson investigators probe suspicious fires, and several greyhounds rescued as they were about to be destroyed by dog racers.

Other planned segments include an “Ugly Pets Contest,” pet-grooming tips and a “Pet-Person Look-Alike Contest,” which will be judged by members of the Seal Beach City Council.

So far, the look-alike contest has drawn one man who bears a strong resemblance to his English bulldog and another who claims to look like a pointy-nosed possum, said organizer Annelle Aviani.

This is the second year the animal care center has gone to the dogs to help raise money for the shelter. Last year, $5,000 was raised by the telethon. A Long Beach animal shelter had similar success when it duplicated the format last year.

In truth, humans will participate in the telethon.

Actor Dick Van Patten, television personality Fred Bergendorff and Seal Beach Police Officer Rick Paap will co-host the event. Experts in veterinary health and pet safety are scheduled to participate. A drive for dog and cat food will also be part of the telethon.

Only Seal Beach residents with cable TV will be able to watch the event. But anyone wishing to make a donation may call (310) 799-7611 during the broadcast.

Aviani is still looking for contestants for the pet look-alike contest. She may be reached at (310) 598-8014.