Pet massage or acupuncture

I've often said that, if reincarnation were possible, I'd like to come back as some of my friends' most pampered pets.

And now I see, from a story here by Jenna Cho, that some of those most pampered dogs and cats might soon be taken to East Lyme for a massage, or acupuncture for what ails them. Veterinarian Stephanie Torlone, currently of the Goodfriends Veterinary Clinic on Flanders Road, also would sell herbal medicine as part of the therapy, according to a zoning application for a special permit at 369 Main St., the story says.

My bet is those dogs are not eating Alpo.

Speaking of eating, Rick Koster writes in a review here of an assortment of interesting burgers available at a joint in Gales Ferry. For the hearty eaters there is at least one major construction on the menu . . .

The menu: Burgers to the fifth power and beyond - and they range from eight-12 ounce selections ($6.49-$9.59) with a 32-ounce "Mo-Fo Burger," one of those Adam Richman, "Can you eat the whole thing?" constructs ($24.99). The burgers break down along a variety of creative and "Does this really work?" combos.

A Dallas Burger has cheddar cheese sauce and Texas Red chili, while a Seattle Burger includes pinot-noir glazed 'shrooms, provolone, sauteed onions and coffee-spiked mayo. A Johnny Appleseed has Wisconsin cheddar, maple bacon, sauteed apples and onions, and mustard. A New Orleans boasts spicy beef, peppers, and fried shrimp (!).

Definitely not Alpo.