I'm guessing that that annoying endless tv ad where Saran McLachlan raises money for the ASPCA brought in tons of money because, unlike me, no one seems to tire of "Angel" by Saran McLachlan. Mind you, I still used to sort of like the song, although no, it's not on my iPod. She's a little too ethereal for me. And the ad seems to go on and on and on. Featuring big eyed puppies and kitties behind bars. And on and on.

Mind you, I'm not the total curmudgeon I often seem to be. I not only love cats but lived with cats for years and miss having pets. I have a massive soft toy collection that features hamsters, hedgehogs, sheep and many many gorillas, primates, moneys and the occasional tiger. I was recently devastated to learn that the local kitty adoption center in my neighborhood is moving. I'm a regular on Cute Overload and other websites like it. My idea of fun is the Woodland Park Zoo's penguin and gorilla habitats. I've been a supporter and champion of the Delta Society which trains companion and therapy animals. But there's truly a fine line between sweet and cloying and I have found Ms. McL's performance and sweet faced "won't you give?" stuff to be tiresome. So sue me, tc.

So okay, then the other day I hear a love song coming from yon living room from the tv. A song I know and a helluva song. One of the finest if not THE finest love song written in the 20th century. It's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" written by the brilliant Ewan MacColl for the love of his life, Peggy Seeger.

Uh-oh.

Then dammit, tonight I hear Willie Nelson singuing on tv. Singing "Always on my Mind". A hauntingly beautifl love song, thins one full of regret.

And both songs, these love songs, are being used for the damn ASPCA ads. No. I'm sorry. Animals are hugely important to human life. My sister and mother are so happy to have the companionship of cats. I have known people to rescue shelter animals. A friend I love and admire went to New Orleans after Katrina to help round up the poor animals left behind and I love her so for doing that. Then I was reading Tony Bourdain's recent book where he goes on a rant about vegans and vegetarianism and talks about the relative weight of huma v. non-human life. And sorry,those who think this is mean ofme. It probably is. but $#%(*^%&@ dammit it all to hell, this agency has wrecked WRECKED some excellent music for me.

I admire Ms. Flack but she's misusing a song. I love Willie, and I'm had as hell that he's given over the use of a beautiful song to an animal shelter organization. It will be hard to disconnect them from now on. Be-yoo-tiful songs about love, life, memory, regret and joy and I just have a hard time with the idea of singing a love song to a sad little Shih Tzu. Sorry.