One amusing anecdote to emerge from the use of the sniffer dog in Lismore... one of the plain clothes coppers following behind the dog had one of those bum bag thingies round his waist. His mobile phone went off while the police were searching someone, so he unzipped the bag to grab the phone when suddenly the dog turned and became very interested in the contents of the bum bag. Mmmm. Turns out the officer happened to have a 'sample' in there - no doubt as a reminder for the dog, since we've heard what dope can do to your memory...

Speaking of dogs, we're delighted to see that the Life. Be In It people have released a new edition of the extremely useful travel guide Holidaying with Dogs.

So if you're a sniffer dog handler looking for a spot of R & R with your canine partner, the directory lists more than 2000 caravan parks, camping grounds, host farms, B & Bs, cottages and motels throughout Australia and New Zealand (fear not feline fans, there's also a cat version).

Author Sandy Dennis even gives 5-paw dog-friendly accommodation ratings and a vet offers tips on travelling with your pooch. B & B, Pub Hill Farm near Narooma on the NSW South Coast was named doggie holiday accommodation of the year.

Holidaying with Dogs is $16.95 from bookshops, some vets and pet shops, or phone (03) 9820 5900 for mail order. Best of all, we have three copies to give away to the first three people who ring after 10am this Friday and remind Shaggy what kind of newshound we are (is?).

In 1990, Bill Hawkins, then 19, suffered a severe brain injury after a car accident. Bill has moved from being in a coma into what is known as 'locked in' which means he is conscious and aware but is still unable to talk or use his body to any degree. However, thanks to the invaluable help and commitment of a team of volunteers who assist Bill with his daily exercises, he is able to live at home with his family. For two hours each day, five volunteers from a roster take Bill through a series of physiotherapy exercises. This ensures his muscles don't waste away and that he remains healthy. The generosity of some of these volunteers is not limited to Bill. In the past, along with Bill's mother Lindy, they have held morning teas to fund raise for other worthy causes such as The Cancer Council (Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is coming up on May 24). But in the meantime, if you are interested in helping Bill, contact Jackie on 6680 9049.

Sadly, more than half of all Australians die without a will, so next Wednesday, May 16, Red Cross is organising for legal wills to be made up in Ballina for only a $25 donation. Solicitors will be there to advise you at the Red Cross office at Ballina Boulevard, at 70 River Street. But bookings are essential, because you need to fill out a simple form before going. To book, phone Philip on 6622 3244, or Frank on 6681 6698.

Southern Cross University's Vice-Chancellor, Prof John 'Pinko' Rickard, has also joined in the fundraising spirit for this Saturday's Shave for a Cure world record, by undergoing a 'hair adjustment'.

Helped by SCU's Prof Zbys Klich and Mrs Diana Cooper, the VC was raising funds for the fight against leukaemia. The Saturday shave is the main local community fundraiser for this now-national event (see front page). Incidentally, Loma Graydon, co-founder of the event, works at SCU.

"More than 250 people have registered to colour or shave their hair," Loma said. "Some of them will be shaving at their businesses during the set period for a record ie, 12 noon Friday to 6pm Saturday)." It's a family fun day - with Apex providing a food van and train rides for the kids, plus balloons.

One minute there's a dog pointing out who's got drugs, the next minute thousands of marijuana smokers descend on Nimbin for Mardi Grass and the coppers make no arrests. At this rate they'd miss trying to shoot fish in a barrel.

The Echo's Andy Gough headed for Nimbin on the weekend and took this photo of the police mingling inconspicuously among the crowd, which leads us to the questions: Why is that policeman smiling? And why is his partner, so... err... stoney faced.