Apologies for the public service announcement... but it's related to dog poop. The Philadelphia Water Department is co-sponsoring the Philly Water's Best Friend competition in 2 neighborhoods (Queen Village and Northern Liberties) to inform dog owners about the importance of picking up pet waste and the harmful effects of pet waste as a pollutant of the Delaware River when it washes down storm drains.

Details and prize info are at phillywatersheds.org/spokesdog - the deadline for registering your dog is Feb. 15, online voting begins March 1, and there will be a pageant in June. C'mon, Queen Village - there are only a handful of dogs registered so far, and there is so much glory to be won.