As a columnist, I've commented on some quite bizarre stories ...[Derived headline]

As a columnist, I've commented on some quite bizarre stories overthe years. Readers often ask me how do I manage to come up with newideas week after week. My secret is to keep a scrapbook of storiesand to update it whenever I see something out of the ordinary, orwhich strikes a chord connecting it with a story from my own life.

This used to mean quite literally cutting things out from papers,glossies, leaflets and flyers, using the scissors and Pritt stick Ikeep in my handbag.

Now, in the digital age, it's simpler. I do most of my researchon the internet, from online news pages, webcasts, blogs and socialnetworking sites, then simply click on anything that interests me toadd it to my Windows "Bookmark" files. It's all there when I log on,in chronological order, under different headings, which are alsocross-referenced and listed in alphabetical order according to titleand subject matter.

And the headlines alone make fascinating reading ...

Post-op transgender man gives birth; pants that add inches to aman's 'frontal measurement'; Nasa finds evidence of 1,200 MOREplanets; Pope John Paul II cured nun from beyond grave; would YOUhave a bum-uplift?

Even the categories themselves speak volumes. For example, myCeleb Cosmetics file has a number of sub-headings. Trout Pout --Leslie Ash; Katie Price (see also boobs/implant; boobs/ reduction;Tango tan; Falsies; hair extensions; piercings; tattoos); Trinny offTrinny & Susannah (see also big knickers; flat chests; muttondressed as lamb).

Wrecked septum -- Daniella W; Kerry K (see also: TVs mostannoying celebs; yo-yo dieting; embarrassing TV interviews); Tara P-T (see also posh totty; flat chests; embarrassing TV Interviews).You get the idea.

But out of all headings and sub-headings that make up my personalencyclopaedia, there is one subject I return to over and over againhaving unearthed some truly ridiculous stories over the course ofthese pages -- the timeless hot-potato of the Pampered Pooch. As adog owner myself, I find the way some people treat their pets to beone of the most fascinating and funny subjects for a spot of columncomedy.

First, there was the growing trend in Hollywood for dog beautyparlours where over-rich celebrities get their mutt's teethwhitened, hair straightened and claws painted with nail polishbefore popping them into a Prada doggie bag for their next paparazziappearance.

Then the phrase "Doggy Style" took on a whole new meaning whenfashionistas from across the world converged on New York City forthe beginning of Pet Fashion Week. On the catwalk (dog-walk??)canine models wearing ensembles including shoes, frocks and wigssashayed up and down, stopping only to sniff each other's bums orwee on the stage props.

Then came the new trend where ridiculously-rich residents of LAstarted throwing lavish parties for their dogs. Pamela Anderson andpop princess Pink were at the forefront of the pooch party planningcircle. The Baywatch babe recently threw a dog wedding reception forher two puppies on Malibu beach. While 20 showbiz guests and theirpets looked on, the loving couple exchanged vows before beingshowered with doggy-chew confetti.

So it really came as no surprise when I read in this week'sBelfast Telegraph of a new service being offered to the posh andpicky owners of pedigree dogs. Yes, you guessed it -- a "Doggiedating" site where owners can match-make their pets (and, ideallyget them knocked-up) with a suitable, well-bred partner.

For a fee, of course.

Since I've already plenty of animals running amok around my houseI'll pass on that service, but that hasn't stopped me from imaginingwhat their dating profiles might look like.

Alas, I've now run out of space, so I'll file this story awayunder "Pimp My Pooch" until next week...