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Humane society

It was more than a little heartening to learn that a waiting list of potential owners stepped forward to adopt Susie, the tough pup who survived being severely burned and left for dead.

More than 60 people want to take Susie home, meaning the Guilford County Animal Shelter will choose a winner by lottery.

At the tender age of only 10 weeks, Susie was set afire and left in Greenfield Park last month. No one knows who committed this unconscionable act or why. But Susie's tragic story seems destined for a happy ending.

Sad to say, she is an exception. The shelter typically overflows with abandoned and abused animals. Here's hoping the 59 folks who don't win the drawing consider the dozens of other homeless pets that need caring families.

Ride a bicycle, take a bus

UNCG students are finding out that life can be just fine without a car on campus.

Despite record enrollment this semester, demand for parking passes is down 3 percent. That would have been unheard of four years ago when school officials contemplated spending $13 million on another parking deck.

Students in droves are forsaking the aggravation of hunting a parking space for taking the bus. Bike lanes on nearby streets and a more pedestrian-friendly campus also have won over students.

With land at a premium and a school master plan calling for phased-out parking, the demise of cars on campus was inevitable.

Hopefully, it's also an indicator that the younger generation is choosing a healthier, less car-oriented lifestyle.

Lonely at ABC headquarters

It isn't good to drink alone, or to hold a solo meeting of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission.

Unfortunately, John Lyon has been the commission's lone member all summer after its two other seats were vacated by resignations. Because he couldn't muster a quorum by himself, official business has been placed on hold.

Gov. Bev Perdue promises to make appointments soon. When she finally acts, there will be cause for an overdue celebration at ABC offices in Raleigh. Maybe they can even find something for a toast.

Another kind of shot

Although she overlooked the ABC Commission, the governor did roll up her sleeves in another important endeavor. She very publicly took a shot in the arm to promote H1N1 vaccinations last week.

If North Carolinians follow the governor's example, this will be a healthier state.

An arrival, a departure

Progress giveth and progress taketh away.

Construction began last week on a new $5 million, five-story building on South Elm Street that will house offices, a restaurant and possibly residences. Meanwhile, a familiar landmark seems doomed to demolition.

The newcomer, developed by Jim Marshall, will be called 324 South Elm and will occupy the old Mantelworks Restaurant site.

Some neighbors opposed the building because they felt its design didn't mesh with the older, historic structures nearby. But Marshall has modified the plans to make the building more harmonious. That's the good news.

The old Cascade Saloon down the street probably won't be as fortunate. Because its interior is in such bad disrepair, the historic structure, built in 1896, may be beyond saving unless someone buys it from owner Ross Strange and invests in major renovations. Otherwise it constitutes a safety hazard.

And if the old structure comes down, the site is located too close to the railroad for it to be replaced by a newer one.

That's the not-so-good news.