Eight American flamingos at the National Aviary charm and enchant as they dance when visitors "honk" and clap. The birds' pink plumage is being used to fight cancer this month, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Pink has come to represent support for breast cancer research, treatment and survival. The aviary's new "Flamingo Connection" program allows visitors to climb down a 3-foot ladder into the Wetlands of the Americas habitat to meet the big birds, up close and personal. The cost is $30, and part of that will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The three youngest flamingos -- Beaker, Piggy and Sweetums -- have been known to use their beaks to preen, or groom, the heads of visitors.

"They were hand-raised here at the National Aviary, so they are very comfortable around humans," said Steve Sarro, animal programs director.

During the "Connection" program, aviary trainers talk about the birds' behaviors and the challenges tropical birds face in the wild. Guests can watch the slender-legged birds use their curved beaks to scoop up water and fish, eating the fish and filtering out the water.

The flamingos dance, most days, during the public feeding sessions. A trainer gets visitors to honk and clap to start the bird dancing. Then, nearly in unison, the flamingos spread their wings, wave them and end by doing what looks like a group bow to the audience. It's a variation of the ritual they use in the wild to attract mates.

Guests must wear non-slip shoes if they want to do the "Flamingo Connection." You can bring cameras, but the photos will be taken by trainers to ensure the safety of birds and guests.

The program, which started last month, takes place every Wednesday through Sunday at 2:30 p.m. A maximum of four people can participate, so it's a good idea to reserve a slot by calling 412-323-7235, ext. 209. The $30 fee (aviary members get a $5 discount) covers regular admission to the entire North Shore facility.

October is also National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and, of course, the month of Halloween. Here's a chance to have some Halloween fun while helping the homeless animals housed at Animal Friends in Ohio Township.

Hundred Acres Manor at South Park is sponsored annually by Funds for Charity. The giant haunted house includes The Maze, a 7,500-square-foot labyrinth "plagued with chainsaw-wielding maniacs!" according to news releases. The manor is populated by many, many scary volunteer witches, monsters, ghouls and zombies.

The scary haunt is open every Wednesday through Sunday though Nov. 1.

General admission is "$15 per victim" or pay $25 and go directly to the front of the line. The Super VIP fee is $35 and you skip the admission line and get preferred parking and a T-shirt.

Last year, Hundred Acres Manor raised $45,000 for Animal Friends and the Homeless Children's Education Fund.

The Manor box office opens at dusk (approximately 7 p.m.) and closes at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays and at 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hundred Acres Manor is at the top of Hundred Acres Drive, just off the park's main drag, Corrigan Drive. Go to www.hundredacresmanor.com for more information or to pre-purchase tickets.

Pets filled all the pews at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Mt. Lebanon last Sunday, and our dog Pablo was one of them. More than 50 dogs, a few cats in carriers and a guinea pig named George came to be blessed on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

The pets and their people walked sedately up the aisle, in procession. Each was blessed individually. There was no barking, growling or fighting.

The hard part for frisky Pablo, 4, was sitting still during the service. He didn't like sitting on the floor under the pew because he couldn't see anything. When I looked around, I saw that all dogs, big and small, were sitting up in the pews. Once he took his elevated seat, Pablo sat quietly and attentively, just like all the other dogs.