That's the biggest, hairiest mouse I've ever seen: Dog Days, Saturday.

After graduating from "the" OSU, native Clevelander Carrie Callahan spent a year and a half in law school before deciding that "I didn't like arguing with people." But she liked making people laugh. So Callahan, a standup comedian who organized the weekly Clusterf*ck comedy series at Bela Dubby in Lakewood, moved on to Chicago last fall to expand her comedy career. "I needed to get up every night of the week and do standup, and I couldn't do that in Cleveland." She now has a roster of eight venues where she performs including Lincoln Lodge, a collective that does a weekly show in a Northside Chicago restaurant. Callahan's coming back to Cleveland for a show at the Beachland Tavern (15711 Waterloo Rd., 216.383.1124) at 8 p.m. she's dubbed Feminist Bookstore Humor Section, which includes Cameron Esposito, one of her Lincoln Lodge colleagues. She says that Esposito's set, talking about her experiences as a lesbian, meshes nicely with her own "explicitly feminist" comedy. She tries to avoid the common self-deprecating bits women comics often do. "It's really important to me my comedy is positive and women come away feeling good because I feel like a lot of comedy is based on "girlfriends are annoying,' really negative stuff about women." Beardo Bandini will also play. Admission: $5. — Anastasia Pantsios

FRIDAY, JULY 11

Ted Strickland

OK, we all know Ohio's not in such great shape. But is it getting better and if so, how? Hopefully, that's what Gov. Ted Strickland will tell us when he speaks at the Marriott on Public Square at 12:30 p.m. today at a program put on by the City Club of Cleveland. The event is sold out but you're not shut out: The governor's address will be broadcast live on WCPN 90.3 FM and rebroadcast at 10 a.m. July 13 on WVIZ. — AP

Friends with Benefits Autism Comedy Benefit

Friends with Benefits Autism Benefit ... it's not a typo. The Friends with Benefits is the improv group that is donating their brand of comedy to help educate people on autism. Don't worry, all you have to do is laugh, and cough up $10. Autism is a wily disease that needs more investigation for a cure. Knowing that a cure is within reach, the Friends With Benefits Improv group have put together a benefit titled There's No "I" in Improv, starting at 8 p.m. at Borderline Comedy Club(1572 W. 117th St., Lakewood). That $10 at the door will buy you a whole night of unscripted laughs courtesy of Friends with Benefits. The proceeds will go to supporting the programs of the Milestones Autism Organization, a Cleveland area organization helping people with autism to succeed on a lifelong scare, not just a few treats here and there. — Jara Anton

Last Call Cleveland

The members of sketch-comedy quartet Last Call Cleveland apparently have busy lives and don't perform too much. So don't miss the chance to catch self-dubbed "Cleveland's handsomest sketch comedy group" when they make a rare return appearance at the Powerhouse Pub (2000 Sycamore St., West Bank of the Flats) at 8 tonight. Expect the group's trademark multi-media show, with sketches enhanced by live music and video. — AP

SATURDAY, JULY 12

Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic

If you think the horse show scene is a little too rarified for you, you're partly right. Competing seriously requires a financial commitment few have. But the annual 10-day Chagrin Valley Hunter Jumper Classic at the Metropark Polo Grounds (Route 87 and Chagrin River Road, Moreland Hills) has plenty to amuse even a casual horse lover. Opening weekend includes not only competition from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. both today and tomorrow, but also a vendor village offering everything from antiques, clothing, horse equipment and jewelry to massages and food and, today only, a Geauga County Humane Society Adoptathon from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, July 17 is Youth Day with special camps for kids and teens. Saturday, July 19 is Family Day with pony rides, crafts, face painting, those disgracefully cute cats and dogs from the Geauga Humane Society again, and various other attractions. Sunday's the championships starting at 8 a.m. Admission is free through Wednesday, $3-$10 other days. Call 330.903.9915 or go to clevelandhorseshow.com for info. — AP

Dog Days of Summer

Most restaurants aren't dog friendly. Something about health codes, petty details, really. However, today starting at 2 p.m., Great Lakes Brewing Company (2516 Market Ave., 216.771.4044) is hosting the Dog Days of Summer. All friendly dogs and their owners are welcome. But there will be more than butt-sniffing and tail-wagging. A Dog & Owner Look-Alike Contest will be interesting. Dog psychic Agnes will be there to tell you what your dog really thinks of you. So you don't have a dog, but have been lonely for one? Avon Lake's Love-a-Stray, the Geauga Humane Society Rescue Village and the Middleburg Heights Animal Foundation are all bringing lovable, adoptable dogs. Pick a cutie and let Studio Dog Face (specializing in dog portraits) snap a memento of this special day. There is no end to this pampering, with Paws and Relax My Pet Massage LLC, dog treats from Grateful Dog Bakery, and a special doggie menu. All dogs must be on a leash, and if your dog is acting like a jerk, you'll have to leave. Rain date is Sunday, July 20. No reservations, first come, first serve. — JA

TUESDAY, JULY 15

Chautauqua-in-Chagrin: The Ethical Frontiers of Science

There are those who while away the lazy, hazy days of summer reading Jackie Collins' latest novel. Those who'd rather use them for more high-minded purposes have Chautauqua. The rustic Western New York resort of the same name lent its name to an adult education and cultural movement that began in the late 1800s and spread across the country. Recently, it found a welcoming audience in Chagrin Falls where, for the second year, the Chagrin Foundation for Arts & Culture is bringing a little piece of New York's Chautauqua here with a series of evenings of lectures and music on four consecutive Tuesdays. At 5:30 p.m. today, a program titled The Ethical Frontiers of Science kicks off with a performance by organist Jared Jacobsen at Federated Church (76 Bell St.) to relax minds for the edification to follow. At 6:30 attendees have a choice of two lectures, one on embryonic stem-cell research at United Methodist Church (20 S. Franklin St.) and another on medical therapies at the Chagrin Valley Little Theatre (40 River St.). At 8 p.m. at Federated Church, Judy Norsigian will talk about "Reproductive Coices in a Technology-Dominated Society." At 9, Hot Jazz 7 will conclude the evening with a free concert in Riverside Park. All events are within easy walking distance. Gate passes for each evening are $25. Call 330.247.9700 for schedule and info. — AP