`Spin City's' Rags is a Brussels Griffon

Q: Can you tell me more about Rags, the dog on "Spin City"? It is a strange looking breed - or is he a mixture?

A: Rags is played by an 8-year-old smooth-coated Brussels Griffon named Wesley. It is an unusual breed that weighs 8 to 10 pounds. Wes, who hails from Fairbanks, Alaska, wears makeup to appear older than he is. His weekly stunts are performed by a fake double, so Wes is always safe. According to his official bio, Wes lives in New York with his owner, another two dogs and two cats.

Q: Is Mariska Hargitay on "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" the same woman who played Dr. Green's girlfriend in some of the earlier "ER" episodes? Also, is she Jayne Mansfield's daughter?

A: Hargitay, daughter of 1950s bombshell Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay, did appear on "ER" two seasons ago as hospital aide Cynthia Hooper. She's also done episodes of "Seinfeld," "Ellen" and "The Single Guy" as well as regular series work on "Prince St.," "Can't Hurry Love" and "Tequila & Bonetti."

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