PAUL SCHRAG: SKIE BENDER AT THE PRESS TONIGHT >>>

Skie Bender, painter, writer, and voice and bass player for L.A.'s Fire Ants will celebrate the release of her latest writing project, Short Lived, tonight. The novel follows the true-life adventures of Skie and her canine soul mate as they cross America in a 25-foot camper.

Bender is a serious animal lover, and works at Wolf Haven International, a sanctuary for captive-born wolves.

One hundred percent of book proceeds will go to OldDog Haven in Olympia. Support animals in need.

[The Press, Friday, Aug. 7, 8 p.m., 406 Washington St., Olympia, 360.239.4104]