MARK WAHLBERG IS FEELING BLESSED

AT 52, THE ARTHUR THE KING ACTOR IS CHOOSIER ABOUT HIS PROJECTS, AFFORDING HIM MORE TIME WITH HIS FAMILY AT THEIR NEW HOME IN NEVADA

- ERIC ANDERSSON

For his new movie Arthur the King, Mark Wahlberg happily ignored that old showbiz adage: Never work with children or animals. His main costar in the heartwarming drama-based on the true story of adventure racer Mikael Lindnord, who bonded with a stray dog while trekking through Ecuador-is Ukai, an adorable Australian shepherd-border collie-Bouvier mix. "You got to accept the fact that the dog's going to show you up a little bit," says Wahlberg, who has top billing but knows Ukai is the true star. "He was very good at what he does." 'It's a wh my can t At this stage of his life, Wahlberg, 52, is happy to cede the spotlight to a furry friend.