The Dog Days

Marshall has several excuses at the ready for those who question his dedication to keeping up this blog. Ready?

First, he saw Julie and Julia last weekend, and he was hurt by the reaction of Julia to Julie's blog. Then, he came home and read about Julie's blog in real life by doing some Google and Wikipedia searches and then he was disappointed in Julie and more sympathetic to Julia. Then, he got so confused he didn't know what to do. Well, he knew it was nap time, so he wasn't too confused.

OK, second, and for those of you that haven't seen the movie let's try this one: its summer, its Texas, its hot, there hasn't been much rain. Marshall is in low energy mode.

Yeah, right.

Marshall continues to demand at least one 30 minute walk each day. This week alone he has been to Lady Bird Lake three times, and each time did the three mile circuit. Once he gets going he gets much better at not stopping to sniff everything and everyone.

Today happens to be the first Saturday of the month, which for all dedicated beagles in the Austin area means BEAGLE BRIGADE time. Since its a holiday weekend there was only a moderate beagle turnout (places to go, you understand) but he still met several friendly new playmates and enjoyed the morning activities. Enjoyed, that is, until the rain came. Yes, in the middle of Austin's worst drought in years the rains have finally come and it seems to have started while Marshall was in the dog park. He was OK with the sprinkles at first but then started to try to leave with anyone that would open the gate and so we had to call it a day. Here's his pissed off "I'm wet, take me home, this isn't in my contract" face. Yikes.

Back to those excuses. Here's another good one: Lori's birthday was this week and Jimmy surprised her with a quick trip to Chicago to...eat. Anyone watch Top Chef? Lori does, so Jimmy got reservations at Rick Bayless' Topolo and Art Smith's Table Fifty-Two. Long story short: they flew to Chi-town for two days, had great food, and brought none of it home to Marshall. But he wasn't totally left out. Marshall got his first chance to visit the Stay 'n Play Pet Ranch, which is where Lori always boarded her previous beagle, Ms. P. Reports from the staff at the end of his visit indicate he enjoyed the new smells, the nature walks, and the pupsicles, but that he was ready to see his people again.

One last note: if you see a bone like this at the local pet store BUY IT. Marshall will pay you back, promise. His is finally starting to fall apart and he needs a new one.