Today's entry is inspired by our recent stop at Springfest, an annual event in the Austin area that often includes a booth manned by the dedicated volunteers of Hound Rescue. It was at this event last year that Denise first mentioned to the humans that Marshall was going to be available for adoption soon. Like last year, Uno (2008 Best in Show at Westminster), was out to support his fellow hounds. But this year Marshall was able to attend, and even got a few pictures with Uno.
You'll notice that Marshall has no problem crashing this little girl's picture with Uno:
Besides hanging with celebrities, Marshall has been taking advantage of his backyard this spring. Yes, his backyard. That's the space behind his house. And that is the building that contains his bedroom, his living room, his kitchen, etc. Anyway, back to the story. In one two hour span a few weekends back, Marshall "played with" a baby bird that had fallen from its nest *and* cornered a baby squirrel that seems to have wondered into the yard after falling from the fence. As you might expect, neither the bird's parents nor the squirrel's parents were particularly fond of Marshall. So Lori sent Jimmy out to deal with both situations. The first required holding Marshall back while the baby bird hopped to the back fence, and the second required gently guiding the squirrel out of Marshall's range, again through the back fence.
Marshall is also keen to try as many dog friendly restaurants in the Austin area as he can before it gets too hot on their decks, sidewalk and picnic tables. Taco Deli is a new favorite. On the opposite side, Central Market has gone on Marshall's "Two Paws Down" list for their rude signs about not letting pets on their decks for sanitary reasons. Please. Let's talk about those walking germ factories (aka kids) that are swarming the place and ramming people in their strollers. Marshall snuck (or sneaked, according to Oxford's dictionary) onto the deck anyway and was only approached by two families while the humans ate a quick lunch. Both families wanted to let their kids pet the cute, and sanitary, Marshall. Take that, you fancy HEB.
Other big news on Rockwood Lane includes the recent painting project and Lori's graduation from the LBJ School of Public Affairs (don't pass up this link) next month. Lori's parents are even going to fly in from Hawaii for the festivities. Marshall is getting very excited. In just a few short weeks there will be no more evenings devoted to group projects or reading chapters in the office. Marshall will get 100% of Lori's attention.
