July 13, 2003 – Back in 1952, the notorious bank robber known as Willie Sutton was apprehended one last time, after decades of crime. When asked why he robbed so many banks (more than 100), Sutton replied, "Because that's where the money is." Well, I am heading off to Texas this week. Why? Because that's where the dogs are.

Houston-bound
I'll be attending the Great Dane Club of Greater Houston's specialty show and the annual Houston Kennel Club's all-breed dog show. (Pictures to come.) Merlin will look after things at home while I am gone, meaning he will sleep most of the time and, of course, bark at anything he finds questionable. It doesn't take much to get him going. If there's an unexpected visitor or even an unidentified rumble off in the distance, Merlin will be the first to tell us about it. Evidently he considers barking to be a form of recreational exercise. Other forms of normal "dog-type" exercise, such as running and jumping, hold no appeal for Merlin now that he's older. The many rabbits that venture onto our lawn to feed on tender shoots at dawn and dusk are greeted with just a twitch of Merlin's nose and a mere nod of his head. And he won't even consider chasing the deer which, after many encounters with Merlin, are becoming increasingly brazen about feeding close to the house. He will only stare, and then he'll wander off to a bush to mark his territory. I guess he figures that's enough. And I suppose it is.

Apologies...
In my haste to get everything in order this week before heading off to the airport, I've fallen way behind on my email – truth be known, I am always behind on my email – but this week even more so. If I owe you a note, please be patient. I'll try to catch up after the 20th.