Howl-Ywood Hits the Shore at Surfside Park
It’s been more than a year since my last article, and like everyone, I’m getting older – 101 years in two-legged speak, though I prefer to think of it as 13 in fine Old English Sheepdog style. These days I sleep a lot more than I used to, dreaming bigger than ever. And let me tell you, when a dog of my age dreams, it’s never ordinary – they turn into adventures. One of my wildest journeys took place at Avalon’s Surfside Park.
The dream came alive as Howl-ywood’s legends in paws and profiles appeared. Beethoven, the slobbery ’90s St. Bernard, and Hooch, the French Mastiff from “Turner & Hooch,” faced off in a drool contest – nearly toppling Bruiser, Elle Woods’ tiny Chihuahua from “Legally Blonde.” Buddy, the basketball-playing golden retriever of “Air Bud,” handled the ball smoothly past Chance and Shadow, the adventurous duo from “Homeward Bound.” Full of energy, Benji weaved through the crowd, just missing a decorative fire hydrant.
Einstein, the shaggy sheepdog (no relation) from “Back to the Future,” let out a series of excited barks, as if trying to explain the mysteries of time travel. Frank, the wisecracking pug from “Men in Black,” marched in wearing his sharp little suit, singing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. Lady and Tramp pranced side by side, tails swaying in perfect rhythm, stealing the attention of everyone.
Snoopy soared in his doghouse-turned-Sopwith Camel, performing aerial loops above Surfside Park. Marley, the chaos-causing Labrador from “Marley & Me,” was stirring up his usual mischief. Rin Tin Tin – ever the hero – claimed a front-row seat, while Lassie, calm and noble, stepped in to restore order to the joyous crowd. Dorothy’s little Cairn Terrier, Toto, kept one cautious eye on the sky, as if half-expecting another twister to sweep through.
In the pack, I even spotted a couple of distant relatives – Alfie from “Serpico,” Reuben from “Reuben, Reuben,” and Martha from Paul McCartney’s song, “Martha My Dear.” Eddie, the mischievous Jack Russell from “Frasier,” darted and dodged, teasing Zeus and Apollo, the Dobermans from “Magnum P.I.” Petey, the pit bull from “The Little Rascals” with his trademark eye patch, and Duke, the easygoing bloodhound from “The Beverly Hillbillies,” watched as Spuds MacKenzie, The Original Party Animal, made his way toward Mignon, the Yorkie from “Green Acres.”
Little did I know, things were only just beginning. By then, the park was crowded, paws and tails flying in every direction. Just when I thought the dream couldn’t get any wilder, the wail of sirens rose as fire trucks from both Avalon and Stone Harbor rolled into Surfside Park – carrying 101 Dalmatians! Fortunately, I woke up before the Dalmatians staged their full takeover. Adventure, it seems, never sleeps – even when I do.
Merry Christmas and a Yappy New Year – to dogs in dreams and to dogs at home, forever reminding the two-legged world why we’re man’s best friend.