A Dog's Life: Take Me Out to Dog Day!

 (Translated from the original Canine by Bill Patton.)

It’s tough being a dog.  Seriously.  I know you don’t think so, and that’s cool.  I understand.  All part of the deal.  You think I sleep 16 hours a day, wake up only to eat and do my business.  Personally, I call it “Guarding the House.”  

But like I said, it’s cool.  You make up for it in other ways.  Belly rubs…tug of war…the occasional s--

Whoa – what’s that? –

MAILMAN! MAILMAN! MAILMAN! MAILMAN! 

Where was I – okay, yeah, we do a lot of fun things together.  But, ya know, we don’t actually go many places in the winter.  It’s too cold.  I know, I know, when its warmer we’ll do all these great things.  We’ll go to Overton Bark.  Or the Greenline. Or maybe even Shelby Forest if I’m good.  But in the meantime?  Don’t get me wrong, I love sleeping on the sofa.  Love it.  Love. It.  

But it’d be great to get out there more, ya know?  See the city, see some of my own kind, catch up on everyone’s news, smell a few butts (I know you laugh at that, but don’t knock it ‘til you’ve tried it. You can learn a lot.)   Yeah, alright, we do the occasional trip to Hollywood Feed or Petco, but I need …

Wait – thought I heard something outside – a cat?  A CAT? –

Where was I – okay.  So, yeah, when I heard about this Dog Day thing, I knew right away, it’s perfect.  What’s Dog Day?  A special tour, a ride around town, all around town, with other dogs, and yeah, people, too, but other dogs!  We get to visit a park, too!  (Don’t ask how I heard about all this.  I have my ways.)  You know I love riding in the car…this is riding in a bus!  How cool is that? Doesn’t that sound great?  Doesn’t that sound like fun?  Something you’d definitely want to do?  Doesn’t it? 

Monica and Missy took the Backbeat bus for a test run. Its officially dog approved.

Let’s play a game.  Look deep into my eyes.  My big brown eyes.  That’s right, go ahead, just look into my eyes.  Deep.  Keep looking now.  (Aw, you’re so cute when you cock your head to the side like that!) 

You want to take me to the Dog Day Tour, dontcha?  Dontcha?  I’m gonna wag my tail a little more, and you’re gonna want to do it.  Dog Day, now, c’mon!  It’ll be fun.  Oh, yeah.  Now you’re coming around.  Let’s look for the leash!  Wait, wait!   No changing your mind now.  We’re doing this.  Time to pull out the big guns – the full body wag followed by the jump up.  That always does the trick. 

We’re doing the Dog Day Tour, right?  Yeah?  You’re the best!

The Dog Day Tour is on February 16 at 2:30pm.  $9 per dog; up to 4 friends ride free.  90 minute music tour, includes visit to Overton Bark. Treats for dogs and friends. For reservations and more info, call (901) 527-9415 or click here.  (You just need to make reservations for the dog).  

5 Reasons to Attend the Comic and Fantasy Convention

Now is the time to grab your light sabers, sonic screwdrivers, phasers and wands because this weekend is the Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention. Here are our top 5 reasons to attend this 72 hour nerdvana: 

1. Cosplay. In a time where Halloween is dominated by ridiculous “sexy” costumes, (Sexy Octopus? Really?) comic cons give you opportunities to dress up like a Hobbit without being labeled a prude. Hit up the local thrift stores to create the perfect costume and compete in the Saturday Night Costume Contest.

2. Bricks and Heroes. This event has a little bit of something for everyone. For novices who see Legos merely as carpet land mines left out by kids, be awed by the intricate creations of Lego exhibitors from all over the country. If you already know the full potential of Legos don’t miss the Lego vendors, films, and live build competitions going on all weekend.

3. Harry Potter Studies. Everyone’s favorite wizard is now so popular that it’s the subject of not only intellectual analysis, but there are also college courses being taught on the Harry Potter books. (I’m looking at you, U of M: its time for Quidditch Studies!) The books are quickly becoming canonized literature. Professor Spencer Reese, English department chair at Lausanne Collegiate School in East Memphis, is leading discussions about Harry Potter and its effects on literature and culture. Make sure to not miss out Saturday at 1pm. 

4. Memphis Cinema Sci-Fi Showcase. If you read our Indie Memphis post, hopefully we convinced you that films made in the city are amazing. Luckily this weekend you’ll have a chance to catch up on some local science fiction cinema. The Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention has joined forces with Craig Brewer, acclaimed director of Hustle and Flow, Black Snake Moan, and Footloose, to host the event. The best handmade sci-fi films Memphis has to offer will be shown Friday from 8:30-10pm. 

5. Meet Jess Harnell. If you were born before 1990 and owned a TV you have probably seen The Animaniacs. We’ve all spent some quality time with Yakko, Wakko and Dot, aka the Warner Siblings. Voice actor Jess Harnell brought the crude humor of Wakko to life, but if that’s not quite cool enough for you he also voiced Ironhide the Autobot and Barricade the Decepticon in the Transformers movies. How often can you get to meet an Animaniac, Autobot and Decepticon all in one day?

Running this Friday through Sunday, tickets for the Memphis Comic and Fantasy Convention range from $15 to $35. All this geekery will be going down at the Hilton in East Memphis. We are offering $2.50 off with a Comic Con ticket and $5 off if you're also wearing costume if you take one of our tours. Click here for the link to the MEMPHIS COMIC AND FANTASY CONVENTION website to know more.