Mercury finds herself at Doggie Styles

On a fateful morning last week I found myself shipped off to that location of fright repute: Doggie Styles. Head warden, Kelly, is a charming woman, talented, fun-loving and attractive, yet one who will never exceed her role as Groomer-in-Chief-of-Doggies. You can call it Doggie Styles or you can call it a dog's dread dream, it comes to the same thing. The photo is all the exhibit needed.

Shorn. Scalped. And threaded onto a long red rope. The result of a long day's journey culminates in what you see here.

Other dogs share the long day's journey. Some of them, frightening, some frightened, some alone in groomer land for the very first time, some old, wise and patient with experience.

To all I would counsel resignation. You will find your way to Doggie Styles. You will be bathed, blown and groomed. Dogs that you don't know will share these intimate rituals. Abandon hope but remember that this too shall pass.

Hope

Dear Friends & Fans,

This is a meditation on Hope. I celebrate the quality of Hope which passes by all depression, sadness, dire circumstances and bad behavior.

Hope leads me to expect many meals and more desserts each day. Perhaps I'm not altogether worthy; I certainly get more than my share. But, beautifully prepared and served is the food that I enjoy each day.

Hope springs eternal (or very close to it) that Maman will not force or even encourage me to wear doggie clothes. Doggie clothes are not really for doggies nor are they really clothing -- they gape in embarrassing places.

Each month I hope that I won't have to go to Doggie Shapes. For as much as I like Kelly's company, unspeakable things happen at Doggie Shapes. Enough said.

Hope is the light that lets me imagine that I will spend all the days of my life with Maman et Papa and that each day to come will be as joyful as those already lived.

My wish for you is that Hope also lights your life and shows you the way through any darkness you may encounter.

Love, Mercury Murphy Roushanzamir

Witness The Absurd

I have donned a Santa hat, a pink boucle sweater, endured monthly visits to the beauty parlor [nothing against Kelly Noonan, truly a Master of Doggie Styles] and recently submitted to Mama's daily combings.

The picture at left, however, speaks for itself: the Absolute Limit.