Grutz says, "Oh great. Another mouth to feed."

Now you're messin' with of son of a.... 
Yes, the Dubuque Kennedy Mall is tacky.  It's the oldest in Iowa.  Antiquity is good, if not great for just about anything.  But not malls.  With all the plants and new skylights, old fountains, new fountains, no fountains, carpeting, kiosks, couches and flatscreens with the Cubs game for the husbands, "The Mall" is still tacky.  But from the acne-sporting youth to the high-waisted mall walkers, folks just make there way to "The Mall".  Which, even in this culture-less mecca of consumerism, provides a fantastic opportunity to do good and enrich your life.  You will find a wonderful, wonderful endeavor: The Dubuque Regional Humane Society.  The Society has it's main headquarters out on the westend, but it has its "showroom" at the mall for all those wondering eyes to gaze upon dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, and small rodent-like critters.  What a spectacular PR move by the shelter!

Carleen and I will swing through when we're at the mall, in this case using a giftcard.  We've speculated and dreamed about adding a new member to our troupe.  Timing, housing, jobs, life, money, etc., have always trumped out.  Also, finding the right fit.  Well, that is a thing of the past.  We've found our fit.  He's smart, calm, handsome, and house trained.  We've definitely open a new chapter in our lives.  There will be ups and downs, starts and stops with Arnie.  But we're only focusing on the ups right now.  Arnie is part of the Grutz clan.

Arnie, in all his speckled glory.

Now he's looking at me, sending me this message, "Put that thing down and play with me."  I have the feeling that I will be doing a lot of that.  And I couldn't be happier.