CLUNY'S CORNER
'MEMBERING ELVIS' (BOTH OF 'EM)

Around this time of year I notice rock 'n roll fans take a little time out to remember Elvis, the "King of Rock 'n Roll". People visit Graceland, they listen to Elvis tributes on the radio, and even my master pulls out The Absolute Greatest Hits of Elvis  and plays all 50 songs. My master really likes Kentucky Rain, but my favorite is Hound Dog. Hound Dog reminds me of a real American doggie hero 'Elvis' who lived several blocks over in the neighborhood.

'Elvis' lived at the end of a dirt road (Samuel St.) where my master used to walk me before supper every night. 'Elvis' was a big dog of no particular breed (commonly referred to as a Heinz 57). But 'Elvis' was high class. He had a solid white leather collar with at least 75 rhinestones studded in diamond shapes all around it. He had a big doghouse and his own recliner (sort'a green in color) sitting next to it. He'd sit there and watch all us other doggies being walked past by our masters or maybe just watch the world go by. He even had his own car-it was on blocks, but I assumed he was 'fix'en it up'.

'Elvis' had a nice shade tree and even a leaky faucet that dripped fresh water into his water dish. 'Elvis' always ate the cheapest dog food (what ever was on sell at Sav-a-Buck), but his master always mixed it with mustard green pot-liquor, left over cornbread, and other table scraps that make most doggies foam at the mouth. I'd walk past 'Elvis' and think, "Gee-I have to go home and eat Alpo".

'Elvis' didn't have a lot of toys like most doggies. Every now and then I'd see a dirty tennis ball or old shoe lying around, but 'Elvis' got to chase cats, squirrels, raccoons, and all sorts of animals. Yes sir, 'Elvis' sure had it great.

'Elvis' and his master finally moved. One day I walked by his house, and he was gone. His doghouse, car, recliner, and food dish were all gone. The only thing left was the leaky faucet. Yep-'Elvis' was the "King of Samuel St."

So whenever I hear Hound Dog, I remember 'Elvis', that great American canine hero, and the great life and great food he had.