We recently teamed up with Gail and Craig Hollenback at ConchTV.com,
as well aswith Guy DeBoer at KONK 1500 AM, to create a whole new
radio/video show that youcan listen to every Tuesday from 1–2 p.m.
on KONK 1500 AM and watch, any day,any time, on demand at ConchTV.com.

The Buzzz in the Keys debuts on KONK 1500 AM on Tuesday, March 16.
Look for it on ConchTV.com on or around April 1. The great thing about
this new alliance with KONK 1500 AM and ConchTV.com is that the Buzzz
will now be part of true community radio and also available for everyone to
watch even if you don’t have cable and you’re not in the Keys. Seeming to
sense my indifference, the wiry Oscar Meyer wiener leaps into
Rhonda’s arms and starts licking her face with purpose.

MEET SPIKE

Ok, so there we are in the Mazda Dealership in Ft. Lauderdale hanging
out by the Latte machine while the eager beaver sales kid, who looks like
he’sonly about twelve, brings around our test drive.

There’s this older lady sitting at one of the cafe tables in the lounge holding
a funny looking little dog who can’t seem to stop wagging his way-too-long
tail. Can’t quite figure out what he is – kinda looks like the mutt from the
Grinchmovie, only with really stumpy legs, a hot dog torso and spiked up
hair that looks like Rhonda’s.
“Look at this cute little dog,” squeals Rhonda who is certain that the
wiggling pup is her dog Avatar.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I reply, keeping my eyes peeled for the wayward sales
squirt.

“I’ve been fostering him for a few months now,” the latte sipping lady
smiles. I love him to death but I already have a dog and my condo won’t
let me have another one.”

“Look Pam, he’s just precious!” Rhonda coos in between laps.

I politely pat the pup’s head. “Yes, he is very cute but we’re not in the
market for a dog. Came here for a car.”

I turn back to the showroom thinking, “OK, junior, where are you with
that CX7 we are supposed to be test driving right now?”

“My friend found the little fella abandoned in a gutter by the side of the
road about five months ago and I’ve been taking care of him ever since,”
the woman continues.
“So many people have wanted to adopt him but I’m being very particular -
want to make sure he goes to a good home.”

Rhonda puts the little dog down who immediately runs over to me and
paws my leg. “Look, he wants you to pick him up!”

“Yes, yes, you are a good little boy,” I say lifting him up into my arms,
“but we are not in a position to have a dog right now. Already have enough
stress.”  Lick, lick, lick, lick.

The Tween finally returns with the keys to our test drive but not before the
latte lady slips us her phone number. “If you know of a good home, please
call me, “ she whispers, “But I do think you girls would make the perfect
home for him….”

I stuff the piece of scrap paper into my pocket as we head out to the
parking lot.

It’s late when we leave the dealership so we end up spending the night
in Ft. Lauderdale.  After going on and on about the little dog, Rhonda
finally drops the subject. Trouble is,
I can’t get the damn thing out of my mind. Instead of counting sheep,
I fall asleep listing
all the reasons why we should not have a dog right now. ZZZZZZZ.

Morning comes and Mr. Whiskers continues to haunt me. We load up
the car and turn onto 95 South.

“Think we should call that lady and take another look at her dog?”
I casually ask Rhonda.

“I thought you weren’t interested in a dog. You said you didn’t want
any more stress.”

“Yeah, I know, but we could just look. No commitment.”

Rhonda coolly gazes out the passenger window. “You know what
will happen if we go there”

Geez, I thought I was the one who needed all the convincing.
Now the tables had unexpectedly turned.

I nudge Rhonda a little more. “Look, here’s her number.
Her name is Joan. Why don’t you call her and see if we can swing by.
It’s right on the way.”

A few miles later, we’re sitting by a lake in the woman’s backyard,
playing  with the frisky little dog and sipping on glasses of white wine.

“Oh, he really likes you girls,” Joan says as she continually refills our
glasses. “Why don’t you try him out for two weeks. If it doesn’t work out,
you can always bring him back. No strings.”

“You know what will happen if we take him home,” Rhonda says to me
under her breath.

Mellowed by the Chardonnay, I reassure her. “Yeah, yeah, but we can
alwaysbring him back if it doesn’t work out.”

Next thing you know, we’re at PetSmart, picking out a new doggie bed,
crate, leash, food, toys, etc., etc., etc.

We never did get a new car. But it’s been four weeks now and Spike is
an official member of the family. He is probably the most loving, well
behaved dog we have ever had. Rhonda somehow manages to style his
wiry head locks to mimic her own. He is, after all, her dog Avatar.

For me, he is a saving grace.