There are those who would say that I spoil, pamper, indulge or even baby my greyhounds. I disagree. Rather, I say to them, my puppers are enjoying what they deserve, whether it is a home-cooked (or not-cooked) meal, a new collar for every season with a matching leash, boots to ward off snow-melting chemicals, pajamas for winter's chilly nights or sunshades to cut down the glare that reflects off the ocean. This is their due.

Being a parochial person, I try to understand (but I can't help snicker at) other people's fascination with pastel bows creating topknots that God never intended, little leather motorcycle jackets emblazoned with metallic embroidered sayings like "Bite Me," special haircuts their "stylists" refer to as coiffures and tuxedos and tennis bracelets for occasions other than Hallowe'en.

Don't get me wrong; I know these owners love their dogs as much as I love mine. I just do not agree with the way they show it. I mean, I can't see the reason to gussy up a beautiful puppy with trashy outfits that will certainly end up in the trash upended. Doesn't make sense to me. On the other paw, I very recently had the occasion to witness just how very sensibly greyhound owners cherish their puppers.

Gimme that Ol' Time Religion
Most of us are familiar with reunions, megameets and gatherings. One of the best known, "Greyhounds Reach the Beach" (fondly called Dewey as that is where it takes place), occurs over Columbus Day weekend. Dewey is a wealth of things to its attendees, both human and canine. It is an adventure, for sure. A phenomenon, a celebration, a party, a ritual. Dewey has its own meaning to each person present. For me, it has even become a religious experience. How is that, you ask?

Dewey offers the Holy Grail of greyhound gatherings. Disguised on Saturday as an ordinary auditorium, it morphs overnight so that on Sunday, it becomes... THE TENT. From the earliest arrivals to the latecomers, everyone asks, "Are you going to THE TENT?", "Have you been to THE TENT?" or "I'll see you at THE TENT." THE TENT is the place every greyhound person at Dewey must visit to prove his or her devotion to their hounds.

Never mentioned in hushed or reverent tones, THE TENT holds the keys to the wonder that is greyhound. It is a temple to what we can provide our beloved puppers, a shrine to the handmade, home-baked, all natural, aesthetic and yes, necessary paraphernalia greyhound parents are compelled to supply their hounds. Serendipitously for we twofoots, this sanctuary also offers wondrous personal greyhound gear for wearing, transporting, sustaining and displaying our love for our pups. It is heaven. It is all my dreams come true. It is a catharsis, an epiphany, a paean to the devotion I have for my dogs. It is...THE TENT.

Over there, a lovely straw chapeau with seasonal trim and a classis cowboy hat sit next to a rakish houndstooth (!) cap. Oh, look, a faux leopard winter coat complete with matching snood! I'm sure I have the perfect place for that out-of-print print of a golden fawn greyhound just falling asleep. And those beautiful tapestry collars; I have never seen so many fabrics with which I'd upholster my couch, let alone adorn my dog! I can feel my blood pressure rising. I am surrounded by bronze greyhound busts, greyhound garden statues, tiny pewter greyhounds mounted on semi-precious stones, embroidered denim jackets and barn coats, greyhound watches and tie tacks, stunning brooches and action pins, cookie cutters and children's books and so much more! This must be heaven! Wait, listen, it is! It is! I hear, outside THE TENT, an unearthly (can't quite call it celestial) Ode to Joy that starts out small and crescendos to a heart thrilling, ground shaking ROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

This year, my pilgrimage to THE TENT resulted in four new, soft, colorful cuddly beds, a leather collar each for Kel and Dash, a gallon of Oxyfresh, a pair of standing greyhound earrings, a "no hands" leash for Suzi, a striking baseball cap featuring four stylized greyhounds embroidered in primary colors, a plush flying disc toy for Tess, a marvelously warm sweatshirt sporting an amazing embroidered likeness of Dasher, a pack of ten amusing greeting cards, a Dewey Beach 1999 hand towel, note cards with eight different and breathtaking greyhound photos and a one pound variety pack of all natural greyhound treats. Whew!

I'm starting my list tonight for next year's journey. I am setting aside my tithe for the year 2000's glorification of my greyhounds. I am redeemed for another year.

I'm not proselytizing here, but I sure hope that next October, you will join me and the other celebrants at...THE TENT!