Shaggy Dog Story*

Since he already looks and snorts and snuffles and gurgles like an old shaggy dog, I suppose this was to be expected.

"Scholastic,…announced today that it has signed a publishing deal with Senator Edward M. Kennedy to publish his first children's book. A 56-page picture book illustrated by Caldecott-winning artist David Small, My Senator and Me: A Dog's-Eye View of Washington, D.C. is not only a charming pet story, but also engages children in understanding how government works.

Don't we already know Kennedy's vision of how government works?

"The image of Kennedy in person is even more startling when his white dress shirt is soaked with sweat and he is carrying a bag of dog poop.

He's really gotta' stop followin' Diane Finestein around.

…Kennedy is a figure of larger-than-life personality, achievement and baggage who remains at ease with dirty work,…

Considerin' he's been involved in it up to his jowly jowls for most of his life, that's no surprise, is it?

"Kids love animal stories, and they will be captivated by the tale of Senator Kennedy's extraordinary Portuguese Water Dog, and his adventures in Congress!,"…

Anyone remember that Kennedy used to have two Portuguese Water Dogs—Sunny and Splash? Wonder what happened to Sunny? Hope the ole' Senator didn't take her drivin'.

"The Senator's book gives readers a true behind-the-scenes look at a day in the life of a Senator through a dog's-eye view and will help kids learn about the work of our elected officials in a unique and fun way."

Too bad Splash the Water Dog wasn't around at Chappaquiddick in '69 to help Teddy learn about the work of retrievin' people from ponds in a unique and fun way.

*NOUN: A long, drawn-out anecdote ending with an absurd or anticlimactic punch line.

posted by Harrison at 9:25 PM