You may be wondering why, in a post about me and my new pal Ralphie, the featured photo shows
Ralphie with Pickle, my nephew. I’ll get into that in just a little bit. But first, I want to say that even though Ralphie and I just met, it feels like we’ve known each other forever. First of all, our parents are good friends, and I’ve been hearing about this “adorable” Ralphie since Greg and Emily got him back in 2021. And we’re both retrievers (though he’s a Golden and I’m a Duck Toller). He’s not quite as into fetching as I am, and doesn’t always bring the ball back, but he’s only three, and if we had the chance to spend more time together, I could work with him on that. And while I don’t mean to brag — I only mention this because I hear it all the time: We’re both considered quite handsome. And finally, we both have college athletics in our blood: I was named for Kemba Walker of UConn, hero of the Huskies’ legendary 2011 championship run. And Ralphie was named for Ralphie the Buffalo, mascot of the University of Colorado Buffs.
Okay, this thing about Ralphie and Pickle: Those two had a playdate at Cranbury Park in Norwalk before I even had a chance to meet Ralphie. And the highlight of that playdate, which no one can seem to stop talking about, was Pickle coming upon a dead squirrel, picking it up in his jaws, and, eventually, eating it — whole. Now if you think that’s gross, might I remind you of what happened on my second cross-country road trip with Beagle Man in 2015, when my friend Amazing Grace, along the shores of Lake Michigan, pulled not one, not two, but five bunnies from their rabbit hole and ate them not only whole, but alive. And screeching. Now that was a sight to remember! (See “The Centennial Beach Massacre”)
Not really sure how much Ralphie and I will get to hang out, since he lives in California and I live in Connecticut. And from what I hear from Beagle Man, those days of our cross-country drives are history. But somehow, I have a feeling our paths will cross again.
RICKY THE BEAGLE USED TO HAVE A MY PALS COLUMN. I’VE ALWAYS WANTED ONE OF MY OWN. NOW I HAVE IT.
I might not be objective, but NO ONE is more handsome than Kemba!
Thanks for the support! — Kemba
All of the Beagles I had ate everything, but not road kill! I do remember one Beagle, Bailey, who picked up a flattened squirrel and carried it on our walk. I didn’t notice it until a neighbor asked me what she had! Just one scolding and she let it go. From then on, I always pay attention to what they are sniffing.
Yes, Beagles have standards!
Dear Kemba, this is Amazing Grace (remember be from Centennial Beach Massacre in Chicago? )
Your nephew Pickle and I have something in common beyond the great privilege of knowing You! In addition to my prowess in rabbit capture and…well…I have also conquered squirrels . I’m going to send Beagleman a photo of that in case my claim is seeming equally as unlikely as my rabbit fame. I’m really getting old,. But literally just this morning I bolted for a Florida rabbit, and I believe I would have succeeded in…well…..had it not been for my always-hare-alert dog mom. So glad I got to meet you. I remember us running around like crazy in the yard, And of course I remember your unmatched, unapproachable record in seaside ball retrieval !
PS My dog mom Laura also knows your friend Lang Allen! Small world in consulting land. Hi Lang!!
Yes, Amazing Grace will ALWAYS be remembered!!!