The Greatest American Dog: The Elvis Episode

by Courtney Mroch | More from this Blogger

31 Jul 2008 03:36 PM

There was a new episode of "Greatest American Dog" last night, but thanks to my volleyball schedule, I'm a bit behind watching my DVR recordings. I just finished watching the episode from the week before. I loved it, because David was able to show that Elvis isn't, as he calls him, a "Jack Russell terrorist."

WARNING: Spoiler Ahead

In case you record the shows too and you're also behind, this is where you should stop reading. I do reveal who was asked to leave Canine Academy.

Clearing the Yard

"Elvis is off-leash." ~-David, Elvis's Dad-~

Poor Elvis. The cute little Jack Russell made quite a first impression on his fellow housemates.

The third episode started with all the dogs enjoying the awesome backyard. Tillman was "swinging" on the swing. (In only a way Tillman could -by biting it.) JD and Galaxy were playing Frisbee. Bill was hanging out with Star...and then David walks out with Elvis.

Tentatively he unhooks Elvis...and promptly clears the backyard. Of every dog and owner except Laurie and Andrew.

Bum Rap

"With a few bites and a few fights, he became the Hannibal Lecter of the house." ~-David, "The Greatest American Dog"-~

Okay, so Elvis was a bit wild in the beginning. And a bit of a scrapper. Topping the list of those he attacked worst was Tillman the bulldog, who's about as sweet and lovable as can be.

But being in a house full of dogs was the best thing for him. He became socialized. And not everyone remained afraid of him. As I mentioned above, one dog and owner team stayed in the backyard.

Second Chances

"Yeah, Elvis, you know how to clear a room buddy." ~-Laurie, Andrew's mom.-~

Laurie stayed. And a funny thing happened. Instead of attacking Andrew, all of a sudden they started playing.

Both Laurie and David were shocked. Laurie said Andrew didn't usually like to play, but he sure found a play pal in Elvis. And David couldn't have been prouder.

It was the start of better relationships between Elvis and all the dogs. In fact, at one point in the show even Elvis and Tillman were romping and wrestling together --this time in a friendly way.

"Elvis has left the building." ~-David-~

Everyone laughed when David said that after him and Elvis took their farewell lap in the Best in Show Arena after being booted from the Canine Academy.

I was so sad. Elvis had made such progress. And David's love for Elvis? It personified how so many people feel about their pooches.

I loved how he talked about Elvis during this episode. At one point he was explaining how Elvis isn't his dog, he's his best friend. And then he said this to describe the love he feels from Elvis: "It's nice to be someone's number one priority."

He was crying, I started crying, and I just really admired him and his devotion to his "Jack Russell terrorist."

Sad to see them go, but glad I got to know them --even if it was just through my boob tube.

"We're going home to New York with our tails high and wagging." ~-David-~

The Search for the Greatest American Dog

"A Dog is Not a Barbie Doll." (And Other "Greatest" Quotes)

Dog Aggression

A Puppy's Progress

Learn more about Courtney Mroch

Courtney Mroch is a wife, a proud pet parent, and a writer. She's been with her husband, high school sweetheart Wayne Pryor, over 20 years, married 11 of those. She's "mom" to Mr. Meow, a.k.

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