Welcome, Woof and Purrs to everyone that has joined Team Pongo these past few weeks. We are truly honored to have you here with us. Because we’re all in this together.

For those of you that have not met Scooby, he’s my almost 21-year-old beagle/basset mix. Also known as a bagle. We met almost four years ago.

Scooby lived many of his first 17 years on the streets, most recently inside a commercial building doorway in SE Portland. That’s where he slept. And that’s where we met.

He is my Gandhi. My Dalai Lama. My Moral Compass. And I hope he is that for you too. Because he really is that special.

Friday’s are Scooby’s hydrotherapy and swimming days. He’s been enjoying these sessions for about two years now. And I know that’s one of the reasons he still runs with wild abandon along the beach and forest trails.

To be clear, he does not run like an Olympic marathoner. Instead he runs to his own music. To watch him is like listening to a symphony. A rare and special symphony.

And it is a thing of beauty to watch.

But the best part of Fridays are that they are also French Fry Fridays. The days that Scooby enjoys his own side of fries. Not too many, mind you, just a few.

In the photos below you will see Scooby’s French Fry Friday from earlier today. Sometimes he sings for his fries, as you’ll see in the third photo.

And you’ll also see Pierre, the assistant manager of the hydrotherapy clinic where Scooby trains. He’s the Poodle King.

Pierre is about a million years old. They say he’s blind and deaf. But we don’t care. He greets us with squeals of joy, knowing that treats, neck scratchies and French Fries will follow.

Because blind and deaf or not, Pierre still knows when it’s French Fry Friday. And he’s always got the ketchup ready.

Scooby, Pierre and I have the best conversations. Sometimes in French. Sometimes in English. And sometimes in Woof. We talk about many things, including cheese, wine, bourbon and belly rubs. And we always talk about helping the less fortunate dogs and cats too.

Pierre and Scooby. And French Fries. Three things that give me the best Fridays anyone could ever have. Thank you for letting me share them with you too.

Sit. Stay. Eat. Live. French Fry Friday. thepongofund.org