I'm a clueless mutt.

Chatting with someone while in fursuit is the great
social equalizer.
It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, black or white, male
or female. You're gunna get a sweaty hug and the happy
paws. It is my special joy to engage everyone regardless of
social status.

Bouncing down Main Street puts one in the midst of the beach
crowd, the tourists, and the locals heading out for some nightlife.
You meet folks from all walks of life, and most are happy enough
to humor a talking dog for a few minutes.

Eddie was no exception. We crossed paths several times in the
course of day, and he always met my plastic gaze but maintained
a neutral expression. I vowed to have a chat if I saw him again.

I got my chance as the sun set and the crowds started to thin.
Eddie was talking with a young lady and I sidled up beside him.
"Good afteroon!" I chirped, after waiting for break in the conversation.
Eddie looked me up and down. The lady backed away slowly and
then beat a hasty retreat.

"OK, what gives?" He asked with a wry smile.
"Just wanted to bark at you for a minute,
I've seen you all afternoon." I replied.
He shook his head, and said "Sorry, I'm not casting right now."

I cocked my head.
Casting? He didn't look like a fisherman.

I thought for a minute and then smiled and shrugged and
looked confused. Not a stretch for me.
"Casting...?" I said and joggled my ears.
He grinned and explained the term to the slow witted mutt...

Turns out Eddie is music video producer.
He knows lots of famous folks. He was modest and friendly and
had some neat stories.

What he couldn't seem to understand was my lack of interest in being
"paid to appear."
I told him over and over that I suit for free, just because it's fun
and it makes folks smile. No agenda, no contract, no residuals.
Just a talking dog. Just for fun.

"Wow" He exhaled and shook his head. "This ain't Hollywood."
I agreed happily and assured him that lots of things are
worth doing just because they're fun.
It's old and corny, but true. Money can't buy happiness.

I think I almost had Eddie there. Then he looked over at his
new Ferrari, and then back at me.
He gave me a pat on the shoulder.
"Keep it up, doggyboy." He smiled and slid into the leather driver's
seat. I watched him pull away and remembered that I'd be making
the trip home in a '73 Chevy. Maybe money can buy happiness
if it's Italian and goes 160 mph.

No matter. I enjoyed our meeting and the rest of the day was
full of hilarity and laughs and pictures and confused humans.
A rousing success.

I wonder if Eddie will think about our conversation.
I wonder if he will focus a little less on the all mighty buck.
I wonder if he'll do things just for smiles and the happy paws.

And I wonder if he'd lend his Ferrari to a talking dog...