Hey, friends! It’s me, your friendly JournoDog in training!
As you may remember, I’m learning the ropes of Canine AP Styleguide and finding those story scents that make my editors happy. Well, I sniffed out a story recently that made social media headlines!
Some guy named Harry Potter celebrated a birthday recently on July 31. He’s a big movie star, a wizard of sorts. And has a bunch of friends, and even did battle with an evil “Lord Voldemort” who apparently got his nose chewed off at one point.
My editors were on board with this right away, especially since Editor Mom is a big fan of all things Harry Potter. She has all those thick books and bookends with Harry Potter on them, which I am quite acquainted with as they sit on the bookcase right behind my home office bone-blanket bed. They bought me a fun themed scarf bandana, telling me I belong to “House of Ravenpaw” — despite murmuring that I should be in the “House of Slobberin,” because I am mischievous.
So, I decided to chase the leads on this one.
Turns out, there was some news coverage about a couple bakeries were getting in on the Harry Potter fun and going all out with themed treats. It wasn’t close to my fur-ever home, and we had to go on a CAR RIDE that took forever to get there. But it was worth the drive, as there were a whole bunch of new scents and furry friends on the scene at the M Street Baking Company.
I wanted to go stand in line with some of the little kiddos dressed up, but it was a small downtown area so Editor Dad and I covered the corner happenings while Editor Mom went inside. We got to interview a whole bunch of humans and furry friends, and only one smelled like Lord Voldemort so he was the only one I growled at. I got to show off my improving Canine AP Styleguide skills for a bit, practicing “SIT” and “STAY” and “LEAVE IT” while we waited outside.
I also lifted my leg and put my signature on many different trees, plants, poles, and building corners. You know, so other furry friends would know my byline is one to pay attention to.
Finally, Mom emerged with all kinds of story scents in hand! She had a huge yummy-looking Harry Potter themed milkshake, and she’d used her photo skills to take some other photos inside so we could see them.
Then, we all walked to a nearby downtown park and I got to wear the Potter spectacles that she’d obtained. I got to sniff around and even found a bit of doggo magic, by pooping into an evergreen tree and it floated magically on a branch without touching the ground!
Everyone walking by loved seeing me, telling me how very handsome I am and how they loved my themed attire.
We weren’t alone, as my journalism colleagues have written that hundreds of people came out to investigate and partake in this particular story for this celebratory birthday weekend for… Harry Potter.
It was loads of fun, and a story I think that’s gone over quite well for everyone.
Including myself. Some are now even referring to me as: Hairy Dog Paw-ter.
And so, that’s my latest story. Even though journos aren’t supposed to be part of the story, I am happy to bend that rule a bit sometimes and put my paws on a piece.
Until the next time, whenever the news beckons like a barking dog you can’t help but pay attention to, #JournoDog out.
As always, remember: Love your pets. Read a newspaper. Support local journalism. Be kind to each other no matter what — even when there isn’t any magic in the air. Try to smile and find a little happiness for your heart every day.
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JournoDog Chronicles 