Today the dogs have an “ interview” at a new kennel, if you can believe it. Competition is fierce to board your dog in the Silicon Valley Outback. Their usual kennel “resort,” which we call The Palace, is full, and if Zar and Daisy blow their interview we’re not leaving town for Thanksgiving. We’ve been trying to tire them out all day—throwing sticks and running all over the place. Mike the trainer is going to attend the interview to speak on their behalf. It’s sounding hopeless. They’ve already been asked not to return to the local dog park after an encounter with an enthusiastic Boxer, and you already know about their arrests. In False Alarm, the inspiration for Kate’s dog, Stirling Moss, was my dog, who was summarily fired from a kennel for pacing and being generally annoying. At the Palace, where they have dog condos with big-screen TVs and internet (this is Silicon Valley) and a spa pool, Zar barked non-stop at a bear on the TV. When John explained that our dogs only watch educational programs, the resort employees didn’t get that he was joking. Zar and Daisy ended up climbing over the door out of their condo and escaped into the public area. Come to think of it, The Palace may not actually be full. That’s just what they’re telling me.