Groucho and I lived together for the next 12 1/2 years. Every time I left home, he’d visit with friends or family...and when I got back home, we’d head to the park to play. He would growl, bark and howl to me about what he did while I was gone, and I’d tell him about my adventures. And although I know he didn’t understand English - Weimariners are from Germany - I knew he understood ME. Those first moments back at the park were always the best part of my travels.

This past October, while on a walk in his favorite canyon, Groucho laid down for the last time. It was a very sad day. Mostly, because he was the funniest soul I ever met. I miss him like crazy...but the good news is, now that he’s hanging out near that big fire hydrant in the sky, I bet our language problem is history.

Grouch loved to go for a ride. He never got to fly on a plane, but he would have loved that too, especially first class. And he loved to eat. Really, HE should be hosting this show. But I doubt the Travel Channel would hire a dog, especially a dead one.

Over the next year, I’m going to be visiting over 80 cities as we explore the fun, food and people of America. And since Grouch can’t meet me at the park when I get home anymore, I’ve decided to keep him clued in with letters from the road.

So what you’ll find in this space each week, is a series of letters from me, your host, to his dead dog, detailing adventures with my crew, and the people we meet along the way. If you think THAT sounds like fun, you’ll love the show.

Let’s go for a ride!

Mark

More Letters To Groucho