My friend and former newspaper colleague, John Grogan, benevolently described Marley, his Labrador retriever, as the "world's worst dog" in the pages of his bestseller, "Marley & Me."
Well, being the so-called worst can unleash a true Hollywood hit movie. I was invited to a press screening and press conference in LA for the "Marley & Me" movie that airs on Christmas Day. This was more than a movie for me but a step back in time. You see, I worked next to Grogan in the Sun Sentinel newsroom in South Florida for nine years. I actually knew Marley during his crazy youthful days -- and have the muddy paw prints to prove it!
It was surreal to watch the movie being filmed in the actual Sun-Sentinel newsroom and catch glimpses of some of my former colleagues (as walks ons looking a bit grayier). Stars Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson - plus Eric Dane, Alan Arkin and Kathleen Turner - accurately portray Marley's "people" on the big screen. Paws down, you MUST go to this movie and if you haven't already, please read Grogan's fetching tale of his amazing life with this anything-but-boring dog.
The press conference took place inside the Four Seasons hotel in Beverly Hills. Turns out this was the site for 5 movies, including Marley & Me. In the elevator, I chatted briefly with Jon Hamm (star of Mad Men on TV) and then gave Keanu Reeves "cuts" in the bathroom line so he could dash off in time to appear at a press conference down the hall for his movie, "The Day the Earth Stood Still." Just missed Will Smith, star of "Seven Pounds" climb out of his customized limo. Oh well, that's Hollywood!

John Grogan was kind enough to write my foreword about Marley in my book, "The Dog Behavior Answer Book" and with the movie about to debut, I realize that my book is full of countless ways to "Marley-proof" dogs with less-than-desired antics. Marley's message is one for everyone who is doggone lucky to share their life - and heart - with these selfless loving four-leggers. I invite you to tune into my special OH BEHAVE show that features the Marley cast by going to www.petliferadio.com