Rover has a bone and a beer, too.

“Rover has a bone. Rover has a bone. How do you like it Mr. [Defendant]? How do you like it when you’re interrupted when I’m trying to speak?” The defendant attempted to speak again, saying “Judge, I just wanted to let you know I have a witness” but the judge interrupted: “Rover has a bone. . . Rover has a bone, Rover – - how do you like it, Mr. [Defendant]?” [1]

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Judge Maryesther S. Merlo was removed from office October 17, 2011 for that little bit of snaggle-toothed bow-wow injudiciousness and for other reasons, including her court absences, tardiness and for breaches of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Rules Governing Standards of Conduct of Magisterial District Judges.

But this isn’t necessarily another ‘tale’ of judicial unprofessionalism. No, it’s merely a prop allowing me to segue to other interesting bowser news. But not of the shaggy-dog variety.

Previously, I related that dogs allowed in court had caused defense lawyers to howl and claim court service dogs unfairly sway jurors. But now it turns out that in the other court where life decisions are also weighed and decided albeit ofttimes with a bit of foam on the lip, there’s a welcome development: The Hair of the Dog: Now man’s best friend can enjoy a pint.

                                                                                                                                                         Dogs get thirsty, too. And if a barley sandwich is good enough for man or woman, why not for Duke and Bella?

Eminently companionable, dogs don’t like distance from those they lovingly admire – - – even if it means that most of us are reduced to praying, “Lord Help Me Be The Kind Of Person (My Dog Thinks I Am).”

The Brandling Villa in Newcastle offers a nonalcoholic foamy mixture of malt, hops and meat extract that approximates a brewski quaffed by the two-legged set.

Admittedly, news about Rover and his beer doesn’t have much to do with Rover and his bone in court. Then again, rudeness in a pub can also get you ’86′ed.’  

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[1] In re Maryesther S. Merlo, No. 1 JD 11 (Pa. Ct. Jud. Disc. 2011)

Photo credits: “guard_dog.jpg” by moneysaver67 at morgueFile.com; “Molly and the beer” by Piddleville via Creative Commons-licensed content requiring attribution and share alike distribution at Flickr.

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