The frustration was evident today as the dogs saw their lead slip away in the final round. Once again, the dogs needed all the remaining points to pull out a victory only to lose the last match of the day and the weekly battle. The cats strutted to the end of the alley to string up a new banner. I was told they had a new one made professionally as they felt it would never be coming down again. It certainly was beautiful, I'll give them that. It looks like it must have cost a fortune. The Huge Cat let it slip that it was paid for by the local dog catcher's office in return for stripping licenses from the bewildered dogs. That would also explain where a large number of our canine friends have been recently. Once the banner was hung and the dogs had departed, the cats celebrated by painting cat-graffiti all over the loading dock. They were not their normal respectful selves when discussing the losers. There is a definite overconfidence in thinking the dogs are has-beens. It is hard not to be overconfident though with the success of the powerful cat team. I can only hope for the sake of the alley and the enjoyment of the spectators that the dogs find a small spark. A lone doggie could lead a comeback for the once mighty dogs. A single flame fanned by pride and determination could build to a massive fire out of which the Phoenix will rise. I hope this reporter can help inspire some young puppy or one of the old dogs to take up the challenge. Go forth into the alleys, find the dogs of legend. Recruit help for the stalwarts and brave warriors. Band together in the tradition of yesteryear and drive down the nay-sayers of litter box persuasion. Put an end to the feline falsehoods of failing fidodom. It is embarrassing to hear the young kittens on the fire escape referring to the once great dogs as "hush puppies", but today when they referred to them as a bunch of "pussy cats", well that would get the dander up on any self respecting dog.

Final score Cats 23 - Dogs 20 (but the cats insist they were coasting)..

Seen on the fire escape: Hbear; Hinesite; Mom_ox; Avalon; MrSpike; Sunshine; Linda