fbpx

Check out our new merch today!

November 19, 2012

How To Make 80,000 Friends In An Afternoon

For reasons that remain unclear, and in what is widely regarded to be one of its worst decisions, the University of Notre Dame admitted me into the class of 2008.  Before they could reconsider that decision I accepted and had an amazing four years of college.  Now that I

For reasons that remain unclear, and in what is widely regarded to be one of its worst decisions, the University of Notre Dame admitted me into the class of 2008.  Before they could reconsider that decision I accepted and had an amazing four years of college.  Now that I live in Chicago, ND is just a short drive away, so I have had the opportunity to go back for a number of football games.  Football Saturdays at Notre Dame are always fun (especially this year when we’re winning!) and I planned to return to ND for our final home game this past Saturday.

While I packed the car on Friday night, I realized that there was someone who might also enjoy the adventure and excitement of an ND tailgate – Eko!  A week of strict bed rest had made him stir crazy and he was putting full pressure on his back leg, so I figured that a trip to ND would be a great way to start his rehab.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog adventure

Our first stop was the campus bookstore to get Eko outfitted with an ND bandana

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet friendly blog

Eko’s seen a lot of things in the past year, but this drum corps of guys wearing kilts was a first for him

The Ekocam 5000 was a huge hit in the parking lots.  If I had a dollar for every time I heard someone shout “Hey, that dog has a camera – cool!” I would have a lot of dollars.  If you are ever in need of 80,000 new friends, just bring your pup to an ND tailgate and you are all set!  I left the camera running for hours, so I have a lot of footage to look through this week.  My plan is to post a video this Friday of the tailgate from Eko’s perspective.  Thankfully we didn’t get close enough to the drum corps for Eko to look up any kilts.  I think.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog adventure

Eko working the crowd

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure

Eko was excited beyond belief because he thought the blimp was broadcasting announcements about TREATS.  Turns out it was just about TREADS

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

Emily and Eko – the only two reasons I still get invited to parties

Dogs aren’t allowed in Notre Dame Stadium (we can dream…) but I was happy to give up my tickets in exchange for a beautiful afternoon outside with Eko, Emily and the rest of my friends.  Once the game started we took a tour of the old stomping grounds.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, dog blog

I attempted to get a “nice” photo of Em and Eko, but Eko preferred to sample the local foliage

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet blog

A gorgeous fall day for a walk around the lakes

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet blog, pet adventure

Eko and me in front of the Golden Dome – and yes, that is his, “I see a squirrel” face

Rhodesian Ridgeback, pet adventure

Eko was so beat from all the excitement that he passed out the moment he hopped in the backseat

Interestingly enough, at the end of Saturday night, Notre Dame football ended up being ranked #1 in the nation.  Now, I’m not saying it’s maybe because Eko is a good luck charm, I’m just saying it’s definitely because Eko is a good luck charm!

Comments for How To Make 80,000 Friends In An Afternoon

  1. catchatcaren says:

    What fun!!! It looked like everyone had a great time! Can’t wait to see the footage! Even the weather cooperated! BTW Emily is sooo pretty and i love how her name and Eko’s both begin with an “E” 🙂

  2. Judy says:

    Echo is such a handsome boy!! Oh, and you are too Will! Glad he is doing better!

  3. Uncle Austin says:

    I really enjoyed seeing you, Eko and Emily in all the campus shots. It was a beautiful day and a great game.
    Go Irish!

  4. raisingdaisy says:

    What a great weekend! I’m sure Eko loved every second of it too. 🙂

  5. Marcela says:

    Great pictures:) I agree, Eko is a good luck charm. I am so glad that you include Eko in so many things you do. You are great dad:)

  6. Boomdeeadda says:

    I can see why you always are so chipper and happy. What a cute couple you make, your Emily is a cutie. Great to see Eko is getting around, what a beautiful day to be with your best friends.

  7. I’ll bet Eko has more than 80k friends now… hope the kilt-boys are wearing warm underwear – it’s darned cold outside ;o)

  8. Bridget says:

    I think that might be Dogwood that Eko is chomping on!

  9. onebluedog says:

    I went to school in a park, which I thought was pretty nice. But gosh Will, your school is beautiful!

  10. Jorie says:

    Hahaha Eko is a good luck charm! I love the pic of him biting the sticks with Emily. So cute!

  11. candice Le Barron says:

    Eko seems to be well liked by all who meet him. Looks like he had a fun filled day. Im sure he loves his man friend all the more for sharing the fun filled day with him. I love animals Shady my dog loves to go visit too. Thanks for sharing this story.

  12. Great footage and witty stories about Ekos life experiences. I find them very intertainingvand funny. Hope you will be able to continue the good work. Koodos to Eko! You make my Day.

  13. Michele says:

    I LOVE that Eko went to ND with you. What an amazing time anyone would have there- the grotto, the chapel and watching the team walk from there to the stadium after mass, the concert on the admin steps, seeing touchdown Jesus,etc.
    Lets go ND!!! BCS Championship, or not – always #1 in my heart 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Us on Instagram

@markingourterritory