Rodeo Shaq 5/27/96

Rodeo Shaq

5/27/96
Copyright © 2001 Ray Hebert

Last week in Austin was the College Baseball regionals. Shaq and I were invited to go tailgating at the Hopper Compound in the parking lot at the field. Terri and Lynn always have beers under a tree at just about every game. And, a lot of friends always show up and visit. Lots of fun and good people all the time.

Remember, before and after any sporting event you should go to Hop's. Yes Hops the friendly bar on Burnet just south of 183 right across from the Pink Taco Cabana. Tell um that Shaq sent you. You won't get anything, but they will know your OK.

OK, enough of my shameless plug, back to the story.

Shaq is an experienced tailgater and knows just how to behave. This time there was a lovely little girl named Jo-Ann. She and Shaq hit it off right away. Shaq gave her a tongue bath and she rubbed his ears. Shaq generally has sensitive ears, but she knew just how to rub them. (wait about 10 years and her parents will have to watch out for her)

Jo-Ann was wearing a red outfit. Her first words to Shaq were "I'm not a fire hydrant". I just rolled on the ground over that one. She took Shaq's leash and was walking around with him. She is just about 6 inches taller than Shaq, so they were about the same size. This went on for about half an hour when Shaq decided that since she was not a fire hydrant he had better find someplace to relieve himself. Now Shaq is very good about where he goes. He never goes anywhere near where we are hanging out. He has no problem going someplace where others are hanging out. He spied a tree on the other side of the field. So off he went at full gallup. Only problem was that Jo-Ann was still holding on. I looked up and there was Shaq running with Jo-Ann holding on for dear life yelling Whoa Whoa but keeping up with him the whole way. Looked just like someone in a rodeo who has been bucked from the Bronco, but their hand is hung up in the rope.

When Shaq stopped he looked kind of surprised with that “we were just having fun” look. So we got him to walk over to the tree's and do his thing. On the way back to the chairs Jo-Ann got Shaq to run at her pace. They both had a good time.

Now Shaq has a new friend.

Well that is the Rodeo Shaq story. Remember to let Shaq know that you are "Not a Fire hydrant" if you are wearing red around him. Don't want him to mistake you.

Cheers
Ray & Bucking Shaq