Rascal Day

Today was Rascal Day at Cumberland School of Law. The celebration honors a mongrel pup named Rascal. According to tradition, Rascal faithfully attended classes at the law school’s former campus location in Lebanon, Tennessee, beginning in 1933, until he was presented with the rare degree of Doctor of Canine Jurisprudence in 1937. Legend holds that his diploma was awarded in recognition of the hundreds of classes and mock trials at which his attendance had been difficult to ignore. When he passed away in 1940, Rascal was buried beneath the window of the classroom where he had spent so much time. When Cumberland moved to Birmingham in 1961, Rascal’s tombstone and a few spadefuls of dirt from his grave were brought to the Samford campus and reinterred on the west side of Robinson Hall. Each year, a procession of two- and four-legged creatures passes by Rascal’s grave to commemorate one of Cumberland’s most memorable graduates. After the procession, Professor Walthall gives a eulogy for Rascal and then the party truly begins with a jazz band reception and lunch served to students and those in attendance by Cumberland professors.

Molly dresses up every year for Rascal Day in a new leash and collar -this year she wore a ladybug set that we both really love. After getting a bath last night, Molly started off her day with some frisbee at the law school and then worked hard in the law library with Alice and Grace. Before the festivities began Molly and I took our annual Rascal Day picture with Jenna and Charlotte outside the back doors (Thanks to Shannon for taking them). Additionally, every year Molly enters the "Best Trick" competition. This year she did 4 tricks - sit, shake, lay and catching a frisbee at long distance 4 times in a row...well apparently this was her year and that spelled WINNER! So Molly celebrated with her basket (winnings that included: a new bowl, toys, treats, a big bone, and a football) and 3 hotdogs served by Governor Brewer! Then it was off to class - Bioethics to be exact. I sit by Donald in that class, and Molly and Donald's dog Leo are like best buddies so I knew it would go well. Molly did great in class, even when Joss (Kasey's boxer, and Molly's old playtime buddy) decided to come back to our row for some water and playtime...right in the middle of class! Silly dogs! After class, it was time for Molly to say goodbye to Cumberland. Although she might go to campus again before I graduate, this was Molly's last Rascal Day, and I know she enjoyed it in true Rascal-fashion and had a DOG-RIFFIC time!