Helen Displays her Whale Garden

There is a sign at one of the Marinas I work at that says "Dogs and Cats Okay / No Emus." David thinks this is just a joke, but I think this sign was put up for a very specific reason. My guess is that the marina claimed that they allowed pets, assuming that this meant that boat owners would bring their ordinary dogs and cats. A wealthy and purposely eccentric boat owner had a pet emu, whom he loved dearly and doted over constantly. He could not leave his dear old emu at home with the 'help,' so he brought the emu with him everywhere he went, including his boat. Marinas are full of seagulls, ducks, and blue herons, so adding an emu to the ornithological mix seemed harmless. After all, he often brought his beloved bird to the pushover fine dining establishments. A restaurant owner craves notoriety for his restaurant, and the wealthy emu owner walked with the sort of absurd cockiness that only the famous or the those on the brink of fame walk with. Not to mention his tailored Italian suit, gold rings, and beautiful yet inappropriately young mistress. The emu owner became accustomed to taking his emu wherever he desired. His fellow boat owners and marina dwellers, however, were not accustomed to the emu. His obnoxious squawking and inappropriate bathroom spots were wearing down their nerves. Marinas are full of wealthy people, so the emu owner had less leverage. The Harbormasters message machine filled with angry protests from boat owners and his mail box was stuffed to the brim with letters of the same sentiment. Soon, the harbormaster enforced a new clause excluding emus from entering the marina. The emu owner took his business elsewhere, but the sign and his memory lingered on.