So, Jules Rivera decided to have Mark ignore the presence and utility of the on-site animal wrangler in California, as well as pass up an opportunity to involve Mark’s friend, Rex Scorpius, a professional animal tamer. And for what reason? To bring Rusty along.

What to think of Cherry pushing Rusty on Mark? And what to think of her idea to let Rusty spend the day, alone, in a hotel pool while Mark works? What could possibly go wrong with that setup!? It’s not as if there would be dangerous predators in a hotel, right? Once again, we see the dark cloud of child neglect hovering. Well, and then there is the giant Room Service bill that is likely to show up on the expense sheet.

Art. Dept. And speaking of puzzling things, what is your take on that “lion” in panel 2? Has Rivera been watching The Wizard of Oz?