The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

In an effort to seek out and engage multiple voices and viewpoints from the local arts community, we occasionally will present on The Thousandth Word postings by "Vicious Guests" -- that is, writings by various artists, curators, guest critics, journalists, art experts, art lovers, and other essential members of the arts community who have a story to tell. Michael Fallon presented the first "Vicious Guest" piece, by Gabriel Combs, last month.

Everyone knows: Wally's Pet World sells the sickest, the oldest, and the mangiest animals. But that doesn't stop George from heading nine counties and eleven hours toward some strip mall into Graysville. He drums a folded bag on his lap with his fingers. The car deviates toward the right side of the crooked road.

"Look, Honey, can you believe this? A five percent discount on anything you can fit into this bag."