Ep 11. Mr. Monk and the Dog

In this episode of Monk, titled "Mr. Monk and the Dog," our titular character is tasked with investigating the murder of a dog show judge. The judge, who was known for his tough critiques of canine contestants, was found dead in his hotel room just hours before the final round of the dog show.

As Monk starts to delve into the world of show dogs and their owners, he finds himself drawn to a woman named Linda, whose beloved dog was disqualified from the competition due to the judge's harsh criticisms. Linda insists that she had nothing to do with the murder, but Monk can't shake the feeling that she knows more than she's letting on.

Meanwhile, Natalie is struggling with a personal dilemma of her own. Her daughter, Julie, wants to adopt a dog, but Natalie isn't so sure. She's worried about the responsibility and the potential for messes and chaos in their already busy lives. As the investigation unfolds, Natalie finds herself becoming increasingly attached to one of the dogs involved in the case, and she starts to see the appeal of having a furry companion around.

As always, Monk's obsessive-compulsive disorder is a factor in the investigation. He's fixated on a few key clues, including a partially eaten hot dog and an unusual collar found at the scene of the crime. He also becomes enamored with one of the show dogs, a cute little corgi named Cooper, who he believes may hold the key to cracking the case.

As the story unfolds, there are plenty of twists and turns, as well as moments of humor and heartbreak. There are also a few surprise cameos from well-known dog lovers, including a celebrity chef and a famous escape artist.

Overall, "Mr. Monk and the Dog" is a classic episode of Monk, blending mystery, comedy, and drama in just the right doses. Whether you're a dog lover or not, you'll find yourself rooting for Monk as he uncovers the truth behind the murder of the dog show judge. Along the way, he may just learn a thing or two about the joys of having a furry friend by his side.