Marmaduke has a habit of ravaging his owners' garbage bags whenever they take out the trash, prompting the owner-man to opine that he would rather his family live in a house full of filth than give their dog the satisfaction of strewing garbage across their lawn.

Joe Mathlete is on vacation

That is why nobody has been explaining Marmaduke lately. Yesterday was the 4th of July, and it's going to take at least another three or four days to properly celebrate the birth of America or whatever. Also, Ken Lay's suicide has yet to fully sink in, so wait until Monday or so to have Marmaduke explained to you (you can always try figuring the strip out on your own, but don't be too upset if it doesn't work. It is a difficult thing, understanding Marmaduke).

Marmaduke is preventing a charity organization from aiding the needy simply because he is hungry, and also powerful enough to stop a car with his front legs.

Marmaduke is caught in the act of destroying the shoes of his owner-man, who surprises him with a sarcastic understatement and stern glare.

Marmaduke's owner-lady offers up a lame twist on a tired cliche in a profoundly half-assed effort to explain her beast's wanton property damage.

Marmaduke is being patronized.

Marmaduke recently spent enough time pursuing rabbits that he began mimicking the way they travel, whether consciously or unconsciously. His elderly neighbors notice this.

Marmaduke is instructed by his owner-lady to bark at their bitchy neighbor, who is coming over to air some (presumably dog-related) grievances.

Marmaduke is asked by his owner-lady if he missed her during her brief trip to the store, but she is about to discover that Marmaduke seized the opportunity of her absence to throw a dog party.

Marmaduke is trying to get attention from his neighbors by pretending to be lost, even though he's only one house away from where he lives. The woman is fooled, but the man sees right through him. Regardless, this is a classic cry for help, and likely masks some deep-seated issues that Marmaduke is trying to come to terms with (though this is just speculative, we may see a continuation of one or more past Marmaduke storylines... Don't be surprised if tomorrow's Marmaduke addresses things like the guilt Marmaduke feels about his father's suicide, or his ongoing struggle with cocaine addiction, or coming to terms with his bisexuality).