I was always curious as to whether the opening scene of "Murder: A Self-Portrait" was based on a real basset hound picnic. I believe I've found the answer: https://www.bhcsc.com

I read also that Columbo's dog on the show was a rescue dog (https://www.metv.com/stories/columbos-basset-hound-dog-was-a-rescue-dog-in-real-life-just-like-on-the-show)

Just some interesting background info.