Alan Arkin has joined the cast of Fox 2000's "Marley & Me", the first project for Owen Wilson since his hospitalization last summer reports Variety.

Owen Wilson plays a Philadelphia newspaper columnist who decides with his wife (Jennifer Aniston) to adopt a dog to give them a taste of parenthood.

The incorrigible Labrador retriever is a hyperactive handful, turning their lives upside down. Arkin will play the editor of the newspaper.

Scott Frank adapted the latest draft of John Grogan bestseller, David Frankel is directing and a Spring 2008 start-of-production date has been set.