“Morning Dad! I led Rottweilers in play at the park, chased my favourite blue ball & tasted victory followed by some delicious cheddar from Dog-gone BBQ. Ended day trying vibrant outfits at Canine Couture. Made some heavenly memories today! Wags and Woofs, Spritz.”

It was a normal morning in Spencerville, or as normal as mornings in Spencerville can be. The kind of morning where you’d expect to wake up with the sun and get a smile from the cute Pomeranian that lives next door, not the one where you’re suddenly straddled by an American Eskimo named Spritz.

I remember Spritz’s bark sounding off like a town bell. A cheerful alarm pulling everyone out of their slumber. How I always found it funny that he, an optimist wearing white all year around, trusted even the dreariest days.

“Hey buddy, what’s the hurry?” I asked, bracing myself as Spritz, all white fur and energy, pounced in response. Spritz barked again, one paw raised in emphasis as he gestured towards the blue ball at his feet. Those piercing brown eyes stared into mine, full of implied challenge.

Westie Woods or Upper Black Bulldog Bay, these were usually his locations of comfort. But, that morning, his eyes reflected his wish to go somewhere else. The local park, where the trio from the neighborhood – a cast of muscular Rottweilers, reigned in playful tyranny.

Unfazed by the Rottweilers, Spritz ran across the park, that slightly chewed-up, blue rubber ball bouncing off leash-free zones. The chase had begun, our lovable four-legged companion was their leader for the day, and they were – believe it or not, underdogs.

After an exhausting play period, with the sun beginning to hide behind the Spencerville skyline, we went for comfort food at the Dog-gone Good BBQ, his staple after a game. Spritz was never too keen on kibbles, but wave a piece of high-quality cheddar over his head, and his tasteful weakness come to life.

We ended the day at Canine Couture Clothing, another favorite sanctuary. The clothes rack brought out a different side of Spritz, a reflection of Spencerville’s lifestyle – free, joyous, and unapologetically vibrant.

Having a dog like Spritz in Spencerville made me realize, grief is just love with no place to go. But for pets like Spritz, and loving owners back home, this town created a fairytale of its own – one where all dogs went to heaven, while staying right here.

The End.