“Hey Mom and Dad, hope you’re both coping fine missed you today. You remember how fussy I was about my food, always insisting on fish with my pesky allergies? Well literally living the dream in Spencerville now! I had to play peacekeeper today when some rumors about dubious kebab ingredients ruffled some fur. Yeap, just can’t escape from drama even in the canine utopia. Say hi to my squirrel friends for me. Much Love, your Bear cub.”

Listen to the story here.

The day started with the comforting scent of Furrific Fried Chicken, as Spencerville lurching awake from its blissful slumber. There I was, Vincent – the heartthrob Newfoundland, picking myself off the plush couch, stretching my limbs and giving a yawn that would make the wolves envious.

Just another day in paradise for the dearly departed, if you can call it that. Not that I was complaining. Our folks back on Earth, they think we ‘pass away.’ Nah, we just hop on over to Spencerville – a grand reprieve for us until we meet our beloved hoomans again.

As far as the eye could see there were structures that catered to canine comfort, from Pug Palace to Brown Boxer Beach. As I gazed upon Chihuahua Castle that morning, however, there was unrest, a simmering tension ready to boil over. Seems there was a dire issue in pet-food politics. A rumor had it that K9 Kebabs were adding squirrel into the kebabs, which rattled the very foundation of Spencerville’s ethics. Really, those poor tree rodents never stood a chance if this came out to be true.

Spencerville had strict laws on not including meat-based food, none due to religious taboos but pure respect for former foes turned friends in the afterlife. I had my preferred fish diet to stick to though – not hard, given my allergies to anything beyond the aquatic.

Bracing myself, I strolled to the K9 Kebabs, my noble stride catching every furry eye around. My arrival stirred whispers, ears lifting in eager anticipation. “My friends, fellow denizens,” I announced, my paw raised in earnest appeal, “rumors circulating around our beloved town has brought us here today. We must not let distrust sow discord amongst us.”

There were nods all around, acknowledging the dire need for unity in times of crisis. Willie, the pug from Pug Palace chimed, “Vince, you are right. We’ve got to get to the bottom of these accusations, but without causing a riot.”

I looked at him, my tail wagging in approval, “Then let’s set off.” K9 Kebabs wasn’t far, and the journey was filled with banter. Willie, who often tried toppling the town’s political balance was strangely silent, lost in thought – contemplating a new conspiracy theory probably.

I tried maintaining the humor, but the pressing issue refused to take a backseat. Spencerville was possibly standing at the precipice of a revolution. Interesting how life… or afterlife, mirrored movies. When did I unwittingly sign up for a political thrill ride? But I guess, every dog has his day, and mine was just getting started.

The End.