“Hey Mom and Dad, had an epic day at Spencerville. Won the ‘Where’s the Treat?’ game, maybe can outsmart that meat allergy soon. Missin’ you, but having great times with sis, Victoria. Life’s a mix of pizza, magic, and ear-pulling tales. Catch you soon, love your one and only Teddy Bear.”

Listen to the story here.

“Ya gotta understand,” I begin, standing tall at Canine Crossroads, the hub of Spencerville, “Vincent ain’t your regular Joe birddog. He’s got a personality as loud as a siren and twice as alarming when he decides to go paw-deep in mischief. But above all, he is a loving soul, fiercely loyal with an unshaken love for his sister, Princess Victoria.”

It was another delightful day in Spencerville, a balmy afternoon under the soft pastel hues of the sky. The town square was echoing with excited barks and howls, intermingled with joyful laughter from The Pawfect Training Center’s latest grad class. I trotted down the cobblestone road, heading for my favourite eatery, Pupperoni Pizza, ready to indulge in a feast of fish and biscuits, Vincent style.

“Here comes the Newfoundland!” cheered Milo, our spotless Dalmatian pizza chef as I made my grand entrance. “Order up, gang. Vincent special, laced with kelp and sprinkled with Vitamin Sea.”

Nibbling at my treat, I couldn’t help but glance at the folks passing by the Pup-Tizers joint across the street, thinking. Princess Victoria was probably by the East Pug Palace now, having her royal moment with the pugs. The perfect companions, we were, both royalty in our extraordinary ways.

“I guess crowd ain’t your thing, mate?” The familiar voice sounded. Bruno, the wise and elderly Beagle scuttled into the chair beside me. I gave a small nod in agreement before returning to my pizza, letting the flavors dance on my tongue, each crunchy bite devoid was heavenly.

Home to me was a universe that embraced my quirks and peculiarities wholeheartedly. I’d even sent a dispatch to The Wagging Tail Bookstore for a spellbook to sneak past the allergy to meats. Shih Tzu Stadium blared in the background, setting the soundtrack for another day in my magical haven. But let me tell you, days here weren’t just about sleeping on couches, haunting local parks, and dreading drizzles.

“All right, everybody,” Milo began with a husky bark, “it’s time for the annual ‘Where’s the Treat?’!”. It was the town’s favorite game show, aired at prime time in Spencerville. Puppers would gather ’round Shih Tzu Stadium, wagging their tails with anticipation.

“Vincent, today’s your lucky day!” Milo exclaimed, pointing a flour-dusted paw at me. “Get ready for your scrumptious hunt!”

And there I was, feeling like a hero on an epic quest, my large body moving in synchronous rhythm to my heartbeat, hunting and exploring, all shyness and solitude forgotten. Solving puzzles, toppling jars, scrambling through cupboards – the excitement was infectious, the energy palpable.

Life in Spencerville was rarely dull and ordinary. There was always a pizza to be munched, a chateau to explore, a trick to be learned, a tale to be written. And in the midst of it all, there I was. Vincent. The Newfoundland with freckles, a stubborn streak and a penchant for pickle toys. But don’t mistake me for being complex. All I yearned for was a simple but unique life, full of humor, magic, and my ever-constant companions, my family, and Princess Victoria. Oh, the tales I could tell if you’d lend me an ear…or two. But I warn you, my tales aren’t of typical dogs. They are stories of a Newfoundland in Spencerville, a magical haven where we continue our story until our beloved parents join the play.

The End.