“Hey Ma, Sammy here. Spent my day sun-basking at Cream Maltese Meadow, play-fighting with Roxy & scamming extra steak from the chef at Bone Appetit. Even braved the dreaded vet visit. Can’t wait for more Spencerville adventures tomorrow. Kisses – SammyDoodleBug 🐾”

Listen to the story here.

Well now, it’s just another day in our slice of heaven, our remarkable Spencerville, ye’ know. It begins down at the Cream Maltese Meadow, where the morning sun graces us with her shy hello, casting shimmering beams on this ethereal spectacle of life. And right there, at the Meadow, I spot Sammy, the cream-colored lad, his lemon spots glowing in the dawn’s light like stars guiding a lost mariner. He’s a sight, all right. The Beagle side of him making him dirt-dogged loyal, while his Jack Russell genes fill him up to the brim with unshakeable energy.

He frolics around, his friends chasing after him, their barks echoing around the gleaming facades and verdant landscapes of our blessed Spencerville. He runs around with his coveted tennis ball in paw, his eyes twinkling with mischief. Once in a while, he stops, his eyes scanning the crowd. He’s looking for Roxy; his partner-in-crime on these wild escapades. When he spots her, his tail moves like a metronome out of control and off they go, running through the Shepherd Skyline as if chased by demons.

Mind you, Sammy isn’t just about ball chasing and running amok. He’s got a stubborn streak, and a mean one at that. It’s likely his way of showing his protective edge. When he’s around, his mom needn’t worry about threats, mortal or spiritual; unless it’s that dreadful presence we call ‘aloneness’. Has a bit of a dislike towards us grownfolks too. Can’t get him to have a nice chat without a biscuit for the effort I swear.

The vet – now, there’s a character Sammy dreads more than a day without fetch. Our Spencerville vet would have preferred to see Sammy’s tail wagging at sight, but alas. All he gets to see is the rear end of it, ‘tucked safer than a pearl beneath a clam’s shell’.

Now, where was I? Ah, yes, the daily grind. You see, a day in Spencerville is hardly ‘daily’ at all. I mean, look at Sammy – a mid-morning visit to the Furry Friends Art Gallery, then a hearty pup-lunch at Pupperoni Pizza, and back to some afternoon shenanigans at the park. Followed by a stop at Doggy Donuts – because, as they say, ‘Life is short, eat dessert first’, right?

Then comes the lottery draw at The Bone Appetit – can he swindle the chef out of an extra steak today? Will the cookie jar be filled to the brim?. There’s a glint in Sammy’s eyes, and I’d bet my last crumb on him charming his way to that extra something.

As dusk falls, Sammy lays in Lower Golden Gate Gardens, soaked to the bone from his romp at the Shepherd Skyline. The last vestiges of sunlight casting intricate patterns on his bedraggled fur, he reflects on this day, filled with sweet memories and Glorious Carbs. And as he cuddles up with Roxy, I can’t help but smile. Here’s to one more day in Spencerville, one more day in the life of our little Avengers.

And so, Sammy continues to be a beacon of joy and exuberance, illuminating our lives in Spencerville, always setting out on another adventure, always ready with his tennis ball at paw. Just goes to show, “If you want to know what a man’s like, take a good look at how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.” Glad to say, Sammy treats us all pretty well.

The End.