“Rise n shine, it’s tale time! Overshot the Zzz’s, bolted past Poodle Parade, ignored Doggy Delight’s chops & cold-shouldered Daisy n Scruffy for a Bulldog Bay bash! Stared down the stiff gnomes, barked ’em into silence. From feared to fear-conqueror, it’s a canine victory! – Golden Resilient Ruffles 🐾”

Listen to the story here

The sun hadn’t even cracked open its illustrious morning eye when I found myself wide awake in the dim repose of the Jackson homestead. Ben, he’s still oblivious of the world, embracing the warmth of our shared slumber. Well, shared on his part perhaps, for sleep eludes me most times – we’ve got quite a day ahead.

Bounding from the scent-cushioned solace of my dog bed, my focus was thrusted toward Upper Black Bulldog Bay – a dreaded, palpitation-inducing term among the corner of canines I hail from in Pawsburg. I did not quake though, today was the day. The day I was to conquer my deeply entrenched fear – an encounter with those plastered nightmares, those petrifying garden gnomes guarding the Bay.

A brisk trot through Collie Canyon had my golden mane dancing in the air. As I barreled on, I could feel the pulsating rhythm of my own heart seep into the battle drum that was Pawsburg waking up. As I passed The Groom Room, the regal row of pristine poodles primping outside shot me curious glances, their eyes flashing questions. I paid them no mind. I had a mission.

The first ray of sun began to poke through the canopy, illuminating South Siberian Summit in the distance. A sight occupied by canines from all over the world yearning for adventure, a touch of bravado painted in their dog-tags. I pushed on without breaking stride, the taste of the challenge ahead more potent than Yappy Yogurt’s bestsellers.

Doggy Delight, our town’s most delectable joint, was already popping; the heavenly aroma of grilled lamb chops wafting towards me. Folding into the melody of morning chatter was Daisy’s sharp bark, punctuated by Scruffy’s dry, witty retorts.

Ignoring the duo’s cheerful entreaty to join them, I resolutely adhered to the path to Black Bulldog Bay. The exchanged bewildered looks between Daisy and Scruffy followed me, their favorite golden friend marching toward the one place in Pawsburg where fun tipped into fear.

Alone. Ignored. Overcome. Conquered. But today, oh today, the gnomic stones of Black Bulldog Bay stand ominously silent. Their frost-bitten smiles ordinarily left me shivering, yet today, they bore witness to a Golden Retriever’s resilience against their unsettling silence.

Finally meeting them eye-to-eye, I barked loud, a world-shaking canine roar that both startled Pooched Potatoes’ early patrons and bore into the soul of every stone-faced gnome. The belly laughs exploded further down in Canine Couture Clothing almost simultaneously with Scruffy’s triumphant cheer resonating across the morning sky. I had done it.

Any sitcom’s comic relief would be awestruck to see the best friend of the protagonist make a pivotal decision, to face fear itself. But here was Ruffles, defying all odds, displaying the courage that was amused, ignored, yet ultimately, deeply respected. As daunting as the day began, it ended on a note of victory, a tale woven into the unique fabric of life in Pawsburg.

The End.