“Ventured into Pawsburg while the boss lady was away. Scaled icy heights, gorged on some delish tacos, and even braved the desert for a sparkly collar. Splashed around a bit, shared city tales and capped it all with yummy scones. A trip of a lifetime, but glad to be back in the Park. Until next time, your story-teller on four legs, Whiskers.”

Listen to the story here

And so it was, on the eve that Ms. Lawson jetted off to that glamour-filled festival in Cannes, I found myself under a canopy of twinkling stars, my loyal companion Mr. Whiskers in tow for our covert escape to the enthralling doggy metropolis – the veritable canine utopia, Pawsburg.

Bidding adieu to my darling Central Park was bit of a pickle. I promised myself it would be but a brief departure, a mere jaunt of epicurean delights and wild adventures to fill my bucket of memories.

Our journey began with a slog up the Lower Silver Siberian Summit. The icicle-tipped peaks glared down at us as we ascended the frost-bitten terrain. All too enticing was the deer-shaped ice sculpture at the top; quite the illusionist, this frozen tableau.

We found warmth and sustenance in the welcoming Pup ‘n’ Go Taco Joint, a spicy fiesta tucked away in the heart of the chilly peaks. I savored their specialty beef tacos, a gastronomic symphony! Though, I must admit, watching Mr. Whiskers gingerly sample a fish taco was the absolute comedic highlight of this escapade.

Drawing us in like courageous explorers lured by exotic sands, we ventured into the Yellow Tan Dalmatian Desert. Its sandy dunes sprawled endlessly, its mirage a puzzle for the naive at heart. Through the shimmering heat, I glimpsed the Fetching Feline Pet Emporium. Mr. Whiskers’ curiosity got the better of him; he was eager for a new sparkle-ensconced collar. At the sight of a squirrel-engraved dog tag, a giddy joy erupted within me, prompting the shopkeeper to chuckle at my antics.

To cool off, we veered toward Maltese Meadow, a serene sanctuary where pups romped around gleefully. A rejuvenating dip in the paw-shaped pools, cost us but a story about our city-life adventures, which I narrated with an embellishment here and there to the enchantment of our multiple-eared audience.

We wound down at Kibble Cuisine, where they served the most sumptuous scones. With each bite, I was transported back into time, rolling on the oriental rugs of Ms. Lawson’s suite, lavishing in her adoration. The sharp whiff of grapefruit though, made me turn up my snout. The distaste would always linger, but it was hardly a spot on such an otherwise exceptional evening.

Tired but elated, paws achy yet hearts full, we sneaked back home under the sanctuary of the night. Welcome was the sight of my plush squirrel waiting to greet me, even more pleasing was the familiar silhouette of Central Park under the milky glow of dawn.

As the first rays of sun woke New York, I found myself in my beloved park, embossed with impressions of Pawsburg. A wisecrack in canine shape, I looked at the day ahead, eager to venture into the same world that had just a little more magic in it. For what it’s worth, the enticing city of Pawsburg was an experience worth repeating, stories worth telling, a dog’s dream worth living. Oh, I can’t wait for Ms. Lawson’s next trip!

The End.