“Hey Dad, had a big day! Climbed Silver Summit, stared down some Lima beans at Waggle n’ Wok (score: 1-0 to Test Dog), then faced off with a thunderstorm at Bustling Park (Boxer Ben & Collie Martha on side!). Learning and growing every day. Btw, my better self suspiciously looks like grilled chicken. Love, Test Dog.”

Listen to the story here

There I was, perched on the high hills of the Silver Siberian Summit enjoying my usual sunrise view when I spotted him. Our golden-furred hero, Test Dog, striving to tread the path of nirvana at Spencerville, his usual jaunty tail now a pendulum of contemplation. I wagged mine in return, sending him silent Spencervillian encouragement. Best not to disturb a dog on a quest of self-improvement.

That morning the sun was a bit coy, blushed behind the clouds transforming the town into an impressionist painting. Perhaps it was touched by Test Dog’s resolution to become a better version of himself. On a side note, I also made a mental note of the beautiful scene. The Wagging Tail Bookstore was hosting a Haiku competition and I fancied myself a chance.

As I followed Test Dog’s journey through the day, he first endeavored to expand his palette at the Waggle n’ Wok restaurant. There he was, staring down at a bowl of grilled chicken garnished with his nemesis, Lima beans. His muzzle was gently twitched, exposing a tooth that told tales of countless chicken dinners, but his eyes showed signs of rebellion.

“How many Good Boy points do I need for resisting the urge to flick the Lima beans across the room?” Test Dog inquired the universe, before sighing and wagging his tail in resolution. He gave me the side-eye as if to say “Don’t you dare giggle!” And me being the graceful being, hummed a quiet, suppressed giggle.

Our next stop was the Bustling Park at the heart of our town, a haven for all pets with a love for the green and a detest for thunderstorms. For it was here, Test Dog was going to face his fear of the sky’s loud drumrolls. Armed with the companionship of the brave Boxer Ben and wise old Collie Martha, he lay curled in the warm, dew-speckled grass, eyes closed.

“Well” whispered Martha, nudging his paw, “We’re here for you, Test Dog.” Boxer Ben grumbled an affirmative. Seconds ticked into minutes, the tension was palpable. The sky growled. Test Dog’s fur bristled. And then a smile sneaked onto his face in spite of himself.

“Maybe it’s just nature’s grand opera,” he murmured, tail wagging. The tension was broken and we all laughed, our chuckles echoing across Spencerville. Now, Test Dog is taking each day as it comes, pacing on the journey to become the better dog. One courageous meal and one friendly thunderstorm at a time.

Kudos to our favorite testing Labrador Retriever of Spencerville! Followed by more episodes on this heavenly journey. But, for now, let’s wag our tails as another day ends in this paradise for pets. And, watch Test Dog as he spirals into dreams of tomorrow, chasing his better self. Well, he whispered last night that it surprisingly looks like a good ol’ grilled chicken!

The End.