“Hey hooman, had a paw-some night out in Pawsburg. Shared tales, ate treats, met friends at the Pond. Even braved the Barking Boutique and the darn Celery at the Emporium. Just dog life, you know? If only you knew our escapades. You’d have your tail in a wag! Woofs and wags, Rocco. PS: squeaky duck says hi.”

Listen to the story here

In the slumbering echo of midnight, I slipped unnoticed through the creaky wooden gate that stood as the adoring sentinel of Daisy’s aromatic garden. Pawsburg waited. It wore the moonlight, like an enchanted realm full of mischief and camaraderie, a euphonious lullaby of clattering dog tags and playful barks.

Winding down Doggy Delight’s elegant avenue, the lights blinked in warm welcome, the aroma of dog biscuits and Daisy’s treasured tuna patties, undoubtedly the chef’s attempt at recreating masterpieces, wafted through the air. Inside, old mates shared tales of the day with a hearty laugh while newbies gobbled down treats faster than you could say ‘fetch’.

The South Poodle Pond glimmered, hiding secrets of the deep in ripples of moonbeam-infused water. I met Charlie there, ears bouncing like a jazz rhythm as he woofed down a slice of meat pie from Furrific Fried Chicken. “Rocco, you old sea-dog, took you long enough!” he reproached but his sparkling eyes belied his words.

Trekking through East Bulldog Bay, the waves gently lapping against the stony shoreline resonated with silent stories of voyages of brave bulldogs. Misty sat there, gazing at the distant horizon. Her green eyes, as profound as her wisdom, sparkled under the moonlight as she mused, “Life’s a lot like chasing your tail, isn’t it Rocco? You’re running in circles until you realize that what you needed was with you all along.”

Bravely, we ventured into the most bustling place in Pawsburg, the Barking Boutique at Spotted Red Beagle Beach. From simple chew toys to lavishly embroidered leashes, it had our needs covered. We deigned even to try the ‘duck squeaker,’ a homage to my beloved toy, and – much to the hilarity of Charlie and the sly amusement of Misty – it indeed squeaked with equal delight.

And then the world tilted, as I found myself confronted by my sworn enemy. Celery. It surfaced, uninvited and unlovely in the health food aisle of the Fetching Feline Pet Emporium. Its mere sight stirred within me a flurry of emotions, predominantly loathing, but as I turned away, leaving the ghastly green in my wake, I realized, normally I’d have growled my complaints at Daisy. But this wasn’t normal, this was Pawsburg, the magical retreat offering escapades where dogs ran the world, a world where I could navigate my way around my detestable foe.

And so, another magical night ensued and as dawn painted the sky in hues of hope and bliss, Pawsburg wound down. Retreating to the world where we were pets, we carried the magic in our hearts, a secret tale of valour and kinship. Daisy never questioned the trace of joy in my eyes. She just believed we dogs lived simply.

If only she knew.

‘For Pawsburg and for Freedom,’ I thought, affectionately wrestling my squeaky duck as Willows town beckoned, ‘See you soon, dear friend.’

The End.