“Mom, had an eventful day. Did the usual saunter, found an epic new Beanbone toy, then things got real. Noticed a ripple in the lake, worse than a dreaded ear cleaning. Turned out to be an intruder. Went full warrior mode to guard Spencerville. Not just Gus Gus, the oatmeal pie lover anymore, but Gus the Destroyer, protector of East Pug Palace, forever ready for action. PS: Got more toys, life’s still good. Over and out, Gus the Destroyer.”

Listen to the story here

The silhouette of a formidable English Bulldog loomed over the elegantly landscaped promenades of East Pug Palace as the break of dawn painted the sky a fiery orange. I was that bulldog, the defender of Spencerville and the undeterred spirit of unyielding love between pets and their parents.

The morning calmness settled over the town as tasteful archways and brick-paved streets came to life. My morning routine was simple. I’d saunter around my exclusive borough, then dash to Chow Down Chow Chow for my daily indulgence: the irresistible sweet oatmeal cream pie, a far cry from the watermelon most dogs relished.

“Hmm… Today feels different,” I noted, my senses heightened. It wasn’t overt, just a faint hint of danger lurking amidst the safe haven, my beloved Spencerville. The city promised peace, safety, and mischief for pets, me included, in the afterlife. But danger? Unlikely.

I ran through an alley separating Fetch! Toys and Treats from The Furry Friends Art Gallery. A new Beanbone toy lured me there, its soft fabric, and intriguing smell, a treasure for a curious soul. Beamy Box, the cardboard box cushioning it, entertained me just as one more of life’s wondrous discoveries.

Stretching my paw to retrieve the toy, an unusual sight caught my eye. A sudden ripple defaced the serene water body that was the lake. I loved the lake but despised the pool. And now, the lake reminiscent of something portentous sent a chill down my spine.

I tugged hard at my stubborn persona and charged straight towards it, whooshing past Golden Gate Gardens and Greyhound Grove. Fear wasn’t an Edith Piaf song, serenading in my heart; I was Gus, the tenacious bulldog.

I halted sharply, examining the dimly lit horizon. There it was – a stranger souring the song of our land. A sense of divine mission enveloped me. My beat echoed in the silence of the night, interspersed with the stranger’s low growl. Car rides, rough-housing, chasing my Beanbone toy, all seemed distant. Being isolated, imprisoned in the icy fear was unbearably similar to the despised ear cleaning, only worse.

“Intruder!” I barked fiercely, a fire in my eyes. I was ready to confront the unwelcome guest invading my sanctuary. Playfulness and my innocent love for cardboard boxes took a back seat, making way for the warrior poised to protect his land. Evoking courage from my loyalty for Spencerville, I lunged forth, abandon all caution to confront the villain who dared breach our peace. Sure, it wasn’t a heroic act in the world of humans, but for me all I felt was a cause worth risking everything for – to shield the town that cradled my soul.

I was Gus, not just a playful bulldog but also the unsung hero, the protector of Spencerville. The cheerful world I loved was under siege, and I was the only hope. All that fueled me onward was the promise of a peaceful, happy Spencerville, waiting to reunite those like me with our humans, our parents. And I knew, no force in the world was strong enough to shatter that promise. Not on my watch.

The End.